Creating a delicious creamed corn that you can proudly serve at your table is easier than you might think. This dish embodies comfort food, with a tantalizingly creamy texture and a savory kick from crispy bacon. Imagine a side dish that can transform frozen or canned corn into an extraordinary treat your family will rave about. That’s what makes this creamed corn stand out—the balance of flavors and the simplicity of preparation. Whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering or just having a cozy dinner at home, creamed corn can elevate the meal and leave everyone feeling satisfied. So, grab your apron, and let’s get ready to whip up some creamy goodness that’s sure to become a new tradition!
Why This Recipe Works
Creating a delicious creamed corn involves balancing flavors and textures—from the smoky richness of bacon to the creamy, buttery sauce. This recipe delivers all of these elements in a simple, one-pot preparation that’s perfect for any home cook. Plus, it’s an easy way to elevate frozen or canned corn into a standout side dish.
Why You’ll Love This Creamed Corn
This creamed corn recipe is not just a side; it’s an experience. Paired with the comforting essence of bacon and a hint of spice, every bite is a burst of flavor that warms the heart and excites the palate. Whether for a special gathering or a cozy family dinner, this dish will leave everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients
- 6 strips of bacon, chopped
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- ⅓ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 ½ cups whole milk
- 3 tablespoons granulated sugar (optional)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, divided
- 5 cups frozen corn (or 4 cans of corn, drained)
- 2 oz cream cheese
- Fresh parsley (optional garnish)
Preparing the Creamed Corn
Cooking the Bacon to Perfection
First, heat a Dutch oven or large pot over medium-high heat. Once it’s ready, add the chopped bacon, stirring often until it’s crispy and golden. This step not only ensures the bacon is just right but also allows its smoky flavor to infuse the dish as you cook. After cooking, remove the bacon from the pan and set it aside, making sure to leave some of that delicious bacon grease for flavor.
Making the Creamy Base
Next, drain most of the grease, leaving about 1 tablespoon in the pan. Add the unsalted butter and stir it until melted. This creates a lovely, velvety base. Now, whisk in the flour, stirring continuously for about 2 minutes to create a roux. The roux helps thicken your creamed corn and gives it that irresistible creamy texture.
Adding Milk and Seasoning
Slowly pour in the whole milk while whisking constantly. This is crucial for avoiding lumps, which can spoil your creamy dish. Now, it’s time to add the granulated sugar, salt, freshly cracked black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes. These seasonings are essential for building a robust flavor profile. Bring this mixture to a gentle simmer, allowing it to thicken.
Combining Corn and Cheese
Now for the exciting part! Add ¼ cup of grated Parmesan cheese, the frozen corn (or drained canned corn), cream cheese, and half of the cooked bacon to the pot. Stir all the ingredients together until well combined, cooking for about 4 to 5 minutes until everything is heated through. The cream cheese adds an extra layer of richness that complements the other flavors beautifully.
Final Touches Before Serving
Remove the pot from heat and sprinkle the remaining Parmesan cheese and crispy bacon on top. If you’d like, garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color. Serve immediately for the best flavor experience. Trust me; this is when creamed corn shines!
Serving Suggestions
Creamed corn pairs beautifully with roasted chicken, grilled steak, or alongside a hearty turkey during Thanksgiving. It’s also a fantastic addition to any barbecue spread. The creamy texture and savory taste make it a universally appealing side dish.
Tips for Success
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Whenever possible, try fresh corn in season for a sweet and crunchy texture.
- Adjust Spice Level: Tailor the amount of crushed red pepper flakes to suit your taste preferences. This dish can be as mild or zesty as you like.
- Cooking Technique: Make sure you stir constantly when adding the milk. This helps create that smooth, creamy consistency everyone loves.
Variations
- Herbed Creamed Corn: Consider adding fresh thyme or basil for an aromatic twist.
- Cheesy Broccoli Corn: Mix in steamed broccoli for added nutrition and a pop of color. It makes the dish even more appealing.
- Spicy Creamed Corn: If you enjoy a kick, stir in diced jalapeños for an extra dose of heat.
Storage Tips
After enjoying your delicious creamed corn, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, gently warm it on the stove with a splash of milk. This step helps restore its creamy texture, making it almost as good as when it was freshly made.
Pairing Ideas
This creamy side complements a wide array of dishes, from classic barbecued ribs to a simple green salad. It’s versatile enough to shine on any dinner table. You could even serve it with a grilled fish or a veggie burger for a delightful vegetarian option.
FAQs
1. Can I use fresh corn instead of frozen?
Yes, fresh corn can be used for a sweeter flavor; you’ll need about 6 ears of corn, carefully removed from the cob to use in this recipe.
2. Is this recipe gluten-free?
To make this recipe gluten-free, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
3. How can I make this dish spicy?
For more heat, increase the amount of crushed red pepper flakes or add in some minced jalapeños.
4. Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare creamed corn a few hours in advance and reheat it before serving. Just be sure to add a touch of milk while reheating to maintain creaminess.
5. What should I do with leftovers?
Leftover creamed corn can be served as a side dish again, or used to top a baked potato for a different meal altogether. It’s a versatile way to enjoy those leftovers!
This creamed corn dish is not just a recipe but a delicious way to bring comfort and flavor to your table. With its rich textures and savory ingredients, it’s bound to become a household favorite. Gather your loved ones, serve this delightful mix of flavors, and enjoy every moment around the dinner table!
Print
Creamed Corn
This creamed corn is the perfect comfort food, featuring a creamy texture enhanced by crispy bacon and spices. Ideal for family dinners or gatherings!
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 6 strips of bacon, chopped
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- ⅓ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 ½ cups whole milk
- 3 tablespoons granulated sugar (optional)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, divided
- 5 cups frozen corn (or 4 cans of corn, drained)
- 2 oz cream cheese
- Fresh parsley (optional garnish)
Instructions
- Cook chopped bacon in a Dutch oven until crispy, then set aside.
- Add butter to the pan, melt, and whisk in flour to form a roux.
- Slowly add whole milk while whisking to avoid lumps, then add sugar and seasonings.
- Stir in Parmesan cheese, corn, cream cheese, and half the bacon.
- Heat through for 4 to 5 minutes, then top with remaining cheese and bacon.
Last Step:
Please leave a rating and comment letting us know how you liked this recipe! This helps our business to thrive and continue providing free, high-quality recipes for you.Notes
Using fresh corn can enhance the flavor.
Adjust crushed red pepper flakes for desired spice level.
Stir consistently when adding milk to achieve a smooth texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Calories: 230
- Sugar: 3
- Sodium: 500
- Fat: 12
- Saturated Fat: 6
- Unsaturated Fat: 4
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 25
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 6
- Cholesterol: 30
