Ina Garten’s Dreamy Cheddar & Scallion Creamed Corn Recipe

Creamed corn transforms an ordinary vegetable into a luxurious culinary experience that elevates any meal.

Buttery, rich, and indulgent, this creamed corn beckons with its irresistible combination of textures and flavors.

Fresh corn kernels mingle with sharp cheeses, creating a symphony of savory sensations that dance across your palate.

Scallions add a subtle, zesty undertone that cuts through the cream’s decadence, balancing each delectable bite.

Simple ingredients merge into a side dish that feels simultaneously comforting and sophisticated.

Home cooks appreciate how quickly this recipe comes together, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or special gatherings.

The result is a crowd-pleasing accompaniment that will have everyone asking for seconds: prepare to be amazed.

Why Cheddar Corn Is Pure Comfort

• Boost Flavor Depth: This recipe transforms simple corn into a luxurious side dish by blending whole and puréed kernels, creating layers of texture and intense corn flavor enhanced by sharp cheddar and delicate scallions.
• Quick Gourmet Cooking: In just 15 minutes, home cooks can elevate a basic vegetable into a restaurant-quality accompaniment that looks and tastes impressively sophisticated without requiring advanced culinary skills.
• Creamy Comfort with Cheese Twist: The combination of half-and-half with two different cheeses delivers a rich, velvety consistency that makes this corn dish incredibly indulgent and satisfying, perfect for comfort food lovers seeking a gourmet upgrade.
• Versatile Party-Perfect Side: Whether served at a summer barbecue, holiday gathering, or weeknight dinner, this corn dish appeals to both adults and kids with its crowd-pleasing blend of familiar ingredients and unexpected gourmet touches.

List of Ingredients for Creamed Corn Lovers

Main Ingredients:

• Fresh Corn Kernels: Sweet summer corn with crisp texture, best when just picked or from local farmers market.
• Half-and-Half: Rich dairy liquid that creates smooth and creamy texture for the corn dish.

• Scallions: Fresh green onions that add mild, sharp flavor and bright color to the dish.

• Cheddar Cheese, Parmesan Cheese: Sharp and nutty cheeses that provide deep, savory flavor and creamy consistency.

• Butter: Rich dairy fat that helps sauté vegetables and adds luxurious flavor.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance and balance the overall taste profile of the corn.

Make This Cheesy Corn Side at Home

Step 1: Sauté Scallions In Butter

Heat a large sauté pan or Dutch oven over medium heat. Melt butter and add chopped scallions. Gently cook for 2 minutes, stirring occasionally until scallions become soft and fragrant.

Step 2: Cook Fresh Corn Kernels

Add corn kernels to the pan. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Increase heat to medium-high and cook for 4-6 minutes, stirring periodically. Ensure corn remains tender and not mushy.

Step 3: Create Creamy Corn Base

Transfer 2 cups of corn mixture to a food processor. Pour in half-and-half. Pulse until mixture becomes coarsely puréed with some texture. Return the blended corn back to the pan.

Step 4: Thicken The Corn Mixture

Bring the corn mixture to a gentle simmer. Cook for 3 minutes, stirring occasionally, allowing the sauce to thicken and develop rich flavors.

Step 5: Finish With Cheesy Goodness

Remove pan from heat. Stir in shredded Cheddar and Parmesan cheeses until melted and well combined. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve immediately while warm and creamy.

Top Tips for a Thick and Rich Result

• Harvest Peak Freshness: Select just-picked corn from local farmers markets or farm stands to ensure maximum sweetness and crisp kernels.
• Cheese Flavor Boost: Grate extra-sharp Cheddar directly before adding to enhance its robust, tangy profile and melt smoothly into the creamed corn.
• Puree Precision: Use an immersion blender or food processor to partially blend corn, creating a luxurious texture that combines creamy and whole kernel elements.
• Temperature Control: Keep heat moderate while cooking to prevent corn from becoming tough or losing its natural sweetness and tender bite.
• Salt Smart: Taste and season gradually after adding cheese, as different Cheddar varieties have varying salt levels that impact overall dish seasoning.

Store Your Creamed Corn Without Fuss

• Freeze in Portions: Divide the creamed corn into individual serving sizes using freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove excess air to prevent freezer burn, label with the date, and store for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for best texture and flavor.
• Glass Container Storage: Choose glass containers with tight-fitting lids to maintain freshness and prevent odor absorption. Glass keeps the corn's creamy consistency intact and allows for easy microwave reheating without transferring to another dish.
• Temperature Control: Cool the dish completely before storing to prevent bacterial growth. Keep the creamed corn at a consistent refrigerator temperature between 35-40°F, ensuring maximum flavor preservation and food safety.

Flavor Upgrades for Corn & Cheese Fans

• Spicy Southwest Corn: Kick up the heat by adding diced jalapeños and a sprinkle of chili powder during the cooking process. Swap Cheddar for pepper jack cheese to enhance the spicy flavor profile.
• Mediterranean Herb Corn: Replace scallions with fresh basil and oregano. Incorporate crumbled feta cheese instead of Cheddar and Parmesan for a Mediterranean-inspired version.
• Smoky Bacon Corn: Crisp up chopped bacon before cooking scallions and use the bacon fat to sauté the vegetables. Fold in crumbled bacon bits at the end and use smoked Gouda cheese for extra depth.
• Roasted Vegetable Corn: Add diced roasted bell peppers and zucchini to the corn mixture. Use a blend of fontina and Parmesan cheeses for a rich, nutty flavor that complements the roasted vegetables.

Goodbye Note for Creamed Corn Delight

Culinary maestro Ina Garten elevates corn with her signature sophistication in this creamy, cheesy side dish.

Rich cheddar and delicate scallions merge into an irresistible harmony of flavors that dance across palates.

Garden-fresh corn kernels transform from simple vegetables into a luxurious accompaniment with minimal effort.

Sophisticated yet approachable, this recipe bridges home cooking and gourmet technique with elegant ease.

Summer’s bounty finds new expression through Garten’s masterful combination of ingredients and precise cooking method.

Share this sensational dish with friends, comment on its delightful complexity, and spread corn-loving joy across your social networks.

Ina Garten Cheddar & Scallion Creamed Corn Recipe

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4.6 from 12 reviews

• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Ina Garten’s cheddar & scallion creamed corn elevates summer’s sweetest produce with rich, tangy cheese and fresh green onions. Creamy, indulgent side dishes like this showcase simple ingredients combining into irresistible comfort that brings warmth to any meal.

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Ingredients

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Main Vegetables:

• 6 cups fresh corn kernels cut off the cob (8 to 10 ears)
• 2 cups thinly sliced scallions, white and green parts (12 to 14 scallions)

Dairy and Cheese:

• 6 tablespoons (0.75 stick) unsalted butter
• 2 cups grated extra-sharp white Cheddar cheese (5 ounces)
• 2 tablespoons freshly grated Italian Parmesan cheese
• 0.67 cup half-and-half

Seasonings:

• Kosher salt
• Freshly ground black pepper

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Instructions

1. In a spacious skillet or Dutch oven, gently melt unsalted butter over medium heat until it becomes golden and fragrant.
2. Introduce finely chopped scallions to the melted butter, sautéing them for approximately 2 minutes, ensuring they soften and release their delicate aromatics without browning.
3. Add fresh corn kernels to the pan, seasoning generously with 1½ teaspoons (7.5 milliliters) of salt and ¾ teaspoon (3.75 milliliters) of freshly ground black pepper, stirring to distribute the seasonings evenly.
4. Increase heat to medium-high and cook the corn for 4 to 6 minutes, occasionally stirring, allowing the kernels to become tender and develop a slight caramelization without turning mushy.
5. Transfer of the corn mixture to a food processor, creating a rustic texture by adding half-and-half and pulsing until coarsely puréed.
6. Return the blended corn mixture back to the pan, stirring to incorporate with the remaining corn kernels.
7. Bring the combined mixture to a gentle simmer, cooking for 3 minutes and stirring intermittently until the sauce thickens and develops a creamy consistency.
8. Remove the pan from heat and fold in shredded cheddar and grated Parmesan cheeses, allowing them to melt smoothly into the warm corn mixture.
9. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt if needed, ensuring a balanced and rich flavor profile.
10. Serve immediately while hot, capturing the vibrant corn essence and creamy cheese integration.

Notes

• Capture summer’s essence by selecting ripe, locally sourced corn bursting with natural sweetness directly from farmers’ markets or fresh produce stands.
• Grate cheese just before mixing to ensure maximum melting potential and prevent clumping during the cooking process.
• Experiment with different Cheddar varieties like aged white or smoked to elevate the overall flavor profile and create unexpected depth.
• Maintain gentle heat while preparing to preserve corn’s delicate texture and prevent burning or uneven cooking.
• Balance seasoning carefully by tasting incrementally and adjusting salt levels after cheese incorporation for perfect flavor harmony.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 of 6 servings
• Calories: 272
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 317mg
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 12g
• Carbohydrates: 20g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 7g
• Cholesterol: 56mg