Southern 4-Ingredient Creamed Corn

Rich, smooth, and just sweet enough, this velvety creamed corn tastes like it simmered all day – but comes together in about 20 minutes with just four simple ingredients.

Prep time: 2 minutes
Cook time: 15–20 minutes
Servings: 6–8

Ingredients

• 4 cups (20 oz) frozen corn kernels

• 1 cup heavy cream

• ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, cut into pieces

• ¼ cup granulated sugar

Instructions

1. Combine ingredients – Place the corn, heavy cream, butter, and sugar into a medium saucepan.

2. Melt and mix – Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the butter is fully melted and everything is well combined.

3. Simmer – Once the mixture begins to bubble, reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally.

4. Thicken – The liquid will reduce and thicken into a creamy sauce. Remove from heat and let sit for a few minutes – it will continue to thicken as it cools.

5. Adjust and serve – Taste and add a pinch of salt or more sugar if desired. Serve warm.

Serving Suggestions

This creamed corn is a classic Southern side dish that pairs beautifully with:

• Roast chicken, meatloaf, ham, or grilled pork chops

• Mashed potatoes, green beans, or a crisp salad

• Cornbread or soft dinner rolls (perfect for soaking up the extra sauce)

Leftover Ideas

• Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.

• Use as a topping for baked potatoes or rice.

• Stir into soups or chowders for extra creaminess.

Tips & Variations

• Add a little salt – A pinch of salt (¼ tsp or to taste) balances the sweetness beautifully.

• For a savory version – Omit the sugar and add ¼ tsp black pepper and a pinch of cayenne or smoked paprika.

• Use fresh corn – Substitute 4–5 ears of fresh corn (cut off the cob). You may need to add 2–3 tablespoons of water or milk as fresh corn is less moist than frozen.

• Thicker sauce – Simmer for an extra 5–10 minutes to reduce further.

• Thinner sauce – Stir in a splash of milk or cream before serving.

Storage

• Refrigerator – Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

• Reheat – Gently warm on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream to loosen if needed. Microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring in between.

Enjoy this effortlessly creamy, crowd-pleasing side dish!