Creamed corn is one of those foods that I really only ever used from a can, and not until I decided to make my own did I realize how much of a difference making it fresh makes! This microwave creamed corn recipe is quick, convenient, and delicious, and a great use of fresh sweet corn!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ready in minutes. The microwave makes this creamy side dish incredibly quick when you need something on the table fast!
- Easy to make. Simple ingredients and minimal prep make this a wonderfully low-effort side
- Creamy and buttery. It’s rich, smooth, and packed with sweet corn flavor
- No stovetop needed. Keep the burners free for your main dish and other sides
- Perfect for holidays. It’s an easy addition to Thanksgiving, Christmas, Easter, and other holiday meals!
- Great for weeknights. Serve it alongside chicken, pork, steak, or your favorite comfort foods
- Small-batch friendly. It’s easy to make just enough for dinner without committing to a large casserole
- Easy to customize. Add Parmesan, herbs, bacon, jalapeños, shallots, or a little cayenne for a flavor boost
- Kid-friendly. The naturally sweet corn and creamy texture make it an easy side for the whole family
- Minimal cleanup. Mix and cook everything in a microwave-safe dish for fewer dishes to wash!
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Ingredients List
- 4 ears fresh sweet corn, kernels removed from the cob
- 1 Tbsp water
- 1 Tbsp honey (or granulated sugar)
- 2 Tbsp butter, melted
- 1 Tbsp flour
- Salt and pepper to taste (I use ¼ tsp each)
- ⅓ cup whole milk, half and half, or heavy cream
Ingredient Tips and Substitutions
- Instead of fresh corn, you can use about 2 cups of frozen defrosted corn kernels instead (great for fall and winter when fresh corn is out of season)
- While I prefer black pepper, white pepper works equally well in this recipe. Other good seasoning choices include garlic powder, cayenne for a little heat, or some paprika
- I prefer flour, but you can also use cornstarch as a thickening agent here. You could also use cream cheese (1-2 Tbsp) for a creamier option that will also thicken!
- Feel free to add fresh or dried herbs as you like – thyme, chives, and parsley are great choices, or even a green onion garnish!
Equipment Notes
You need a microwave-safe bowl big enough to hold the corn. I use my 4-cup Anyday cookware for this (which is equivalent to a 1 qt size), but anything similar in the 1-2 qt size range will work. Mine is the shallow dish, but the deep dish works well too!
I like this dish because it has a ventable lid included (I cook with the vent open). Once it cools, you can put the vent down and put the whole dish right in the refrigerator as well, so it’s great for storage and reheating too!
If your dish doesn’t have a lid, use a microwave-safe cover or a piece of wax paper to prevent splattering during cooking.
Step By Step Instructions
- Pre-cook the fresh corn by adding it to your microwave safe dish with the water, and cooking on high for 4-5 minutes, until it’s golden in color and tender. Skip this step if using thawed frozen corn. Add all remaining ingredients, and stir to combine with the corn
- Cover and microwave on high for 2-3 minutes, or until the mixture is thickened to your liking (add any extra time in 1-minute increments). If it overthickened, you can add extra cream or water to thin it back out. Room temperature corn may take a minute or two more (compared to the already-hot corn from pre-cooking in step 1)
- Taste and adjust seasoning levels as needed. Serve hot, with a garnish of fresh herbs or spices as desired. Enjoy!
Pairing Suggestions
Microwave creamed corn is creamy, buttery, and naturally sweet, making it an easy match for classic comfort foods, barbecue favorites, and holiday dinners. Since it’s so quick to prepare, it’s especially handy when you need one more side on the table!
Main Dishes
- Roast turkey: A classic holiday pairing that works especially well for Thanksgiving
- Baked ham: The salty, savory ham balances the sweetness of the creamed corn. Try my air fryer Small Ham!
- Roasted chicken: An easy, comforting combination for a family dinner
- Meatloaf: Pair with mashed potatoes for a classic comfort food plate. Any of my Air Fryer Meatloaf Recipes would be great
- Pork chops: The sweet corn makes a delicious contrast to savory pork
- Fried chicken: Creamed corn fits right in with a classic Southern-inspired meal
- Steak: Rich, savory beef pairs nicely with the buttery corn. It’s a classic side for any of my Air Fryer Steak Recipes!
- Grilled sausages: A quick and hearty option for a casual dinner
Cookout Favorites
- BBQ ribs: Sweet, creamy corn is a natural partner for smoky ribs
- Pulled pork: The creamy side balances the bold barbecue flavors
- Brisket: A comforting side for smoky, slow-cooked beef
- Grilled chicken: Perfect for summer cookouts
- Burgers: Serve creamed corn instead of fries or alongside a classic cookout spread
- Hot dogs: An easy, family-friendly pairing for backyard gatherings. Try some of my Air Fryer Hot Dog Recipes!
Other Side Dishes
- Mashed potatoes: Double down on the creamy comfort food.
- Green bean casserole: A natural choice for Thanksgiving.
- Stuffing: Especially good alongside turkey and gravy. My Air Fryer Cornbread Dressing is a great choice!
- Mac and cheese: An indulgent combination for comfort food lovers.
- Coleslaw: The cool crunch provides a nice contrast to the warm, creamy corn.
- Cornbread: Perfect for a Southern-inspired meal.
Tex-Mex Favorites
- Chili: The sweetness and creaminess help mellow spicy chili
- Tacos: A simple side for taco night!
- Fajitas: Creamed corn adds a sweet contrast to seasoned chicken or steak
- Pulled pork sandwiches: Especially good with a smoky or spicy barbecue sauce
- Jalapeño chicken: The creamy corn helps balance the heat
Holiday & Special Occasions
- Thanksgiving dinner: Serve alongside turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, and cranberry sauce. My Microwave Cranberry Sauce is super easy and delicious!
- Christmas ham: An easy side that doesn’t take up valuable oven space
- Easter dinner: Pair with ham, roasted vegetables, and dinner rolls
- Potluck dinners: Its quick preparation makes it a convenient last-minute side!
- Sunday dinner: A comforting addition to roast chicken, pork, or meatloaf
Recipe FAQs
Can I Cook Creamed Corn In The Microwave?
Absolutely! That’s what makes this recipe so convenient. The microwave heats the corn and creamy ingredients quickly without needing to use the stovetop.
Can I Make This On The Stove Instead?
Yes! Combine the ingredients in a pan and cook over medium-low heat, stirring frequently, until the creamed corn is hot and creamy. Avoid boiling so the dairy stays smooth. Fresh corn should still be par-cooked.
How Does This Differ From Canned Creamed Corn?
Homemade creamed corn has a fresher corn flavor and creamier texture than most canned versions. You can also adjust the butter, cream, and seasonings to your taste, rather than being limited to the flavor of the canned variety.
Tips For the Best Microwave Creamed Corn
- If you want a more can like consistency, you can blend about a cup of the cooked corn and then mix it back in with the rest of the ingredients (so you get a variety of different textures)
- The best tip I have is just to make sure to check your seasoning levels, especially if you adjust the consistency at the end by thinning it out – you may want more salt and/or pepper, or even a little extra honey or sugar to adjust the sweetness, depending on preferences and how sweet your corn naturally is!
Storage and Reheating
Storage Tips
- Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days
- Let the creamed corn cool slightly before covering and placing in the fridge
- Freeze for up to 2 months in a freezer-safe container, although the texture will change slightly after thawing
- Thaw frozen creamed corn overnight in the refrigerator before reheating
Reheating Tips
- Microwave: Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until hot. Add a splash of milk or cream if it has thickened too much
- Stovetop: Warm gently over medium-low heat, stirring frequently. Add a little milk or cream to loosen the consistency as needed
- Don’t overheat. Gentle reheating helps prevent the dairy from separating and keeps the corn creamy!
Make Ahead
If you’re making this for a holiday meal, you can prepare it a day ahead and refrigerate it. Reheat gently in the microwave just before serving, adding a little extra cream or milk if needed!
Final Thoughts
Creamed corn is one of those side dishes that comes together quickly, with just a handful of ingredients, yet delivers creamy, delicious flavor! I love it with fresh summer sweet corn, but it’s equally good with frozen so you can enjoy it year round.
The microwave speeds things up, offering a shortcut over the stovetop that doesn’t require tending. It’s a great way to get this delicious side together in no time, which is why it works for busy weeknights just as well as the holiday table!
You can customize your creamed corn with lots of different add-ins and seasonings to take the base recipe and make it your own! If you’re looking for more great recipes and flavor inspiration, check out my Air Fryer Corn Recipes for some tasty ideas!
Easy Microwave Creamed Corn
Equipment
- 4-cup Anyday cookware (or similar)
- Spatula (or spoon; for mixing)
Ingredients
- 4 ears fresh sweet corn (shucked; kernels removed from the cob)
- 1 Tbsp water
- 1 Tbsp honey (or granulated sugar)
- 2 Tbsp butter (melted)
- 1 Tbsp all purpose flour
- Salt and pepper to taste (I use ¼ tsp each)
- ⅓ cup whole milk, half and half, or heavy cream
Instructions
- Pre-cook the fresh corn by adding it to your microwave safe dish with the water, and cooking on high for 4-5 minutes, until it’s golden in color and tender. Skip this step if using thawed frozen corn. Add all remaining ingredients, and stir to combine with the corn4 ears fresh sweet corn, 1 Tbsp water, 1 Tbsp honey, 2 Tbsp butter, 1 Tbsp all purpose flour, Salt and pepper to taste, ⅓ cup whole milk, half and half, or heavy cream
- Cover and microwave on high for 2-3 minutes, or until the mixture is thickened to your liking (add any extra time in 1-minute increments). If it overthickened, you can add extra cream or water to thin it back out. Room temperature corn may take a minute or two more (compared to the already-hot corn from pre-cooking in step 1)
- Taste and adjust seasoning levels as needed. Serve hot, with a garnish of fresh herbs or spices as desired. Enjoy!
Notes
- Instead of fresh corn, you can use 2 cups of frozen defrosted corn kernels instead
- While I typically use black pepper, white pepper works equally well. Other good seasoning choices include garlic powder, cayenne for a little heat, or some paprika
- I prefer flour, but you can also use cornstarch as the thickening agent here. Cream cheese (1-2 Tbsp) is another creamier option that will also thicken!
- Feel free to add fresh or dried herbs as you like – thyme, chives, parsley, or green onions are great!
- Exact nutritional values will vary based on brand and flavor of ingredients, any swaps or additions, and quantity consumed, so please consider this a guideline only
Nutrition
