If you’re looking for a comforting, creamy side dish that’s bursting with sweet corn flavor and cheesy goodness, this Parmesan Corn Pudding Recipe is sure to become one of your favorites. It combines tender corn kernels with a luscious, custard-like base, enriched by the sharp, nutty notes of Parmesan cheese. Perfect for warming up your table and delighting family or guests, this dish strikes the ideal balance between simple ingredients and unforgettable taste. Whether it’s for a holiday feast or a cozy weeknight dinner, this recipe will have you reaching for seconds every time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The secret to a showstopping Parmesan Corn Pudding Recipe lies in its straightforward, wholesome ingredients. Each component plays an essential role, from the sweet burst of corn to the creamy texture created by butter, milk, and eggs. Together, they build layers of flavor and a satisfying consistency that’s simply irresistible.
- Frozen corn: Using thawed frozen corn ensures convenience without sacrificing the sweet, fresh taste.
- Sugar: Adds a balanced hint of sweetness that enhances the natural corn flavor perfectly.
- All-purpose flour: Acts as a gentle thickening agent, helping the pudding set beautifully.
- Yellow cornmeal: Introduces a subtle texture and deep corn flavor to every bite.
- Salt: Elevates all the ingredients, balancing sweetness and savoriness.
- Melted butter: Brings richness and a velvety texture that makes this pudding so luscious.
- Milk: The creamy base that ties everything together into a smooth custard.
- Eggs: Provide structure and help set the pudding while adding richness.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: The star ingredient that adds a sharp, umami punch for an unforgettable finish.
How to Make Parmesan Corn Pudding Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and preheat
Start by preheating your oven to 350ºF and lightly spraying a 9×13-inch pan with cooking spray. This setup ensures the pudding will bake evenly and release easily after cooking, setting you up for success right from the beginning.
Step 2: Blend your base mixture
Take one package of thawed corn and place it into a food processor. Add the sugar, flour, cornmeal, salt, melted butter, milk, and eggs. Blend everything together until the mixture is completely smooth. This is where the pudding’s creamy texture really comes to life, forming the perfect custard base.
Step 3: Fold in the remaining corn
Gently stir in the second package of thawed corn by hand. This step adds delightful pops of whole kernels throughout the silky pudding, giving every spoonful a satisfying bite.
Step 4: Assemble and add Parmesan topping
Pour the blended mixture into your prepared baking pan, spreading it out evenly. Then sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese generously on top. This layer melts and browns beautifully in the oven, creating a golden, flavorful crust.
Step 5: Bake to perfection
Bake your pudding uncovered for 40 to 45 minutes. The edges will turn lightly golden and the center should be set, giving you a warm, creamy dish with just the right amount of firmness. Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly to allow flavors to settle.
How to Serve Parmesan Corn Pudding Recipe
Garnishes
This Parmesan Corn Pudding Recipe shines on its own, but you can elevate it further by adding fresh herbs like chopped chives or parsley for a burst of color and a light, refreshing note. A small dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of extra Parmesan just before serving also adds a nice touch of creaminess and tang.
Side Dishes
Pair this pudding with roasted meats like herb-crusted chicken or juicy pork tenderloin for a comforting meal. It also works well alongside grilled vegetables or a fresh green salad for a lighter, well-rounded dinner option.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive occasion, bake the pudding in individual ramekins to serve elegant, personal portions. You can also turn leftovers into cups by baking the pudding inside hollowed-out bell peppers or small squash, adding a fun and colorful twist to the presentation that guests will admire.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Parmesan Corn Pudding stores wonderfully in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep it in an airtight container or cover the baking dish tightly with foil or plastic wrap to maintain moisture and flavor.
Freezing
If you want to make this ahead of time, you can freeze the pudding before baking. Simply cover the prepared dish tightly with plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge before baking as usual.
Reheating
Warm leftover Parmesan Corn Pudding in the oven at 325ºF until heated through, about 15-20 minutes, to preserve its creamy texture and cheesy crust. Avoid microwaving if possible to keep the pudding from becoming watery.
FAQs
Can I use fresh corn instead of frozen for this Parmesan Corn Pudding Recipe?
Absolutely! Fresh corn will add an extra brightness and natural sweetness. Simply cook and cut the kernels off the cob before using. Keep in mind fresh corn has more moisture, so you might want to slightly reduce the milk to maintain the right consistency.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
You can substitute the butter with a plant-based alternative and use almond milk or another dairy-free milk instead of regular milk. While Parmesan cheese is traditionally dairy-based, nutritional yeast can provide a cheesy flavor alternative.
How can I tell when the pudding is done baking?
The pudding is cooked when the center is set and no longer jiggles excessively. It may still be slightly soft but will firm up as it cools. The edges should be lightly golden, and the Parmesan topping should have a nice crust.
Can I add other flavors or ingredients to the Parmesan Corn Pudding Recipe?
Definitely! Feel free to mix in diced jalapeños for heat, cooked bacon bits for smoky richness, or fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary for an aromatic twist. Just be mindful not to overpower the delicate corn flavor.
What’s the best way to reheat leftovers without drying out the pudding?
Reheat gently in the oven at a lower temperature (around 325ºF) covered loosely with foil to keep moisture trapped. This prevents drying and maintains the pudding’s creamy texture. Microwaving can work in a pinch but may cause uneven heating.
Final Thoughts
If a warm, comforting side dish with a mix of sweet corn and savory cheese sounds like your kind of comfort food, the Parmesan Corn Pudding Recipe is calling your name. It’s easy to prepare, wonderfully versatile, and has a way of making any meal feel special. I can’t wait for you to try it and discover just how delightful this golden pudding can be on your table!
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Parmesan Corn Pudding Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40-45 minutes
- Total Time: 50-55 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Parmesan Corn Pudding is a creamy, savory casserole that blends smooth pureed corn with tender whole kernels, enriched with butter, milk, and eggs, then topped with a golden crust of Parmesan cheese. This comforting dish bakes to perfection with a rich, custard-like texture and a mildly sweet, cheesy flavor, perfect as a side for any occasion.
Ingredients
Frozen Corn Mixture
- 2 (12-oz) packages frozen corn, thawed and divided
- â…“ cup sugar
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 Tbsp yellow cornmeal
- ½ tsp salt (or to taste)
- 6 Tbsp butter, melted
- 1½ cups milk
- 4 eggs
Topping
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350ºF (175ºC). Lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking pan with cooking spray to prevent sticking, then set it aside.
- Process Corn Base: Place one package (12 oz) of the thawed corn in a food processor. Add the sugar, flour, cornmeal, salt, melted butter, milk, and eggs. Process all the ingredients together until the mixture becomes smooth and homogeneous.
- Combine with Remaining Corn: Transfer the pureed corn mixture to a mixing bowl and gently stir in the remaining package of thawed corn kernels. This adds texture and bite to the pudding.
- Pour and Top: Pour the entire corn mixture evenly into the prepared baking pan. Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese uniformly over the top for a flavorful crust.
- Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 40 to 45 minutes, or until the pudding is set and the top is lightly browned and golden.
Notes
- Ensure the corn is fully thawed before using to achieve even cooking and smooth texture.
- Adjust salt to taste depending on dietary preferences.
- For a richer flavor, substitute whole milk with half-and-half or cream.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor and topping texture.
- Let the pudding cool slightly before serving to allow it to set fully.
