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Buttered corn with black pepper in a creamy sauce, close-up image.

Creamed Corn Recipe


Description

This silky, rich creamed corn is the ultimate comfort food side dish—sweet corn kernels swimming in a velvety cream sauce that’ll make you forget all about that canned stuff.

Prep Time: 5 minutes | Cook Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 15 minutes | Servings: 6Buttered corn with black pepper in a creamy sauce, close-up image.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cups frozen corn kernels (or fresh cut from 56 ears)
  • 1 cup heavy cream (don’t skimp here)
  • 2 tablespoons butter (salted or unsalted works)
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar (sounds weird, but trust the process)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste (start with 1/2 teaspoon salt)

Instructions

  1. Melt that butter in a large skillet over medium heat until it’s foamy and smells amazing.
  2. Sprinkle the flour over the melted butter and whisk constantly for about 1-2 minutes to create a smooth roux. Don’t skip this—it’s what keeps your sauce from getting lumpy.
  3. Slowly pour in the heavy cream while whisking like crazy to create a smooth, silky sauce. Take your time here; rushing leads to lumps.
  4. Add the frozen corn kernels straight from the bag to the skillet and stir well until every kernel is coated in that gorgeous cream sauce.
  5. Stir in the sugar and season with salt and pepper to taste. Give it a taste—every batch needs different seasoning.
  6. Cook the creamed corn for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the corn is heated through and the sauce has thickened enough to coat a spoon. Don’t overcook or it gets gummy.
  7. Pull it off the heat and serve hot. Try to save some for leftovers (if you can wait that long).

Nutrition Information (Per Serving):

  • Calories: 215
  • Carbohydrates: 24g
  • Protein: 3g
  • Fat: 13g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Sodium: 240mg
  • Vitamin C: 15% DV
  • Iron: 4% DV

The corn provides fiber and vitamin C, while the cream adds calcium. Not the healthiest side dish, but everything in moderation, right?

Notes:

  • Seriously, use heavy cream. I’ve tried shortcuts and they just don’t work the same.
  • Every oven and stovetop runs differently, so trust your eyes more than the timer. The sauce should coat the corn nicely without being soupy.
  • If your sauce is lumpy, you probably rushed the cream addition. Whisk it hard and it usually smooths out.
  • Fresh corn is amazing in summer, but frozen works year-round and nobody will know the difference.

Storage Tips:

  • Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. The sauce will thicken, so add a splash of cream when reheating.
  • Reheating: Warm gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently. Add a tablespoon or two of cream to loosen it up. Microwaving works but stir every 30 seconds.
  • Don’t freeze this one—cream sauces get weird and grainy when frozen and thawed.

Serving Suggestions:

  • With Roasted Chicken: The classic pairing that never fails. The cream sauce complements perfectly roasted poultry.
  • Thanksgiving Side: This is a crowd-pleaser that’s easier than most holiday sides and disappears fast.
  • BBQ Companion: Serve alongside grilled meats and coleslaw for a complete summer meal.
  • Taco Night Addition: Unexpected but amazing with Mexican-inspired dishes as a cooling side.

Mix It Up (Recipe Variations):

Cheesy Creamed Corn: Stir in 1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar or parmesan cheese right before serving for extra richness. The cheese melts into the sauce beautifully.

Spicy Creamed Corn: Add 1 diced jalapeño with the corn or sprinkle in 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper for a kick. Perfect for heat lovers.

Herb Garden Creamed Corn: Toss in 2 tablespoons fresh chopped thyme or chives at the end for a fresh, elegant touch that impresses guests.

Bacon Creamed Corn: Cook 4 strips of bacon until crispy, crumble, and stir into finished dish. This is the version that converts corn-skeptic kids.

Vegan Creamed Corn: Substitute coconut cream for heavy cream and use vegan butter. You’ll get a slight coconut flavor but it’s still delicious.

What Makes This Recipe Special:

This creamed corn uses a classic roux-based cream sauce technique that gives you restaurant-quality results at home. Unlike canned versions that taste metallic and overly sweet, this recipe lets you control the sweetness and seasoning while creating a silky texture that coats each kernel perfectly. The combination of butter, flour, and cream creates a velvety sauce that’s rich without being heavy—the same technique professional kitchens use for their best side dishes.