If you’re on the hunt for a luxurious, comforting vegetable side that’s bursting with flavor and creamy goodness, look no further than this Homemade Parmesan Creamed Corn Recipe. It’s a luscious blend of sweet corn and rich, buttery cream with just the right touch of sharp Parmesan to elevate every bite. This dish never fails to bring a smile to the dinner table and make any meal feel a little more special. Whether you’re whipping it up for a weeknight dinner or a holiday feast, this creamed corn is destined to become your family’s new favorite indulgence.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe calls for a handful of simple, everyday ingredients that each play an important role in crafting the perfect balance of flavor and texture. From the sweetness of the corn to the nutty depth of Parmesan, every component enhances this dish in a unique way.
- 16 oz. frozen corn: Sweet, tender kernels provide the star base with vibrant color and natural sweetness.
- 1/2 cup half and half: Adds creaminess and richness without being too heavy.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances and balances all the flavors just right.
- 1 tablespoon sugar: A touch of sweetness to accentuate the corn’s natural flavors.
- 1 tablespoon butter: Brings a smooth, velvety richness and helps meld the ingredients together.
- Dash of cracked black pepper: Adds just the right amount of bite and complexity.
- 1/2 cup milk: Helps create the creamy sauce texture in combination with flour.
- 1 tablespoon flour: Thickens the sauce to the perfectly luscious consistency.
- 1/4 cup shredded Parmesan cheese: Delivers that signature savory tang and depth that makes this recipe unforgettable.
- Fresh parsley (optional for serving): Adds a fresh, herbal brightness as a finishing touch.
How to Make Homemade Parmesan Creamed Corn Recipe
Step 1: Combine the Basic Ingredients
Start by adding the frozen corn, half and half, salt, sugar, butter, and black pepper into a large cast iron skillet. This combination lays down a creamy, beautifully flavored foundation that will cook down into a rich, comforting base for your creamed corn.
Step 2: Whisk the Milk and Flour
In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk and flour until smooth. This simple mixture is the secret to thickening the dish without lumps or a gluey texture. Pour it into the skillet with your corn ingredients and stir well to combine everything evenly.
Step 3: Cook Until Bubbling and Thickened
Place the skillet over medium heat and cook the corn mixture, stirring frequently so it doesn’t stick or scorch. Once it starts bubbling, reduce the heat to medium-low and keep stirring as the sauce thickens—this usually takes about 5 minutes. Be patient; if it’s not thick enough yet, lower the heat and continue stirring for a few more minutes until it reaches that creamy, velvety stage you’re after.
Step 4: Fold in the Parmesan Cheese
After removing the skillet from heat, stir in the shredded Parmesan. The residual warmth gently melts the cheese, giving the creamed corn a luscious, cheesy finish with that unmistakable nutty flavor. Now your dish is perfectly ready to delight anyone lucky enough to take a bite!
How to Serve Homemade Parmesan Creamed Corn Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh parsley on top not only adds a lovely pop of green color but also a refreshing note that brightens the whole dish. For a little extra indulgence, try crumbled crispy bacon, a dash of additional Parmesan, or even some chopped chives for a burst of mild onion flavor.
Side Dishes
This Homemade Parmesan Creamed Corn Recipe pairs beautifully with a wide range of mains—from grilled chicken and steak to glazed ham or even simple roasted vegetables. It’s a perfect match when you want a side that’s both comforting and excitingly rich.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve it in a rustic cast iron skillet right at the table for a cozy, family-style vibe. Or spoon it into small ramekins as part of a plated holiday meal to impress your guests. You can even dollop it atop baked potatoes or spoon it over fresh biscuits for a delightful twist that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover creamed corn keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure to cool it to room temperature before refrigerating to maintain the best texture and flavor.
Freezing
While freezing creamed corn is possible, it may slightly change the texture upon thawing because of the cream. If you choose to freeze it, place it in a freezer-safe container and consume within 1 month for optimal taste.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently to prevent scorching and to bring back its creamy consistency. Adding a splash of milk or half and half during reheating can freshen up the texture if it seems too thick.
FAQs
Can I use fresh corn instead of frozen for the Homemade Parmesan Creamed Corn Recipe?
Absolutely! Fresh corn cut from the cob works wonderfully, especially when in season. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time slightly since it may contain more moisture than frozen.
Is there a dairy-free way to make this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute half and half and milk with your favorite plant-based alternatives like unsweetened almond or oat milk, and use a dairy-free butter substitute. For the Parmesan, try a vegan cheese alternative or nutritional yeast for that cheesy flavor.
How can I make this creamed corn thicker if it seems too soupy?
To thicken the creamed corn, mix a little cornstarch with cold water to form a slurry and stir it in a tablespoon at a time over low heat until you reach your desired thickness.
Can I add other cheeses besides Parmesan?
Definitely! Asiago, Romano, or a mild sharp cheddar can add interesting flavor twists while keeping the creamy, cheesy essence of the recipe intact.
What’s the best way to make this recipe lighter?
Using 1% or skim milk instead of half and half will lighten the dish. However, keep in mind the texture will be thinner, so you might want to add a bit more flour or a thickener to compensate.
Final Thoughts
This Homemade Parmesan Creamed Corn Recipe is such a delightful way to enjoy a classic vegetable side with a rich, creamy twist that feels both nostalgic and a little fancy. It’s simple to make, irresistibly delicious, and perfect for any occasion where you want to impress or simply treat yourself and your loved ones. Give this recipe a try and watch it quickly become a treasured staple in your family’s kitchen repertoire!
Print
Homemade Parmesan Creamed Corn Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 5 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
Homemade Parmesan Creamed Corn is a rich, buttery, and flavorful side dish that elevates any meal. Made with frozen corn, creamy half and half, and savory Parmesan cheese, this quick and delicious recipe offers a perfect balance of sweetness and creaminess. It’s a comforting vegetable side that’s easy to prepare and sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients
Corn Mixture
- 16 oz. frozen corn
- 1/2 cup half and half
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 tablespoon butter
- Dash of cracked black pepper
Thickening Mix
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 tablespoon flour
Cheese
- 1/4 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
Optional Garnish
- Fresh parsley for serving
Instructions
- Add Ingredients to Skillet: In a large cast iron skillet, combine the frozen corn, half and half, salt, sugar, butter, and cracked black pepper. This sets the base for your creamy corn mixture.
- Mix Milk and Flour: In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk and flour until smooth. Pour this mixture into the skillet with the corn to help thicken the sauce as it cooks.
- Cook to Bubbling: Place the skillet over medium heat and cook the corn mixture until it begins to bubble, stirring frequently to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
- Simmer and Thicken: Reduce the heat to medium-low and continue to cook, stirring frequently. Allow the mixture to thicken, which typically takes about 5 minutes. If it doesn’t thicken enough, lower the heat further and keep stirring for a few more minutes.
- Add Parmesan Cheese: Remove the skillet from heat and immediately stir in the shredded Parmesan cheese until it melts completely and blends smoothly into the creamy corn.
- Serve: Dish out the creamed corn and garnish with fresh parsley or your choice of toppings such as bacon bits, panko breadcrumbs, chives, or additional Parmesan cheese.
Notes
- For a thicker casserole, mix cornstarch with water and add a tablespoon at a time to the skillet until desired consistency is reached.
- To lighten the dish, substitute 1% milk for the half and half, but be aware the sauce might be thinner and may need additional thickening.
- For an even richer creamed corn, replace the milk and flour mixture with half a bar of cream cheese or use heavy whipping cream instead.
- Try other cheeses like asiago or romano in place of Parmesan to vary the flavor.
- Enhance your creamed corn with toppings such as bacon bits, panko breadcrumbs, chives, shredded cheese, diced jalapenos, or extra cracked pepper.
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