Creamed Corn

Better than the canned version, smooth + buttery Creamed Corn is easy, cheesy, and delicious. It’s a perfect side dish for holiday meals!

This Creamed Corn side dish is really popular at BBQ restaurants, so we love pairing it with things like Pulled Pork Sandwiches. For more BBQ style sides, you can also try Baked Beans and Coleslaw.

Creamed corn recipe baked in serving dish.

best homemade creamed corn

I love corn in all forms, but hadn’t ever tried Creamed Corn before. When I finally did, you better believe I loved it!

This dish is pretty common in areas where BBQ is a big deal (mostly Midwestern and Southern United States)!

This easy, cheesy, butter-y Creamed Corn recipe is simple to make. It’s not only great for a summer barbecue, but it’s perfect as a side dish to any meal, or even for Thanksgiving. It’s so creamy and delicious, it’s hard not to love.

You will notice that there is some sweetness to the recipe, but that’s why it’s so good!! It’s has a little bit of sweet & salty, making it irresistible.

Thawed corn for creamed corn recipe.

How to make Creamed Corn

We love that this recipe is simple, and has the sweet and savory combo we love so much. There are different ways to make this best Creamed Corn recipe – you can use frozen corn, fresh or canned.

From frozen corn:

CORN. Mix together the corn, cream salt, sugar, black pepper and butter in a skillet on medium heat.

CREAM SAUCE. In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk and flour, and stir into the corn mixture. Cook on medium heat until the mixture is thickened, and the corn is cooked through.

SERVE. Remove from heat, and stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted, and serve warm.

Fresh corn on the cob for making creamed corn recipe.

Make creamed corn using fresh corn

PREP. Take the husks and silk off the corn. Use a bowl to catch all the kernels and juice from the cobs. Using a sharp knife, cut the tips of the kernels off the cob.

CORN. Mix together the corn, cream salt, sugar, black pepper and butter in a skillet on medium heat.

CREAM SAUCE. In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk and flour, and stir into the corn mixture. Cook on medium heat until the mixture is thickened, and the corn is cooked through.

Since the kernels will be room temp, it will take less time for the corn to be cooked through.

SERVE. Remove from heat, and stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted, and serve warm.

slow cooker instructions

We actually have a great Slow Cooker Creamed Corn Recipe!

COMBINE. Add all the recipe ingredients to the crockpot. You are also going to want to add a few dollops of cream cheese to the top of the corn mixture. Because the corn will be covered, the liquid will not evaporate as it does on the stove top, leaving the Creamed Corn runny. The cream cheese will help alleviate this.

COOK. About halfway through the cooking process, remove the crock pot lid and stir all the ingredients. Return the cover and cook for the remaining time. Remove lid and let stand for 10-15 minutes.

Slow Cooker Creamed Corn in a crock pot.

recipe tips + Variations

Use canned corn. If you only have canned corn on hand, don’t fret because it really tastes just the same. Just like the fresh corn, it will take less time to cook, but works just as well as frozen and fresh corn. First drain the juices, and use in the recipe. DO NOT use Canned Creamed Corn as this has already been mixed with a cream sauce.

Heavy cream substitute. Use milk and butter instead! Just mix together ¾ milk and ¼ melted butter really well, instead of using the 1 cup heavy cream.

Make it creamier. To increase the creaminess, take ¼-½ cup of the dish and blend it until smooth. Add it back into the main mixture and stir.

Thicken it up. If your Creamed Corn is a little runny, here are a few options:

  • Use heat: stir on the stove top a little longer, letting the extra moisture evaporate.
  • Use a cornstarch slurry: for every 2 cups of creamed corn, mix 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 1 tablespoon water. Mix in a separate bowl, then add to the creamed corn.
  • Use rice flour: sprinkle 1 Tablespoon of rice flour evenly over the top of the creamed corn and stir. Continue sprinkling rice flour until you’ve reached your desired thickness.

Add a splash of spice:

  • For a bit of heat, add some diced jalapeños or peppers. 
  • Stir in cayenne pepper. 
  • Top with red chili flakes or hot sauce.

Storing Info + More corn Sides

STORE leftover cream style corn in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. Reheat in the microwave, oven, or stove top.  

FREEZE. Make as directed, then spoon into freezer bags. Freeze flat until firm. It will last 6-8 months in the freezer. 

To reheat, thaw before using. Place back in pot until heated through.

For other great corn sides, be sure to check out these favorites:

Creamed corn recipe served in a baking dish, topped with fresh herbs.

For more corn recipes, check out:

Creamed Corn Recipe

5 from 57 votes
Better than the canned version, smooth + buttery Creamed Corn is easy, cheesy, and delicious. It's a perfect side dish for holiday meals!
Course Side Dish
Cuisine American
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings 6
Calories 117 kcal
Author Lil’ Luna

Ingredients

  • ½ cup whole milk
  • 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
  • 1 (12-ounce) package frozen corn kernels thawed
  • ½ cup heavy whipping cream
  • 1 tablespoon salted butter
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • 1 teaspoon minced garlic
  • garlic salt to taste optional
  • ¼ teaspoon pepper
  • 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
  • chopped fresh parsley optional, for topping

Instructions
 

  • In a small bowl, whisk together milk and the flour. Set aside.
  • In a large skillet, combine corn, cream, butter, sugar, minced garlic, garlic salt and pepper over medium heat.
  • Stir milk/flour mixture into corn mixture right away. Cook, stirring occasionally, until thickened and corn is cooked through, about 10 minutes.
  • Remove from the heat and stir in Parmesan cheese until melted. Add more garlic salt to taste, if needed. Serve warm, sprinkled with chopped parsley, if desired.

Video

Notes

Can You Use Canned or Fresh Corn? Of course! Follow the recipe as directed, but cook for less time. Since both canned and fresh corn will be at room temperature, you will not need as much time for the corn to cook through.

Recipe from Diana Yockey.

Like this recipe?

Pin it now to remember it later! Share it with your Facebook friends (you know they’ll love it). Or tweet it to the world. Maybe even email it to your favorite cousin!

Related Posts

Summer Side Dishes

Summer is a time of BBQs, swim parties, and lazy days. I love to BBQ, try new recipes, and have plenty of gatherings. From healthy to easy, I have summer…

BBQ Side Dishes

Summertime means BBQs and outdoor parties, although really any time is a good time to BBQ here in Arizona. I have gathered my favorite and most delicious BBQ side dishes…

Crock Pot Pinto Beans

Nutrient-rich pinto beans are cooked to perfection. These make a great meal or a tasty side dish to any of your Mexican dishes. We love these simple crock pot pinto…

12 hours hours

5 from 9 votes

Easy Tortellini Salad

Fresh and filling Tortellini Salad whips up in minutes for a delicious summer salad topped with creamy ranch dressing. This simple Tortellini Salad has become a go-to for BBQs, holidays,…

20 minutes minutes

4.94 from 16 votes

About Kristyn

My name is Kristyn and I’m the mom of SIX stinkin’ cute kids and the wife to my smokin’ hot hubby, Lo. My mom’s maiden name is Luna, and I’m one of the many crafty “Lil’ Lunas” in the fam. On this site I like to share all things creative - from recipes to home decor to gifts and home decor ideas. Welcome!

Join the Conversation

Rate and Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




Comments:

  1. 5 stars
    We’ve made this recipe a few times now, because it is so good! I wish I would have found it sooner! It is so creamy!

    1. Of course! Just like the fresh corn, it will take less time to cook through, but works just as well as frozen and fresh corn. 🙂

  2. 5 stars
    I used this recipe for my first ever attempt at homemade creamed corn, but used fresh sweet corn instead of frozen. My family raved!! I’m curious though as to whether it can be made in a slow cooker. Any thoughts or changes to how it is prepared?

    1. I’m so glad to hear you enjoyed the recipe. And yes! It can be made in the slow cooker (we actually have a great slow cooker creamed corn recipe)! https://lilluna.com/crock-pot-creamed-corn/ But here’s what you would do: Add all the recipe ingredients to the crockpot. You are also going to want to add a few dollops of cream cheese to the top of the corn mixture. Because the corn will be covered, the liquid will not evaporate as it does on the stove top leaving the creamed corn runny. The cream cheese will help alleviate this.

  3. 5 stars
    I just made this for Thanksgiving and it was bomb diggity. Best cream corn ever… Definitely not the canned stuff! It was a huge hit.

  4. 5 stars
    My family thoroughly enjoyed your creamed corn recipe. I didn’t have heavy cream on hand but I was able to make it because of your excellent tip for making a cream substitute. It worked perfectly and I will certainly add this to my favorites. Thanks so much for this wonderful recipe and I look forward to trying many of your other recipes as well.

    1. Oh that makes us so happy to hear! Thank you for your feedback and I’m so glad to hear the creamed corn was a hit!

  5. 5 stars
    This creamed corn was a smash! I don’t make corn often, but when I do, the kids don’t usually eat it. This time, they asked for seconds and said “Mommy, you should make this every day” . That’s a win in my book! Thanks for posting!