This Homemade Easy Southern Creamed Corn is made from scratch using fresh or frozen corn. This creamy dish is served sweet or savory, or even with a combination of both!
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Once you have tried this recipe you will never go back to canned cream corn. Like most Southern style recipes this dish is also flavored with bacon. But check out my notes below if you don’t want to use it.
What Type of Corn to Use
I love to use frozen corn because it’s easy to find and is available year round. We often serve this dish for Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners.
You can also use fresh ears of corn. You can use 4 ears of corn. You will have to peel and remove the husks and then slice the corn from the cob.
You can also use the same amount of drained, canned corn.
How Does it Taste
I love to serve this sweetened, but with a savory kick! The flavor is totally up to you. I combine Creole seasoning, sweetener, salt, and pepper. A lot of people just like for their creamed corn to be sweet. If that’s the case omit the Creole seasoning and just use sweetener or sugar.
How to Make Southern Creamed Corn
Detailed measurements and full instructions can be found in the recipe card at the bottom of the post.
- Heat a skillet on medium-high heat and add the bacon. Cook both sides until crisp.
- Add in corn and stir. Cook for 3-4 minutes.
- Adjust the heat to Medium. Sprinkle in the flour and stir.
- Add in half and half, sugar or sweetener, salt, and pepper, and stir.
- Continue to stir until the corn thickens.
Do You Have to Use Bacon?
No, you can saute the corn in butter or olive oil if you wish. The bacon is used for Southern flavor.
How to Store it/Can You Make it Ahead
This is such an easy and quick dish to whip together, serving it fresh is always best. It can be stored in the fridge, and tightly sealed for 3-4 days.
Freezer Tips
You can freeze this, but it won’t yield the best results when you reheat it. The dairy will separate, but the flavor will remain.
Pair With these Main Dishes
Baked Turkey Wings
Smothered Turkey Wings
Cajun Roasted Turkey
Smothered Chicken
Air Fryer Honey Glazed Ham
Southern Baked Ham With Pineapple
More Southern Side Dish Recipes
Southern Soul Food Mac and Cheese
Southern Cornbread Dressing
Southern Sweet Potato Casserole
Southern Candied Sweet Potatoes
Southern Mustard Greens
Southern Okra and Tomatoes
Southern Style Green Beans
Southern Baked Beans
Homemade Southern Cornbread
Cornbread Muffins
Jalapeno Cheddar Cornbread
Scalloped Corn
Oven Baked Roasted Corn
Cornbread Casserole
Southern Black Eyed Peas
Seafood Mac and Cheese
Check our list of The Best Authentic Soul Food Recipes here. If you want to switch up your holiday feast, check out our Thanksgiving Chicken recipe.
Southern Soul Food Creamed Corn
Ingredients
- 3 slices bacon Diced into 1/2 – 1 inch pieces.
- 30 oz frozen whole kernel corn You can substitute canned if desired.
- 1 1/2 tablespoons all purpose flour
- 1 cup half and half
- 1 tablespoon sweetener or sugar Adjust to your taste. Start with a teaspoon and build it up, if it's your first time.
- 1 teaspoon Creole Seasoning Optional for more of a savory kick
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat a skillet on medium-high heat and add the bacon. Cook both sides until crisp.
- Drain any excess grease from the pan, but reserve about a tablespoon of grease. Do not drain if this is all you have.
- Add in the corn and stir. Cook for 3-4 minutes until the corn is fully thawed and cooked through. Drain any excess water if necessary.
- Adjust the heat to Medium. Sprinkle in the flour and stir.
- Add in the half and half, sugar or sweetener, salt, and pepper, and stir.
- Continue to stir until the corn thickens.See notes for tips on thickening if needed.
- Taste repeatedly and adjust sweetener, salt, and pepper as needed.
Notes
- I love to use frozen corn because it’s easy to find and is available year-round. We often serve this dish for Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners.
- You can also use fresh ears of corn. You can use 4 ears of corn. You will have to peel and remove the husks and then slice the corn from the cob.
- You can use whatever spices you like on the corn and substitute Creole Seasoning with whatever you wish.
- If your corn is too runny you can thicken it with additional flour. Start with 1/2 tablespoon of flour and combine it 1/2 tablespoon of water in a small bowl. Stir and add to the corn. Stir the corn mixture until thick. Repeat if it still needs thickening.
- If your corn is too thick, add a little half and half or milk to make it creamier.
- I love to serve this sweetened, but with a savory kick! The flavor is totally up to you. I combine Creole seasoning, sweetener, salt, and pepper. A lot of people just like for their creamed corn to be sweet. If that’s the case omit the Creole seasoning and just use sweetener or sugar.
- Bacon can be substituted for 1-2 tablespoons of butter or any oil.
- Milk or heavy cream can be substituted for half and half. Milk is much thinner, so your corn will not be as thick.
Ashley
Monday 7th of August 2023
Delicious! The perfect side dish.
staysnatched
Monday 7th of August 2023
So glad to hear it!
Shadi
Friday 4th of August 2023
Thank you for sharing this soulful and delicious gem! It has definitely earned a permanent spot in my family's recipe collection. Can't wait to indulge in it again and again!
staysnatched
Monday 7th of August 2023
So glad to hear it.
Brandy
Monday 31st of July 2023
This creamed corn was absolutely amazing...I never want to go back to store bought again!
staysnatched
Tuesday 1st of August 2023
Yes! So much better!
Taryn
Monday 31st of July 2023
Best creamed corn ever. Thanks so much!
staysnatched
Tuesday 1st of August 2023
I'm so glad you enjoyed it!