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How to Make Creamed Corn from Scratch at Home

written by

Kim Hitzfield

posted on

July 20, 2020

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Everyone is always looking for new, delicious ways to add some more vegetables into their meals. But with a busy schedule and mouths to feed, your side dishes shouldn't take more prep than the main course itself. For a quick, delicious veggie side dish, enter: creamed corn.

Creamed corn is an excellent addition to any meal, and it works for any season. Whether you want it as a summer side dish for family picnics or a warm and hearty complement to an autumnal spread, creamed corn is perfect.

This traditional side dish is sweet, savory, and creamy—a combination that is tough to beat. Best of all, it's quick and straightforward—and depending on your cooking method, it's almost hands-free! Below is a comprehensive, step-by-step guide for achieving the perfect creamed corn from scratch or using a slow cooker.

Ingredients You Need for the Perfect Creamed Corn

Every great recipe begins with great ingredients. As with any recipe, purchasing fresh and high-quality ingredients is essential for getting the best results. For creamed corn, you need:

  • 4 cups of corn kernels (fresh)
  • 1 1/4 cups milk
  • 3/4 cup heavy cream
  • 2 teaspoons sugar
  • 2 tablespoons flour
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 2 sprigs of thyme
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Cayenne pepper (optional)

The prep time for this made-from-scratch recipe is longer than the crockpot option, but the mouthwatering results are worth every minute!

How to Make Homemade Creamed Corn from Scratch: Step-by-Step

Step One: Cook the Onion

First, heat the butter in a large pot. You'll then combine the diced onion, making sure to stir frequently so that it doesn't burn. Medium heat is usually best. Cook the onion until translucent; this should only take a few minutes.

Step Two: Add the Seasonings and Corn

Once the onion is translucent and soft, add the salt, pepper, and flour to the pan. You'll want to stir this right away since the flour could clump up if left too long. A whisk is best to use for this, but you could also use a spoon.

After about 2 or 3 minutes of stirring, the flour should combine with the butter and onions into a semi-smooth mixture. This stage is when you should add in the corn, stirring to combine.

Step Three: Create the Cream Base

Next, add in the heavy cream, milk, thyme, and sugar. While still on medium heat, stir until the mixture comes to a boil. You don't want the heat too high, or it can cause the milk and heavy cream to form a hardened crust.

You should also notice the cream sauce thickening slightly due to the flour. Let the mixture boil for around one minute.

Step Four: Blend

Remove one cup of the corn mixture and blend. You could use a hand mixer for this, but if you don't have one available, you could also opt for a few pulses in a blender.

If you do end up using a blender, remember that the goal isn't to blend the mixture like you would a smoothie thoroughly. Instead, you just want a semi-smooth mixture to add that creamy texture to the creamed corn.

When the blending is complete, add back into the pot.

Last Step: Flavor to Taste and Enjoy!

Lastly, taste and add additional salt, pepper, and if you want, garlic powder to taste. If you like a kick to your corn, you can add cayenne pepper, which adds flavor and is a good source of Vitamin C.

This recipe is a traditional, homemade creamed corn favorite that the whole family will love. However, if you're pressed for time, there are a ton of great alternatives to making creamed corn from scratch.

Ingredients You Need for the Perfect Slow Cooker Creamed Corn

Crockpot meals tend to be more hands-free and ideal for busy parents. The prep time for this recipe is only as long as you need to gather the ingredients and put them in the cooker!

For this creamed corn recipe to create in the crockpot, you'll need:

  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 1/2 cup butter
  • 1 8-ounce package of cream cheese (go for full fat, not reduced-fat cream cheese)
  • 1 1/4 (or 16 ounces) of frozen corn kernels
  • Cayenne pepper (optional)

How to Slow Cook Creamed Corn: Step-by-Step

Step One: Combine All Ingredients

First, combine all of your creamed corn ingredients—the milk, cream cheese, butter, tablespoon sugar, corn, and seasonings—in the crockpot. Make sure to mix this thoroughly and season to taste.

For the crockpot, cream cheese is preferable because of its thickened texture. The long hours over heat allow the cream cheese to melt over time, creating a thicky, gooey, delicious texture.

Step Two: Let It Cook

Set your cooker to the appropriate setting. For a quicker time, use the high setting for about 2 to 4 hours. If you're making this creamed corn recipe ahead of time, you can also use the low setting for about 4 to 6 hours.

Last Step: Enjoy!

After the set time, your creamed corn should be ready to serve and eat! You can add pinch cayenne pepper to give a Southern twist on this classic dish. The cayenne pepper balances the cream for a rich flavor experience.

Fresh Corn vs. Frozen or Canned: What's the Difference?

You'll notice that each of these creamed corn recipes utilize two different types of corn: fresh and frozen. You also have the option to use canned. This choice depends on the specific recipe and personal preference. Below, we'll dive deeper into what the pitfalls and benefits are for these options.

Fresh Corn

Fresh kernels are often the best choice for most creamed corn recipes. Not only is the flavor better, but many would also argue that the texture is much better than either frozen or canned corn.

If you're buying fresh, it also gives you the chance to know the source of your corn. For example, getting fresh vegetables from a farmer's market ensures that it's both fresh and local.

The only real downside would be that fresh kernels don't stay fresh forever, so planning to use it up soon after purchasing is best.

Frozen Corn

Frozen corn is probably the best alternative to fresh, in terms of both flavor and texture. The corn becomes frozen through a process called "flash freezing." This method also allows the corn to keep most of its nutrients.

The corn also gets cooked before being frozen, so if a creamed corn recipe calls for frozen kernels, you can use it while it's still frozen since all it has to do is thaw out. Like in the crockpot creamed corn recipe above, you don't usually have to worry about defrosting before using it in a recipe.

Frozen corn also obviously keeps much longer, and it's easier to prepare, too—simply defrost, either inside the bag or after it's been open.

Canned Corn

Canned corn also keeps for a long time. It's an excellent staple to have at home to whip up some fast, delicious meals.

Some people, however, prefer to stay away from canned vegetables altogether. They tend to have a very high sodium content, so that is something to look out for when purchasing.

Canned vegetables get cooked before being packaged. Prep is little to non-existent since all you have to do is open the can and mix it into a recipe. Ideally, canned kernels are best for things like soups, chowders. For creamed corn, we recommend fresh or frozen.

The texture of canned vegetables tends to be a little on the softer side, so integrating it into recipes that naturally have that texture is best. For example, if you plan on having just plain corn as a side dish, fresh or frozen would be a much better choice than canned.

Conclusion

Making a delicious, simple side dish of creamed corn has never been easier. No matter if you prefer the homemade version or the crockpot creamed corn, the recipes above ensure a side dish that is satisfying and tasty, every time.

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Tender, juicy, and flavorful pork chops are always a great idea for dinner. Better still, this nutritious, premium cut is exceptionally versatile.  Whether you’re in the mood for Mexican, Italian, or a good old-fashioned cookout, pork chops can be paired with a variety of side dishes for a satisfying, nutritious meal.  Ready for some inspiration? Here are a few of our favorite sides to accompany our pasture-raised heritage pork chops.  Classic Companions for Pork Chops Classic recipes are classics for a reason. These tried-and-tested flavor combinations make for beautifully balanced, mouth-watering dinners that you’ll want to cook again and again. They’ll taste even better when you prepare with high-quality chops from heritage pork. Thyme and Garlic Roasted Vegetables Pork chops’ delicately sweet yet savory flavor harmonizes wonderfully with roasted vegetables. Better still, you can use whatever you have in the refrigerator: peppers, onions, green beans, broccoli–any and all vegetables pair well with our pork chops. Season your vegetables and pork chops with oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and thyme for a quick and tasty midweek meal. Spread them on a baking tray and cook in the oven for around 30 minutes at 400F. Try different flavor combinations, like honey and garlic, smoked paprika, or a few tablespoons of balsamic vinegar for a bit of a twist.  Apple Sauce Pork chops and applesauce have been a winning duo for generations. The apple's acidic sweetness beautifully complements the pork's meatiness.  To serve up a tasty dinner, cook your pork chops in the skillet and serve with nutty brown rice, roasted green beans, and a generous side of sweet, tart applesauce.  Other fruit sauces, such as pear or cranberry sauce, work fantastically, too. Try our recipe for pear sauce with pork chops, and let us know what you think.  Mashed Potatoes and Gravy Another hearty, decadent dinner is oven-roasted pork chops with buttery mashed potatoes, smothered in a rich, velvety gravy. In fact, any kind of potato accompanies pork chops perfectly. Some of our favorites are hasselback potatoes, potatoes au gratin, or garlic butter-roasted potatoes.  Whatever you cook, serve your meal alongside a helping of steaming, meaty gravy to accentuate the taste of the pork and enhance the creaminess of your potatoes.  Contemporary Twist on Pork Chop Sides If you’d like to cook something a little more inventive, the following recipes will surely be a hit with friends and family.  Zesty Quinoa Salad When the weather’s warmer outside, you’ll no doubt want to grill your pork chops. Try pairing them with a light, zesty quinoa salad for a healthy, deliciously textured lunch or dinner. The great thing about quinoa salad is how easy it is to make. 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You can turn these versatile cuts into the centerpiece of any dish, across almost any cuisine.  Whether you cook a British-style roast dinner with creamy mashed potatoes or a Spanish-inspired butterbean dish, these cuts can be paired with a number of side dishes for a variety of delectable flavor combinations.  Why Choose Seven Sons for Your Pork At Seven Sons, we’re committed to providing you with the highest-quality food. That means sustainably raised pork, free from antibiotics, hormones, and GMOs.  Together, with our partner farms, we provide our hogs with a stress-free environment on open fields and regenerative pastures using animal stewardship practices that promote health and hardiness. Not only is our way kinder, but the quality of the meat is better. Compared to conventional pork, Seven Sons’ pork cuts are far more nutritious, tender, richer in flavor, and higher in beneficial omega-3 fatty acids. Ready to taste the difference? Order your Seven Sons pork chops today.

A Complete Guide to Pork Cuts and How to Cook Them

Pork is a versatile meat rich in protein, vitamins, and minerals. It’s a great addition to a healthy diet, and you can cook it in various ways. Which cut of pork you choose and how to cook it, depends on a few things.  Before deciding which cut is right for you, consider the source. Pasture-raised, heritage breeds produce more flavorful pork with better nutritional content[1] than standard grocery store products.  But can you tell the difference between pasture-raised pork and industrially produced pork? Yes! Our pork is firm and darker pink in color (indicating the animal was pasture-raised). Pork meat that is pale in color, soft, or damp was most likely factory-farmed. As a bonus, all our pork is sugar-free and free from GMOs, nitrates, and antibiotics. Now that we’ve sorted that out, let’s talk about the different pork cuts!  1. Bacon  Bacon is a breakfast staple for a reason, and it’s our #1 selling product of all! These thin slices of pork are quick to cook–making them a great, tasty breakfast, lunch, or dinner option! We recommend frying, baking, or grilling your pork bacon until it turns dark pink and the fat is crispy around the edges. Bonus: You don’t need to stop at breakfast with your bacon. Wrap a tasty filet mignon, top your favorite hamburger, or make bite-sized pieces to mix in with oven-roasted Brussels sprouts, asparagus, or Cobb salad. 2. Pork Sausage Another breakfast staple – pork sausage – is made of cuts from the shoulder and loin of the pig. We season our sausage with black pepper, red pepper, rosemary, and sage to give it a rich, hearty taste.  For the healthiest option, grill or oven-bake your sausages until browned and cooked through–or fry them in a skillet for 10-12 minutes. Then, serve with eggs, in a breakfast sandwich, or with a side of sweet potato hash. 3. Ham Ham comes from the hind leg of the hog. 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How to Cook Pork Sausages: Top 3 Methods

Whether served in a bun, mixed with rich tomato penne, or fried in a pan with eggs and cheese, protein-rich pork sausages are a versatile, delectable choice for a flavor-packed breakfast, lunch, or dinner.  Not only are pork sausages rich, meaty, and delicious, but they can also make for a nutritious meal if you buy the right type. Some sausages include added sugar and are high in sodium and additives, which don’t bode well for a healthy diet.  However, if you choose pasture-raised, heritage pork sausages, you’ll get high-quality meat free of hormones, antibiotics, and GMOs. This makes for a healthier, ethical choice and better taste. Not to “humble brag,” but we’re kind of known for our sugar-free breakfast sausage, so we feel really good about putting together this article. 🙂 But, for those of you who prefer to make your own sausage, our ground pork is perfect! Here, we’ll discuss the top three ways to cook sugar-free, heritage pork sausages perfectly. Prep Time: 5 minutes Cook Time: 12 minutes Servings: 6-8 What You'll Need One of the appeals of cooking pork sausages is how quick and easy the process is. Because the meat is so naturally flavourful, all you’ll need is a tablespoon of oil, and you’re ready to go:  1 tbsp oil (Avocado or Extra Virgin Olive) 1 lb. Sugar-Free Pork Sausage All our pastured pork sausage is made from the highest-quality meat raised on our regenerative family farm or within our trusted partner farm network. With the cooking methods below, enjoy a variety of flavors, including kielbasa, Italian, bratwurst, and breakfast patties. Instructions Now, it’s time to explore our three favorite methods for cooking pork sausages: on the stove, in the oven, and on the grill. Cooking on the Stovetop This is the classic way to cook pork sausages–and it’s quick and easy.  Heat a drizzle of oil in a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Place four sausages in the skillet, cooking for 5 minutes on each side or until the middle of the patties reaches 160°F.  Once cooked, remove the sausages from the skillet and let stand for five minutes.  Repeat the process until all sausages are done.  Baking in the Oven If you’re looking for an oil-free or low-effort cooking method, baking your pork sausages is the way to go.  Preheat oven to 375°F. While it warms, line a baking tray with non-stick parchment paper and place the sausages or patties on it. Put the tray in the oven and bake for 18-20 minutes or until sausages or patties reach 160°F. Halfway through baking time, flip so they’re nicely browned all over.  For extra crispy results, cook sausages in a skillet on high heat for two minutes after baking.  Option: You can also use a cast iron skillet as an alternative to a baking sheet. Cooking on the Grill In the mood for a barbecue? Pork sausage links also cook wonderfully on the grill. 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Side Dishes to Pair with Pork Sausage Pork sausages make for a hearty, delicious meal any time of the day. Here are some of our favorite ways to serve them for a mouth-wateringly tasty breakfast, lunch, or dinner:  Breakfast Gooey egg, sausage, and cheese breakfast sandwich Colorful fried sausage, veggie, and potato hash  Old-fashioned sausages, biscuits and gravy  Lunch Sauteed peppers, sausage, and onions laced with red pesto  Grilled sausages with creamy coleslaw and a dressed summer salad  Spiced, baked eggplant stuffed with herbs and sauteed sausage  Dinner  Sweet, zingy tomato and sausage penne pasta  Grilled sausages served with baked sweet potato wedges and roasted vegetables  Crumbled spicy sausage and caramelized onion pizza  Expert Tips & Tricks Before we dive into the cooking instructions, here are some helpful tips and tricks to keep in mind to get the perfect sausages every time:  Before cooking your breakfast sausage patties, gently press your thumb down into the center of each one. This will help the sausage to retain its circular shape during cooking.  When it comes to sausages, slow and steady wins the race. That means cooking them on low to medium heat. Otherwise, you risk a burned outside and undercooked inside.  While cooking as many patties or links as you can in a skillet might be tempting, it’s better to cook them in manageable batches. If you don’t, you may accidentally steam the sausages instead of browning them, and lose out on the crispy exterior. Once your sausages are cooked, allow them to rest for a few minutes before serving. This will make every bite more juicy and tender.  For the perfect pork sausage, a meat thermometer is your best friend! You’ll want to ensure the sausage's innermost part reaches 160°F–that’s how you’ll know it’s ready.  Recipe FAQs Is it better to cook sausages in the oven or pan? How you cook your pork sausages depends on your preferences. The oven, skillet, and grill are all great options. The oven is the best option if you prefer a more hands-off approach to cooking, but we'd recommend the pan if you enjoy sizzling your sausages to perfection.  What’s the difference between Italian sausage and breakfast sausage?  Seven Sons’ Italian and breakfast sausages are both beautifully seasoned and sugar-free. The major difference between the two is our selection of herbs and spices in each. While the breakfast sausage is milder and lighter in flavor, with hints of sage and rosemary, the Italian sausage has a lightly spiced flavor thanks to the addition of paprika.  How should sausages be cooked? Pork sausages are versatile and delicious. For best results, you can cook them in several ways, including in the oven, on a skillet, or on a grill.  Can you pan-fry pork sausages? Absolutely! Heat a drizzle of oil in a non-stick skillet over medium heat to pan-fry pork sausages. Next, cook your sausage patties for five minutes on each side or until the middle of the patties has reached 160°F. Don’t forget to let them rest for a few minutes after cooking, so they’re extra juicy and tender.  Should I add any seasonings to the sausage patties? Seven Son’s breakfast and Italian pork sausages are already perfectly seasoned with a delicate blend of herbs and spices, meaning all you need to do is cook them!  Can I store leftover cooked pork sausage? Yes, it’s easy to store leftover pork sausage. First, let the meat cool completely. Then, transfer it to an airtight container. You can refrigerate it for up to 4 days.  Ready to Cook?  Try Seven Sons’ delicious, sugar-free pork sausage range today. As always, we’d love to know what you think! So, let us know if you tried our recipes and how it turned out!