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Creamy Corn is my favorite addition to every backyard BBQ, but let’s be honest, homemade creamy corn is always the best. Once you see how easy it is to make from scratch, you’ll never buy a can again. The best part? This version is a total game-changer because it’s LOW FAT, but still just as creamy and satisfying. In less than 20 minutes you have the perfect side.

There’s just something about that sweet, buttery corn next to a grilled meal that makes the whole plate feel complete. That’s why I had to share this recipe. This creamy corn is about to take your weekends to the next level.

Creamy corn with melted parmesan and fresh parsley, scooped from a pan with a spoon

Why This Creamy Corn Is Better Than Canned

After trying both side by side, the difference is pretty clear. Canned creamed corn isn’t terrible, but the flavor is a bit flat. The texture is also very soft and mushy, almost like the corn has been sitting in liquid for too long. Instead of tasting creamy, it can sometimes feel more like mashed, watery corn.

Making it from scratch changes that completely. First, this version is low fat, which already makes it a lighter option. But the real difference is the flavor and texture. The corn cooks in the cream and chicken stock, so it absorbs all that flavor instead of just sitting in liquid.

The butter and garlic give it that subtle garlic-butter taste in the background, and the cream cheese melts into the sauce and makes everything creamy without making it heavy. Then a little parmesan at the end brings it all together.

The result is creamy corn that still has texture, real flavor, and honestly tastes nothing like the canned version. It’s the kind of side that works well next to steak bites and potatoes, where a creamy side brings the whole plate together.

Creamy Corn vs Corn Casserole

Creamy corn and corn casserole might sound similar, but they’re actually quite different.

Creamy corn is softer and more spoonable, with a loose, creamy texture where the kernels still hold their shape. It’s usually made on the stovetop and served as a side.

Corn casserole, on the other hand, is baked and much more structured. It often includes ingredients like flour, eggs, or even cornbread mix, which give it a thicker, more set texture.

This recipe sits somewhere in between. It stays creamy and spoonable like classic creamy corn, but the broiled parmesan on top gives it a light, cheesy finish that feels similar to a casserole without the heaviness. It is like a gluten free version of it.

Ingredients

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Top view of ingredients for creamy corn casserole
  • Frozen corn: Using frozen corn keeps the kernels firm and sweet. They hold their shape much better than canned, so you don’t end up with that mushy texture.
  • Light cream + chicken stock: This combo is what makes the sauce creamy without feeling too heavy. The corn actually cooks in it and soaks up the flavour instead of just sitting in liquid.
  • Cream cheese: This is the secret to make the corn cremier. It melts into the sauce and gives that creamy texture without needing a lot of extra fat.
  • Butter and garlic: Just a small amount, but it adds that subtle garlic butter flavour that makes a big difference.
  • Parmesan: Adds a little saltiness at the end, without overpowering the corn.

Note: Please see recipe card at the bottom for a full list of ingredients with measurements

How To Make Creamy Corn

Butter melting in a large pan over medium heat, starting the base for creamy corn recipe
  1. In a large pot over medium heat, melt the butter until fully melted and slightly bubbling.
Minced garlic cooking in melted butter in a pan, becoming fragrant for creamy corn recipe
  1. Add the garlic and cook for 30–45 seconds, just until fragrant. Make sure not to let it brown, as it can turn bitter.
Light cream being poured into a pan with cream cheese and chicken stock to create a smooth base for creamy corn
  1. Add the light cream, cream cheese, and chicken stock. Whisk everything together until smooth and fully combined. Let it gently simmer for 2–3 minutes, until the mixture starts to slightly thicken.
Frozen corn added to a creamy base with salt, black pepper, sugar, and nutmeg, ready to simmer until tender
  1. Stir in the frozen corn, salt, black pepper, sugar, and nutmeg. Mix well so everything is evenly coated, then let it simmer gently for 6–8 minutes, until the corn is tender and the sauce turns creamy.
Grated parmesan being added to creamy corn mixture, ready to melt and thicken the sauce
  1. Stir in the grated parmesan and mix until fully melted and smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Creamy corn simmering in a rich sauce, thickened
  1. Transfer to an oven-safe dish, sprinkle extra parmesan on top, and broil for about 5 minutes (200°C) until golden and slightly crisp on top.
Creamy corn topped with grated parmesan, ready to broil until golden and slightly crisp
  1. Let it rest for a few minutes to thicken slightly, then serve warm with chopped parsley on top.
Creamy corn with melted parmesan and herbs, served warm and ready to enjoy
  1. Serve and enjoy!

Creamy corn pairs easily with almost everything, which makes it a simple side to add to your table. You can serve it with steak, chicken, or pork chops, or include it as part of a larger spread with other sides. It’s one of those recipes that fits into whatever you’re already making without needing much planning.

FAQs

How To Make Creamy Corn From Scratch?

Making creamy corn from scratch is simple and gives you much better results than canned. Instead of using pre-made creamed corn, you cook the corn in cream, butter, and seasoning so it absorbs the flavor as it cooks. Avoiding that watery texture that canned corn has.

Is This Creamy Corn The Same As Corn Casserole?

Not exactly. Corn casserole is baked and usually includes ingredients like flour or cornbread mix, which give it a thicker, more set texture. This version stays creamy and spoonable, but the broiled top gives it a light casserole-style finish.

How To Store Creamy Corn?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. When reheating, warm it gently on the stove and add a splash of cream or chicken stock to bring back its creamy texture.

Creamy corn casserole with a golden broiled top and chopped parsley, served warm

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Healthy LOW FAT Creamy Corn Recipe

Prep Time: 17 minutes
Cook Time: 8 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 6 people
This creamy corn is made from scratch with simple ingredients for a lighter, low fat version that’s still rich and creamy. No canned corn, no heavy thickeners, just a smooth, flavorful side that pairs with any meal.
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Ingredients 
 

  • 1 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 2 pound frozen corn
  • 5 clove garlic minced
  • 1 cup light thickened cream
  • 1 cup light cream cheese softened
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp sugar optional
  • 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
  • 1/2 cup parmesan freshly grated
  • 1/2 cup chicken stock

Instructions 

  • in a large pot over medium heat, melt butter.
    Butter melting in a large pan over medium heat, starting the base for creamy corn recipe
  • Add the garlic and cook for 30-45 second until fragrant (do not brown).
    Minced garlic cooking in melted butter in a pan, becoming fragrant for creamy corn recipe
  • Add the light cream and cream cheese and stock chicken. Whisk until smooth and fully combined.
    Light cream being poured into a pan with cream cheese and chicken stock to create a smooth base for creamy corn
  • Let it gently simmer for 2-3 min until slightly thickened.
    Light cream, cream cheese, and chicken stock whisked together in a pan until smooth and creamy
  • Stir in the frozen corn, salt, black pepper, sugar and nutmeg. Mix well and simmer gently for 6-8 min until the corn is tender and the sauce is creamy.
    Frozen corn added to a creamy base with salt, black pepper, sugar, and nutmeg, ready to simmer until tender
  • Stir in 1/2 cup grated parmesan and mix until melted and smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
    Corn simmering in a creamy garlic sauce with cream cheese and stock, stirred until thick and coated
  • Transfer to an oven safe dish, sprinkle extra Parmesan on top, and broil for 5 min until golden and slightly crisp. (200°C)
    Grated parmesan being added to creamy corn mixture, ready to melt and thicken the sauce
  • Let rest a few min (thicken slightly) then serve warm with chopped parsley on top.
    Creamy corn topped with grated parmesan, ready to broil until golden and slightly crisp
  • Enjoy!
    Creamy corn with melted parmesan and herbs, served warm and ready to enjoy

Notes

I’ve made this a bunch of times, and these are the little things that actually make a difference.
  • I always use a wide pan for this instead of a deep pot. It cooks more evenly, and the sauce reduces faster without turning heavy.
  • I like to let the cream cheese sit out for a bit before cooking. It melts faster and you don’t end up with little lumps.
  • I keep the heat lower than you’d think. If it’s too hot, the sauce can go from creamy to slightly grainy.
  • I don’t wait until it looks super thick in the pan. It always thickens more once it sits.
  • If I’m finishing it under the broiler, I move everything to a small oven-safe dish. It browns better on top than leaving it in the pan.

Nutrition

Calories: 448kcal | Carbohydrates: 43g | Protein: 13g | Fat: 28g | Saturated Fat: 17g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 7g | Trans Fat: 0.1g | Cholesterol: 84mg | Sodium: 736mg | Potassium: 632mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 1005IU | Vitamin C: 12mg | Calcium: 208mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Tried this? Leave a comment below!
Karina eating butter chicken from a gold fork out of a bowl with a nann bread on the side.

Hey Good Food Lovers! It’s nice to see you! My name is Karina. Welcome to Cafe Delites, my beloved space for the last 10 years where my passion for food has flourished and connected millions!

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