The Ultimate Old-Fashioned Creamy Corn Pudding: A Sweet & Savory Delight for Every Table

There are some dishes that simply define comfort, and this classic, buttery rich corn pudding recipe is undoubtedly one of them. Beloved across generations, this old-fashioned delight delivers a harmonious blend of sweet and savory notes, with a luxuriously creamy, custard-like texture that melts in your mouth. Each spoonful is studded with tender, sweet corn kernels, making it an irresistible side dish for any meal, from festive holiday gatherings to simple weeknight dinners. It’s more than just a recipe; it’s a taste of nostalgia, bringing warmth and tradition to your kitchen.

Why This Classic Corn Pudding Recipe Stands Out

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Our old-fashioned corn pudding is more than just a side dish; it’s a culinary experience. What makes this recipe truly special is its unique texture: a delightful cross between a creamy custard and a delicate soufflé, perfectly balanced with a hint of sweetness. This isn’t the thick, crumbly cornbread-like corn casserole often seen (though delicious in its own right!). Instead, our corn pudding offers a smooth, almost melt-in-your-mouth consistency that is both rich and surprisingly light, making it a sophisticated yet comforting addition to any meal.

This particular recipe has been meticulously tested and perfected, ensuring you achieve that authentic “Grandma’s recipe” flavor and texture every time. We’ve honed the proportions of dairy, eggs, and corn to create a pudding that’s consistently moist, tender, and deeply satisfying. The combination of both whole kernel corn and cream-style corn is key, providing both distinct kernels for texture and a creamy base for unparalleled richness. It’s a dish that evokes warm memories, perfect for gracing your holiday table during Thanksgiving, Christmas, or Easter, yet simple enough to elevate any ordinary weeknight dinner into something truly special.

Essential Ingredients for Your Perfect Corn Pudding

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Crafting this delectable corn pudding requires a handful of simple, readily available ingredients. The magic happens when these components come together, transforming into a side dish that’s rich in flavor and wonderfully creamy in texture. Below, we’ll dive into each key ingredient and why it plays such an important role in achieving corn pudding perfection. You’ll find a complete list of measurements and step-by-step instructions in the printable recipe card at the very end of this post.

Detailed Ingredient Insights & Smart Substitutions

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Understanding each ingredient’s role is key to mastering this classic corn pudding. Here’s what you need and how you can adapt if necessary:

CORN – You will need both canned whole kernel corn and canned cream style corn. The whole kernels provide texture and distinct sweet bursts, while the cream-style corn forms the essential creamy base that gives this pudding its signature melt-in-your-mouth consistency. For the whole kernel corn, if fresh sweet corn is in season, feel free to use 3 cups of fresh kernels (about 4-5 ears). You can also substitute with frozen corn, ensuring it’s fully thawed and well-drained to avoid excess liquid. However, for the cream style corn, stick to canned or prepare creamed corn from scratch to achieve the authentic texture.

DAIRY – We use a combination of whole milk and full-fat sour cream. Whole milk contributes to the rich, smooth custard texture, while sour cream adds a delightful tang that perfectly balances the sweetness of the corn, preventing the dish from becoming overly cloying. The fat content in both is crucial for achieving the desired creamy, luxurious mouthfeel. If you need a substitute for sour cream, full-fat plain Greek yogurt can work, but the flavor profile might be slightly different.

BUTTER – Salted butter is melted and incorporated into the wet ingredients. It infuses the pudding with a deeply buttery flavor that is quintessential to old-fashioned comfort food. If you only have unsalted butter, simply add an extra pinch of salt to your dry ingredients to ensure proper seasoning.

FLOUR & LEAVENING – All-purpose flour provides the necessary structure, helping the pudding to set without being too dense. Baking powder is included to give the pudding a light, airy lift, contributing to its soufflé-like quality. These two dry ingredients work together to ensure a stable yet tender consistency.

SWEETENER & SEASONING – A moderate amount of granulated sugar enhances the natural sweetness of the corn and helps create that iconic sweet-and-savory balance. Sea salt is used to heighten all the flavors, ensuring the pudding isn’t bland but rather vibrant and well-seasoned.

EGGS – Large eggs are critical for binding all the ingredients and forming the custard base of the corn pudding. They contribute to the rich texture and help the pudding set beautifully as it bakes. Ensure your eggs are at room temperature if possible, as they mix more evenly.

By understanding how each of these components contributes to the final dish, you can appreciate the balance and care that went into perfecting this classic corn pudding recipe.

Mastering Creamy Corn Pudding: Step-by-Step Guide

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These step by step photos and instructions are here to help you visualize how to make this recipe. You can Jump to Recipe to get the printable version of this recipe, complete with measurements and instructions at the bottom.

1. Prepare Your Baking Dish and Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures the oven is at the correct temperature from the start, promoting even cooking. Lightly grease a 2 1/2-quart baking dish with butter or non-stick spray. Greasing prevents the pudding from sticking, making for easy serving and cleanup. An oval dish is classic, but a rectangular 3-quart dish works just as well.
2. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium-sized bowl, meticulously whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt. Whisking ensures that the leavening agent and seasoning are evenly distributed throughout the flour and sugar, preventing pockets of unmixed ingredients and ensuring a uniform rise and flavor in your finished pudding. Set this mixture aside.
3. Whisk Wet Ingredients: In a separate, larger bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, melted butter, and sour cream until thoroughly combined and smooth. This creates the rich, liquid base of your corn pudding. Ensure the butter isn’t too hot, or it might scramble the eggs. Whisking well ensures all the dairy and eggs are fully incorporated, contributing to the smooth, custard-like texture.
4. Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients. Whisk gently but thoroughly until the batter is smooth and no lumps of flour remain. Be careful not to overmix; overmixing can develop the gluten in the flour too much, leading to a tougher, less tender pudding. A few gentle stirs after the last of the flour disappears are usually sufficient.
5. Add Corn and Bake: Gently fold in both the drained whole kernel corn and the cream style corn into your batter. Pour the entire mixture into your prepared baking dish. Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 60-70 minutes, or until the top is beautifully golden brown and the edges are set. The center of the pudding should still have a slight, delicate jiggle when you gently shake the dish – this is perfectly normal and desired! It indicates a perfectly cooked, moist custard, which will firm up as it cools outside of the oven, achieving that ideal creamy texture. Over-baking can lead to a dry or rubbery consistency, so keep an eye on it.
6. Cool Before Serving: Once baked, remove the corn pudding from the oven and allow it to cool slightly on a wire rack for about 10-15 minutes before serving. This resting period is crucial as it allows the pudding to fully set and firm up, achieving its perfect creamy, custard-like texture. It also helps prevent it from falling apart when scooped.

Frequently Asked Questions & Expert Tips for Perfect Corn Pudding

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Expert Tips for Unbeatable Corn Pudding

• Don’t Overmix: When combining your wet and dry ingredients, mix just until incorporated. Overmixing can develop the gluten in the flour, resulting in a tougher pudding rather than a tender, creamy one.
• Room Temperature Ingredients: For the smoothest batter and most even baking, try to use room temperature eggs and dairy. This helps them combine more readily without lumps.
• Trust the Jiggle: It’s easy to worry that a wobbly center means your pudding isn’t done. But for corn pudding, a slight jiggle is exactly what you’re looking for! It indicates a perfectly set custard that will continue to firm up as it cools, ensuring maximum creaminess.
• Check Your Oven: Oven temperatures can vary. If you find your dishes consistently under or over-baking, an inexpensive oven thermometer can be a game-changer. It helps you ensure your oven is truly heating to the proper temperature, especially crucial for delicate custards like corn pudding.
• Flavor Enhancements: While delicious as is, feel free to personalize your corn pudding. A sprinkle of shredded cheddar cheese on top during the last 15 minutes of baking adds a savory crust. Chopped chives or a pinch of cayenne pepper can also elevate the flavor profile.
• Make-Ahead Magic: You can prepare the corn pudding mixture a day in advance, cover it tightly, and store it in the refrigerator. On baking day, simply pour into your prepared dish and add an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time to account for the chilled batter.

Serving Suggestions: Perfect Pairings for Your Corn Pudding

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Corn pudding is incredibly versatile, making it an ideal side dish for a wide array of meals, far beyond just the holiday table. While it’s a cherished staple for festive feasts like Thanksgiving turkey, Christmas ham, or Easter lamb, its comforting sweetness and savory depth make it a fantastic companion for everyday main courses too. Imagine it alongside a succulent roast chicken, tender grilled pork chops, slow-cooked pulled pork, or a perfectly seared steak.

For a heartier meal, serve it with barbecue ribs or a smoky brisket. It also pairs beautifully with vegetarian options like black bean burgers or a hearty mushroom loaf. Garnish your corn pudding with a sprinkle of freshly chopped green onions or chives for a touch of color and a mild oniony bite that complements the sweetness of the corn. A dusting of paprika can also add visual appeal and a subtle smoky note. No matter the occasion, this creamy corn pudding promises to be a comforting and memorable addition to your plate.

More Delightful Related Recipes to Explore

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• Corn Casserole
• Scalloped Corn
• Broccoli Casserole
• Hashbrown Casserole

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