Get ready for the creamiest creamed corn youโ€™ve ever had! This recipe is a true gem, with heavy cream and Parmesan cheese coming together to create a sauce thatโ€™s rich, velvety, and absolutely irresistible. Itโ€™s one of those side dishes that feels extra special, but itโ€™s so easy to make that youโ€™ll find yourself whipping it up whenever you need something comforting and delicious.

Why Our Recipe

  • Heavy cream and Parmesan cheese create the creamiest sauce.
  • Works with either frozen corn or fresh corn cut straight from the cob.

A spoon full of creamed corn.

If you have been eating canned creamed corn all of these years, you have been missing out on some seriously good eats! Whether youโ€™re using frozen corn straight from the freezer or fresh kernels youโ€™ve just cut off the cob, this dish comes together in no time. We bring creamed corn to almost every get-together. One word of caution for large family gatherings: a single batch of this may not be enough! 

Ingredient Notes

  • Salted Butter: If you only have unsalted butter, you can use it and add an extra pinch of salt to taste.
  • All-Purpose Flour: Make sure to cook it just until it turns golden for the best flavor. You can also substitute with 1 tablespoon cornstarch.
  • Milk: Regular whole milk works best for a creamy texture, but you can use 2% if thatโ€™s what you have on hand.
  • Frozen Corn: No need to thaw the corn before adding it to the sauce; it will cook perfectly as it simmers. If you prefer using fresh corn, cut the kernels off the cob. Youโ€™ll need about 3 cups.
  • Heavy Cream: If youโ€™re in a pinch, you could substitute half-and-half, but the result wonโ€™t be quite as creamy.
  • Parmesan Cheese: Finely grated Parmesan melts smoothly into the sauce. For the best results, use freshly grated rather than the pre-packaged variety for better melting.
  • Sugar: This small amount of sugar enhances the natural sweetness of the corn. Feel free to adjust to taste, especially if your corn is particularly sweet.
  • Salt and Black Pepper: Start with the suggested amounts, and adjust to your preference.
  • Garlic Powder: If you prefer fresh garlic, you can substitute it with one finely minced clove.

Using Fresh Corn

If youโ€™re opting for fresh corn, youโ€™re in for an extra burst of flavor and sweetness! Start by removing the outer husks and silks from the corn. To cut the kernels from the cob, stand the corn upright on a cutting board, holding it steady at the top. Using a sharp knife, carefully slice down the length of the cob, cutting as close to the base of the kernels as possible. Rotate the cob and repeat until all the kernels are removed. Youโ€™ll need about 3 to 4 ears of corn to yield the 3 cups needed for this recipe.

Overhead view of creamed corn in a baking dish.

Switch Things Up

Crispy Bacon: Sprinkle some crumbled crispy bacon on top just before serving for a smoky, savory crunch.

Spicy Kick: If you love a little heat, try mixing in some diced jalapeรฑos or a pinch of cayenne pepper when you add in the corn. You can also top the finished dish with a drizzle of hot sauce for an added punch.

Fresh Herbs: For a pop of color and flavor, sprinkle in some chopped fresh herbs like chives, thyme, or parsley just before serving.

Storage and Reheating Instructions: 

Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Reheat on the Stovetop: For the best texture, reheat creamed corn in a saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. If the sauce has thickened too much, you can add a splash of milk or cream to bring it back to its original consistency.

Reheat in the Microwave: Place the creamed corn in a microwave-safe dish and cover it loosely with a lid or microwave-safe wrap. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until fully warmed. Add a little milk or cream if needed to keep the sauce smooth.

More delicious sides…

Watch the video below where Caytlin will walk you through every step of this recipe. Sometimes it helps to have a visual, and weโ€™ve always got you covered with our cooking show. You can find the complete collection of recipes on YouTube, our Facebook Page, or right here on our website with their corresponding recipes.