Homemade, From Scratch Creamed Corn

I’m so excited to share this recipe with you. It’s the real deal! There’s nothing quite like the taste of from-scratch creamed corn made from fresh, sweet corn on the cob. This Southern classic is a staple in many kitchens, and today, I’m sharing a straightforward recipe that captures the essence of one of my favorite dishes.

This recipe will bring a touch of Southern charm to your table this summer!

I just spent the last week and a half with my folks down in Georgia. My parents live south of the Atlanta in the Newnan / Peachtree City area. I actually grew up in Merriwether County, Georgia.

I so enjoyed my visit and was glad to spend this Father’s Day with my dad! We had a lot of fun reminiscing and cooking up good, fresh southern food!

With summer now in full swing, I was craving fresh creamed corn and we made this dish a couple times over the 10 days I was there. It was so good!

I found a photo of my brother from back in the day sitting in the back of a pickup truck shucking corn. Those were the days! My brother is the young man on the right in the white t-shirt. His name is Sam and he’s now the Batillion Chief at a fire station in the Peachtree City, Georgia area. 🙂

How to Grate Corn for Creamed Corn

#1 When I make creamed corn at home, I generally use my box grater to carefully grate the corn off the cobs. You want to get the kernels and all the cream inside, but you don’t want to grate chunks of cob off so just be careful.

#2 When I was growing up my mom always used a knife to cut the kernels off and then she would use the back of the knife to scrape all the creamy goodness off the cob and into the bowl of corn.

#3 These days my mom has a corn grating tool she found on Amazon and it works really well. I think I may get one for myself! This is the one she has. They also have a metal one. See all that sweet corn cream in the bowl? That’s pure goodness!

This creamed corn cutter makes the process a lot easier!

How to Make Homemade Creamed Corn

For this recipe, you’ll need:

• 6 ears sweet corn, husked and cleaned
• 2 tbsp. unsalted butter
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 tsp. salt or to taste
• 1/4 tsp. black pepper
• 1 tsp. sugar, optional – depending on the sweetness of your corn.

To start, grate the corn into a large bowl using a box grater or a special corn creamer tool. Be sure to capture all the milky liquid from the corn.

If you prefer using a knife, cut the kernels off first and then use the back of the knife to scrape out the remaining liquid from the cob.

Next, melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the grated corn and its liquid to the skillet, stirring frequently.

Cook the corn for about five minutes until it starts to thicken. Gradually pour in the heavy cream while continuing to stir. Allow the mixture to cook for another five to seven minutes, letting it thicken and become creamy.

Season the corn with salt, black pepper, and sugar if you’re using it. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed, then cook for another two to three minutes to ensure all the flavors are well combined.

Remove the skillet from heat and let the creamed corn sit for a minute or two before serving. This resting time allows the flavors to meld together beautifully. Serve the creamed corn warm, and enjoy!

What to Serve with Homemade Creamed Corn

Homemade creamed corn pairs beautifully with a variety of traditional Southern foods and vegetables. Here are some delicious options to complement your meal:

Southern Fried Chicken

Crispy, golden fried chicken is a classic Southern dish that goes perfectly with the creamy texture of creamed corn.

Collard Greens

Slow-cooked collard greens, seasoned with a touch of vinegar and spices, add a robust and flavorful contrast to the sweetness of the corn.

Cornbread

Serve a warm, buttery slice of cornbread on the side. The savory bread pairs well with the rich creaminess of the corn.

Mashed Potatoes

Creamy mashed potatoes make for a comforting and hearty addition to your plate, harmonizing with the texture of creamed corn.

Green Beans

Fresh green beans, either steamed or sautéed with a little garlic and olive oil, provide a light and healthy balance to the meal.

Black-Eyed Peas

These flavorful legumes, simmered with onions and spices, offer a traditional Southern touch that complements the corn nicely.

Sweet Potatoes

Roasted or mashed sweet potatoes add a natural sweetness and vibrant color, enhancing the overall flavor profile of your meal.

Deviled Eggs

Classic deviled eggs, with their creamy and tangy filling, make a delightful appetizer or side dish that pairs well with the richness of creamed corn.

These sides create a delicious and wholesome Southern feast, perfect for enjoying with your homemade creamed corn.

Tips:

Remember, the freshness of the corn matters. Fresh corn on the cob will give you the best flavor and texture. If fresh corn is out of season, you can use frozen corn, but the taste won’t be as vibrant. Adjust the amount of heavy cream based on how creamy you like your corn, and you can substitute half-and-half or milk for a lighter version.

Depending on the natural sweetness of your corn, you might not need the sugar, so taste the corn before adding it and decide if it needs that extra touch of sweetness.

If you have a garden, you can grate the corn and freeze it in freezer bags to use in this recipe later. It freezes well! Just thaw and use in the recipe as needed.

Homemade creamed corn is a delicious side dish that pairs well with many meals. It’s a taste of the South that brings warmth and comfort to any dinner table. Give this recipe a try and enjoy the rich, creamy flavors of this classic dish!

Yield: 6

From Scratch Creamed Corn

Print

Enjoy the rich, creamy taste of Southern homemade creamed corn made from fresh, sweet corn on the cob. Perfectly seasoned and ready in minutes, it's a must-try for any meal!

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 15 minutes

Total Time 25 minutes

Ingredients

• 6 ears of sweet corn, husked and cleaned
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 tsp salt or to taste
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp sugar (optional, depending on the sweetness of your corn)

Instructions

1. Grate the corn into a large bowl. Be sure to capture all the milky liquid from the corn as well. If you're using a knife, cut the kernels off first and then use the back of the knife to scrape out the remaining liquid from the cob.
2. In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the grated corn and its liquid to the skillet. Stir the corn frequently, cooking for about 5 minutes until it starts to thicken.
3. Gradually pour in the heavy cream while continuing to stir. Cook for another 5-7 minutes, allowing the mixture to thicken and become creamy. 
4. Add salt, black pepper, and sugar (if using). Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. Cook for another 2-3 minutes to ensure all flavors are well combined.
5. Serve: Remove from heat and let the creamed corn sit for a minute or two before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully. Serve warm, and enjoy!

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

6

Serving Size:

1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 181Total Fat: 12gSaturated Fat: 7gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 33mgSodium: 394mgCarbohydrates: 18gFiber: 2gSugar: 5gProtein: 3g