As I stirred the bubbling mix in the oven, the cozy aroma of my Southern Corn Pudding whisked me back to my grandmother’s kitchen, a place where heart and home were always intertwined. This creamy, custard-like side dish brings a delightful sweetness that dances on your taste buds, making it a beloved favorite for family gatherings and holiday feasts. The best part? It’s so uncomplicated to prepare that you’ll have it ready in just about ten minutes, leaving you free to enjoy laughter and cherished memories around the table. Whether it graces your Thanksgiving spread or complements a weeknight roast, this Corn Pudding is sure to be a hit. What adventures do you have planned for this classic dish? Why Is Corn Pudding So Irresistible? Creamy Delight: This Southern Corn Pudding offers a rich, custard-like texture that perfectly balances sweetness with savory flavors. Effortlessly Simple: With just ten minutes of prep time, you can pop it in the oven and focus on other tasty dishes like Mexican Street Corn or Crispy Fried Chicken Street Corn Tacos. Family Favorite: Its warm, inviting aroma makes it an instant hit at any gathering, especially during the holidays. Versatile Side: Pair it with roasted chicken, baked ham, or even a fresh salad for a delightful meal. Trust me, once you’ve tasted it, you’ll find every reason to make this dish a regular on your dining table! Corn Pudding Ingredients • For the Pudding Large Eggs – Provides structure and richness; larger eggs can add more moisture for an even creamier texture. Brown Sugar – Adds sweetness and a hint of caramel flavor; white sugar can be used for a less complex flavor. Butter (melted) – Enhances flavor and ensures a creamy texture; use unsalted butter for better control over saltiness. Heavy Cream – Contributes to the custard-like consistency; substituting half with milk makes a lighter version. Cornstarch – Acts as a thickening agent; use arrowroot powder for a gluten-free alternative. Ground Nutmeg – Adds warm, aromatic spices; ground cinnamon can be a delightful substitute if desired. Ground White Pepper – Provides subtle heat; black pepper can work in a pinch if white pepper isn’t available. Whole Kernel Corn (canned) – Offers sweetness and texture; fresh corn is a wonderful substitute in season. Creamed Corn (canned) – Adds moisture and flavor; homemade creamed corn delivers a fresher taste for added enjoyment. • For the Optional Mix-Ins Shredded Cheese (e.g., Cheddar or Parmesan) – For a cheesy twist that enhances flavor. Chopped Herbs (e.g., chives or parsley) – Brighten up the dish with a fresh twist. Diced Jalapeños – Add a spicy kick for those craving a bit of heat in their Corn Pudding. Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Corn Pudding Step 1: Preheat the Oven Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). While the oven heats, take an 8×11-inch casserole dish and generously coat it with cooking spray, ensuring even coverage. This step helps prevent sticking and allows for an easy release of your creamy Corn Pudding once baked to perfection. Step 2: Prepare the Egg Mixture In a large mixing bowl, add four large eggs. Whisk them vigorously until well combined, then stir in one cup of brown sugar and half a cup of melted unsalted butter. Continue mixing until the sugar is fully dissolved, and the mixture is smooth, resulting in a creamy base that will give your Corn Pudding its delightful texture. Step 3: Combine Cream and Thickeners In a separate small bowl, whisk together one cup of heavy cream with 2 tablespoons of cornstarch until the cornstarch is fully dissolved. Gradually fold this cream mixture into the egg mixture, ensuring a seamless blend. This step is crucial for achieving the rich custard-like consistency that defines your Southern Corn Pudding. Step 4: Add Flavor and Texture Now, it’s time to enhance your Corn Pudding! Stir in half a teaspoon of ground nutmeg, half a teaspoon of ground white pepper, one can of drained whole kernel corn, and one can of creamed corn. Mix these ingredients gently but thoroughly, ensuring that every bite of your Corn Pudding is bursting with sweet and savory flavors. Step 5: Pour and Bake Carefully pour the combined mixture into the prepared casserole dish, spreading it evenly with a spatula. Once you’ve done that, place the dish in the preheated oven. Bake for 55 to 60 minutes, watching closely for a golden-brown top and a center that is set with a slight jiggle, indicating that your Corn Pudding is perfect and ready to serve. Step 6: Cool and Serve After baking, remove your Corn Pudding from the oven and let it cool for about ten minutes. This resting time allows the flavors to settle and the pudding to firm up slightly. Once cooled, you can serve it warm as a delightful side dish that will steal the show at any gathering or holiday feast. What to Serve with Southern Corn Pudding? This creamy treat is the perfect centerpiece for any meal, inviting you to explore delightful pairings that enhance its sweet and savory goodness. Juicy Roasted Chicken: The tender, savory flavors of roasted chicken harmonize beautifully with the sweetness of the Corn Pudding, making for a comforting dinner option. Baked Ham with Glaze: A sweet and salty glazed ham adds a delicious contrast to the rich custard-like texture of the pudding, amplifying the flavors on your plate. Honey-Glazed Carrots: These vibrant carrots bring a touch of elegance and sweetness that complements the dish’s creamy profile while adding a colorful touch to your table. Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Soft and buttery mashed potatoes offer a creamy texture that pairs seamlessly with Corn Pudding, creating a satisfying comfort food experience. Southern Collard Greens: The earthy bitterness of collard greens provides a lovely balance to the sweeter notes of Corn Pudding, showcasing a true Southern feast. Fresh Garden Salad: A bright, crunchy salad introduces a refreshing element to your meal, perfectly offsetting the richness of the Southern Corn Pudding. Chilled White Wine: A crisp, chilled white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc, enhances the sweetness of the pudding and makes for a delightful sip alongside your meal. Apple Crisp: Finish with a warm apple crisp for dessert; the cinnamon-spiced apples create a comforting flavor, perfectly tying together your Southern-themed feast. Make Ahead Options These Southern Corn Pudding makes for an excellent meal prep option, perfect for busy home cooks! You can prepare the entire casserole dish up to 24 hours in advance by covering it tightly and refrigerating it before baking. When you’re ready to serve, simply allow the dish to reach room temperature for about 30 minutes, then pop it in the preheated oven to bake as directed. To maintain that creamy, custard-like texture, ensure the egg mixture is smooth and free from lumps before chilling. Trust me, even after a night in the fridge, your Southern Corn Pudding will be just as delicious and comforting as if you made it fresh! Storage Tips for Corn Pudding Fridge: Store leftover Corn Pudding in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Make sure it cools to room temperature before sealing to prevent condensation. Freezer: For longer storage, freeze Corn Pudding in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. Reheating: Reheat gently in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-25 minutes or until heated through. Add a splash of cream to maintain its creamy texture. Corn Pudding Variations & Substitutions Feel free to let your culinary creativity shine with these delightful twists and swaps for your Corn Pudding! Cheesy Delight: Mix in 1 cup of shredded cheddar or Parmesan for a rich, oozy texture that elevates the dish. Imagine the gooey goodness that melts into every creamy bite! Herby Freshness: Stir in 1/4 cup of chopped herbs like chives or parsley to brighten the flavors. The fresh notes will create a zesty contrast, lifting the traditional pudding to fresh heights. Spicy Kick: Add 1/2 cup of diced jalapeños for a bold twist that brings a delightful heat. This is perfect if you’re looking to introduce a punchy surprise into the comforting creaminess. Sweet Savory Mix: Incorporate 1/2 cup of sautéed onions or leeks for a savory touch that harmonizes beautifully with the sweetness. The caramelized flavors will create an extraordinary depth your guests will adore. Nutty Crunch: Toss in 1/2 cup of toasted pecans or walnuts for added crunch and flavor richness. This unexpected texture will contrast perfectly with the creamy pudding, offering a delightful experience in every bite. Healthier Twist: Substitute half of the heavy cream with Greek yogurt for a lighter version that still maintains creaminess, plus it adds a pleasant tang. Your waistline will thank you, and you won’t miss a beat on flavor! Corn Variation: For a fresh, seasonal spin, use freshly cut corn off the cob instead of canned corn. This elevates your dish and infuses it with vibrant sweetness, making it truly farm-to-table. Sweet Pumpkin Addition: Stir in 1 cup of pumpkin puree for a seasonal flair. The earthy sweetness will transform your Corn Pudding into a rich, fall-inspired delight perfect for Thanksgiving spreads. As you experiment with these variations, think about pairing your Corn Pudding with dishes like Mexican Street Corn or even a comforting Cheese Banana Pudding for a dessert that complements your savory creation! Enjoy the journey of flavors! Expert Tips for Corn Pudding • Perfect Egg Mixture: Ensure your eggs are whisked thoroughly for a smooth mixture. Lumps can lead to uneven texture in your Corn Pudding. • Avoid Overbaking: Keep an eye on the oven! Baking too long can dry out the pudding. It should be set but jiggle slightly in the center when done. • Prepping Ahead: Make your Corn Pudding ahead of time by refrigerating the unbaked mixture. Just let it come to room temperature before popping it in the oven. • Flavor Enhancements: Don’t hesitate to experiment! Adding cheese or spices can elevate your Corn Pudding, making it a memorable dish for any gathering. • Storage Tips: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for three days. Reheat gently to retain the creamy texture. Southern Corn Pudding Recipe FAQs What type of corn should I use? You can use either canned whole kernel corn or fresh corn when in season for your Southern Corn Pudding. Canned corn offers convenience and sweetness, while fresh corn can enhance flavor and texture. If opting for fresh, you’ll need about 2 cups of kernels, which can be easily extracted from about 4 ears of corn. How should I store leftover Corn Pudding? Absolutely! Store any leftover Corn Pudding in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Be sure to let it cool to room temperature before sealing to avoid condensation, which can make the pudding soggy. For best results, reheat in the oven to maintain that creamy texture. Can I freeze Corn Pudding? Yes, you can freeze your Southern Corn Pudding! To do this, let the pudding cool completely after baking, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw it overnight in the fridge, and reheat gently in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through—around 20-25 minutes will do the trick. What should I do if my Corn Pudding is too runny? If you find your Corn Pudding is a bit too runny after baking, it could be due to undercooking or not enough thickening agent. To remedy this, consider adding an extra tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with a tablespoon of cold water next time, or bake a little longer, checking to ensure the center has a slight jiggle but is mostly set. Is Corn Pudding suitable for people with dietary restrictions? Yes, you can make Southern Corn Pudding more inclusive for dietary considerations! For a gluten-free version, use cornstarch or arrowroot powder instead of flour. If someone is lactose intolerant, substituting the heavy cream with a non-dairy milk option can work, though the texture may vary slightly. Always verify with guests about any allergies, particularly to eggs or dairy. How can I enhance the flavor of my Corn Pudding? Want to add some pizzazz? Consider stirring in shredded cheese like cheddar or Parmesan for a delightful cheesy twist. Fresh herbs like chives or parsley can also brighten the dish, or if you’re feeling adventurous, add diced jalapeños for a spicy kick. Feel free to experiment until you find your perfect flavor combination! Creamy Corn Pudding That Will Steal the Show at Dinner This creamy Corn Pudding is a beloved Southern dish that combines sweetness and savory flavors, perfect for family dinners. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 10 minutes minsCook Time 1 hour hrCooling Time 10 minutes minsTotal Time 1 hour hr 20 minutes mins Servings: 8 servingsCourse: DinnerCuisine: SouthernCalories: 280 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Pudding4 large Eggs Provides structure and richness1 cup Brown Sugar Adds sweetness and a hint of caramel flavor0.5 cup Butter Melted unsalted butter enhances flavor1 cup Heavy Cream Contributes to custard-like consistency2 tablespoons Cornstarch Acts as a thickening agent0.5 teaspoon Ground Nutmeg Adds warm, aromatic spices0.5 teaspoon Ground White Pepper Provides subtle heat1 can Whole Kernel Corn Drained, offers sweetness and texture1 can Creamed Corn Adds moisture and flavorFor the Optional Mix-Ins1 cup Shredded Cheese Cheddar or Parmesan enhances flavor0.25 cup Chopped Herbs e.g. chives or parsley0.5 cup Diced Jalapeños Adds a spicy kick Equipment ovencasserole dishmixing bowlwhiskspatula Method PreparationPreheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and coat an 8x11-inch casserole dish with cooking spray.In a large bowl, whisk 4 large eggs, then stir in 1 cup of brown sugar and 0.5 cup of melted unsalted butter until smooth.In a small bowl, whisk together 1 cup of heavy cream and 2 tablespoons of cornstarch, then fold this into the egg mixture.Combine with 0.5 teaspoon of ground nutmeg, 0.5 teaspoon of ground white pepper, 1 can of drained whole kernel corn, and 1 can of creamed corn.Pour the mixture into the prepared casserole dish and bake for 55 to 60 minutes, watching for a golden-brown top.Let cool for 10 minutes before serving. Nutrition Serving: 1sliceCalories: 280kcalCarbohydrates: 34gProtein: 6gFat: 14gSaturated Fat: 8gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 90mgSodium: 300mgPotassium: 250mgFiber: 2gSugar: 10gVitamin A: 800IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 100mgIron: 1mg NotesIf preparing ahead of time, refrigerate the unbaked mixture, ensuring it comes to room temperature before baking. Leftovers can be stored for up to 3 days in the fridge. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
