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Homemade Creamed Corn
Homemade creamed corn transforms simple corn kernels into a rich, velvety side dish that elevates any meal. This comforting recipe combines fresh or frozen corn with cream cheese, butter, and seasonings to create a restaurant-quality dish at home. Perfect for family gatherings, holiday dinners, or weeknight meals, this creamy corn recipe costs under $8 to make and serves four people generously.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Budget-friendly recipe using simple ingredients that cost less than store-bought versions while delivering superior taste and texture
- Packed with nutrients including fiber, vitamin C, and antioxidants that support immune health and digestion
- Versatile side dish that pairs perfectly with grilled meats, roasted chicken, or holiday spreads for any occasion
- Make-ahead friendly recipe that reheats beautifully, making meal planning and entertaining stress-free
- Customizable sweetness and seasoning levels allow you to adjust flavors to match your family’s preferences perfectly
Why This Homemade Creamed Corn Recipe Works
This recipe succeeds because it balances sweetness with savory elements while maintaining the corn’s natural texture. The cream cheese creates richness without overwhelming the corn’s fresh flavor, while the slow cooking method prevents curdling.
Using both butter and cream cheese provides depth that single-dairy recipes lack. The sugar enhances corn’s natural sweetness, especially important when using frozen kernels. The extended cooking time allows flavors to meld while keeping corn kernels intact.
Temperature control is crucial for success. Low heat prevents the dairy from separating while allowing the corn to release its natural starches, creating the perfect creamy consistency without added flour or thickeners.
What You’ll Need for Perfect Homemade Creamed Corn
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity (Approx) | Purpose / Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Corn kernels | 4 cups | Main ingredient providing sweetness and texture |
| Cream cheese | 8 oz, softened | Creates rich, velvety base without grittiness |
| Unsalted butter | 1/2 cup | Adds richness and helps prevent sticking |
| Sugar | 2 tbsp | Enhances natural corn sweetness |
| Salt | 1 tsp | Balances sweetness and enhances flavors |
| Black pepper | 1/2 tsp | Adds subtle warmth and depth |
| Milk or heavy cream | 1/2 cup | Adjusts consistency to desired creaminess |
Tools
| Tool | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Crockpot/Slow cooker | Provides gentle, even heat for perfect texture |
| Large mixing spoon | Combines ingredients without breaking corn kernels |
| Measuring cups | Ensures accurate ingredient proportions |
| Serving ladle | Transfers creamy corn without mess |
How to Make Homemade Creamed Corn
| Step | Instructions |
|---|---|
| Step 1: Preparation | Thaw frozen corn completely if using. Soften cream cheese at room temperature for 30 minutes before cooking. |
| Step 2: Combine Ingredients | In the crockpot, add corn kernels, softened cream cheese, butter, sugar, salt, pepper, and milk. Mix thoroughly until well combined. |
| Step 3: Slow Cook | Cover and cook on low heat for 4 hours, stirring every hour to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking. |
| Step 4: Check Consistency | After 3 hours, check thickness. Add more milk gradually if you prefer thinner consistency. |
| Step 5: Final Seasoning | Taste and adjust salt, pepper, or sugar as needed. Serve warm immediately or keep on warm setting. |
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Use fresh corn when in season for the best flavor, cutting kernels close to the cob to capture the sweet corn milk
- Soften cream cheese completely before adding to prevent lumps that won’t dissolve during cooking
- Stir every hour during cooking to prevent bottom burning and ensure even heat distribution throughout
- Add milk gradually near the end of cooking time to achieve your preferred consistency without over-thinning
- Taste and adjust seasoning in the final 30 minutes, as flavors concentrate during the slow cooking process
Serving and Storage Tips for Homemade Creamed Corn
Serving Tips
Serve this creamy corn alongside Ultimate Chicken Casserole for a complete comfort meal. The rich, creamy texture pairs beautifully with grilled meats, roasted turkey, or barbecued ribs.
For holiday meals, transfer to a decorative serving bowl and garnish with fresh herbs like chives or parsley. Keep warm in the slow cooker on the warm setting for up to 2 hours during parties.
Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days in airtight containers. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of milk to restore creaminess. This dish also freezes well for up to 3 months.
Mistakes to Avoid while making Homemade Creamed Corn
Avoid using high heat, which causes dairy to curdle and creates an unappetizing texture. Always use low heat settings and stir regularly to maintain smooth consistency throughout cooking.
Don’t skip softening the cream cheese beforehand. Cold cream cheese creates lumps that won’t dissolve properly, resulting in an uneven texture that affects the final dish quality.
Resist over-stirring, which breaks down corn kernels and creates a mushy texture. Gentle folding motions preserve kernel integrity while ensuring even heat distribution and proper mixing.
You Must Know
- Fresh corn kernels work best during summer months, but high-quality frozen corn produces excellent results year-round
- The dish continues thickening as it cools, so aim for slightly thinner consistency while hot than desired final texture
- Cream cheese brands vary in consistency, so adjust milk quantity based on your preferred thickness and brand used
- This recipe doubles easily for large gatherings, but increase cooking time by 30-60 minutes for larger batches
Suggestions for Homemade Creamed Corn
Add diced jalapeños for a spicy kick, or incorporate crispy bacon bits for smoky flavor. Fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary complement the corn’s sweetness beautifully.
For special occasions, fold in grated Parmesan cheese during the last 30 minutes of cooking. This creates an elevated version perfect for dinner parties or holiday spreads.
Try roasted red peppers for color and sweetness, or add caramelized onions for depth. These variations work well with Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta for elegant dinners.
For inspiration and variations, check out Allrecipes’ cream corn variations or explore Serious Eats’ technique guide for professional tips.
FAQs:
Yes, you can prepare this dish up to 2 days ahead. Store in the refrigerator and reheat gently on the stovetop with additional milk to restore creaminess. It also keeps well in the slow cooker on warm for serving at parties.
Fresh sweet corn works best when in season, but high-quality frozen corn kernels produce excellent results year-round. Avoid canned corn as it lacks the texture and sweetness needed for this recipe.
Lumps usually result from cold cream cheese. Use an immersion blender briefly to smooth the mixture, or strain through a fine mesh sieve. Always soften cream cheese completely before adding to prevent this issue.
Yes, this recipe freezes well for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat slowly on the stovetop, adding milk as needed to restore the original creamy texture.
Start with 1 tablespoon of sugar and taste after 3 hours of cooking. Add more sugar gradually if needed. Fresh corn typically needs less sugar than frozen, so adjust based on your corn’s natural sweetness.
Conclusion
This homemade creamed corn recipe delivers restaurant-quality results with minimal effort and budget-friendly ingredients. The slow cooker method ensures perfect texture while allowing you to focus on other dishes.
Whether serving at holiday gatherings or weeknight dinners, this creamy side dish complements any meal beautifully. The recipe’s flexibility allows for personal touches while maintaining its comforting, crowd-pleasing appeal that brings families together around the dinner table.
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📖 Recipe Card
Homemade Creamed Corn
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 2 days ahead. store in the refrigerator and reheat gently on the stovetop with additional milk to restore creaminess. it also keeps well in the slow cooker on warm for serving 1x
Description
A rich and creamy slow cooker creamed corn recipe made with cream cheese, butter, and fresh corn kernels for the perfect comfort food side dish.
Ingredients
- 4 cups corn kernels
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 2 tbsp sugar
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 cup milk or heavy cream
Instructions
- Step 1: Preparation – Thaw frozen corn completely if using. Soften cream cheese at room temperature for 30 minutes before cooking.
- Step 2: Combine Ingredients – In the crockpot, add corn kernels, softened cream cheese, butter, sugar, salt, pepper, and milk. Mix thoroughly until well combined.
- Step 3: Slow Cook – Cover and cook on low heat for 4 hours, stirring every hour to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
- Step 4: Check Consistency – After 3 hours, check thickness. Add more milk gradually if you prefer thinner consistency.
- Step 5: Final Seasoning – Taste and adjust salt, pepper, or sugar as needed. Serve warm immediately or keep on warm setting.
Notes
- Use fresh corn when in season for the best flavor, cutting kernels close to the cob to capture the sweet corn milk
- Soften cream cheese completely before adding to prevent lumps that won’t dissolve during cooking
- Can be made 2 days ahead – store in refrigerator and reheat gently on stovetop with additional milk to restore creaminess
- Keeps well in slow cooker on warm setting for serving at parties or gatherings
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30-60 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/2 cup
- Calories: 285 calories
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 380mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
Keywords: homemade creamed corn, slow cooker creamed corn, crockpot corn, creamy corn side dish, comfort food