If you are looking for a comforting side dish that bursts with sweet, creamy charm and a touch of savory elegance, this Creamed Corn with Parmesan Recipe is an absolute game-changer. This dish brings together luscious sweet corn, the gentle richness of cream, and the nutty, salty punch of Parmesan cheese to create a velvety, irresistible treat that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or festive occasions. With its bright flavor and smooth texture, this recipe will quickly become a beloved classic in your kitchen repertoire.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Don’t be fooled by the simplicity of this ingredients list; each component plays an essential role in building the layers of flavor and texture that make this Creamed Corn with Parmesan Recipe so special. From the aromatic shallots to the sharpness of Parmesan, every item contributes something unique and delicious.
- Unsalted butter: Provides a rich base to sauté aromatics and adds a silky mouthfeel to the dish.
- Large shallot, diced: Offers a sweet, mild onion flavor that gently infuses the creamed corn.
- Garlic cloves, grated or minced: Adds a fragrant, savory depth without overpowering.
- Fresh sweet yellow corn kernels (or frozen, thawed, and drained): The star ingredient delivering natural sweetness and texture.
- Heavy cream: Brings lusciousness and richness for a truly creamy experience.
- Whole milk: Combined with flour to create the perfect thickening base without heaviness.
- All-purpose flour: Helps thicken the mixture to silky perfection.
- Shredded or grated Parmesan cheese: Offers a nutty, savory sharpness that elevates the dish.
- Granulated sugar: Balances the dish by enhancing the natural sweetness of the corn.
- Kosher salt: Essential for seasoning and bringing out all the flavors.
- Black pepper: Adds subtle heat and complexity, with extra for garnish.
- Cayenne pepper: Provides a gentle kick that highlights the other flavors.
- Chopped parsley: A fresh, vibrant touch for garnish and color.
How to Make Creamed Corn with Parmesan Recipe
Step 1: Sauté Shallots and Garlic
Start by melting the butter over medium-high heat in a large skillet. Add the diced shallots and cook, stirring frequently, until they turn soft and translucent—this usually takes about two minutes. Then add the grated or minced garlic, cooking for just 30 seconds until fragrant, making sure not to let it burn. This combination creates a flavorful aromatic base that’s the heart of this dish.
Step 2: Combine Corn and Cream
Next, toss in the sweet corn kernels, heavy cream, granulated sugar, kosher salt, black pepper, and a pinch of cayenne pepper. Give it a good stir so everything is evenly mixed and cook for about two minutes to allow the flavors to start mingling beautifully. This creamy, seasoned corn is starting to come alive.
Step 3: Make and Add the Thickening Mixture
In a separate small bowl, whisk together the whole milk and all-purpose flour until smooth and lump-free. Slowly pour this mixture into your skillet while stirring constantly to avoid clumps. Keep cooking and stirring for about five minutes as the mixture thickens gently into a luscious, velvety sauce. If it’s not as thick as you like, simply cook it a little longer.
Step 4: Stir in Parmesan Cheese
Remove the skillet from the heat and fold in the shredded Parmesan cheese. The cheese will melt quickly, adding a gorgeous nutty richness that takes this creamed corn from delicious to unforgettable. Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt or pepper if needed.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Finally, sprinkle fresh chopped parsley and a little extra black pepper over the top just before serving. This vibrant garnish makes the dish look as good as it tastes and gives a fresh pop to the creamy goodness below. Enjoy it hot for the best texture and flavor experience.
How to Serve Creamed Corn with Parmesan Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of chopped parsley adds a lovely burst of color and freshness, while extra cracked black pepper adds visual contrast and subtle heat. For a special touch, try a few toasted breadcrumbs or crispy pancetta on top for crunch and extra flavor depth.
Side Dishes
This Creamed Corn with Parmesan Recipe pairs beautifully with a wide range of mains. It’s fantastic alongside roasted chicken, grilled steak, or a holiday ham. Feel free to balance its richness with crisp green salads or roasted vegetables for a well-rounded meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this creamed corn in charming ramekins for individual portions or spoon it onto warm dinner plates as a base for protein. For a fun twist, use it as a decadent topping on baked potatoes or mix it into a creamy pasta for a unique, sweet-savory combo.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover creamed corn in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The creamy texture will hold up well, and flavors often deepen overnight, making it perfect for reheating the next day.
Freezing
While you can freeze this dish, the texture may slightly change due to the cream and Parmesan. If freezing, cool it completely first and place in a freezer-safe container for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently.
Reheating
Reheat on the stove over low heat, stirring frequently to prevent sticking or curdling. Add a splash of milk or cream if it seems too thick or dry. Avoid microwaving at high power, as creamy dishes heat unevenly.
FAQs
Can I use frozen corn instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Frozen corn works wonderfully as long as it’s thawed and drained well before cooking to avoid excess moisture diluting your creamed corn.
Is there a substitute for Parmesan cheese?
You can try Pecorino Romano for a saltier, sharper flavor or a mild Asiago if you want something less intense, but Parmesan gives the best classic taste.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, by swapping butter for a plant-based alternative and using coconut or almond cream and milk, you can create a similarly creamy version, though the flavor will change somewhat.
What can I add to make this recipe spicier?
Try increasing the cayenne pepper or adding a pinch of smoked paprika for warmth. A bit of chopped jalapeño or a dash of hot sauce could also awaken the flavors dynamically.
How do I get the creamed corn extra thick?
Ensure the milk and flour mixture is well whisked before adding and cook a little longer after adding it to allow full thickening. You can also add a tiny bit more flour if needed, but be careful not to over-thicken.
Final Thoughts
I truly hope you give this Creamed Corn with Parmesan Recipe a try because it’s one of those dishes that feels both special and effortlessly comforting. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just treating yourself, this sweet, creamy, cheesy delight is guaranteed to bring smiles around the table. Enjoy every spoonful of that warm, buttery goodness!
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Creamed Corn with Parmesan Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A rich and creamy creamed corn recipe made with fresh or frozen corn, sautéed shallots and garlic, and enriched with heavy cream, milk, and parmesan cheese. This comforting side dish is seasoned with sugar, salt, pepper, and a hint of cayenne for a subtle kick, then finished with chopped parsley for freshness.
Ingredients
Base Ingredients
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 large shallot, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, grated or minced
- 5 cups fresh sweet yellow corn kernels (or frozen, thawed and drained)
Dairy and Thickeners
- 3/4 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- 2 tbsp all purpose flour
- 1/2 cup shredded or grated parmesan cheese
Seasonings
- 1 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 3/4 tsp black pepper, plus more for garnish
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
Garnish
- Chopped parsley
Instructions
- Sauté Shallots: In a large nonstick or cast iron skillet, melt the butter over medium-high heat. Add the diced shallot and sauté until soft, translucent, and fragrant, about 2 minutes, stirring frequently.
- Add Garlic: Stir in the grated or minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds to release its aroma.
- Combine Corn and Cream: Add the corn kernels, heavy cream, granulated sugar, kosher salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper to the skillet. Stir everything together and cook for 2 minutes to meld flavors.
- Make Thickening Mixture: In a small bowl, whisk together the whole milk and all-purpose flour until smooth and free of lumps.
- Thicken the Creamed Corn: Slowly pour the milk and flour mixture into the corn mixture while stirring constantly. Continue cooking and stirring for about 5 minutes or until the mixture thickens and is heated through. If it’s not thick enough, cook a bit longer as desired.
- Add Parmesan: Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the shredded parmesan cheese until melted, then adjust seasoning to taste.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle chopped parsley and cracked black pepper on top before serving. Serve hot for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Use fresh corn for the best texture, but frozen corn works well if thawed and drained properly.
- Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper according to taste preference.
- If the creamed corn is too thick, you can thin it with a little extra milk or cream.
- For a spicier kick, increase the cayenne pepper slightly.
- This dish pairs beautifully with grilled meats or roasted poultry as a creamy side.
