Corn pudding is a classic comfort food that combines sweet, creamy, and savory flavors into a dish that’s perfect for a holiday feast, a potluck, or a cozy family dinner, this dish never fails to impress.
What is Corn Pudding?
Corn pudding is a traditional dish with roots in Southern and Native American cuisine. It’s a custard-like side dish made with simple ingredients such as corn, milk, eggs, sugar, and flour or cornmeal. The result is a rich, slightly sweet, and creamy texture that pairs beautifully with savory dishes like roasted turkey, ham, or barbecue.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what you need to make a classic corn pudding:
- Corn: You can use fresh, canned, or frozen corn. Canned cream-style corn adds creaminess, while whole-kernel corn provides texture.
- Eggs: These give the pudding its custard-like structure.
- Milk or Cream: Adds richness and smoothness.
- Butter: For flavor and moisture.
- Flour or Cornmeal: Acts as a thickening agent.
- Sugar: Balances the sweetness of the corn.
- Seasonings: Salt, pepper, and optionally, nutmeg or cayenne for a flavor boost.
Tips and Tricks for the Best Corn Pudding
- Don’t Overmix: Gently fold in the flour mixture to avoid a dense texture.
- Use High-Quality Corn: Fresh corn kernels (when in season) provide the best flavor and sweetness.
- Experiment with Dairy: Swap milk for half-and-half or heavy cream for an extra luxurious texture.
- Avoid Overbaking: The pudding should be slightly jiggly in the center when you take it out of the oven. It will set as it cools.
- Add Extra Flavor: A sprinkle of shredded cheddar or Parmesan cheese on top can add a savory twist.
Variations to Try
Corn pudding is endlessly versatile. Here are some ideas to customize it to your liking:
- Spicy Kick: Add chopped jalapeños, cayenne pepper, or a dash of hot sauce.
- Cheesy Corn Pudding: Stir in 1 cup of shredded cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Gouda for a gooey, cheesy dish.
- Herb-Infused: Mix in fresh chopped chives, parsley, or thyme for added freshness.
- Bacon Bliss: Fold in crumbled cooked bacon for a smoky, savory note.
- Gluten-Free Option: Replace all-purpose flour with cornstarch or a gluten-free flour blend.
How to Serve Corn Pudding
Corn pudding is the perfect side dish for a variety of meals. It pairs beautifully with:
- Holiday mains like roasted turkey, honey-baked ham, or prime rib.
- Barbecue staples such as pulled pork, ribs, or grilled chicken.
- Vegetarian spreads, including roasted vegetables or salads.
Serve it warm, and consider garnishing it with a sprinkle of fresh herbs or a drizzle of honey for added flair.
How to Store Corn Pudding
- Refrigerating: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Reheating: Warm individual portions in the microwave, or reheat the entire dish in the oven at 300°F until heated through.
- Freezing: Wrap the baked and cooled corn pudding tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat before serving.
Recipe FAQs
Q: Can I make corn pudding ahead of time?
A: Yes! Prepare the dish and bake it up to 1 day in advance. Store in the refrigerator and reheat in the oven before serving.
Q: Can I use fresh corn instead of canned?
A: Absolutely! Use 1 ½ cups of fresh corn kernels. For cream-style corn, blend half the kernels with a splash of cream in a food processor.
Q: Is corn pudding the same as cornbread?
A: While they share some ingredients, cornbread is drier and more bread-like, while corn pudding is creamy and custard-like.
Q: Can I make it dairy-free?
A: Yes! Use plant-based milk (like almond or oat milk) and a vegan butter substitute.
Q: Why is my corn pudding runny?
A: It might be underbaked. Ensure the center is mostly set before removing it from the oven.
Corn Pudding
Corn pudding is a classic comfort food that combines sweet, creamy, and savory flavors into a dish that’s perfect for a holiday feast, a potluck, or a cozy family dinner, this dish never fails to impress.
Ingredients
- 2 cans (15 oz each) creamed corn
- 1 can (15 oz) whole kernel corn, drained
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup melted unsalted butter
- 1/8 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 (8.5 oz) package of Jiffy sweet cornbread mix
Instructions
- Prep Your Base: Beat the eggs in a large mixing bowl until smooth. Stir in the creamed corn and whole-kernel corn.
- Sweet and Spiced: Mix in sugar, nutmeg, and vanilla for a touch of warmth and sweetness.
- Add the Creaminess: Fold in the sour cream, followed by the melted butter.
- Thicken It Up: Sprinkle in the Jiffy cornbread mix and stir until everything’s combined.
- Bake to Perfection: Pour the batter into a buttered 9×13-inch baking dish and bake at 350°F for 35–40 minutes, or until golden and set.
- Cool and Serve: Let the pudding rest for 5–7 minutes before serving. Enjoy warm for the ultimate comfort food experience!
Nutrition Information
Yield
6Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 531Total Fat 43gSaturated Fat 24gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 15gCholesterol 228mgSodium 103mgCarbohydrates 33gFiber 2gSugar 21gProtein 8g
TastyFitnessRecipes.com, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although tastyfitnessrecipes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Corn pudding is more than just a side dish—it’s a tradition, a comfort, and a crowd-pleaser all in one. Its creamy texture, subtle sweetness, and versatility make it a must-have addition to any meal. Whether you’re keeping it classic or adding your personal twist, this dish will always leave your guests asking for seconds.
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