Old-Fashioned Creamed Corn
Creamed corn delivers a rich, sweet flavor with tender kernels coated in a buttery, slightly thickened sauce. Perfect as a comforting side dish for family dinners or holiday gatherings, its creamy texture and natural sweetness complement a variety of main courses and seasons well.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Remove husks and silks from the corn.
- Rinse the corn and pat dry.
- Cut the corn from the cobs, about 3 cups in total. To do this, first cut just barely taking the top of the kernels, then cut about halfway down, and scrape down to the cob to get the milk out of the corn.
- Place butter in a 2-quart casserole; microwave at high for 55 seconds until melted.
- Add the corn, 1/4 cup water, and sugar, stirring well.
- Cover with heavy-duty plastic wrap.
- Cook on high for 8 to 9 minutes or until the corn is tender, stirring after 4 minutes.
- Shake 1/2 cup water, salt, pepper, and flour in a small container until the flour is blended smooth.
- Stir this mixture into the corn, mixing well.
- Cook on high for an additional 3 minutes or until the mixture slightly thickens.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using a combination of butter and cream instead of just butter. If fresh corn isn't available, frozen corn can be a convenient substitute; just thaw and drain it before use. To enhance sweetness, you can increase the sugar slightly. Be careful not to overcook the corn to maintain its crispness. Remember to scrape down the cob to get all the delicious corn milk.
Serving Suggestions
Creamed corn pairs beautifully with grilled meats or roasted chicken, making it a great side dish for family gatherings. Consider serving it alongside *Little Jewels Salad for a complete meal. For a heartier option, it can also complement a bowl of chili or be used as a topping for cornbread. Garnish with fresh herbs for added color and flavor.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover creamed corn can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place it in a microwave-safe dish and heat in short intervals, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. If the mixture thickens too much, add a splash of milk or water to loosen it up. Avoid freezing, as the texture may change.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Old-Fashioned Creamed Corn contains roughly 239 calories, with 9g protein, 89g carbohydrates, and 1g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (285% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1172mg per serving (51% 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 canned corn for this recipe?
Yes, you can use canned corn, but fresh corn offers the best flavor and texture. If using canned corn, drain it thoroughly and reduce the cooking time since it's already cooked. You may want to adjust the salt, as canned corn can be saltier than fresh.
What can I substitute for butter?
If you're looking for a non-dairy option, you can substitute butter with margarine or a plant-based butter alternative. For a different flavor, olive oil or coconut oil can also work well. Keep in mind that this may slightly alter the final taste of the dish.
Can I add other ingredients to the creamed corn?
Absolutely! You can customize your creamed corn by adding diced bell peppers, jalapeños for a kick, or even cheese for a richer taste. Fresh herbs like thyme or parsley also make great additions. Just be sure to adjust cooking times as needed based on what you add.
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).