Creamed Corn with Parmesan Recipe

If you’re hunting for a side dish that’s rich, comforting, and downright addictive, you’ve got to try this Creamed Corn with Parmesan Recipe. I absolutely love how this turns out every single time — it’s silky, cheesy, and just crispy-corn-sweet enough to have everyone asking for seconds. When I first tried this, I was blown away by the way the parmesan folded beautifully into the creamy base, giving it such an irresistible flavor boost. Trust me, you’re going to want to bookmark this one for all your cozy family dinners.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this Creamed Corn with Parmesan Recipe plays a role in building layers of flavor and texture. I always recommend buying fresh corn when you can—nothing beats the taste of sweet corn fresh from the cob! But frozen works fine too, especially when fresh isn’t in season.

• Unsalted Butter: Adds richness without overpowering, so you control your salt perfectly.
• Shallot: Offers a subtle sweetness and depth that onions can’t quite match.
• Garlic: Provides that warm, familiar base flavor that ties everything together.
• Sweet Yellow Corn Kernels: Fresh is ideal, but frozen and thawed works well—just make sure to drain well.
• Heavy Cream: Key for that luscious, creamy consistency that makes this dish special.
• Granulated Sugar: Balances the salt and enhances the natural sweetness of the corn.
• Kosher Salt: Essential seasoning to bring out flavors.
• Black Pepper: Adds mild heat and complexity.
• Cayenne Pepper: A little kick to keep the dish interesting without being spicy.
• Whole Milk: Used to make a simple thickening mixture with flour.
• All-Purpose Flour: Helps thicken the creamed corn to just the right consistency.
• Parmesan Cheese: The star that melts perfectly into the corn for a savory, cheesy finish.
• Chopped Parsley: Fresh garnish that adds color and a hint of brightness.

Variations

I’ve played around with this recipe quite a bit and love how easy it is to tweak. Whether you want to lighten it up or make it a little more decadent, you can make it your own without losing the creamy, comforting soul of the dish.

• Swap Cheese: Try sharp cheddar or Gruyère for a different cheese profile – I love cheddar for a punchier flavor.
• Dairy-Free Version: Use coconut cream and dairy-free parmesan alternative; just watch the seasoning to keep it balanced.
• Herb Twist: Add fresh thyme or chives for an herby lift—my family loves chives sprinkled on top.
• Spicy Kick: Increase cayenne or add a pinch of smoked paprika if you’re into smoky heat.

How to Make Creamed Corn with Parmesan Recipe

Step 1: Sauté Shallots and Garlic to Build Flavor

Start by melting the butter in a large nonstick or cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Toss in the diced shallot and sauté just until it’s soft, translucent, and insanely fragrant — this usually takes about 2 minutes. Stir often so it doesn’t brown. Then add the grated or minced garlic and cook for an added 30 seconds. This quick step releases a lovely base aroma that’ll make your kitchen smell amazing.

Step 2: Add Corn and Creamy Ingredients

Now, toss in the corn kernels, heavy cream, sugar, kosher salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Stir everything together and let it cook for about 2 minutes. When you do this, you let the corn start releasing its natural sweetness while the cream starts to soften and infuse the flavors.

Step 3: Thicken with Milk and Flour Mixture

Whisk the milk and flour together in a separate small bowl until smooth — no lumps! Slowly pour this mixture into the skillet, stirring constantly. This step is crucial to get the perfect creamy thickness. Cook and stir for around 5 minutes, or until your creamed corn has thickened to your liking. Patience here pays off; if it feels too runny, let it cook a little longer but keep an eye so it doesn’t stick or burn.

Step 4: Melt in the Parmesan and Finish

Once thickened, remove the skillet from heat and immediately stir in the parmesan cheese. You’ll see it melt into the creamy corn, creating a deliciously cheesy finish. Do a quick taste test now and add salt or pepper if you want to bump up the seasoning. Garnish with chopped parsley and a sprinkle of cracked black pepper before serving.

How to Serve Creamed Corn with Parmesan Recipe

Garnishes

I love finishing this dish with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley because it gives a fresh pop of color and a mild, herbaceous brightness that cuts through the richness beautifully. Freshly cracked black pepper on top adds just the right touch of heat and a little textural contrast.

Side Dishes

This creamed corn is a dream partner to many mains. I often serve it alongside grilled chicken, pan-seared pork chops, or a juicy steak. It also makes a great comfort-food side for roasted turkey or ham during holiday meals.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like to serve this creamed corn in small ramekins or hollowed-out mini pumpkins for a festive touch. Another fun spin is layering it with crispy bacon bits or caramelized onions on top for extra flavor and texture—the crowd always notices!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover creamed corn in an airtight container in the fridge where it keeps beautifully for up to 3 days. When I pull it out, I find it tastes just as good the next day — sometimes the flavors deepen even more, which is a nice bonus.

Freezing

While I don’t usually freeze creamed corn because the texture can be a little off after thawing, if you need to, freeze portions in a freezer-safe airtight container for up to 2 months. When thawed, the texture might be a bit looser but still tasty — just stir well when reheating.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat with a small splash of milk or cream to loosen the texture if it’s thickened too much. Stir frequently so it warms evenly and recaptures that creamy goodness. Microwaving is fine too, but be sure to stir halfway through.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Creamed Corn with Parmesan Recipe is genuinely one of those dishes I keep coming back to because it never disappoints. Its rich creaminess with bursts of sweet corn and parmesan warmth is pure comfort in a bowl. Whether you’re making it for a casual weeknight or a special holiday feast, you’ll find it’s as simple to prep as it is to enjoy. I encourage you to give it a try — you might just find your new favorite way to celebrate corn!

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