Southern Soul Food Creamed Corn

Homemade Southern soul food creamed corn is a comforting, rich side dish that brings out the best in sweet, fresh corn. This classic recipe takes simple ingredients and transforms them into a creamy, flavorful dish that pairs perfectly with just about any meal. Whether it’s a holiday gathering or a weeknight dinner, this creamed corn recipe is sure to add a touch of Southern charm to your table.

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Once you have tried this recipe you will never go back to canned cream corn. Like most Southern style recipes this dish is also flavored with bacon. But check out my notes below if you don’t want to use it.

Brandi’s Key Ingredients

What Type of Corn to Use

I love to use frozen corn because it’s easy to find and is available year round. We often serve this dish for Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners.

You can also use fresh ears of corn. You can use 4 ears of corn. You will have to peel and remove the husks and then slice the corn from the cob.

You can also use the same amount of drained, canned corn.

How Does it Taste

I love to serve this sweetened, but with a savory kick! The flavor is totally up to you. I combine Creole seasoning, sweetener, salt, and pepper. A lot of people just like for their creamed corn to be sweet. If that’s the case omit the Creole seasoning and just use sweetener or sugar.

How to Make Southern Soul Food Creamed Corn

Detailed measurements and full instructions can be found in the recipe card at the bottom of the post.

1. Heat a skillet on medium heat and add thebacon. Cook both sides until crisp.
2. Drain any excess grease from the pan, but reserve about a tablespoon of grease. Do not drain if this is all you have. Remove the bacon and set it aside.
3. Add butter to the pan with the bacon drippings. Allow the butter to melt and then sprinkle in the flour. Stir to thicken.
4. Add in heavy cream (or half and half), sugar or sweetener, Creole Seasoning (optional), salt, and pepper, and stir to combine.
5. Add in the corn and cooked bacon. Cook for 3-4 minutes and stir until the mixture thickens. Taste repeatedly and adjust sweetener, salt, and pepper as needed.

Do You Have to Use Bacon?

No, feel free to omit it if you wish. The bacon is used for Southern flavor.

Runny Creamed Corn

Using half-and-half or heavy cream instead of regular milk creates a thicker, richer consistency. The higher fat content helps the sauce thicken more naturally. You can thicken the dish even further by creating a flour (or cornstarch slurry). Mix a small amount of cornstarch (about 1-2 teaspoons) or flour with a bit of cold water to make a slurry. Stir this into the creamed corn during cooking to thicken the mixture. Be sure to stir constantly to avoid lumps.

How to Store it/Can You Make it Ahead

This is such an easy and quick dish to whip together, serving it fresh is always best. It can be stored in the fridge, and tightly sealed for 3-4 days.

Freezer Tips

You can freeze this, but it won’t yield the best results when you reheat it. The dairy will separate, but the flavor will remain.

Pair With these Main Dishes

Baked Turkey Wings
Smothered Turkey Wings
Cajun Roasted Turkey
Smothered Chicken
Air Fryer Honey Glazed Ham
Southern Baked Ham with Pineapple

More Southern Side Dish Recipes

Southern Soul Food Mac and Cheese
Southern Cornbread Dressing
Southern Sweet Potato Casserole
Southern Candied Sweet Potatoes
Southern Mustard Greens
Southern Style Green Beans
Southern Baked Beans
Homemade Southern Cornbread
Seafood Mac and Cheese

Check our list of The Best Authentic Soul Food Recipes here. If you want to switch up your holiday feast, check out our Thanksgiving Chicken recipe. Watch step by step instructions on how to make this recipe on Youtube.