Who needs canned creamed corn when you can easily make this classic favorite from scratch? Say goodbye to mediocre side dishes and hello to a velvety, irresistible creamed corn that will make your taste buds sing. Whether you’re hosting a holiday feast or a summer BBQ, this Southern delight is guaranteed to impress.
Gone are the days when I mindlessly grabbed cans from the store shelves. It turns out, creating homemade creamed corn requires minimal effort and just 15 minutes of your time. The best part? You have control over every ingredient that goes into it. No more deciphering unpronounceable additives on the label. It’s time to embrace the simplicity of homemade goodness.
Key Takeaways
Understanding Creamed Corn
Creamed corn, also known as cream-style corn, is a creamy variation of sweet corn that often comes in cans. What makes it truly special is its silky texture. While the natural starch from the corn contributes to this creaminess, homemade versions often enhance it by adding milk and cream and partially blending the corn to release its natural juices.
To achieve a truly remarkable bowl of creamed corn, you’ll need a stellar recipe that properly seasons your corn. After all, there’s nothing worse than bland food!
Ingredients that Make it Magic
Let’s dive into the key ingredients that bring this dish to life:
- Corn kernels: You can use fresh, frozen, or canned corn (drained).
- Onion (optional): Finely diced white or yellow onion adds an extra layer of flavor.
- All-purpose flour: Essential for creating a roux.
- Heavy cream, butter, and milk: These ingredients contribute to the luxurious creamy texture.
- Salt and ground black pepper: To season your creamed corn to perfection.
- Fresh thyme (optional): A delightful herb that adds a touch of freshness.
- Cornstarch or arrowroot powder: For thickening the sauce if desired.
A Journey of Preparation
Now, let’s explore the simple steps to bring this creamed corn masterpiece to life:
- Melt the butter in a medium-sized saucepan or pot and sauté the onion (if using) until it becomes soft and translucent (around 3-4 minutes).
- Add the corn kernels to the pot. If using frozen corn, cook it for a few minutes until it’s heated through.
- Introduce the flour to create a roux, cooking it for about a minute before adding the cream and milk.
- Allow the mixture to gently simmer, thickening into a delectable sauce.
- Season with salt, pepper, and add fresh or dried thyme. Cook for a couple of minutes, then remove from heat.
- For a creamier consistency, use an immersion blender to partially blend half or all of the creamed corn.
- Adjust the seasonings according to your preference.
Tips to Elevate Your Creamed Corn
Here are some handy tips to take your creamed corn to the next level:
- Sweet corn doesn’t require additional sugar, but if using regular corn, feel free to add a tablespoon of granulated sugar.
- Substitute the milk and cream with half and half for a lighter twist.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, blend a portion of the corn kernels, or use a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon of water) to thicken it further.
- If you enjoy the texture of whole corn kernels, feel free to skip the blending step.
- For a tasty twist, transform your creamed corn into a casserole by sprinkling breadcrumbs and parmesan on top and broiling it for a few minutes.
Unleashing the Flavors
Add extra pizzazz to your creamed corn by incorporating these delightful toppings:
- Simply salt and pepper for a classic touch.
- Crispy bacon for a heavenly smoky flavor.
- Diced jalapeno for a hint of spice.
- Chopped sundried tomatoes for a burst of tanginess.
- Shredded white cheddar for an indulgent twist.
- Fresh herbs such as parsley, chives, thyme, or cilantro for a refreshing finish.
Keeping the Magic Alive
Here’s how to ensure your creamed corn remains just as delicious for future enjoyment:
- Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.
- Freeze it in a sealed container for up to three months.
- Reheat it on the stove if chilled or defrost before reheating if frozen.
Creamed corn pairs beautifully with roasted turkey, chicken, or ham. It also shines as a standout side dish at any BBQ and complements steak to perfection.
More Irresistible Side Dishes
If you’re hungry for even more tantalizing side dishes, here are a few favorites to explore:
- Best coleslaw recipe!
- Easy mushroom tart.
- Buttered cabbage.
- Southern smothered potatoes (a must-try!).
- Cheesy scalloped potatoes.
Indulge in the simple pleasure of homemade creamed corn and share this culinary delight with your loved ones. Prepare to savor every creamy bite—pure bliss is just a recipe away!
