This Old Fashioned Creamed Corn Recipe is the epitome of pure comfort food—sweet, velvety corn suspended in a dreamy, buttery sauce that takes less than 20 minutes from start to finish. If you adore simple sides with timeless flavor, you’ll absolutely fall in love with how this dish transforms humble corn into something truly irresistible.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Nostalgic Comfort: This Old Fashioned Creamed Corn Recipe tastes just like the classic home-cooked side Grandma used to make, filling your table (and your heart) with warmth.
- Ready in Minutes: It comes together in about 15 minutes with ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen!
- Creamy (But Never Heavy): The luscious sauce is rich and silky, yet surprisingly light and never gloopy or overwhelming.
- Endlessly Adaptable: Easily customize with fresh or frozen corn, a splash of cream, or your favorite herbs for your own signature spin.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You’ll be amazed at how a handful of simple, everyday ingredients come together to create such rich, old-fashioned flavor. Each element plays its own special role, balancing sweetness, creaminess, and the irresistible color that makes this dish a dinner table favorite.
- Unsalted Butter: The base of the sauce, lending a buttery richness and a hint of nostalgic flavor.
- Frozen Corn: Bright, sweet, and super-convenient—plus, you can easily use fresh corn if you have it on hand!
- All-Purpose Flour: Just a touch thickens the sauce perfectly without making things stodgy.
- Granulated Sugar: Accentuates the corn’s natural sweetness without overpowering the dish.
- Milk: Brings everyone together for that creamy, silky texture; use anything from whole milk to half-and-half for extra richness.
- Salt and Black Pepper: Don’t skip these—they make all the flavors really pop.
Variations
One of the best things about an Old Fashioned Creamed Corn Recipe is just how easy it is to personalize. You can make quick swaps based on what you have, fit different diets, or jazz it up for a new twist every time!
- Make It Extra Creamy: Substitute half-and-half or heavy cream for some (or all) of the milk for a richer, decadent sauce.
- Use Fresh Corn: Sweet corn cut straight off the cob brings a burst of summer flavor—you may just need to cook it an extra minute or two.
- Add Some Herbs: Stir in chopped chives, parsley, or snipped basil for a fresh pop of color and flavor.
- Bacon Lovers: Crisp up a few bacon strips, crumble them, and sprinkle on top for a smoky, savory finish.
- Dairy-Free Version: Use a non-dairy butter and swap in unsweetened almond or oat milk for a vegan-friendly twist.
How to Make Old Fashioned Creamed Corn Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Corn in Butter
Start by melting the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Once it’s gently bubbling and fragrant (not browned!), add in the frozen corn. Sauté for about 4 to 5 minutes—just enough for the corn to thaw and start picking up that wonderful buttery flavor. If you’re using fresh corn, give it a minute longer to become slightly tender.
Step 2: Add the Flour and Sugar
Sprinkle the flour and sugar evenly over the buttery corn and stir, making sure each kernel gets coated. This is what will help thicken the sauce and infuse every bite with just the right amount of classic sweetness.
Step 3: Pour in the Milk and Simmer
Slowly pour in the milk, stirring constantly—this helps prevent lumps and creates the base for that signature creamy texture. Bring everything to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low. Let the mixture simmer, stirring frequently so nothing sticks, for about 5 to 7 minutes or until thick and luscious.
Step 4: Season and Serve
Taste the creamed corn and season generously with salt and black pepper. Adjust to your family’s preferences, then serve piping hot—either straight from the skillet or transferred to a pretty serving bowl. That’s it! You’ve just made a soul-satisfying Old Fashioned Creamed Corn Recipe in under 20 minutes.
Pro Tips for Making Old Fashioned Creamed Corn Recipe
- Don’t Rush the Simmer: Letting the corn simmer just long enough allows the sauce to thicken beautifully without overcooking the kernels—watch for that glossy, creamy texture before pulling it off the heat.
- The Stirring Secret: Stir frequently while adding the milk and during the simmering process to keep the sauce lump-free and perfectly silky.
- Fresh vs. Frozen Corn: Both work beautifully, but fresh corn kernels might need a minute or two longer in the pan to reach their sweet, juicy best.
- Customize Your Creaminess: For an extra-luxurious touch, swap out some or all of the milk with half-and-half or heavy cream—just remember, a little goes a long way!
How to Serve Old Fashioned Creamed Corn Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or chives instantly brightens the dish and adds a lovely pop of color. For an extra-special touch, try a dusting of smoked paprika, cracked black pepper, or crispy crumbled bacon—each brings their own personality to this classic favorite.
Side Dishes
Old Fashioned Creamed Corn Recipe is the ultimate side for a holiday roast, chicken, fried fish, or BBQ ribs. It also plays well with hearty green beans, a simple garden salad, or a fluffy baked potato—basically, it’s welcome at any meal, any time!
Creative Ways to Present
Spoon servings into individual ramekins for a dinner party, or fill roasted bell pepper halves for a colorful, edible “bowl.” For a potluck, pour it into a pretty casserole dish and top with a sprinkle of fried onions or cheese for an irresistible, bubbly finish.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let any leftover creamed corn cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. It’ll keep happily in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, making it a perfect candidate for pre-cooking ahead of big gatherings.
Freezing
Yes, you can freeze creamed corn! Once cooled, portion it into freezer-safe bags or containers and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating. The sauce may separate a touch, but a good stir while reheating brings everything back together.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, stirring frequently—add a splash of milk if the sauce has thickened too much in the fridge. You can also microwave in short bursts, stirring after each, until warmed through and creamy once again.
FAQs
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Can I make Old Fashioned Creamed Corn Recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! Creamed corn can be made up to two days in advance. Just reheat gently on the stovetop, stirring in a little extra milk if needed to restore that signature creamy consistency.
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Can I use canned corn instead of frozen or fresh?
Yes, canned corn will work in a pinch—be sure to drain it well and maybe reduce the sugar slightly since canned varieties can be extra sweet. The texture may be a bit softer, but the flavor will still be delicious.
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How do I prevent my sauce from becoming lumpy?
Stir the flour in thoroughly before adding the milk, then pour the milk in slowly while constantly stirring. Frequent stirring during simmering also ensures a perfectly velvety sauce for your Old Fashioned Creamed Corn Recipe.
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How do I adjust the thickness of my creamed corn?
If your creamed corn ends up too thick, gently stir in a little extra milk until you reach your desired consistency. If it’s too thin, let it simmer a few more minutes on low—it’ll naturally thicken as it cooks.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something magical about a bowl of Old Fashioned Creamed Corn Recipe—simple, soul-warming, and so easy to love. Whether you’re serving it alongside a holiday roast or a cozy weeknight dinner, this recipe is sure to win over hearts. I hope you’ll give it a try soon and make it a cherished part of your own tradition!
Print
Old Fashioned Creamed Corn Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the rich, comforting flavors of homemade creamed corn with this easy-to-follow recipe. Perfect as a side dish for any meal, this old-fashioned creamed corn is sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 4 Tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 1/2 cups frozen corn
Sauce:
- 2 Tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 Tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1 cup milk
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Melt butter: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt butter. Add corn and sauté for 4-5 minutes.
- Add flour and sugar: Sprinkle flour and sugar over the corn, stirring well to coat.
- Pour in milk: Slowly pour in the milk while stirring to prevent lumps. Bring to a gentle boil.
- Simmer: Reduce heat to low, simmer, and stir frequently until thickened, about 5-7 minutes.
- Season and serve: Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot as a delightful side dish.
Notes
- For a richer texture, you can use half-and-half or heavy cream instead of milk.
- If using fresh corn, adjust cooking time slightly. Cut kernels off the cob to measure approximately 3 cups.
- Recommended seasoning: 1/2 tsp kosher salt and 1/4 tsp ground black pepper.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
