Creamed Corn | Homestyle Creamed Corn Recipe

PUBLISHED December 25, 2025· MODIFIED December 22, 2025 · by the author listed in the recipe card 1657 words. · About 9 minutes to read this article.· This post may contain affiliate links · As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases· Leave a Comment

Creamed corn is a classic and comforting dish that brings together the sweetness of corn and the creaminess of a rich sauce. It’s a versatile side dish that pairs well with various main courses, making it a popular choice for family gatherings and holiday meals.

Why This Will Be Your New Favorite Side Dish

Fast. A quick dish that is ready in under 30 minutes.
Easy. let a few flavorful ingredients simmer on the stovetop until deliciously creamy and tender.
Versatile. Use some of my suggestions below to make this the perfect side dish for your next meal.
Delicious. A delightfully sweet flavor and a velvety texture that is sure to take your next meal to another level.

What Is The Difference Between Creamed Corn And Sweet Corn?

Creamed corn and sweet corn are both made from corn, but they differ in their preparation and consistency:

Sweet corn– Sweet corn refers to fresh, immature ears of corn that are harvested before they fully mature. The kernels are tender, juicy, and naturally sweet. Sweet corn is commonly boiled, steamed, grilled, or roasted. It retains its distinct kernel shape and texture.
Creamed corn– Creamed corn, on the other hand, is a dish made by removing the kernels from the cob and cooking them in a creamy sauce. It has a smooth and velvety texture, and the kernels are usually more broken down and less defined compared to whole sweet corn kernels.

Is Creamed Corn Good For You?

Creamed corn, like most other foods, can be good for you in moderation. I would say that it is definitely more of a comfort dish than it is a health food.

If you’re looking for ways to adjust the ingredients to make it a healthier side dish option with your next meal, consider some of the suggestions below.

You can make it healthier by incorporating modifications such as using low-fat milk instead of heavy cream, reducing the amount of butter, and increasing the proportion of corn to creamy ingredients.

Ask Ashley

Fresh corn makes the flavors in this dish really sing. If fresh corn isn’t in season, use sweet corn niblets for the sweetest flavor to balance the saltiness of the dairy.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Fresh corn kernels- You can also use canned if you don’t have fresh corn available.
Heavy cream– Adds a wonderfully creamy element to the recipe.
Butter– Salty and rich that combines with the flour to thicken the cream base.
All-purpose flour– Is used as a thickener in the recipe.
Sugar (optional for sweetness)– If you have fresh corn available, the natural sugars aren’t always necessary. Taste as you go and add a tiny bit at a time until it’s perfect.
Salt and pepper– Just a bit of each to help accentuate the natural flavors of the corn and dairy.
Parsley– Gives a pop of freshness and color to the dish.

How To Make Creamed Corn

When you realize how simple this recipe for creamed corn is to make, you’ll wonder why you’ve been settling for the canned stuff all of your life! Follow the steps below for a creamy and flavorful dish that will turn out perfect every time!

In a large skillet or saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
Add the corn kernels to the pan and sauté them for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they become tender.
Sprinkle the flour over the corn and stir well to coat the kernels evenly. Cook for another minute to cook out the raw flour taste.
Slowly pour in the heavy cream while stirring continuously to combine it with the corn and flour mixture. Stir until the mixture thickens slightly, usually around 3-4 minutes.
Reduce the heat to low and let the corn simmer for 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally until it reaches your desired consistency. If you prefer a creamier texture, you can use a potato masher or the back of a spoon to mash some of the corn kernels gently.
Season the creamed corn with salt, pepper, and sugar (if desired), adjusting the amounts to taste.
Once the creamed corn is ready, remove it from the heat and transfer it to a serving dish.
Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or chives, if desired, for added freshness and presentation.

Tips And Tricks

Use fresh corn. Whenever possible, opt for fresh corn kernels rather than canned or frozen. The natural sweetness and crisp texture of fresh corn will enhance the flavor and overall quality of your corn dish.
Scraping the cobs. After cutting off the kernels, use the back of the knife or a spoon to scrape the cobs. This will release some of the corn’s natural starches, which will help thicken it.
Adjust the creaminess. If you prefer a thicker and creamier texture, increase the amount of flour in the recipe or add a small amount of cornstarch dissolved in water. Conversely, if you prefer a lighter and less creamy consistency, reduce the amount of cream or replace some of it with milk.
Season carefully. Taste as you go and adjust the seasoning accordingly. Salt and pepper are essential, but you can also experiment with other herbs and spices to suit your taste preferences.

Creamed Corn Variations

Crumble in some bacon– Cook some bacon until crispy, then crumble it and mix it into the creamed corn along with shredded cheddar cheese. The smoky bacon and cheesy goodness add a delicious savory twist to the dish.
Have some fun with herbs– Add a fresh and aromatic touch to your creamed corn by incorporating herbs. Stir in chopped fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or parsley to enhance the flavor profile.
Make it spicy– For those who enjoy a little heat, add diced jalapeños, red pepper flakes, or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper to the creamed corn. These spicy elements will provide a fiery kick and elevate the dish.
Try a Southwest-Style– Give your creamed corn a Southwestern flair by adding ingredients like diced green chilies, cumin, and a squeeze of lime juice. This variation pairs well with Tex-Mex or Mexican-inspired dishes.
Parmesan and Garlic Creamed Corn– Stir in grated Parmesan cheese and minced garlic to infuse the creamed corn with a rich and savory flavor. The nutty Parmesan and aromatic garlic create a delightful combination.

Feel free to experiment with these variations or combine different elements to create your own unique version of creamed corn. The possibilities are endless, and you can tailor the flavors to your preferences for a delicious and personalized dish.

What To Serve It With

Creamed corn pairs well with a variety of main dishes and other side dishes. Here are a few ideas for what you can serve with it:

Grilled meats– It goes well with grilled meats such as steak, chicken, or pork. The creamy and slightly sweet flavor of the corn complements the smoky char of the grilled meat.
BBQ dishes– Creamed corn is a popular side dish for barbecued meats like ribs, pulled pork, or smoked brisket. The creaminess helps balance out the richness and adds a touch of sweetness to the meal.
Southern-inspired dishes– It is a classic side dish in Southern cuisine. Serve it alongside dishes like fried chicken, biscuits, or collard greens for a comforting and soulful meal.

How Long Does It Last?

Creamed corn can typically be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days when stored in an airtight container.

If you have leftovers, let the creamed corn cool down to room temperature, then transfer it to a container with a tight-fitting lid or cover it tightly with plastic wrap before refrigerating.

When reheating creamed corn, it’s best to do so on the stovetop over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. You may need to add a little extra cream or milk to maintain a creamy consistency as the corn can thicken when refrigerated.

Can You Freeze It?

Yes, creamed corn can be frozen for longer-term storage. However, you should note that the texture of the creamed corn may change slightly when thawed. It may not be as creamy as when it was freshly made.

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