Name: Creamy Sweet Corn Recipe
Prep time: 3 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 18 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 Tablespoons salted butter; ⅓ cup (45 g) finely chopped onion; 1 Tablespoon all-purpose flour; 4 cups (566 g) fresh or frozen corn (20 oz); 2 teaspoons granulated sugar; ¾ teaspoon salt, plus more to taste; ⅛ teaspoon ground black pepper; 1 ⅓ cups half and half; Thinly sliced green onions for garnish (optional)

Nothing beats the comfort of a Creamy Sweet Corn Recipe that’s rich, buttery, and packed with the fresh sweetness of corn. I’m excited to share this classic creamed corn dish that’s quick to whip up yet delivers that luscious, velvety texture that makes every bite so satisfying.

The image shows a close-up of creamy cooked corn with a smooth, thick white sauce evenly coating bright yellow corn kernels. Some small pieces of green garnish are scattered throughout. A metal spoon scoops some of the creamy corn, lifting it above the rest. The background features a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Creamy Sweet Corn Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Creamy Sweet Corn Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Creamy Sweet Corn Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I love how this recipe turns simple sweet corn into a silky, comforting side dish that pairs beautifully with everything from weeknight dinners to holiday feasts. Plus, it’s made right on the stovetop, so no fussing with complicated steps or fancy gadgets.

Simple Ingredients: Uses pantry staples that you likely already have on hand.
Quick to Make: Ready from start to finish in just 18 minutes.
Versatile Side Dish: Perfect for complementing meats, fish, or even hearty vegetarian meals.
Customizable Creaminess: Easily adjust richness by switching up dairy or blending some corn.

Ingredients & Why They Work

When you shop for this creamed corn, fresh corn is top-notch if it’s in season — but frozen works just as well and makes this a great year-round dish. Using salted butter adds that perfect buttery base, but feel free to tweak salt levels if you use unsalted.

Flat lay of two tablespoons salted butter, a small mound of finely chopped white onion, one tablespoon all-purpose flour in a small white bowl, fresh yellow corn kernels scattered loosely, a small white bowl with granulated sugar, a small white bowl of fine salt, a small white bowl with ground black pepper, a small white bowl filled with creamy half and half, and a few thinly sliced green onion rings arranged neatly, all placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Salted butter: Adds richness and forms the flavorful foundation for sautéing the onions.
Finely chopped onion: Delivers subtle sweetness and depth; chopping finely ensures it melts into the sauce.
All-purpose flour: Toasted lightly to create a smooth, thickened sauce without lumps.
Fresh or frozen corn: Brings the sweet, fresh kernel flavor that’s the heart of this dish.
Granulated sugar: Enhances the natural sweetness of the corn without overpowering.
Salt: Balances and elevates the flavors; start with ¾ teaspoon and adjust to taste.
Ground black pepper: Adds a gentle warmth and subtle spice to the creamy mixture.
Half and half: Creates creamy richness while keeping the dish light enough for everyday meals.
Green onions (optional): A fresh, bright garnish that adds color and a mild oniony crunch.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

The beauty of this Creamy Sweet Corn Recipe is how easy it is to customize to your tastes and pantry staples. Whether you like it extra rich, a bit spicy, or something lighter, you can tweak it to suit your mood or occasion with zero fuss.

Make it Extra Creamy: I like to blend about a cup of the cooked corn at the end using an immersion blender. It adds a velvety texture that feels indulgent but still keeps those sweet corn kernels for bite.
Go Rich and Decadent: Stirring in ⅓ cup grated parmesan cheese or 2 ounces of cream cheese just before serving turns this side dish into a luscious treat perfect for cooler evenings.
Add a Spicy Kick: For those moments when you want a little heat, a pinch of cayenne pepper stirred in brightens up the dish without overpowering the natural sweetness of the corn.
Lighten it Up: Swap the half and half for whole milk or even a plant-based milk for a lighter version that still tastes comforting.
Seasonal Twist: Try adding fresh herbs like thyme or chives to bring in a fresh note that pairs beautifully with the buttery, creamy base.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Creamy Sweet Corn Recipe

A white plate holds a creamy corn dish with three main visible layers: a thick base of yellow corn kernels mixed with a white creamy sauce, topped with scattered small patches of melted orange cheese, and sprinkled with small green parsley pieces and black pepper. A silver fork with a bite-sized portion of the corn dish is resting on the plate's right side. Around the plate, there is a white marbled surface with fresh parsley leaves and a small clear glass bowl filled with crushed black pepper. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Melt Butter and Sauté Onion

Start by melting 2 tablespoons of salted butter in a large 10-inch skillet over medium heat. Once melted, add ⅓ cup of finely chopped onion. Stir frequently and cook for about 3 minutes until the onions are soft and translucent. You’ll notice a sweet, fragrant aroma developing as the onions gently soften — that’s the flavor foundation building!

Step 2: Toast the Flour

Sprinkle 1 tablespoon of all-purpose flour evenly over the softened onions. Keep stirring constantly so the flour absorbs the butter and onion mixture evenly. Continue cooking for about 30 seconds more to lightly toast the flour. This step deepens the flavor and ensures that your sauce will thicken beautifully without any raw flour taste.

Step 3: Add Corn and Seasonings

Next, stir in 4 cups of fresh or frozen corn kernels, 2 teaspoons of granulated sugar, ¾ teaspoon of salt, and ⅛ teaspoon of ground black pepper. Mix everything well so that the corn is coated with the buttery, onion-flour base. The sugar helps to highlight the corn's natural sweetness, creating a balanced flavor profile.

Step 4: Stir in Half and Half and Simmer

Slowly drizzle in 1 ⅓ cups of half and half while stirring continuously. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Keep stirring frequently to prevent sticking and allow the sauce to thicken. This usually takes several minutes; you’ll notice the liquid change from watery to luxuriously creamy — a sure sign your creamed corn is coming together perfectly.

Step 5: Final Taste and Serve

Give your creamed corn a taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. When it’s just right, remove from heat and serve warm. For a pretty, flavorful pop, garnish with a scattering of thinly sliced green onions if you like. This final touch adds a mild onion crunch and bright green color that makes the dish even more inviting.

Top Tip

Getting the perfect creamy texture and balanced sweetness in your Creamy Sweet Corn Recipe is easier than you think with a few simple tweaks. These tips from my kitchen will help you nail it every time!

Toast the Flour Just Right: I’ve found that stirring the flour in just until it’s lightly toasted (about 30 seconds after absorption) adds a subtle nutty depth to the sauce without a raw flour taste.
Partially Blend for Creaminess: Blending a portion of the corn makes the texture wonderfully smooth but still retains little bursts of corn kernels, a balance I came to love after experimenting with straight pureed versus whole corn.
Use Fresh or Frozen Corn Equally Well: Whether fresh or frozen, just be sure to thaw frozen corn before adding—it keeps the sauce from getting watery and ensures the flavor stays rich.
Adjust Salt Thoughtfully: Since salted butter is used here, be mindful when seasoning with additional salt. Tasting as you go is key to avoid oversalting.

How to Serve Creamy Sweet Corn Recipe

This image shows a shiny silver pan filled with creamy white sauce and bright yellow corn kernels mixed evenly throughout. On top of the corn and sauce, there is a large pile of fine, light yellow shredded cheese forming a soft mound at the center. The pan is placed on a surface with white marbled texture, making the colors of the food and the metal pan stand out clearly. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

Thinly sliced green onions sprinkled on top bring a fresh, mild oniony crunch that brightens up the richness of the creamy corn. For a little color and an extra hit of flavor, try adding a sprinkle of smoked paprika or a few fresh chopped herbs like parsley or chives.

Side Dishes

This luscious creamy side pairs beautifully with grilled meats like chicken or steak, roasted pork tenderloin, or even baked fish. It’s also a crowd-pleaser alongside barbecue dishes or a hearty vegetarian main like stuffed peppers or a mushroom wellington.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let your creamy sweet corn cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. Stored in the refrigerator, it will keep well for up to 3 days. Give it a good stir before reheating to recombine any separated liquids.

Freezing

While you can freeze this dish, be aware that the creamy sauce’s texture may change slightly after thawing. For best results, freeze in a sealed container for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently on the stovetop.

Reheating

Reheat your creamy sweet corn recipe over low heat on the stovetop, stirring frequently to prevent scorching, until warmed through. If the sauce feels too thick, stir in a splash of half and half or milk to loosen it up to your preferred consistency.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use canned corn for this recipe?

Yes, canned corn can be used in a pinch, but fresh or frozen corn will give you a better texture and flavor. If using canned, drain it well before adding to avoid overly watery sauce.

What can I substitute for half and half?

You can substitute half and half with heavy cream for an even richer dish, or with whole milk for a lighter version, though the sauce will be less creamy.

How do I make this recipe vegan?

To make a vegan version, swap the butter for a plant-based margarine, use a non-dairy milk like coconut or almond milk in place of half and half, and find a suitable vegan flour or thickener.

Can I prepare this in advance?

Absolutely! You can make the creamy sweet corn recipe ahead of time and gently reheat when ready to serve. Just be sure to stir well during reheating to restore its luscious texture.

Final Thoughts

Making this Creamy Sweet Corn Recipe is like wrapping yourself in a cozy, buttery hug. It’s simple, comforting, and deliciously satisfying — the kind of dish that turns an everyday meal into something special. Whether you’re serving it to family or friends, I hope it brings warmth and happiness to your table as it has to mine. Happy cooking!