There’s something truly special about Southern creamed corn that brings warmth and happiness to our hearts. A beloved comfort food, this dish showcases the sweetness of corn, paired with a rich and creamy texture that just begs to be savored. If you haven’t tried homemade creamed corn yet, you’re in for a real treat! Today, I’ll share an easy, scrumptious southern creamed corn recipe that you’ll absolutely love. With the option to use fresh, frozen, or canned corn, this versatile dish is perfect for any time of the year.
Ingredients:
6 ears fresh corn on the cob (or 4 cups frozen or canned corn, drained)
1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
1/2 cup whole milk
4 tablespoons unsalted butter (or bacon grease for extra flavor)
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions:
If using fresh corn, shuck the ears and remove any remaining silk. Hold an ear of sweet corn upright on a cutting board and use a sharp knife to cut off the corn kernels. Be sure to scrape the cobs with the back of your knife to extract the milky liquid – that’s where the creaminess comes from!
In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter (or bacon grease, if using) and add the corn along with any milky liquid if using fresh corn. Cook the mixture for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. The corn should be slightly softened but not browned.
Sprinkle the flour over the corn and stir to evenly coat the kernels. Continue to cook for an additional 1-2 minutes to get rid of the raw flour taste.
Slowly pour in the heavy whipping cream and milk, stirring constantly to ensure a smooth mixture. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
Reduce the heat to low and let the southern creamed corn simmer gently for about 10-15 minutes, or until it reaches your desired level of thickness. Stir occasionally to prevent the corn from sticking to the pan.
Alternative Cooking Methods:
For a hands-off approach, you can prepare this old-fashioned creamed corn recipe in an Instant Pot or slow cooker. Simply follow the steps for preparing the corn mixture, then transfer it to your Instant Pot or slow cooker. For the Instant Pot, cook on high pressure for 5 minutes and then perform a quick release. For the slow cooker, cook on low for 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally.
Recipe Rating and Serving Suggestions:
This recipe is definitely a 5-star rating for its delightful taste, easy preparation, and versatility. You can serve this dish as a side to various main courses, such as fried chicken, BBQ ribs, grilled fish, or roasted turkey. It also pairs well with other southern-style sides like collard greens, macaroni and cheese, or biscuits.
Summary
This recipe is a testament to the power of simple, flavorful ingredients and the love that goes into preparing comfort food. With options to use fresh, frozen corn, or canned, this dish is easily adaptable to your preferences and what you have on hand. The next time you’re looking for a delicious side dish to impress your loved ones, give this homemade corn recipe a try – it’s truly a taste of the South in every bite!
FAQ – Homestyle Cream of Corn Recipe
Is cream-style corn the same as creamed corn?
Cream-style corn and creamed corn are often used interchangeably, but they are slightly different in terms of texture and preparation. It is a canned product that consists of fresh sweet corn cooked in a mildly sweet, heavy cream sauce. The sauce is made by mixing the corn’s natural starches with water, sugar, and sometimes a small amount of salt. Cream-style corn is typically smoother and has a more uniform texture compared to homemade creamed corn.
On the other hand, homemade cream-style corn is prepared using a mixture of butter, cream, or milk, and sometimes flour to thicken the sauce. It has a richer, creamier texture compared to cream-style corn. Homemade creamed corn often has more depth of flavor and is not as sweet as the canned version.
While the two are not exactly the same, cream-style corn can be used as a substitute for creamed corn in recipes, but the flavor and texture may be slightly different. If you prefer the taste of homemade creamed corn, you can enhance canned cream-style corn by adding butter, cream, or milk, and additional seasoning to mimic the flavor of the homemade version.
How do you thicken creamed corn?
There are several methods to thicken homemade cream style corn and achieve the desired consistency. Here are a few ways to do it:
Flour: In the traditional recipe, all-purpose flour is added to the corn mixture after cooking the corn in butter. The flour is cooked for a short period to remove the raw taste before adding the cream and milk. As the mixture simmers, the flour helps thicken the sauce.
Cornstarch: Cornstarch is another thickening agent that can be used instead of flour. To use cornstarch, mix 1-2 tablespoons of cornstarch with an equal amount of cold water to form a slurry. Stir this slurry into the simmering mixture and cook for a few minutes until the mixture thickens.
Reducing the liquid: Another method to thicken is to simmer it longer over low heat, allowing the liquid to reduce and the mixture to thicken naturally. Keep an eye on the corn and stir occasionally to prevent it from sticking to the pan.
Pulsing with an immersion blender: If you prefer a thicker, smoother consistency, you can use an immersion blender to blend a small portion of the creamed corn. This will release some of the corn’s natural starches, which will help thicken the mixture without altering the flavor. Be cautious not to over-blend, as you still want to maintain some whole corn kernels for texture.
Mashed potato flakes: As an unconventional method, you can use unflavored mashed potato flakes to thicken the creamed corn. Start with a small amount (1-2 tablespoons) and stir it into the corn mixture. Allow it to cook for a few minutes until the desired thickness is reached. Add more flakes if needed, but be mindful not to add too much, as it can alter the taste and texture of the dish.
When thickening creamed corn, always remember to add the thickening agent gradually and keep tasting to make sure the flavor and texture remain balanced.
Can you use frozen corn for this corn recipe?
Yes, you can use fresh or frozen corn for southern-style creamed corn. In fact, frozen sweet corn can be a convenient and time-saving option, especially when fresh corn is not in season or readily available. The frozen variety is usually picked and frozen at the peak of its freshness, so it retains much of its natural flavor and texture.
