Ingredients
Scale
- 5 cups (about two 12-ounce bags) frozen sweet corn (no need to thaw!)
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 tbsp finely diced shallot (or small onion)
- 1 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ¼ tsp dried thyme
- Pinch of cayenne pepper (for warmth, optional)
- Kosher salt and black pepper, to taste
- Optional: 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup (for a sweeter profile)
- Garnish: Freshly chopped parsley or chives
Instructions
- Prep Thickener: Whisk the flour and 1/2 cup of the whole milk together in a small bowl until the flour is dissolved and there are no lumps. Set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the 2 tbsp of butter. Sauté the diced shallot (or onion) for one minute, until softened.
- Build the Base: Add the corn, heavy cream, the remaining whole milk, and the dried thyme to the skillet. Stir and let the mixture simmer gently for 4 to 5 minutes, until the corn kernels look plump.
- Thicken Sauce: Stir in the reserved milk and flour mixture (the slurry!). Stir continuously for about 3 to 4 minutes until the sauce has slightly thickened.
- Blend (The Secret!): Carefully scoop 1 to 2 cups of the creamed corn into a blender or use an immersion blender to spot-blend a portion of the corn right in the pot until smooth. Pour the pureed corn back into the skillet. This naturally thickens the sauce and boosts the flavor!
- Season & Serve: Season the creamed corn with cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Stir well, then serve warm, garnished with fresh chives or parsley.
Notes
- The Blending Secret: My #1 tip for a rich, thick sauce is to blend just 1-2 cups of the cooked corn. This releases the corn’s natural starch and flavor, making the sauce smooth and creamy without needing canned soup!
- Frozen is Best!: Frozen corn is the easiest way to make this dish all year long. It’s picked at its peak sweetness and does not need to be thawed before use.
- Reheating Leftovers: Leftovers will be very thick (like pudding!). This is normal. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat and whisk in a good splash of milk or cream to bring it back to a perfect, creamy, soupy consistency.
- Flavor Adjustments: For a sweeter dish, stir in a tablespoon of honey or maple syrup at the end. For savory depth, add a handful of grated Parmesan cheese!
- Prep Time: 5
- Cook Time: 20
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American