If there’s one side dish that can steal the show at any Southern table, it’s Southern Creamed Corn. Sweet, buttery, and irresistibly creamy, this dish is the ultimate comfort food—simple enough for a weeknight dinner, yet special enough for a holiday feast. Whether you make it the traditional way on the stove or try a crockpot cream corn version for easy prep, this recipe will have your family asking for seconds (and maybe even thirds!).
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Why You’ll Love This Southern Creamed Corn
Here’s the thing about Southern Creamed Corn—it’s pure comfort in a bowl. Every spoonful bursts with sweet corn flavor coated in a velvety, buttery sauce. It’s one of those recipes that warms your heart as much as your belly.
And the best part? You don’t need fancy ingredients or hours of prep. It’s a “dump, stir, and let it shine” kind of recipe—my favorite kind! Whether you’re serving grilled chicken, roast turkey, or even a plate of BBQ ribs, this creamed corn fits right in like a Southern hug on your dinner table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Grab these simple, wholesome ingredients to create creamy corn perfection:
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 large shallot, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, grated or minced
- 5 cups sweet yellow corn kernels (fresh is best, but frozen works beautifully)
- 3/4 cup heavy cream
- 1 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 3/4 tsp black pepper (plus more for garnish)
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
- 1 cup whole milk
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Chopped parsley, for garnish
How to Make This Creamed Corn Recipe
Let’s turn that humble corn into something silky, savory, and oh-so-satisfying.
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add diced shallots and sauté until soft and fragrant—about 2 minutes. Stir frequently so nothing burns (trust me, burnt shallots are no fun).
Add in the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds. The smell? Heavenly.
Step 2: Add the Corn and Spices
Toss in the corn, heavy cream, sugar, salt, pepper, and cayenne. Stir everything together and let it simmer for about 2 minutes. This is where that rich Southern flavor starts to bloom.
Step 3: Thicken the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together milk and flour until smooth—no lumps allowed! Slowly pour this mixture into your skillet while stirring constantly. Cook for around 5 minutes, or until the sauce thickens and everything looks creamy and glossy.
If it’s still a bit thin, no worries—just keep simmering until it reaches your ideal consistency.
Step 4: Add the Finishing Touches
Remove from heat and stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted and luscious. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Garnish with fresh parsley and a sprinkle of black pepper.
Serve hot and watch it disappear faster than you can say “pass the cornbread!”
Mounia’s Cozy Tip
If you’d rather let your slow cooker do the work, you can easily turn this into crockpot cream corn! Just mix all the ingredients (except the cheese and parsley) in your slow cooker, cover, and cook on low for 3–4 hours. Stir in the Parmesan at the end, and voilà—hands-free creamy deliciousness.
Perfect for holidays when your oven and stove are already working overtime!
My Little Story Behind This Recipe
I still remember the first time I made this dish for a Sunday family dinner. I was juggling a million things—laundry, kids, and a pot roast that refused to cook fast enough. Then I discovered the magic of Southern Creamed Corn.
One pot, a few pantry staples, and in less than 30 minutes, I had a side dish that tasted like it came straight from Grandma’s kitchen. It instantly became a family favorite—especially when I started using my crockpot for the extra easy version.
Now, it’s my secret weapon for holidays and lazy weekends alike.
Helpful Tips for Perfect Creamed Corn
- Use fresh corn if possible. It gives a sweeter, more vibrant flavor—but frozen works great when fresh isn’t in season.
- Don’t skip the Parmesan! It adds a subtle saltiness and depth that makes this dish extra special.
- Want it extra creamy? Stir in an extra splash of cream or a spoonful of cream cheese at the end.
- Make it your own. Add crispy bacon bits, chopped jalapeños, or a sprinkle of smoked paprika for a flavor twist.
FAQs About Southern Creamed Corn
Can I make this creamed corn ahead of time?
Absolutely! Prepare it up to two days in advance, store it in the fridge, and reheat gently on the stove or in your slow cooker before serving.
Can I freeze creamed corn?
Yes, though it’s best enjoyed fresh. If freezing, cool completely and store in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Reheat slowly with a splash of milk or cream to bring back the silky texture.
How do I make this a crockpot cream corn version?
Combine everything except the cheese and parsley in your slow cooker. Cook on low for 3–4 hours or high for 1.5–2 hours, then stir in the Parmesan just before serving.
Can I make this lighter?
You can substitute half-and-half for the cream and reduce the butter slightly. It’ll still taste rich and satisfying!
Bring Comfort Home with This Southern Creamed Corn
Whether you’re hosting Thanksgiving, a cozy Sunday dinner, or just craving something warm and creamy after a long day, this Southern Creamed Corn recipe is your new best friend. It’s easy, it’s comforting, and it reminds you that homemade doesn’t have to mean hard work.
Serve it once, and I promise—it’ll earn a permanent spot in your family’s comfort food rotation. Because at the end of the day, food that feels like a hug is the best kind of food there is.

More Southern Comfort Dishes You’ll Love
If you enjoyed this Southern Creamed Corn recipe, you’ll fall in love with these other comforting and flavor-packed dishes that pair beautifully with your next family meal or holiday spread. Here are a few hand-picked recipes from our kitchen to yours:
- Add another Southern classic to your table with this Best Southern Green Bean Casserole Recipe — creamy, crunchy, and full of down-home flavor.
- For a hearty, comforting main course that practically melts in your mouth, try the Crockpot Beef Stroganoff — a slow-cooked favorite that pairs perfectly with your creamed corn.
- Round out your meal with a sweet treat like our Texas Chocolate Pecan Pie — a Southern dessert dream come true.
- And for a touch of festive fun, warm up with a mug of Crockpot Slow Cooker Hot Chocolate — rich, cozy, and perfect for any chilly night.
- If you can’t get enough of creamy corn goodness, you’ll love this Paula Deen’s Corn Casserole — a timeless Southern side that’s every bit as comforting and crowd-pleasing.
These recipes bring that same comforting charm and easy elegance that make Southern Creamed Corn such a beloved dish—ideal for family gatherings, holidays, or any day you just need a little extra warmth on your plate.
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Southern Creamed Corn Bliss: A Cozy Classic You’ll Crave
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
This Southern Creamed Corn is the ultimate comfort side dish—rich, creamy, and full of buttery sweetness. Made with fresh corn, cream, and Parmesan cheese, it’s easy to prepare and perfect for holidays, weeknights, or Sunday dinners.
Ingredients
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2 tbsp unsalted butter
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1 large shallot, diced
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2 garlic cloves, grated or minced
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5 cups fresh sweet yellow corn kernels (or frozen, thawed and drained)
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3/4 cup heavy cream
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1 tbsp granulated sugar
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1 tsp kosher salt
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3/4 tsp black pepper (plus more for garnish)
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1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
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1 cup whole milk
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2 tbsp all-purpose flour
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1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
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Chopped parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
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In a large nonstick or cast-iron skillet, melt butter over medium-high heat. Add diced shallot and sauté until soft and fragrant, about 2 minutes.
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Add the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
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Stir in the corn, heavy cream, sugar, salt, pepper, and cayenne. Cook for 2 minutes.
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In a small bowl, whisk together milk and flour until smooth. Gradually pour into the corn mixture, stirring constantly.
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Cook for 5–7 minutes, or until thickened to your liking.
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Remove from heat and stir in Parmesan cheese until melted.
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Taste and adjust seasonings if needed. Garnish with chopped parsley and cracked black pepper. Serve hot.
Notes
Fresh corn gives the best flavor, but frozen works great too.
For a thicker texture, cook an extra 2–3 minutes until creamy.
Add a sprinkle of smoked paprika or crumbled bacon for extra flavor.
To make crockpot cream corn, combine all ingredients (except cheese and parsley) in a slow cooker and cook on low for 3–4 hours. Stir in cheese just before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Southern, American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 310 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 26 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg