Description
Creamed Corn is a rich, creamy Thanksgiving side made with sweet corn, butter, shallot, milk, heavy cream, thyme, and a touch of cayenne. Blending part of the corn creates a silky texture while keeping plenty of tender kernels in every bite.
Ingredients
1 tablespoon flour, or arrowroot powder, cornstarch, or another flour
1 cup whole milk
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 tablespoons finely diced shallot
5 cups frozen sweet corn, thawed, about two 12-ounce bags
1 cup heavy cream
1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
Pinch of cayenne pepper
Kosher salt, to taste
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Optional: 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
1. Whisk the flour with the whole milk until smooth, then set aside.
2. Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
3. Add the finely diced shallot and cook for about 1 minute until softened.
4. Add the corn, heavy cream, and thyme.
5. Cook for 4 to 5 minutes until the corn is heated through and tender.
6. Stir in the milk and flour mixture.
7. Cook for another 3 to 4 minutes, stirring often, until the sauce begins to thicken.
8. Transfer 1 to 2 cups of the corn mixture to a blender and blend until smooth.
9. Stir the blended corn back into the skillet.
10. Add the Parmesan cheese if using.
11. Season with cayenne pepper, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper.
12. Serve warm.
Notes
Frozen sweet corn usually provides enough natural sweetness, but you can add a little honey or maple syrup for a sweeter result.
Half-and-half can replace the whole milk and heavy cream.
For a dairy-free version, use dairy-free milk with coconut cream.
You can replace the butter with bacon grease for extra smoky flavor.
Cooked bacon can also be stirred into the finished Creamed Corn.
Blend about 1 cup of the mixture for a chunkier texture or 2 cups for a smoother, creamier consistency.
If the Creamed Corn becomes too thick, stir in a little extra milk or cream.
Gluten-free flour substitutes work well.
Fresh corn can replace frozen corn when it is in season.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days.
Freeze cooled Creamed Corn for up to 3 months.
For a bacon and cheese variation, add cooked bacon and Parmesan or another cheese.
For Cajun Creamed Corn, replace the thyme and cayenne with Cajun seasoning.
For coconut lime Creamed Corn, use coconut cream, lime juice, garlic, Thai chilies, and cilantro.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Thanksgiving Recipes
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 335
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 34 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0.2 g
- Carbohydrates: 37 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 7 g
- Cholesterol: 60 mg
