Cheesy Creamed Corn is whipped up in minutes in this rich, flavorful dish. With a handful of ingredients, you’ll have this backyard BBQ favorite on the table in no time.
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I seem to have been on a trend of posting all my favorite summer recipes lately, so it only makes sense that I continue on.
Today, I’m whipping up a creamy, cheesy corn dish that practically anyone will love. It honestly reminds me of a macaroni and cheese, except with corn in place of the macaroni pasta. Such a great Midwestern comfort food.
I think I randomly created this recipe one evening when I needed a tasty side to serve alongside a vegetable and protein. My husband and I have really different palates, but I knew we’d both love this one.
I threw it together in minutes using just a handful of ingredients I already had. (Don’t you just love the convenience of frozen corn?)
I keep this recipe fairly simple, but there are so many fun variations you could make of this. You could make it and throw it in the oven with a little more cheese or a savory crumb topping and bake it until bubbly and crispy on top.
Some people prefer a little kick to it and like to add cayenne pepper or even some diced jalapeños. It really is what you make of it!
What type of corn goes best in this recipe?
I find that frozen sweet corn works really well in this recipe, but you are welcome to use fresh corn off the cob, too. Use what is convenient for you.
Can I add a different cheese or add in bacon?
There are several cheeses that work well in this recipe. I prefer a sharp cheddar, colby, or pepper jack cheese. Feel free to experiment, though. I am a vegetarian so I don’t add bacon like many traditional cheesy corn recipes, but you can of course add some if you please.
Cheesy Creamed Corn
Tools You’ll Need | cheesy creamed corn
Medium-size pot
Whisk
Large serving spoon
Measuring cups and spoons
Ingredients | cheesy creamed corn
Corn – Frozen corn works well for this cheesy creamed corn recipe, but fresh corn off the cob also works.
Cheddar cheese – Cheddar cheese adds rich flavor and creamy goodness.
Butter – Butter helps start the roux that eventually thickens the sauce to give it the sought-after creamy texture.
Milk – Use whole milk in this recipe to give it plenty of flavor and make the sauce component.
Flour – All-purpose flour helps thicken the roux along with the butter.
Salt – Sea salt or table salt work well in this recipe. Add just enough to season.
Black pepper – I prefer using a cracked black pepper, but you can use regular black pepper too.
Steps | cheesy creamed corn
Start by melting the butter in a medium-size pot on medium heat on a stovetop.
Once the butter is melted and slightly sizzling, add the frozen corn and saute this until it’s cooked through.
Add the flour in next. Stir until the corn is well coated and no clumps remain.
Slowly add the milk into the corn mixture. Whisk until everything is fully incorporated.
Bring this creamy corn mixture to a simmer and once it thickens, add in the grated cheese.
Stir until this is melted in completely. Add salt and pepper to taste.
Remove from heat and serve warm with your favorite summer foods.
Tips for Success | cheesy creamed corn
When making the roux, be sure to let it simmer and thicken for just a minute or two after fully combining. Watch closely so it doesn’t burn. The key is to get the roux to thicken but not to cook too quickly.
Always slowly pour in liquids to a roux. In this recipe, pour about a ¼ cup in at a time, whisking as you go. Do not add more until the previous liquid is thoroughly combined. This helps prevent clumps from forming.
For additional toppings, use sautéed red onions, dried or fresh chives, crispy bacon crumbles, or your favorite topping.
More Recipe Inspiration
Chocolate No-Bake Cookies Without the Peanut Butter
Double Chocolate Zucchini Muffins
Spinach Mozzarella Crustless Quiche
Creamy Homestyle Macaroni and Cheese
Cheesy Creamed Corn
Equipment
- measuring cups and spoons
- medium-size pot
- whisk
- large serving spoon
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup butter or olive oil
- 2 12-oz packages frozen corn
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 8 oz sharp cheddar cheese, grated
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Start by melting the butter in a medium-size pot on medium heat on a stovetop.
- Once the butter is melted and slightly sizzling, add the frozen corn and saute this until it’s cooked through.
- Add the flour in next. Stir until the corn is well coated and no clumps remain.
- Slowly add the milk into the corn mixture. Whisk until everything is fully incorporated.
- Bring this creamy corn mixture to a simmer and once it thickens, add in the grated cheese.
- Stir until this is melted in completely. Add salt and pepper to taste.
- Remove from heat and serve warm with your favorite summer foods.
