Every time I see creamed corn—or even say the words—I’m reminded of an old Bill Engvall skit about his wife couponing. If you know it, you’ll probably smile while reading this. If you don’t, trust me: creamed corn deserves that little chuckle.
Creamed corn is a delightfully sweet comfort food. If you haven’t tried it before, the texture and mild sweetness might surprise you, but it’s absolutely worth sampling. Think of it as sweet, creamy corn goodness in a bowl.
What exactly is creamed corn?
Creamed corn is a canned preparation where the kernels are removed from the cob along with the sweet, milky juice that comes from scraping the cob. This liquid, combined with the cut kernels, creates the creamy, slightly saucy texture that gives creamed corn its name and its distinctive taste. The mixture is usually cooked briefly and then canned or frozen to preserve that fresh-sweet flavor.
How do you use creamed corn?
Creamed corn is versatile. You can heat and serve it as a simple side dish—see the recipe below—or use it as an ingredient in cornbread, casseroles, or savory bakes. Its creaminess adds moisture and a sweet corn flavor that blends well into many comfort-food recipes.
How long is creamed corn good for?
Store any cooked creamed corn in the refrigerator within two hours of cooking. It will keep for about five days in the fridge. If you don’t plan to eat leftovers quickly, freezing is a good option.
Can you freeze creamed corn?
Yes. Place leftovers in a freezer-safe container, remove as much air as possible, and freeze. For best quality, use frozen creamed corn within six months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
What can I add to my creamed corn for flavor?
Creamed corn is a great base for additions. Below are popular and delicious options—use one or combine a few to suit your taste:
- Bacon
- Jalapeños
- Tomatoes
- Ham
- Smoked sausage
Cook any meat first, then stir it into the creamed corn as it heats so the flavors meld together.
How to cook creamed corn in the oven
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Use an oven-safe dish about 1 quart in size and spray it lightly with non-stick spray. Mix the ingredients in a bowl, pour into the baking dish, and bake for about 20 minutes, until heated through and slightly bubbly.
How to cook creamed corn in the crockpot
For a slow-cooker version, lightly spray a small crockpot with non-stick spray, add all ingredients, stir briefly, and set the crockpot on low. It will be ready in about 3–4 hours. This method is convenient for hands-off cooking and gentle warming.
What goes well with creamed corn?
Creamed corn pairs wonderfully with barbecue and classic Southern sides. It’s an excellent accompaniment to pulled pork, smoked or slow-cooked ribs, baked beans, and coleslaw. The sweet creaminess complements smoky and savory flavors nicely.
If you enjoyed this recipe, you might also enjoy others in this series
Try other simple canned vegetable recipes and corn preparations for easy side dishes and meal additions.
Tips and tricks for creamed corn
- Do not drain the can. The liquid in canned creamed corn is part of the flavor and texture, so leave it in.
- Adding heavy cream and a little sugar is optional, but they make the dish taste more like homemade creamed corn.
How to Cook Creamed Corn (Recipe)
How to Cook Creamed Corn
Ingredients
- 1 14.5 oz can of creamed corn
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1 tbsp heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon granulated white sugar
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper optional
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan set over medium heat, combine the creamed corn, butter, heavy cream, sugar, and cayenne (if using).
- Heat, stirring occasionally, until the mixture is warmed through and gently bubbling. Season with salt and pepper to taste and serve hot.
Notes
- Do not drain the canned creamed corn. The liquid adds flavor and helps create the creamy texture.
- The cream and sugar are optional, but they make the dish taste more like homemade creamed corn.
Nutrition
A verse to share
Matthew 25 includes a passage where Jesus describes a final separation of people, likening it to a shepherd separating sheep from goats. The passage emphasizes mercy and care for others—feeding the hungry, welcoming strangers, clothing the needy, caring for the sick, and visiting those in prison. The message is a reminder that compassion should extend to all people, regardless of their nationality.
Jesus teaches that when we serve those in need, we serve him. We are called to care for others; judgment and separation are not our role to carry out. Read Matthew 25 and reflect on the passage to form your own understanding.
Matthew 25: 35-40
“Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’
“Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’
“The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’”