If you’re craving a dish that feels like a warm hug from the inside, you absolutely have to try this Creamed Corn with Parmesan Recipe. It’s a luscious, creamy side that blends the sweetness of fresh corn with the nutty, salty punch of parmesan cheese. Every bite delivers a silky texture balanced by a gentle hint of spice, making it a crowd-pleaser for weeknight dinners or holiday feasts alike. Whether you’re cooking for family or friends, this dish will quickly become a beloved staple in your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Creamed Corn with Parmesan Recipe shines because of its simple, high-quality ingredients. Each one plays a vital role — from the sweetness of fresh corn and shallots to the richness of cream and parmesan, every flavor component comes together to create something truly special and comforting.
- Unsalted butter: Adds a creamy base and helps sauté the shallots for flavor depth.
- Large shallot, diced: Provides a mild onion sweetness that enhances the corn.
- Garlic cloves, grated or minced: Infuses the dish with aromatic warmth without overpowering it.
- Fresh sweet yellow corn kernels (or frozen, thawed and drained): The star ingredient that brings natural sweetness and vibrant texture.
- Heavy cream: Creates a rich, velvety mouthfeel for the perfect creamy consistency.
- Whole milk: Lightens the cream mixture subtly and helps with thickening.
- All purpose flour: Used to thicken the creamed corn to just the right luscious consistency.
- Shredded or grated parmesan cheese: Offers savory, salty notes that elevate the entire dish.
- Granulated sugar: Balances the savory flavors and enhances the natural sweetness of the corn.
- Kosher salt: Essential for bringing out all the flavors vividly.
- Black pepper: Provides a gentle spice, with additional for garnish.
- Cayenne pepper: Adds a subtle kick that keeps the dish exciting.
- Chopped parsley: A fresh, colorful garnish that brightens the dish visually and flavor-wise.
How to Make Creamed Corn with Parmesan Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Shallots
Start by melting your butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once melted, toss in the diced shallot and sauté it until it becomes soft and translucent. This step only takes about 2 minutes but is essential for layering flavor — the aroma will fill your kitchen and get you excited for the rest of the recipe!
Step 2: Add the Garlic
Next, stir in the grated or minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds longer. Garlic cooks quickly, and this brief step releases its fragrant flavor without letting it burn or become bitter.
Step 3: Combine Corn and Cream
Add those beautiful corn kernels along with the heavy cream, granulated sugar, kosher salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper to the skillet. Stir everything together well, allowing the flavors to mingle as the corn softens in the creamy mixture for about 2 minutes.
Step 4: Make the Thickening Mixture
In a small bowl, whisk the whole milk with the all-purpose flour until the mixture is perfectly smooth. This slurry will be poured into the skillet to give your creamed corn that irresistible silky thickness.
Step 5: Thicken the Creamed Corn
Pour the milk and flour mixture slowly into your corn skillet, stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Cook and stir for about 5 minutes until the mixture thickens beautifully. If it isn’t quite thick enough, just cook a little longer, always stirring to avoid sticking.
Step 6: Add the Parmesan
Remove the skillet from heat, then fold in the shredded parmesan cheese until it melts into the creamy corn. This cheesy finish is what truly makes this dish special. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed—you want it perfectly balanced.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Top your creamed corn with chopped parsley and a crack of fresh black pepper before serving. This adds a refreshing touch of color and a little brightness to contrast the rich creaminess.
How to Serve Creamed Corn with Parmesan Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or chives adds a lovely pop of color and a hint of freshness that complements the richness. For an extra splash of indulgence, a few more parmesan shavings on top promise a delightful cheesy crunch.
Side Dishes
Creamed corn serves as an extraordinary side to roasted meats like chicken or pork, and pairs beautifully with grilled vegetables or a simple green salad. It also makes holiday dinners feel extra special—imagine it alongside turkey or prime rib!
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the creamed corn in hollowed-out mini bell peppers or small ramekins. This adds a charming visual appeal and individual portions perfect for entertaining. Drizzling a little browned butter on top just before serving creates a heavenly nutty finish.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover creamed corn in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh and delicious for up to 3 days, making it easy to enjoy quick meals later in the week.
Freezing
While creamed corn with parmesan tastes best fresh, you can freeze leftovers if needed. Use a freezer-safe container and consume within 1 month. Be aware the texture might change slightly upon thawing, so it’s best for occasional freezer use.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring often to prevent sticking or scorching. Adding a splash of milk or cream can refresh the creamy texture and prevent it from drying out as it warms.
FAQs
Can I use frozen corn for this recipe?
Absolutely! Thaw and drain frozen corn kernels before using them to maintain the right moisture balance in the dish. Frozen corn can be just as tasty and convenient as fresh.
Is there a way to make this dish dairy-free?
Yes, you can substitute the butter with a plant-based oil and use coconut cream or a dairy-free milk thickened with a gluten-free flour. Keep in mind the flavor and texture will be slightly different but still delicious.
How can I make the creamed corn spicier?
Increase the cayenne pepper slightly or add a pinch of smoked paprika for smoky heat. Fresh jalapeño or chili flakes could also work well depending on your spice preference.
Can I use a different cheese instead of parmesan?
Parmesan has a unique salty, nutty flavor that’s perfect here, but you could experiment with aged Asiago or Pecorino Romano for a similar effect. Avoid cheeses that melt too differently, as it will change the consistency.
Is this recipe suitable for a large gathering?
Definitely! The recipe scales up nicely and the creamy texture is always a hit. Prepare it just before serving or warm it up gently to keep the flavors fresh and vibrant.
Final Thoughts
You really can’t go wrong with this Creamed Corn with Parmesan Recipe. It takes simple ingredients and transforms them into a comforting, luxurious side dish that everyone will love. So next time you want to add a little creamy, cheesy magic to your meal, give this recipe a try—you might just find your new favorite way to enjoy corn!
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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
Description
A rich and creamy side dish featuring fresh sweet corn kernels cooked with shallots, garlic, and a blend of cream, milk, and parmesan cheese to create luscious creamed corn with a hint of spice and sweetness. This comforting recipe is perfect for elevating any dinner plate and comes together in just 15 minutes.
Ingredients
Primary 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 Seasonings
- 3/4 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- 2 tbsp all purpose flour
- 1/2 cup shredded or grated parmesan cheese
- 1 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 3/4 tsp black pepper, plus more for garnish
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
- Chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Sauté Shallots: In a large nonstick or cast iron skillet, melt the unsalted 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
- Fresh corn kernels give the best flavor, but frozen corn works well when fresh is not in season.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with additional whole milk or a lower-fat milk alternative.
- Adjust the cayenne pepper to control the level of spiciness according to your preference.
- Using a cast iron skillet enhances flavor and even cooking but a nonstick skillet is fine.
- This creamed corn is best served immediately but can be gently reheated on the stovetop with a splash of milk.
