This classic easy Creamed Corn recipe is fresh sun-ripened corn cut right off the cob in a smooth homemade cream sauce. It is made with a handful of simple ingredients in about ten easy minutes, and it is so much better than canned creamed corn.
This easy recipe is the perfect side dish, and it makes a great vegetable side for anything from Oven Baked Ribs to burgers and meatloaf. I love to serve it at my holiday meals with my Thanksgiving turkey, Christmas roast, or Easter ham.
If your family is anything like ours, then they love fresh corn. This will quickly become one of your go-to comfort food side dishes. I love to serve this cream-style corn ladled over mashed potatoes with Beef Tips and Gravy.
How to make Creamed Corn
Start by melting a little butter in a large skillet or pan over medium heat. Now add the onion to the melted butter and cook for several minutes. Now sprinkle the onion with flour and continue cooking for a couple of minutes, stirring continuously. Then whisk in the milk and cream in increments alternating between the two. Stir constantly until smooth.
Add the corn, thyme leaves, parsley, and plenty of salt and pepper to taste. Let it simmer and thicken for about 4-5 minutes. Add a few more tablespoons of butter and stir to melt. You can let it simmer for a little bit; however, if the cream sauce thickens too much, stir in a few splashes of milk to thin it out.
Helpful hints and tips
- For optimal flavor, use fresh corn kernels cut right off the cob. However, canned corn or frozen corn can be substituted. If fresh, steam, roast, microwave, or boil the ears of corn to cook them before you start the recipe.
- Very carefully, use a knife and a nonskid cutting board to cut the corn kernels off the corn cob.
- If the creamed base gets too thick, add a splash of milk or two until desired consistency. If it is too thin, cook it a little longer, and the liquid will reduce more.
- Season with plenty of salt and pepper.
- If you are having a large gathering, transfer the contents to a crock pot or slow cooker and keep it on warm.
- For people who like a lot of kick in their recipes, substitute ground cayenne pepper for dried thyme.
- Do you like your cream corn sweet? Add 1 teaspoon of sugar to the cream base before stirring in the corn and other spices.
- For added aromatics and texture, top with crispy bacon and fresh snipped chives. Or garnish with a pinch of nutmeg or a sprinkle of Parmesan Cheese.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove over low heat or in the microwave at reduced power.
- To freeze, first cool completely. Then spoon into a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight.
Recipe Variations for Creamed Corn
- Jalapeno Popper Creamed Corn – add 1 minced jalapeno the last minute of cooking the onion, melt 3 tablespoons cream cheese in the cream mixture before adding the corn, omit the dried thyme, and add a few pinches of ground cayenne, top with crumbled bacon.
- Sweet Onion and Garlic Creamed Corn – use Vidalia onion or another sweet variety; add 2 finely minced garlic cloves to the onions in the skillet about 1 minute before you add the milk and cream.
- Cheddar and Chive Creamed Corn – omit the dried thyme, and sprinkle the finished recipe with chives and finely shredded cheddar cheese.
More corn recipes to try!
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Creamed Corn
This cream-style corn is a simple side dish of corn kernels in a creamy sauce. Paired best with beef, chicken, or pork, this creamy corn dish is easy to make with just a handful of ingredients in just a few minutes.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: side
- Method: stovetop
- Cuisine: Southern
Ingredients
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 small yellow onion finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons all purpose flour
- 1 ¾ cup milk (whole milk or 2%)
- ¼ cup heavy cream
- 4 cups corn kernels (see notes)
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
- 2 teaspoons fresh parsley, chopped
- kosher salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Melt 2 tablespoons butter in a medium skillet over medium heat. Add the onions; cook for 3-4 minutes. Sprinkle with flour; continue cooking for 2 minutes, stirring continuously.
- Whisk in the milk and cream in increments, alternating between the two. Stir continuously until smooth.
- Stir in the corn, fresh thyme, fresh parsley, salt, and pepper to taste. Simmer the corn mixture for 4-5 minutes or until thickened. Add 2 tablespoons butter and stir to melt. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley or thyme leaves.
Notes
- For optimal flavor, use fresh corn kernels cut right off the cob. However, canned corn or frozen corn can be substituted. If fresh, steam, roast, microwave, or boil the ears of corn to cook them before you start the recipe.
- Very carefully, use a knife and a nonskid cutting board to cut the corn kernels off the corn cob.
- If the creamed base gets too thick, add a splash of milk or two until desired consistency. If it is too thin, cook it a little longer, and the liquid will reduce more.
- Season with plenty of salt and pepper.
- If you are having a large gathering, transfer the contents to a crock pot or slow cooker and keep it on warm.
- For people who like a lot of kick in their recipes, substitute ground cayenne pepper for dried thyme.
- Do you like your cream corn sweet? Add 1 teaspoon of sugar to the cream base before stirring in the corn and other spices.
- For added aromatics and texture, top with crispy bacon and fresh snipped chives. Or garnish with a pinch of nutmeg or a sprinkle of Parmesan Cheese.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove over low heat or in the microwave at reduced power.
- To freeze, first cool completely. Then spoon into a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight.
Keywords: how to make creamed corn, homemade creamed corn, best creamed corn recipe, creamed corn, creamed corn recipe, homemade creamed corm recipe, southern creamed corn
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Catalina
I love this creamed corn so much! I am making this recipe for dinner tonight!
★★★★★
Sandra
This is so good! Perfect pair with our favorite meals!
★★★★★
Allyson Zea
I’ve always been intimidated to make this, but you make it sound so easy that now I’m going to try it!
katerina @ diethood.com
This was perfect!! I love it!
★★★★★
Erin
I love creamed corn and this recipe is delicious. Thank you!
Celebrate Woman Today
Such a good recipe! I’ve saved it, and will attempt it in my kitchen.
Nayna Kanabar
Such a tasty creamed corn recipe. I love its creamy texture and will definitely make it again. Thanks for sharing!
★★★★★
Monidipa Dutta
Your Creamed Corn recipe is simply delicious! The combination of fresh corn, cream cheese, and Parmesan cheese creates a perfect blend of flavors that’s hard to resist. I appreciate the easy-to-follow instructions and mouth-watering photos.
★★★★★
Annette
I make this recipe with fresh corn and it is fabulous. Fresh corn is great isn’t it. We get it from a pick your own place near us in the summer. Nothing beats it.
★★★★★
Alita Pacio
I love your recipe Beth. One cannot just stop on one bite. This is a people pleaser recipe.
★★★★★
Beth Pierce
Thanks, Alita!
Claudia
This creamed corn has the perfect balance of sweet and spicy flavors. I love the combination!
★★★★★
Beth Pierce
Thanks, Claudia!
Lavanda of Appetizers & Entrees
Thank you for sharing this easy and delicious recipe for Creamed Corn. Your step-by-step instructions are so helpful, and I appreciate the tips and variations you included. I cannot wait to try this recipe; I am sure it will become a family favorite.
Nathan
I absolutely love this creamed corn. It is so good over mashed potatoes with fried chicken and biscuits.
★★★★★
Lisa
Oh, such a classic!! I love this creamed corn, this recipe is delicious!!
Cathleen
How have I never had creamed corn before?? I would go crazy over this dish! Bookmarked to try over the weekend, thanks so much for the recipe 🙂
★★★★★
Jessie
Yum this sounds amazing!! I am making a roast for dinner tomorrow night I am going to make this for a side!
★★★★★
Sharon
I can’t wait to try this recipe with fresh corn. It’s going to be the best side dish for grilled beef or chicken.
★★★★★
Anjali
Creamed corn is one of my favorite comforting holiday side dishes! Can’t wait to try your version soon!
★★★★★
Vicky
This looks like a fabulous, filling side dish to go with any meal! Excited to try it!
★★★★★
Genevieve
You can never go wrong with a creamed corn recipe for summer!
★★★★★
Caitlyn
Yum! Creamed corn is so comforting and always a hit with my friends and family.
★★★★★
Tara
Oh wow! I love how this recipe can be made with fresh, frozen, or canned corn. Sounds so good with the homemade cream sauce.
★★★★★
Gina
Love the suggestion to add some spice with cayenne – definitely kicks it up a notch and we loved it!
★★★★★
Carrie Robinson
You just can’t go wrong with a classic side dish like this! Looks so good. 🙂
★★★★★
Kristen
This corn made a great appetizer. Everyone loved it and said they would be fine if that was the whole meal. Thanks for this amazing recipe.
★★★★★
Allyson Zea
Creamed corn is one of my favorite side dishes! I could eat this all the time!
★★★★★
Natalie
This screams summer & BBQ’s!! Corn is a staple side dish all summer long & this is a delicious change from corn on the cob. Love how creamy it is!
★★★★★
Suzy
I bet the flavor is amazing and so much better than the canned stuff! Love it!
★★★★★
Kevin
This is a delicious side dish! Loved this recipe!
★★★★★
Kimberly
Creamed corn is one of my favorites, I can’t get enough of it, and I’m really looking forward to trying this!
★★★★★
Tara
I seriously love how creamy and comforting this is!
★★★★★
Kerri
Perfect for Summer! Love it!
★★★★★
Erin
This Creamed Corn is couldn’t look any more perfect!
★★★★★
Anita
One of our favorite side dishes when fresh corn is in season, which is right now. 🙂 Love how simple it is to prepare this.
★★★★★