Lightened-Up Creamed Corn (10 Minute BBQ Side Dish)

Creamed Corn is the side dish that quietly steals the show. It's the kind of recipe that feels indulgent without being fussy: just a few pantry staples and a quick blitz with a stick blender, and you've got a bowl of creamy, golden deliciousness.

 

 

It's the perfect companion to roasted meats, barbecue, or holiday feasts, and comes together in under 10 minutes.

 

It pairs beautifully with dishes like grilled chicken, BBQ ribs, Thanksgiving turkey, or even as a topping for shepherd's pie.

 

In these photos I served it with grilled chicken, rice, green beans, and apricot BBQ sauce - a winner for sure!

 

Why you'll like this recipe

 

Apart from being very delicious, very easy, and very quick, it's also naturally gluten-free and easy to adapt to different diets.

 

This creamed corn only has natural ingredients and has fiber which helps with feeling fuller and aids the digestive system. It is more lightened up than traditional creamed corn, as this doesn't have heavy cream or flour.

 

It is also possible to make it healthier by using less butter, but butter and corn are a match made in BBQ heaven! 

 

 

Ingredients

 

This recipe only needs a handful of simple ingredients:

 

• Canned corn - the star of the show!

• Milk - making the mixture creamier.

• Butter - Adds richness and flavor, it's also extremely good with corn-on-the-cob, right?

• Salt - To balance and enhance all the flavors.

• Black pepper - Adds warmth and balance.

• Cayenne pepper  - for extra heat (optional).

 

 

Instructions

 

Start by heating the base: Pour the milk into a medium saucepan and bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat (1).

 

Stir in the drained corn, butter, salt, and pepper (2-3). Let the mixture simmer gently for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the corn is heated through and the butter is fully melted.

 

Blend to your preferred consistency (4): Use an immersion blender (stick blender) directly in the pot to blend part or all of the corn. For a chunkier texture, blend only briefly. For ultra-smooth creamed corn, blend thoroughly until silky. I tend to prefer it a little chunky for more texture.

 

Taste and add more salt or pepper if needed. Serve warm.

 

 

Substitutions

 

Here are a few substitutions you could do to better fit your tastes and lifestyles:

 

• Milk: Use half-and-half or cream for a richer version, or oat/soy milk for a dairy-free option.

• Butter: Substitute with plant-based margarine for a vegan version.

• Corn: If using frozen corn, it needs to cook longer, a couple of minutes longer. Roughly 7 minutes total. When it's warmed through, it's ready to blend. 

 

Variations

 

This is a blank canvas to which there are so many things we could do! Here are some of my suggestions:

 

• Cheesy corn: Stir in ¼ cup grated cheddar or parmesan after blending.

• Spicy twist: Add a good pinch of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika. Or both!

• Herbed corn: Finish with fresh chopped cilantro or parsley for a bright touch.

• Tex-Mex: Add a squeeze of lime and a spoonful of chopped jalapeños in addition to smoked paprika for a Southwestern vibe. You could also top it with queso fresco before serving!

 

 

Equipment

 

Minimal equipment is needed to make creamed corn, that's one of the beauties about it.

 

You will need a saucepan to simmer the mixture, and an immersion blender or regular blender to make the mixture smoother. Also, spoons and measuring bowls make things easier. 

 

Storage

 

Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

 

Reheating: Warm gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk to loosen the texture if needed.

 

Freezing: This is not ideal, as the texture may become watery, but possible in a pinch. You need to blend it again after thawing.

 

 

Expert tips

 

• Don't boil hard - Just a gentle simmer helps avoid curdling the milk.

• Use good quality sweet corn - The natural sweetness of the corn is key to the final flavor. In this recipe, I have used the brand Green Giant (not sponsored).

• Blend just enough - For a rustic feel, keep some kernels whole for a bit of a bite.

 

Recipe FAQs

Enjoy!

 

 

Did you like this recipe? Here are more BBQ side dishes I think you would enjoy:

I'd love to hear your thoughts. Comment below or tag me @thegingerwithspice on Instagram. And don't forget to Pin it for later! To make sure you're never missing another recipe, please feel free to subscribe to my newsletter. 

 

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