Homemade Creamed Corn Recipe

4.69 / 5 ( 76 Reviews )
56 Comments Jump to Recipe
This is the most requested side dish recipe in our family. It's a holiday favorite you will never be able to skip—the best homemade creamed corn recipe!
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Bowl of homemade creamed corn

Easy Creamed Corn Recipe

Get ready to experience creamed corn like never before! This homemade recipe takes cream corn to a whole new level. Say goodbye to canned, overly sweetened versions.

Use fresh or frozen corn, a touch of cream, and a few simple seasonings; this dish will be as rich and flavorful as it gets. The natural sweetness of the corn shines through in every bite, and the fresh, homemade touch makes it a perfect side dish to dress up a weeknight meal or be the most requested side dish at holiday feasts.

In fact, I bet it will be the star of the show. Once you try this, you’ll never want to go back to the canned stuff! 

What are the ingredients of creamed corn?

Cream style corn in a bowl

Don’t worry! It’s easy to make, and the ingredients are very simple. I could go to the kitchen and make it right now! 

  • Frozen corn
  • Heavy cream
  • Salt
  • Sugar
  • Pepper
  • Butter
  • Milk
  • Flour
  • Parmesan cheese

Some people are surprised by the parmesan, but don’t skip it! It adds a pop of flavor and creaminess that you can’t get anywhere else.

Can I use grated parmesan cheese (the stuff in the green can)?

Yes, either grated or shredded parmesan cheese will work. However, I recommend buying fresh parmesan and grating it yourself to avoid the added fillers in pre-grated or pre-shredded cheese.

Ingredients for cream corn in pot

Can I use canned corn to make creamed corn?

I recommend only using frozen or fresh corn kernels. Canned corn is more processed, making it softer. When used in this creamed corn recipe, it comes out mushy. Using fresh cut right off the cob or frozen corn from the grocery store will give you a creamed corn dish that is crisp, naturally sweet, and creamy without the excess water from canned corn, resulting in a thick consistency. 

Can I make creamed corn sugar-free?

The sugar is optional but really enhances the corn’s natural sweetness. For those diabetics or folks trying to cut back on added sugars, you can use honey, a zero-calorie sweetener like Stevia or monk fruit, or just omit it altogether!

Recipe substitutions and variations:

  • Spice it up, and add jalapenos and a bit of chili powder.
  • Add bacon and sauteed onions for a burst of flavor and crunch.
  • To make it dairy-free, use coconut milk instead of the heavy cream.
  • Cream cheese will also work in place of heavy cream. Use 1/2 cup of cream cheese instead of 1 cup of heavy cream. Soften the cream cheese first and mix it with a bit of milk or broth before slowly adding it to the corn. Cream cheese might make the dish denser and tangier, so taste the corn before adding all the cream cheese.

How to Make Homemade Creamed Corn

So many times, I have been invited to potlucks or spur-of-the-moment get-togethers, and I had no idea what to make. Well, this side dish recipe is now one of my go-to dishes! People usually ask me for the recipe, and they are surprised when they learn how simple it is – it only takes about 30 minutes to make from start to finish.

Step 1: Combine the ingredients

Mix the corn, cream, salt, sugar, pepper, and butter in a saucepan over medium-low heat until the butter melts.

Step 2: Make a slurry

Separately whisk the milk and flour until no lumps remain. Slowly stir the flour mixture into the cream.

Measuring cup with flour and milk

Step 3: Thicken

Cook it for about 15 minutes on medium heat until it thickens. If it’s undercooked, it will be runny.

Step 4: Add the cheese just before serving

Add the freshly shredded Parmesan cheese, ensure everything is well mixed, and you are set!

Frequently Asked Questions

How to make cream corn

What is the difference between creamed corn and cream corn?

Cream corn usually refers to stuff from the can—corn in a creamy liquid that probably doesn’t contain any heavy cream. This dish is generally smoother and runnier with added thickeners.

Creamed corn is this recipe— homemade. Corn that is cooked in a creamy sauce without the need for excess thickening. It’s usually thicker than the canned stuff, even before adding the flour mixture.

How do you thicken fresh creamed corn?

If your creamed corn is not thickening or you added too much liquid, try making an additional slurry or roux. Try a few of these variations:

  • Mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with a tablespoon of water. 
  • Mix 1 tablespoon of flour with a tablespoon of melted butter.
  • Add softened cream cheese or use it in place of the heavy cream.

Slowly add your slurry to the hot creamed corn until it thickens.

Can you make homemade creamed corn in the slow cooker?

I recommend cooking this recipe on the stovetop so the cream gets hot enough to thicken. But if you need it to stay hot for your holiday party, transfer it to a slow cooker once it has thickened. Stir in the parmesan cheese right before serving. 

Can you freeze homemade creamed corn?

Yes! Many comments below are from people who say it tastes just as good after being frozen as when they first made it. Follow these steps to successfully freeze leftover homemade creamed corn:

  1. Allow the creamed corn mixture to cool completely to room temperature.
  2. Divide the mixture into freezer-safe containers or bags. If using bags, remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. Lay the bags flat to save freezer space and for quick thawing. 
  3. Freeze for up to 3-4 months.

To thaw: allow to soften in the fridge overnight and reheat on the stovetop or microwave until warmed.

Final Thoughts

This homemade cream corn is the perfect side dish when the weather gets a little cooler, and you crave something warm and creamy. It will heat your body right up and keep your tummy happy—total comfort food!

More holiday side dishes:

See all our side dish recipes here!

Add creamed corn to your favorite protein at dinner. Try a few of our favorite combinations:

Would you like to see more of our recipes? Subscribe to our weekly recipe email.

Homemade cream corn topped with parmesan

Bowl of homemade creamed corn

Homemade Creamed Corn Recipe

This is the most requested side dish recipe in our family. It's a holiday favorite you will never be able to skip—the best homemade creamed corn recipe!
4.69 / 5 ( 76 Reviews )
Print Rate
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Serves: 8
Adjust Servings: 8

Equipment

  • Sauce Pan

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Add frozen corn, heavy cream, salt, sugar, pepper, and butter to a large pot.
  • In a small bowl or measuring cup, whisk together the 1/2 cup milk and flour (this will help thicken the cream). Stir into the corn mixture and cook over medium heat, stirring often so the cream doesn't burn, until the mixture is thickened and the corn is cooked through. If you don't cook it until it's thickened, it will be runny (although it will still taste wonderful).
  • Remove from heat and stir in 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese.

Recipe Notes

If you are taking the cream to a gathering, get it nice and thick before you keep it warm in a slow cooker. It can easily be doubled or tripled for a crowd!

Nutrition

Calories: 237kcal | Carbohydrates: 23g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 16g | Sodium: 387mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 4g

Ingredients: Butter, Corn, Flour, Heavy Cream, Milk, Parmesan, Pepper, Salt, Sugar
Meal Type: Popular, Side Dish, Christmas, Easter, Fall, Super Bowl Party, Thanksgiving, Winter, Egg Free, Meatless
Categories: Vegetables, Stove Top

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4.69 from 76 votes (66 ratings without comment)

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