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Patty Catalano
Patty CatalanoFood Editor at The Kitchn
The only subject that has ever held my attention has been food, because there’s no end to what you can taste, smell, learn, and cook. I patchworked my way to recipe development and food writing by earning degrees in Family & Consumer Sciences (you may have known it as Home Ec) and Food, Nutrition, and Culinary Science, and working anywhere that would take me: university food services, local bakeries, and the set of Good Eats on Food Network. Early on, I asked my mom how she knew what a cookbook recipe (with no pictures) would look and taste like. While my mom was there to teach me, I realized that not everyone has someone to turn to for trusted cooking guidance. I try every day to be that person for The Kitchn’s readers by sharing smart recipes they can feel proud to serve. Recipe development is the most fun job I can imagine, but it also comes with a lot of dirty dishes and hours spent in the grocery store. I’ve found that I actually really love grocery shopping — especially at Costco and Aldi — and it brings me such joy to share my finds with The Kitchn readers.
published Oct 14, 2023
thanksgiving
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Sweet corn kernels simmered in butter and cream is better than anything from a can.
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While summer may be “corn season,” I welcome a serving of creamed corn on my plate any time of the year. Whether I’m holding a paper plate at an outdoor cookout or my grandmother’s fine china during the holidays, there’s nothing better than sweet corn simmered with butter and cream.
This creamed corn puts the flavor of corn at the forefront. In lieu of a flour-based roux for thickening (which can subdue the corn’s subtle sweetness), this recipe relies on the natural starches from the corn and the richness of dairy to bind this side dish. If you’ve only been served creamed corn from a can, it’s time to see how simple and comforting homemade creamed corn can be. Here’s how to do it.
What Ingredients Are in Creamed Corn?
- Corn: You need about 1 1/2 cups of fresh, frozen, or canned corn kernels. The choice between using yellow or white corn is entirely up to you.
- Onion and butter: All good things start with onion sautéed in a bit of butter, and this creamed corn is no exception.
- Dairy: Simmer the corn with half-and-half or, for a truly decadent finish, opt for heavy cream.
What Kind of Corn Is Best for Creamed Corn?
There’s nothing like creamed corn made with fresh kernels scraped off the cob. Luckily, you can still make delicious creamed corn once summer has passed with frozen or canned sweet corn kernels too.
What to Serve with Creamed Corn
- Simple Slow Cooker Pulled Pork
- Mom’s Easy Meatloaf (Better-than-Ina’s)
- Roasted Pork Tenderloin
- Pan-Fried Stovetop Chicken Thighs
Creamed Corn Recipe
Sweet corn kernels simmered in butter and cream is better than anything from a can.
Prep time 10 minutes
Cook time 10 minutes to 15 minutes
Serves 2 to 4
Nutritional Info
Ingredients
- 2 ears
fresh corn, 1 (10-ounce) bag frozen corn kernels, or 1 (about 15-ounce) can corn kernels
- 1/12
small yellow onion
- 2 teaspoons
finely chopped fresh chives (optional)
- 2 tablespoons
unsalted butter
- 1/2 teaspoon
kosher salt, plus more as needed
- 1/4 teaspoon
freshly ground black pepper
- 1/2 cup
heavy cream or half-and-half
Instructions
Prepare the corn: If using fresh corn, shuck and cut the kernels from 3 ears (about 1 1/2 cups) into a bowl, then use the back of your knife to scrape against the cobs to release the moisture into the bowl (also known as “milk”). If using frozen corn, place 10 ounces frozen corn kernels in a shallow bowl and let sit at room temperature to thaw, about 45 minutes. If using canned corn, drain 1 (about 15-ounce) can corn kernels.
Finely chop 1/2 small yellow onion (about 1/2 cup). Finely chop fresh chives until you have 2 teaspoons, if using.
Melt 2 tablespoons unsalted butter in an 8-inch cast-iron or other medium skillet over medium-high heat. Add the onion, 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Cook until light golden brown, about 2 minutes.
Add the corn kernels (and “milk”) and 1/2 cup heavy cream or half-and-half. Simmer until the corn is tender and the cream has reduced slightly, 2 to 4 minutes. Taste and season with more kosher salt as needed. Top with the chives.
Recipe Notes
Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days, or freeze for up to 3 months.
Filed in:
Side Dish
Vegetables
vegetarian
corn
thanksgiving
autumn
