Calico Corn Custard
A colorful baked corn custard with sweet peppers and a hint of nutmeg, perfect for breakfast, brunch, or light dinners, offering creamy textures and vibrant flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Lightly grease a 10 x 6-inch (1 1/2-quart) baking dish.
- Dice the red and green peppers and place them in a large bowl.
- Place a strainer over a 2-cup glass measuring cup.
- Pour the corn into the strainer and drain well.
- Add the drained corn to the peppers in the large bowl.
- Add milk to the corn liquid to make 1 cup.
- Beat the eggs thoroughly; then beat in sugar, nutmeg, salt, pepper, light cream, and the milk mixture.
- Stir the egg mixture into the corn-pepper mixture.
- Gently transfer the corn custard into the prepared baking dish.
- Place the baking dish into a pan approximately 13 x 9 x 2 inches.
- Pour boiling water around the custard dish to a depth of about 1 inch.
- Bake for 40 minutes or until the custard is set.
Tips & Substitutions
For a colorful twist, consider using yellow or orange bell peppers alongside the red and green ones. If you don't have light cream, substituting with half-and-half or whole milk can work well, though it may alter the richness. Ensure the corn is well-drained to avoid excess liquid, which can affect the custard's texture. This dish can be made a day ahead for easier preparation.
Serving Suggestions
Serve calico corn custard warm as a delightful side dish to grilled meats or a fresh salad. It pairs beautifully with Mac And Cheese for a comforting meal. Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or chives for added flavor and presentation. This dish is also great for potlucks or gatherings as it can be prepared ahead of time.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the custard in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through. Alternatively, you can microwave individual portions for 1-2 minutes, ensuring they are heated evenly.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Calico Corn Custard contains roughly 644 calories, with 8g protein, 66g carbohydrates, and 42g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (90% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (38% of the Daily Value), and iron (23% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1264mg per serving (55% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen corn instead of canned?
Yes, you can substitute frozen corn for canned. Use about 3 cups of frozen corn, and make sure to thaw and drain it before adding it to the mixture. This will give you a fresher taste while still maintaining the custard's integrity.
What can I add to enhance the flavor of the custard?
Consider adding shredded cheese, such as cheddar or Monterey Jack, for a cheesy variation. You could also include cooked bacon or sausage for added protein and flavor. Just remember to adjust the seasoning accordingly, as added ingredients may require a bit more salt or pepper.
Is this dish suitable for vegetarians?
Absolutely! This calico corn custard is a great vegetarian recipe, packed with flavor from the peppers and spices. It's perfect as a main dish for a vegetarian meal or as a hearty side. Just ensure all your ingredients are vegetarian-friendly, especially the cream.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).