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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- In a spacious skillet or Dutch oven, gently melt unsalted butter over medium heat until it becomes golden and fragrant.
- Introduce finely chopped scallions to the melted butter, sautéing them for approximately 2 minutes, ensuring they soften and release their delicate aromatics without browning.
- 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.
- 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.
- Transfer of the corn mixture to a food processor, creating a rustic texture by adding half-and-half and pulsing until coarsely puréed.
- Return the blended corn mixture back to the pan, stirring to incorporate with the remaining corn kernels.
- Bring the combined mixture to a gentle simmer, cooking for 3 minutes and stirring intermittently until the sauce thickens and develops a creamy consistency.
- Remove the pan from heat and fold in shredded cheddar and grated Parmesan cheeses, allowing them to melt smoothly into the warm corn mixture.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt if needed, ensuring a balanced and rich flavor profile.
- 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