Description
This rich and creamy creamed corn recipe is a comforting side dish made with fresh or frozen corn kernels cooked in a silky butter and milk sauce, thickened with flour and finished with Parmesan cheese for a savory touch. Perfect for pairing with a variety of main dishes, it delivers a luscious texture and a delicate balance of sweetness and saltiness.
Ingredients
Scale
Base
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk, plus more as needed
Corn Mixture
- 2 (10-ounce) packages frozen corn kernels, thawed, or 3½ cups fresh corn kernels (from about 5 ears)
- 1 garlic clove, grated
- ¾ teaspoon sea salt
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Finishing
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Melt Butter and Make Roux: Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the flour and cook, stirring continuously, for 1 minute to form a roux and eliminate the raw flour taste.
- Add Milk and Thicken: While whisking constantly, slowly pour in the milk. Reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer, stirring occasionally for 5 to 10 minutes until it thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon.
- Incorporate Corn and Seasonings: Stir in the thawed or fresh corn kernels, grated garlic, sea salt, and several grinds of freshly ground black pepper. Continue to cook, stirring occasionally, for 17 to 20 minutes until the mixture thickens further.
- Add Parmesan Cheese: Stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese until it melts completely into the mixture, enriching the flavor and creaminess.
- Adjust Consistency and Seasoning: If the creamed corn becomes too thick, add more milk one tablespoon at a time until you reach your desired consistency. Season with additional salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve: Remove from heat and serve warm as a delicious side dish.
Notes
- Use fresh corn when in season for the best flavor and texture, but frozen corn works equally well.
- Adjust milk quantity to achieve your preferred consistency, whether you like it thinner or thicker.
- Grated garlic adds a subtle aroma and flavor; you can substitute with garlic powder if preferred.
- Parmesan cheese enhances umami but can be omitted or substituted with a vegetarian-friendly cheese if desired.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and gently reheated with a splash of milk to restore creaminess.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/2 cup
- Calories: 170
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 270mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
