The best Creamed Corn recipe, complete with loads of sweet corn, smoky bacon, and the best savory Parmesan cream sauce.
Be sure to try Roasted Corn Salad, Elote, or Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad next!
The Best Creamed Corn
If you grew up on canned corn and loved it, you’re in for a treat. My Creamed Corn recipe goes beyond the can—it’s sautéed corn in a creamy, Parmesan-spiked sauce. This side dish is reliable for any warm-weather meal or potluck, but it shines just as bright on the holiday table! With frozen corn, it’s straightforward to make year-round, even without fresh corn.
And once you’re hooked, try some other recipes using canned creamed corn: Chicken Corn Chowder, Creamed Corn Casserole, and Corn Pasta.
Creamed Corn Ingredients
- Bacon: Use your favorite bacon! For crispy, go with thin slices; for a chewy texture, use thicker cuts.
- Yellow Onion: Finely dice and caramelize in oil and bacon grease for more flavor.
- Frozen Corn: Use frozen corn for convenience all year. No defrosting needed.
- Butter & Flour: Add richness to the creamy sauce around the corn and bacon.
- Milk: Use whole milk for a rich and creamy side. Half-and-half or cream work too.
- Parm Cheese: Use fresh Parm and grate finely to melt smoothly.
- Sugar: Add a bit at a time and adjust based on the sweetness of the corn.
- Salt & Pepper: These simple seasonings add great flavor—no fancy spices!
How To Make Creamed Corn
- Cook Bacon: Crisp up the bacon, then remove, leaving a little grease in the pan.
- Cook Onion: Soften diced onion in the bacon drippings.
- Add Corn & Creamy Mix: Add corn, milk, and butter to make it creamy.
- Season: Mix in cheese, salt, pepper, and a bit of sugar to taste.
Quick Tip
To add more flavor, use fresh herbs! Try flat-leaf parsley, thyme, or basil. Basil is great for summer, thyme for fall/winter, and parsley works any time.
Creamed Corn Recipe Tips
- Cook the Bacon Fully: Make sure the bacon is fully cooked before adding the corn, as it won’t crisp with the liquid from the corn.
- Add Milk if Needed: If the sauce thickens too much, add a little milk until creamy.
- Add Salt Slowly: Season with salt gradually, as the bacon and Parmesan are salty—until the flavors come through!
What To Eat With Creamed Corn
- I typically serve this alongside a meat main (Grilled Chicken, a Flat Iron Steak, or Blackened Chicken) with a big Garden Salad.
- For a summer BBQ serve alongside this Burger Recipe.
- Add to your Thanksgiving or Christmas table along with a slow cooker Turkey Breast and Sweet Potato Casserole.
- Add to your Easter spread along with this Deviled Egg Recipe and these straightforward Drop Biscuits.
Storage
Store creamed corn in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of milk if it’s too thick.
