Southern Style Creamed Corn is a delightful side dish that captures the essence of Southern cooking. Its creamy texture and sweet corn flavor make it a perfect addition to any meal, whether it’s a holiday feast or a casual family dinner. This recipe is not only simple to prepare but also incredibly versatile, pairing well with meats, seafood, or even as a standalone dish. The standout quality of Southern Style Creamed Corn lies in its rich creaminess balanced with the natural sweetness of fresh corn.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: With just 15 minutes of prep time, this recipe allows you to create a delicious side dish without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Rich Flavor: The combination of butter and heavy cream elevates the natural sweetness of the corn, delivering an irresistible taste.
• Versatile Side Dish: Perfect for barbecues, Thanksgiving dinners, or weeknight meals; it complements various main courses beautifully.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Whether serving family or guests, everyone will appreciate this comforting and nostalgic dish.
• Customizable Texture: Adjust the thickness of the cream to your liking by adding more flour for a hearty consistency or more cream for a lighter sauce.

Tools and Preparation

To make your Southern Style Creamed Corn experience seamless, gather your tools before you start cooking.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Sharp knife
• Large bowl
• Large skillet
• Whisk

Importance of Each Tool

• Sharp knife: Essential for easily cutting kernels off the cob without damaging them.
• Large bowl: Provides ample space to catch all corn kernels and juices while you prepare.
• Large skillet: Allows for even cooking and easy stirring when combining ingredients.
• Whisk: Helps incorporate the flour smoothly into the mixture to avoid lumps.

Ingredients

Here are the ingredients you’ll need for this delicious Southern Style Creamed Corn:

• 8 medium ears of corn (husk and silk removed)
• 4 Tbsp butter
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1-2 Tbsp sugar
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1/4 cup cold water
• 2 Tbsp all purpose flour

For Garnish

• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped

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How to Make Southern Style Creamed Corn

Step 1: Prepare the Corn

In a large bowl, use a sharp knife to carefully remove the corn kernels from the cob. Turn the knife and scrape any juice from the cob into the bowl. Alternatively, use a Bundt Pan by placing the tip of the corn cob in the center and cutting down using a sawing action. The corn will fall into the pan.

Step 2: Melt Butter and Combine Ingredients

In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add in the freshly cut corn kernels along with heavy cream, sugar, salt, and black pepper.

Step 3: Simmer Until Tender

Simmer uncovered over medium-low heat for 15-20 minutes or until the corn is tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

Step 4: Thicken the Mixture

Increase the heat slightly. Dissolve flour in cold water and add it to the skillet with whisking until combined.

Step 5: Final Cooking Phase

Cook for an additional 5 minutes until thickened. For a thicker cream base, repeat this step as needed. If you prefer it thinner, simply add more heavy cream.

Step 6: Serve Immediately

Serve hot as a delightful side dish that will surely impress!

How to Serve Southern Style Creamed Corn

Serving Southern Style Creamed Corn can elevate any meal with its rich and creamy texture. This dish pairs well with various entrees and sides, making it a versatile addition to your dining table.

Pair with Grilled Meats

• Grilled Chicken: The smoky flavor of grilled chicken complements the sweet creaminess of the corn.
• BBQ Ribs: Southern-style BBQ ribs bring a tangy contrast that balances the richness of creamed corn.

Enjoy with Fresh Salads

• Coleslaw: A crunchy coleslaw adds freshness and texture that pairs perfectly with creamed corn.
• Garden Salad: A simple garden salad provides a light contrast to the creamy dish.

Serve as Part of a Buffet

• Family Gatherings: Southern Style Creamed Corn is an excellent choice for potlucks or family gatherings, offering comfort food appeal.
• Holiday Feasts: Include it in holiday meals for a touch of traditional southern flavor.

How to Perfect Southern Style Creamed Corn

To achieve the best results with your Southern Style Creamed Corn, consider these helpful tips.

• Use Fresh Corn: Freshly cut kernels from sweet corn provide the best flavor and texture.
• Adjust Sweetness: Taste as you go; you can modify the sugar amount based on your preference for sweetness.
• Control Thickness: If you desire a thicker sauce, simply add more flour mixed with water until you reach your desired consistency.
• Add Spices: Experiment with spices like cayenne pepper or smoked paprika for an extra kick of flavor.

Best Side Dishes for Southern Style Creamed Corn

Southern Style Creamed Corn pairs beautifully with various side dishes. Here are some fantastic options to consider.

1. Cornbread: A classic companion that adds a slightly sweet and hearty element to your meal.
2. Collard Greens: Rich in nutrients, collard greens provide a savory balance against the creaminess of the corn.
3. Baked Beans: The sweet and smoky flavor of baked beans complements the sweet notes in creamed corn.
4. Fried Green Tomatoes: Crispy fried green tomatoes offer a crunchy contrast while enhancing southern flavors.
5. Macaroni and Cheese: Creamy mac and cheese pairs well by keeping up the comfort food theme.
6. Potato Salad: A cool potato salad adds freshness and is perfect for summer barbecues.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Southern Style Creamed Corn, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes. Here are some tips to ensure your dish turns out perfectly.

• Using old corn: Fresh corn makes a big difference in flavor. Always choose corn that is bright yellow and firm. If you can, use sweet corn for the best taste.
• Overcooking the corn: Cooking the corn too long can result in mushy kernels. Simmer it just until tender, usually about 15-20 minutes.
• Skipping the scraping step: Not scraping the cob after cutting off the kernels can lead to a lack of flavor. This step helps release the sweet juices from the cob, enhancing your dish.
• Not adjusting thickness: If your cream sauce is too thick or too thin, you can easily adjust it. Add more heavy cream if it’s too thick or let it cook longer if it’s too thin.
• Ignoring seasoning adjustments: Taste is key! Don’t forget to adjust sugar, salt, and pepper according to your preference before serving.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• Keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Allow cooling completely before sealing to prevent condensation.

Freezing Southern Style Creamed Corn

• Use freezer-safe containers or bags.
• Can be frozen for up to 3 months.
• Label with date for reference.

Reheating Southern Style Creamed Corn

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place in an oven-safe dish and cover with foil. Heat for about 20 minutes or until warmed through.
• Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe container and cover loosely. Heat in intervals of 1-2 minutes, stirring between each interval until hot.
• Stovetop: Heat over medium-low heat in a skillet, stirring frequently until warmed through. Add a splash of cream if needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Southern Style Creamed Corn?

Southern Style Creamed Corn is a rich and creamy side dish made with fresh corn, butter, and cream. It’s popular for its sweet flavor and smooth texture.

Can I use frozen corn instead of fresh?

Yes! You can substitute frozen corn for fresh corn when making Southern Style Creamed Corn. Just adjust cooking time as frozen corn will need less time to cook.

How can I customize my Southern Style Creamed Corn?

You can add spices like cayenne pepper for heat or cheese for extra richness. Feel free to experiment with herbs like cilantro or chives for added freshness!

Is Southern Style Creamed Corn gluten-free?

Yes! This recipe is naturally gluten-free as it uses all-purpose flour only as a thickener. You can substitute it with cornstarch to keep it gluten-free if preferred.

Final Thoughts

Southern Style Creamed Corn is a delightful addition to any meal, offering rich flavors and creamy textures that everyone loves. This versatile dish allows for plenty of customization based on personal taste preferences, so don’t hesitate to experiment with different ingredients! Give this recipe a try; you’re sure to impress family and friends at your next gathering.