If you’re looking for a side dish that will easily steal the show, Parmesan Creamed Corn is about to become your new obsession. This luscious, cheesy twist on creamed corn is comfort food at its finest: velvety, rich, and loaded with sweet corn flavor, savory garlic, and a generous shower of freshly grated Parmesan. Whether you’re making a holiday feast or a simple family dinner, this dish delivers pure joy in every buttery spoonful.

Parmesan Creamed Corn Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll be amazed at how just a handful of simple ingredients come together to create magic in this recipe. Each one plays a key role, enhancing the taste, color, and creamy texture that sets Parmesan Creamed Corn apart.

Fresh or frozen corn kernels: Use whichever you have on hand—fresh brings unbeatable sweetness, while frozen makes this dish effortless and convenient.
Unsalted butter: The foundation of flavor and silkiness; unsalted lets you manage exactly how much salt goes in.
Heavy cream: This is where the real decadence comes in, making the finished dish sumptuously creamy and rich.
Whole milk: Balances out the heavy cream, ensuring the sauce is smooth but not overly thick.
Garlic: Just a touch, but it infuses the entire dish with irresistible savory notes.
Ground nutmeg: A tiny pinch adds warmth and subtle depth that perfectly complements the corn and cheese.
Salt: Essential for enhancing all the flavors—don’t skip it!
Black pepper: Adds a mild heat that rounds out the creamy richness.
Freshly grated Parmesan cheese: The star of the show! Grating fresh guarantees a melt-in-your-mouth, cheesy finish.
Fresh parsley: For a pop of color and freshness, it brightens up every bite as a garnish.

How to Make Parmesan Creamed Corn

Step 1: Sauté the Garlic

Start by warming a large skillet over medium heat and melt the unsalted butter until just bubbling. Toss in the minced garlic and let it cook for about 30 seconds—just enough for your kitchen to smell absolutely heavenly and the garlic to become fragrant, but not browned.

Step 2: Cook the Corn

Add those golden corn kernels right into the skillet with the garlic. Sauté for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring frequently, until the corn is tender and perfectly hot. If using fresh corn, you’ll get a burst of sweetness here; frozen will taste great too and saves prep time.

Step 3: Create the Creamy Sauce

Turn down the heat to low. Pour in the heavy cream and whole milk, then sprinkle in the ground nutmeg, salt, and black pepper. Stir it well and let your Parmesan Creamed Corn mixture simmer gently for about 5 to 7 minutes. You’re aiming for the sauce to thicken ever so slightly—creamy, glossy, and coating every kernel.

Step 4: Add the Parmesan Cheese

Remove the skillet from the heat and immediately stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese. The cheese will melt seamlessly into the creamy corn, making the texture velvety and rich. Take a quick taste and adjust the seasoning if it needs just a hint more salt or pepper.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Transfer your Parmesan Creamed Corn to a gorgeous serving dish, then finish with a generous scattering of chopped fresh parsley. The burst of green makes the dish as pretty as it is delicious, and now you’re ready to impress!

How to Serve Parmesan Creamed Corn

Garnishes

A little garnish makes all the difference! Fresh chopped parsley is a classic and brings a bright, fresh flavor to each creamy spoonful. If you want to dial up the wow factor, try a sprinkle of extra Parmesan on top or even a pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne for a subtle kick.

Side Dishes

Parmesan Creamed Corn pairs beautifully with just about any main dish. I love serving it alongside roasted chicken, holiday ham, grilled steaks, or even simple baked potatoes. It’s naturally gluten-free and vegetarian, making it a versatile crowd-pleaser for any table.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve your Parmesan Creamed Corn in individual ramekins or mini cast iron skillets. Add a festive touch by topping with crispy fried onions or crumbled bacon if you’d like. And if you have leftover creamed corn, use it as a base for a quirky, incredible breakfast topped with a runny fried egg!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Parmesan Creamed Corn in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh and delicious for up to 3 days, making it perfect for meal prep or second helpings the next day!

Freezing

If you want to make this dish ahead or save leftovers for longer, you can freeze it. Let your Parmesan Creamed Corn cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. It will keep well for up to 2 months. For best flavor, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, simply warm the corn gently in a saucepan over low to medium heat, stirring often to keep the sauce smooth. If needed, add a splash of milk or cream to loosen up the texture. Microwave reheating works too—just use a microwave-safe dish and stir halfway through.

FAQs

Can I use canned corn instead of fresh or frozen?

Yes, you can use canned corn if that’s what you have on hand! Just be sure to drain and rinse the kernels well before adding. Fresh or frozen tends to have a brighter taste, but canned will still make delicious Parmesan Creamed Corn in a pinch.

How can I make it a little spicy?

For a hint of heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika when adding the seasonings. This little extra kick plays beautifully with the creamy, cheesy sauce and takes the traditional flavor in a fun direction.

Is it possible to make this dairy-free?

You can try subbing in your favorite non-dairy alternatives for the cream, milk, and even cheese. Unsweetened oat milk and a good dairy-free parmesan-style cheese can give you a similar creamy result, though the flavor will be a bit different.

What’s the best way to keep Parmesan Creamed Corn warm for a party?

If you’re serving this dish at a potluck or holiday meal, transfer it to a slow cooker on the “warm” setting. Give it a quick stir every 30 minutes and it’ll stay creamy and ready to serve, without drying out.

Can I double the recipe?

Absolutely! Simply use a larger skillet or sauté pan and double all the ingredients. Parmesan Creamed Corn is a great make-ahead choice and scales up beautifully for bigger gatherings.

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for the ultimate comfort side, Parmesan Creamed Corn checks every box: quick, creamy, crowd-pleasing, and just plain irresistible. I hope you give this recipe a try and let it become a star at your table—trust me, you’ll be passing around seconds in no time!

Parmesan Creamed Corn Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 24 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 20 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free

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Description

Indulge in the rich, creamy goodness of Parmesan Creamed Corn, a decadent side dish that complements any meal beautifully. This recipe combines sweet corn with a luscious blend of heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and aromatic spices for a dish that’s sure to impress.

Ingredients

Scale

Corn Mixture:

4 cups fresh or frozen corn kernels
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 cloves garlic, minced

Cream Mixture:

1/2 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup whole milk
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley for garnish

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Instructions

Saute Garlic: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
Cook Corn: Stir in the corn and cook for 3-4 minutes until heated through and tender.
Add Cream Mixture: Reduce the heat to low and add the heavy cream, whole milk, ground nutmeg, salt, and black pepper. Simmer gently for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mixture thickens slightly.
Finish Dish: Remove from heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Transfer to a serving dish and garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.