Creamed corn is a classic comfort food side dish that can be served year-round, or during the holidays. Rich, silky, sweet and delicious.
I don’t know anyone who doesn’t like a helping of creamed corn with a meal. I always make sure to have some on the table for the holidays or Thanksgiving, but I’ve been known to make a batch all throughout the year.

What Kind Of Corn Should I Use?
The best part is, you can use fresh, canned, or frozen corn kernels for this. Just be sure that if you’re using frozen corn that you defrost it before you make this recipe. I usually opt for canned in the winter months when fresh corn isn’t abundant. It’s really sweet and delicious. And affordable.
Creamed corn is a step above just having corn on the cob, but it’s just as easy. In fact, this dish takes all but 20 minutes from start to finish when pulling it together.
How To Make Creamed Corn
This creamed corn recipe is so simple. I like starting with some onion and butter in a skillet. Sauteed onion adds the perfect flavor to the final product.
Then, I make a roux in the skillet before adding some sugar, salt, and pepper. I know what you’re thinking – sugar?! It’s only a little bit. And why yes, corn is sweet but a couple of teaspoons of sugar really help give the dish a hint of sweet that it needs. The salt and pepper balance it out perfectly.
Then, the corn and cream go in. Be sure that your corn is drained well before you add it. We don’t want any water, just creamy goodness. You could use whole milk or half and half, but I love the richness of heavy cream. If you’re cooking for a special occasion, why skimp?
I know you’re going to fall in love with this classically simple recipe.
Leftovers can be stored in the fridge in an airtight container for up to three days. Mine always gets eaten up well before that though!
Variations
I’ve kept the seasonings simple in my creamed corn to let the corn flavor be the star, but feel free to make it your own. Stir in some freshly grated Parmesan cheese at the end or top it with crumbled bacon. Want some spice? Add in some cayenne pepper or diced jalapenos to give your corn a kick.
More Corn Recipes
If you like creamed corn, you’re going to LOVE the other corn-based recipes that I’m linking to here.
- Cheesy Jiffy Corn Casserole
- Simple Corn Salad
- Creamy Spicy Corn Salad
- Black Bean and Corn Salsa
- Microwaved Corn on the Cob
- How To Make Grits
And, for more delicious side dish inspiration, check out all of my side dish recipes over here. Enjoy! -Christine xo
Print
Creamed Corn Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
DESCRIPTION
Creamed corn is a classic comfort food side dish that can be served year-round, or during the holidays. Rich, silky, sweet, and delicious.
Ingredients
- 3 Tbsp. butter
- 1 onion, finely diced
- 3 Tbsp. flour
- 2 tsp. sugar
- 1/2 tsp. salt
- 1/2 tsp. pepper
- 3 cups corn
- 1 cup heavy cream
Instructions
- Start by melting the butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
- When the butter is melted, add the onion and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Then, add the flour and cook for 3 minutes before adding the corn, sugar, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together well.
- Pour in the heavy cream, stirring well. Bring the mixture to a boil, still stirring frequently, and then turn the heat to low and let the mixture thicken for 5-10 minutes.
- Serve hot!
This post originally appeared in November 2019 and was revised and republished in November 2022.

Mary Gardner says
This looks so wonderful and would be great for a comfort food kind of dinner!
Christine Pittman says
I agree, Mary!
Jaye Smith says
I love how easy it is to make this recipe. Thanks for sharing.
Christine Pittman says
You’re welcome, Jaye!
Sandy Klocinski says
I love corn! I make something similar but I put jalapeno peppers in it. Spices it up a bit
Christine Pittman says
Sounds great, Sandy!
Tracie Cooper says
My hubby loves corn and I would love to make this for him!
Christine Pittman says
Enjoy, Tracie!
Sharon says
This is such a flavorful dish, we love it! I add a bit of crumbled bacon. :)
Christine Pittman says
Yummy! Thanks for the feedback, Sharon!
sheila ressel says
This is a staple side dish in our home. Nothing beats homemade creamed corn!
Christine Pittman says
Thanks, Sheila!
Judy Gregory says
Don’t hate but, I’m from the deep south. We use bacon drippings and real bacon. Yoooo Doggie!
Christine Pittman says
Wow, Judy! Yum!
MaryB says
I’ve been looking for a good creamed corn recipe – and this looks terrific!  Got to try it.Â
Christine Pittman says
Thanks, Mary!
Kathleen Duncan says
I’ve never made creamed corn from scratch. Looking forward to trying this.
Christine Pittman says
It’s worth it, Kathleen! Enjoy!
kristi says
i will be making a big pan of this for thanksgiving
Christine Pittman says
Yummy! That’s the perfect time for this, Kristi! Tag @cookthestory on Insta when you make it so we can see!