When searching for an incredibly easy, quick-to-prepare, and universally loved Thanksgiving Side Dish, my go-to recipe is always this delightfully sweet and savory Corn Pudding. This classic dish effortlessly combines creamy textures with vibrant corn flavor, making it an indispensable part of any holiday spread or family dinner. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner in the kitchen, this corn pudding recipe promises a delicious outcome that everyone will rave about.
This humble yet flavorful side dish is truly bursting with the natural goodness of corn. What makes it even better is its flexibility: you can use fresh corn during peak season, convenient frozen corn, or even well-drained canned whole kernel and cream-style corn. Alongside a few other basic pantry staples, this recipe is not only budget-friendly but also a superb companion to main courses like a succulent Roast Turkey, a hearty Ribeye Roast, or any festive ham.
Want to get straight to the deliciousness? We’ve made this page easy to navigate with a skip to recipe button in the top left corner, and a clickable table of contents just below. This way, you can dive right into baking this incredible corn pudding without any delay!
Here at Sweet C’s, I believe in empowering every home cook, regardless of experience level. As a self-taught cook, I find that understanding the “why” behind each step and ingredient makes all the difference in achieving culinary confidence. My goal with every recipe is to demystify the cooking process, ensuring that even the most beginner home cook feels fully capable and inspired in their kitchen adventures. So, let’s explore the magic of corn pudding together!
Table of Contents
- Why You’ll Love This Easy Corn Pudding
- How to Make Corn Pudding
- Tips and Tricks for Perfect Corn Pudding
- Serving Suggestions for Corn Pudding
- Corn Pudding FAQs
- Corn Pudding Recipe
Why You’ll Love This Easy Corn Pudding
There are countless reasons to adore this easy corn pudding recipe, making it a staple in kitchens across the country. It’s more than just a side; it’s a comforting classic that brings warmth and flavor to any table. Here’s why this recipe will quickly become a family favorite:
- Effortlessly Simple: With straightforward steps and minimal prep time, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or when you need a reliable holiday dish.
- Unforgettable Flavor: A delightful balance of sweet and savory, this corn pudding boasts a rich, buttery taste that perfectly complements the natural sweetness of corn.
- Creamy & Comforting Texture: The combination of whole kernel and cream-style corn, along with eggs and milk, creates an incredibly smooth, custard-like texture that melts in your mouth.
- Versatile for Any Occasion: While it shines as a Thanksgiving side, this corn pudding is equally at home at potlucks, barbecues, or as a cozy accompaniment to a Sunday roast.
- Budget-Friendly Ingredients: Utilizing common pantry items like canned corn, eggs, and milk, this recipe offers maximum flavor without breaking the bank.
- Customizable: Easily adapt it to your taste by adding cheese, spices, or herbs for a personalized touch.
How to Make Corn Pudding: A Step-by-Step Guide
Crafting this delicious corn pudding is incredibly simple, making it an ideal choice for an easy and impressive Thanksgiving side dish or a delightful addition to any meal. Follow these clear steps to achieve a perfectly baked, golden, and creamy corn pudding every time.
Essential Corn Pudding Ingredients
To create this classic and comforting corn pudding, you’ll need a handful of readily available ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role in achieving the perfect balance of flavor and texture:
- 1 (15.25 oz) can whole-kernel corn (drained) – These kernels are essential for providing a delightful texture and a subtle bite, scattering bursts of natural sweetness throughout the rich pudding. They beautifully contrast the creamy base with their pleasant chewiness.
- 1 (14.75 oz) can cream-style corn – This is the secret to the signature rich, custard-like texture of corn pudding. It introduces natural corn starches, which help to thicken and bind the mixture, contributing significant moisture and sweetness that truly defines the dish.
- 3 large eggs – Acting as the fundamental binder and structural agent, eggs hold all the ingredients together as the pudding bakes. They set into a soft, smooth custard, ensuring a cohesive and tender texture.
- ¼ cup granulated sugar – This amount of sugar perfectly enhances the inherent sweetness of the corn while harmonizing the overall flavor profile. It expertly balances any savory notes from butter and salt without making the pudding overly sweet.
- ⅓ cup milk – Milk is crucial for adding necessary moisture and lightening the texture, ensuring the pudding remains wonderfully creamy rather than becoming dense. It also helps to create a smooth, homogenous mixture with the eggs and cornstarch.
- ⅓ cup melted unsalted butter – Butter infuses the pudding with luxurious richness and a delectable flavor, imparting a warm, buttery aroma and a velvety mouthfeel. The fat content from the butter also aids in achieving a beautiful, even golden-brown crust on top.
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch – This acts as a powerful thickening agent, providing stability to the custard and preventing any separation during baking. It guarantees a consistently creamy yet perfectly sliceable pudding.
- 1 teaspoon salt – A vital seasoning that balances the sweetness and significantly enhances the natural flavors of the corn, butter, and eggs. Adequate salt prevents the pudding from tasting bland or flat.
- ½ teaspoon pepper – Adding a subtle warmth and a touch of depth, pepper prevents the pudding from being one-dimensional in its sweetness. It highlights the savory undertones and perfectly complements the corn’s inherent flavor.
Steps to Make Your Delicious Corn Pudding
With all your ingredients prepped and ready, follow these straightforward steps to assemble and bake your perfect corn pudding:
1. Combine Wet Ingredients and Thickener
In a large mixing bowl, begin by whisking together the eggs, granulated sugar, milk, melted unsalted butter, and cornstarch. Continue whisking diligently until the mixture is thoroughly combined and completely smooth, ensuring there are no lumps from the cornstarch. This forms the creamy base for your pudding.
2. Incorporate the Corn and Seasonings
Next, gently fold in both the drained whole-kernel corn and the cream-style corn into your prepared mixture. Add the salt and pepper, mixing just until all ingredients are evenly distributed. Be careful not to overmix at this stage; a light touch helps maintain the pudding’s tender texture.
3. Bake Until Golden and Set
Pour the corn pudding mixture into your well-greased baking dish. Transfer it to the preheated oven and bake for approximately 35-45 minutes. The pudding is ready when the edges are beautifully golden brown and the center is mostly set with just a slight, delicate jiggle. Avoid overbaking to maintain its creamy texture.
4. Rest and Serve Warm
Once baked, remove the corn pudding from the oven and allow it to rest for 10-15 minutes before serving. This crucial resting period allows the pudding to fully set and makes for easier, cleaner scooping. Serve warm and prepare for rave reviews!
Tips and Tricks for Perfect Corn Pudding
Achieving the perfect corn pudding is simple with a few key considerations. These tips and tricks will ensure your pudding is consistently creamy, flavorful, and a true highlight of your meal:
- Optimal Corn Selection: For the best balance of texture and flavor, it’s highly recommended to use both cream-style and whole-kernel corn. The cream-style corn contributes to the smooth, custardy consistency, while the whole kernels add delightful bursts of sweetness and a satisfying chew. If you opt for frozen or fresh corn, remember to thaw or cook it first and drain it thoroughly to prevent excess liquid from making your pudding watery.
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Always aim to bring your eggs, milk, and other dairy ingredients to room temperature before mixing. Cold ingredients can lead to an unevenly baked custard, resulting in a less uniform and potentially curdled texture. Allowing them to warm up ensures a smooth, consistent batter.
- Thoroughly Melted Butter: Ensure your butter is completely melted before incorporating it into the mixture. Warm, melted butter blends seamlessly with the other ingredients, adding richness and contributing to a tender, lusciously baked pudding. It also helps in achieving that appealing golden-brown top.
- Avoid Overmixing: Once all your ingredients are combined, stop stirring. Overmixing the batter can develop the gluten in the cornstarch and eggs, which might result in a dense, rubbery pudding instead of the desired light and silky texture. Mix just until everything is incorporated.
- Adjusting Consistency: For a softer, more spoonable pudding, you can add a tablespoon or two of extra milk or cream to the batter. Conversely, if you prefer a firmer, more sliceable texture, slightly reduce the amount of milk. Experiment to find your perfect preference.
- Customizing Sweetness: The sweetness of corn can vary. If your corn is naturally very sweet, consider reducing the granulated sugar slightly. For those who prefer a savory profile, cut the sugar in half or omit it entirely, then enhance with a pinch of cayenne pepper, smoked paprika, or a generous cup of shredded sharp cheddar cheese.
- The Water Bath Technique: For an exceptionally smooth, ultra-creamy, and delicately cooked custard-like texture, consider using a water bath (bain-marie). Place your baking dish inside a larger pan, then fill the larger pan halfway with hot water before baking. This gentle, even heat prevents the edges from overcooking and ensures a silky center.
- Prevent Overbaking: Corn pudding is delicate. It should be just set in the center, with a slight, gentle jiggle when the dish is moved. Overbaking is a common pitfall that can lead to a dry, tough, or rubbery pudding. Keep a close eye on it, especially towards the end of the baking time, as oven temperatures can vary.
- The Importance of Resting: Allowing the pudding to rest for at least 10–15 minutes after it comes out of the oven is crucial. This resting period allows the internal structure to fully set and firm up, making it easier to serve and ensuring the best possible texture.
- Season Generously: Don’t underestimate the power of salt and pepper. Seasoning generously helps to balance the sweetness of the corn and enhances the overall depth of flavor, preventing the pudding from tasting bland.
- Exciting Add-In Ideas: Elevate your corn pudding with creative add-ins. Consider caramelized onions for a rich sweetness, chopped fresh herbs like chives or parsley for brightness, or crispy crumbled bacon for a savory crunch. A touch of diced jalapeño can also add a pleasant kick.
- Serve Warm, Not Hot: For optimal flavor and texture, serve corn pudding warm, rather than piping hot straight from the oven. This allows the flavors to fully develop and the creamy texture to shine.
- Reheating Leftovers: One of the beauties of corn pudding is how wonderfully it reheats. To warm up leftovers, cover the dish with foil and heat in a 325°F (160°C) oven until it’s heated through. It tastes just as good, if not better, the next day!
Serving Suggestions for Corn Pudding
This versatile corn pudding is a fantastic addition to a variety of meals, seamlessly fitting into holiday feasts, comforting family dinners, or casual potlucks. Here are some ideal pairings to make your meal truly special:
What to Serve With Corn Pudding
Perfect Spatchcocked Turkey
The juicy, tender meat and crispy skin of a spatchcocked turkey offer a fantastic contrast to the creamy texture of corn pudding. Their flavors naturally complement each other for a festive meal.
Herb Roasted Turkey in a Bag
For an incredibly moist and flavorful bird, this roasting method keeps the turkey tender, creating a delightful pairing with the sweet and savory notes of corn pudding.
Boneless Ribeye Roast Recipe
The rich, beefy flavor of a perfectly cooked ribeye roast is beautifully balanced by the gentle sweetness and creamy texture of corn pudding, creating an indulgent and satisfying meal.
Best Cornish Game Hen Recipe
The delicate flavor of roasted Cornish game hens provides an elegant counterpoint to the rustic appeal of corn pudding, creating a sophisticated yet comforting meal.
Corn Pudding FAQs
You absolutely can use any type! Fresh corn will lend a slightly brighter, more vibrant flavor, while frozen corn offers excellent convenience and freshness year-round. Canned corn also works perfectly for its ease of use and consistent quality. Regardless of your choice, remember to thaw and thoroughly drain frozen corn, and always include cream-style corn to achieve that signature creamy custard texture that defines a truly great corn pudding.
If your corn pudding turns out runny, it typically means it needed more time in the oven to fully set, or the ratio of liquid to thickener (cornstarch and eggs) might have been slightly off. Ensure the pudding is baked until the edges are nicely set and golden, and the center shows only a slight, delicate jiggle. Crucially, allow it to rest for at least 10–15 minutes after baking; this helps it continue to set and firm up outside the oven.
Yes, corn pudding is an excellent make-ahead dish, perfect for busy holidays or entertaining. You can assemble the entire pudding up to a day in advance, cover it tightly, and refrigerate. When you’re ready to serve, simply bake it just before mealtime, or gently reheat it in a 325°F (160°C) oven until warmed through. This strategy allows for stress-free meal preparation.
The key to a moist and tender corn pudding is to avoid overbaking. Keep a close watch on it in the oven and check for doneness a bit early, as oven temperatures can vary. Additionally, ensure you don’t skimp on the essential moistening ingredients: milk, melted butter, and cream-style corn. These components are vital for maintaining the pudding’s signature soft, rich, and moist consistency.
Absolutely! Corn pudding is incredibly adaptable. To lean into a more savory profile, simply reduce the granulated sugar (or eliminate it entirely). Then, get creative with savory additions such as shredded sharp cheddar cheese, finely chopped jalapeños for a little heat, or even crispy cooked bacon bits. A touch of smoked paprika or a pinch of cayenne pepper can also beautifully balance the corn’s natural sweetness with a savory depth.
Indeed, corn pudding freezes surprisingly well! Once it has cooled completely to room temperature, wrap it tightly first in plastic wrap, then again in aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. It can be stored in the freezer for up to three months. To enjoy it again, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat, covered, in a 325°F (160°C) oven until thoroughly warmed through.
While often used interchangeably, there’s a subtle distinction. Corn pudding typically boasts a smoother, more custard-like, spoonable texture, owing to a higher egg and milk content. Corn casserole, on the other hand (sometimes called corn bread casserole or corn soufflé), often includes a corn muffin mix or cornmeal, which gives it a more bread-like, fluffy, and sometimes crumbly consistency. Both are delicious, but their textures set them apart.
The visual cues are key: the edges should appear nicely golden brown, and when gently shaken, the center should only exhibit a slight, subtle jiggle. For a more precise test, carefully insert a knife near the center; it should come out mostly clean, with perhaps just a tiny bit of moisture clinging to it. If it’s completely wet, it needs more time.
Absolutely! This recipe doubles beautifully for larger gatherings. Simply use a larger baking dish – a 9×13 inch pan is ideal for a double batch – and be sure to increase the baking time slightly. Always keep an eye on the pudding towards the end of the baking cycle and check for doneness to avoid overbaking.
Leftover corn pudding can be stored in an airtight container or covered tightly with plastic wrap in the refrigerator for up to five days. To reheat, you can warm it gently in the oven at 325°F (160°C) until heated through, or simply use the microwave for individual servings. It’s surprisingly delicious cold the next day as well!
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Creamy & Easy Corn Pudding Recipe
Courtney ODell
8
people
10 minutes
45 minutes
Ingredients
-
1
15.25 oz can whole-kernel corn (drained) -
1
14.75 oz can cream-style corn -
3
large eggs -
¼
cup
granulated sugar -
⅓
cup
milk -
⅓
cup
melted unsalted butter -
1
tablespoon
cornstarch -
1
teaspoon
salt -
½
teaspoon
pepper.
Instructions
-
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and generously grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
-
In a large mixing bowl, thoroughly whisk together the 3 large eggs, ¼ cup granulated sugar, ⅓ cup milk, ⅓ cup melted butter, and 1 tablespoon cornstarch until the mixture is completely smooth and free of any lumps.
-
Gently stir in the drained canned whole-kernel corn, the can of creamed corn, 1 teaspoon salt, and ½ teaspoon pepper. Mix just until all ingredients are evenly combined, taking care not to overmix.
-
Pour the prepared corn mixture into your greased baking dish. Bake for 45-55 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the center is set with a slight, delicate jiggle. A knife inserted near the center should come out mostly clean.
-
Once out of the oven, allow the corn pudding to rest for 10–15 minutes before scooping and serving. This resting period allows the pudding to fully set, ensuring a perfect creamy texture and easier serving. Enjoy!
Nutrition
Calories:
126
kcal
Carbohydrates:
8
g
Protein:
3
g
Fat:
10
g
Saturated Fat:
6
g
Polyunsaturated Fat:
1
g
Monounsaturated Fat:
3
g
Trans Fat:
0.3
g
Cholesterol:
83
mg
Sodium:
320
mg
Potassium:
42
mg
Fiber:
0.04
g
Sugar:
7
g
Vitamin A:
343
IU
Vitamin C:
0.01
mg
Calcium:
25
mg
Iron:
0.3
mg
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Additional Info
Side Dish, Side dishes, Thanksgiving Side Dishes
American, Southern
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