This is the easy side that you've been looking for! This Skillet Corn goes with just about anything. Made in one pan and ready in just 4 simple steps, it's rich, buttery, and full of sweet corn flavor. Whether you're serving it with a quick weeknight meal, a holiday ham, or a summer barbecue, this corn will fit right in!
There's something comforting about a creamy side dish. It fills the home with a buttery and cozy aroma that reminds you of grandma cooking in the kitchen. Seeing this dish served up in a cast iron skillet just adds to its Southern charm - That's why we also like to call it High Country Corn.
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Ingredients
to make your Skillet Corn, here's what you'll need
- Corn - For a sweeter taste, use sweet yellow corn. You can use frozen corn, canned corn, or fresh corn (we prefer frozen for convenience, and thawing is not necessary).
- Flour - All-purpose flour will be mixed with butter to make a roux for creaminess.
- Butter - I used salted butter for this recipe. If you use unsalted butter, consider adding more kosher salt (but taste first, of course).
- Seasonings - Granulated Sugar, Salt, Black Pepper, Garlic Powder, and Season All for seasoning the skillet corn.
- Heavy Cream - To keep the dish creamy.
- Milk - To be combined with the roux and heavy cream to thicken the sauce for the corn.
- Thyme - Use fresh thyme if possible. If you have only dried thyme, use ½ the amount because dried thyme is more concentrated.
See recipe card for quantities.
Step-by-Step Instructions
How to make the Best Skillet Corn!
Everything you need to know is found in these simple steps. After making a light brown roux, add in all the ingredients (corn last) and cook until everything is well incorporated. Pair it with a main course and voilà. It's that easy!
- Make a roux by melting butter in a skillet on medium-low heat. Once melted, whisk in flour to avoid clumping and stir continuously. Cook for 3 minutes until lightly golden brown.
- Slowly pour in milk and heavy cream and stir until thickened. The mixture should be lightly simmering.
Pro Tip: Rub the thyme in your hands to activate oils and flavor before adding it to the cast-iron skillet.
- Add in seasonings (salt, pepper, garlic powder, season all, and sprigs of thyme). Mix well and cook for 2 minutes.
- Add corn and sugar to the mixture in the skillet and stir well. Cook for 10 minutes and then remove sprigs of thyme. Serve and enjoy!
Made this recipe? Let me know!
Equipment and Supplies
- 10 Inch Cast Iron Skillet - This Staub frying pan is easy to clean and doesn't require seasoning. If you choose another brand, make sure it's oven-safe for future recipes.
Serving
How to Serve Skillet Corn as a Side
- With Classic Comfort Foods: Pair it with roasted chicken, baked ham, a meatloaf, or any homestyle family meal.
- Barbecue Style: Perfect with party ribs, pulled pork, or smoked foods like burnt ends. The creaminess of the corn balances smoked meats perfectly. See more from the Smoker.
- With Southern Favorites: Serve it next to a beer can chicken, mashed potatoes, or cornbread for a true southern spread.
- As a Holiday Dinner Side Dish: Sprinkle with fresh herbs, crispy bacon bits, or shredded cheese to add some flair and extra flavor for holiday potlucks and family gatherings.
Storing Leftovers
How to store leftover Skillet Corn
REFRIGERATING. Let it come to room temperature and transfer it to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
FREEZING. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap or place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and follow reheating instructions below.
How to Reheat Skillet Corn
Warm it up slowly in the oven or in the microwave. Stir throughout the warming process. Add a splash of heavy cream or milk to bring back the smoothness.
More Sides
Frequently Asked Questions
No, not for this recipe. The heavy cream is what makes it thick and luxurious! So don't skip out on the heavy whipping cream.
You can make your own All Purpose Seasoning by mixing 1 tablespoon Salt, 1 tablespoon Garlic Powder, 1 tablespoon Onion Powder, 2 teaspoon Pepper, 2 teaspoon Paprika, and ¼ teaspoon of Cayenne Pepper.
Video of Recipe
Recipe
Skillet Corn
Equipment
- Cast Iron Skillet
Ingredients
- 24 oz Sweet Corn frozen
- 3 tablespoon Butter
- 2 tablespoon Flour
- 1 Cup Milk
- ½ Cup Heavy Cream
- Salt and Pepper to taste
- ¾ tablespoon Garlic Powder
- ½ tablespoon Season All or all-purpose seasoning blend
- 4 Sprigs Thyme or 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 2 tablespoon Sugar
Instructions
- Make a roux by melting butter in a skillet on medium-low heat. Once melted, whisk in flour to avoid clumping and stir continuously. Cook for 3 minutes until lightly golden brown.
- Slowly pour in milk and heavy cream and stir until thickened. Mixture should be lightly simmering.
- Add in seasonings (salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika and sprigs of thyme). Mix well and cook for 2 minutes.
- Add corn and sugar to the mixture in the skillet and stir well. Cook for 10 minutes and then remove sprigs of thyme. Serve and enjoy!
Casey L says
This is definitely going on my holiday meal menu!
Chef Tim Clowers says
This is one of the easier recipes you will make that seems fancy but really isn't but just taste amazing.