Description
This stovetop creamed corn recipe combines the savory flavors of bacon, fresh herbs, and creamy textures for a comforting side dish perfect for any meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 8 strips thick cut bacon, optional (recommended)
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 shallot, minced
- 3 10-oz pkgs frozen corn kernels, thawed
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 cup half and half
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- Dash of cayenne pepper
- Chopped parsley, optional for garnish
Blended Corn Mixture
- 1 1/2 cups frozen thawed corn from above listed corn
- 1 cup half and half
- 4 oz cream cheese, cubed, very soft
- 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon flour
Instructions
- Blend Corn: Remove 1 1/2 cups of thawed corn kernels and add them to a blender with 1 cup half and half, 4 ounces of soft cream cheese, 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, and 1 tablespoon flour. Blend until completely smooth and set aside.
- Cook Bacon: In a large saucepan over medium heat, cook 8 strips of thick cut bacon until crisp. Remove bacon from the pan and place it on a paper-towel-lined plate to drain.
- Sauté Aromatics: Pour off all but 2 tablespoons of bacon grease from the pan. Melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter in the remaining drippings over medium heat. Add the minced shallot and sauté for 2 minutes until softened, then add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds.
- Cook Corn: Add the remaining thawed corn, 1 cup half and half, 1 tablespoon sugar, 1 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon each dried rosemary, dried thyme, paprika, pepper, and a dash of cayenne pepper to the saucepan. Cook for 4 minutes over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
- Add Blended Corn: Pour the blended corn mixture into the saucepan and stir to combine. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring frequently until the mixture thickens to your desired consistency. If it becomes too thick, stir in additional half and half or milk to loosen it.
- Season and Serve: Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or cayenne pepper as desired. Garnish with the cooked bacon pieces and chopped parsley if using. Serve warm.
Notes
- If omitting the bacon, increase the unsalted butter to 3 tablespoons to maintain richness.
- Use fresh corn kernels if available for a sweeter, fresher taste.
- Adjust cayenne pepper according to your preferred level of heat.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute half and half and cream cheese with plant-based alternatives, but note that this will alter the flavor and texture.
- Blending part of the corn adds a creamy texture without the need for heavy cream.
