The Best Ultra-Creamy Vegan Creamed Corn: An Easy Plant-Based Side Dish for Every Occasion
This vegan creamed corn is every bit as rich and creamy as the original! Sweet corn is simmered in a buttery plant-based cream sauce for the perfect easy side dish that’s guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re serving it for a holiday gathering, a family dinner, or just a simple weeknight meal, this dairy-free creamed corn recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen.
Sometimes, all you need is a simple yet satisfying side dish to complete your meal. You might be preparing a delicious vegan meatloaf, a festive vegan turkey roast for Thanksgiving, or simply looking for something delightful to bring to a potluck or family get-together. Whatever the occasion, this vegan creamed corn recipe is an absolutely perfect choice. It’s an effortlessly delicious addition to virtually any menu, proving that plant-based eating can be incredibly rich and flavorful.
Creamed corn is a beloved Southern classic, celebrated for its irresistible combination of naturally sweet corn kernels enveloped in a decadent, flavorful sauce. Traditionally, this dish relies heavily on dairy products like heavy cream, milk, and butter to achieve its signature richness. However, we’re here to tell you a secret: you don’t need any of it! By making a few clever plant-based swaps, you can create a vegan version that’s just as luscious, comforting, and utterly delicious as the original, without any dairy.
This recipe is not only incredibly tasty but also remarkably quick and easy to prepare. It transforms humble sweet corn into something extraordinary, making it quite possibly the best way to enjoy fresh corn. The natural sweetness of the corn shines through, perfectly balanced by the creamy, savory sauce, making this vegan creamed corn an ideal companion for a wide array of your favorite main dishes. It’s a guaranteed hit with both vegans and non-vegans alike, thanks to its familiar taste and comforting texture.
Why You’ll Love This Vegan Creamed Corn
- Effortlessly Delicious: This recipe is incredibly simple to follow, yielding a surprisingly gourmet side dish with minimal effort.
- Rich & Creamy: Despite being entirely plant-based, it achieves an amazing creamy texture and rich flavor that rivals traditional creamed corn.
- Naturally Sweet: Using fresh yellow corn enhances the natural sweetness, creating a harmonious balance with the savory elements of the dish.
- Versatile Side Dish: It pairs beautifully with a wide range of entrees, from holiday roasts to everyday grilled vegetables.
- Dairy-Free & Plant-Based: Perfect for those with dietary restrictions or anyone looking to incorporate more plant-based meals into their diet.
Notes on Ingredients for the Perfect Vegan Creamed Corn
Before you dive into cooking, let’s take a moment to discuss the key ingredients for this delightful vegan creamed corn. You’ll find the exact ingredient quantities and detailed recipe instructions further down in the recipe card.
- Corn: For the best flavor and texture, fresh corn on the cob is highly recommended. Its vibrant sweetness and natural moisture are unmatched. However, if fresh corn isn’t in season or readily available, thawed frozen ears of corn are an excellent alternative. Ensure they are completely thawed for optimal results, as this allows for easier removal of kernels and the extraction of essential corn “milk” or pulp.
- Vegan Butter: This is crucial for creating that rich, buttery base without any dairy. High-quality store-bought vegan butter brands work wonderfully, or you can even make your own homemade vegan butter for an extra special touch. The fat content of vegan butter helps carry the flavors and contributes to the overall creamy mouthfeel.
- Yellow Onion: Diced yellow onion adds a subtle aromatic depth and sweetness to the dish, complementing the corn beautifully. Make sure to sauté it until properly softened to release its full flavor potential.
- Salt: Essential for enhancing the natural flavors of the corn and balancing the sweetness. Taste and adjust as needed.
- Black Pepper: Freshly ground black pepper adds a hint of warmth and mild spice, rounding out the flavor profile.
- All-Purpose Flour: This acts as a thickener, creating a roux with the vegan butter to form the base of our creamy sauce. It helps bind the ingredients and gives the creamed corn its desired luxurious consistency. For a gluten-free option, see the variations section below.
- Non-Dairy Milk: The choice of non-dairy milk significantly impacts the creaminess. Opt for an unflavored variety to avoid interfering with the corn’s natural taste. Thicker milks like full-fat oat milk, cashew milk, or soy milk will yield the richest, most decadent sauce. Almond milk can also work but might result in a slightly thinner consistency. Avoid watery or heavily flavored milks.
What Color Corn is the Sweetest?
When it comes to sweetness, yellow corn is generally considered the sweetest variety of corn, making it the perfect choice for this vegan creamed corn recipe. Its vibrant color and naturally high sugar content contribute significantly to the dish’s delightful flavor profile. When purchasing fresh corn, look for ears with plump, firm kernels that are tightly packed. The silk (tassels) at the top should be moist and slightly sticky, not dry or brittle, indicating freshness. A bright green husk is also a good sign.
How to Make Vegan Creamed Corn
Making this vegan creamed corn is surprisingly straightforward, with the most “challenging” part often being the preparation of the fresh corn itself. If you happen to have a corn zipper tool, it will certainly speed up the process. Otherwise, our step-by-step instructions below will guide you through creating this delightful dish from scratch.
1. Prepare the Corn: This is a key step for achieving that signature creamed corn texture. Stand one ear of corn vertically in a deep bowl (to catch the kernels and juice). Using a sharp chef’s knife, carefully cut the kernels from the cob, working your way down. Once the kernels are removed, turn the knife over so the blunt, non-blade edge is facing the cob. Use this edge to scrape down the cob firmly, extracting the remaining milky pulp and juice. This “corn milk” is essential for the dish’s creaminess and flavor. Repeat this process with all remaining ears of corn, collecting everything in the bowl.
2. Cook the Onion: In a medium to large pot, melt the vegan butter over medium heat. Add the diced yellow onions and cook for about 7 minutes, stirring occasionally. You want the onions to soften and become translucent, releasing their sweetness, but not to brown significantly. This forms a fragrant base for your creamed corn.
3. Add the Remaining Ingredients: Sprinkle in the all-purpose flour, salt, and black pepper. Stir constantly for about 1 minute. This step cooks out the raw flour taste and creates a roux with the vegan butter, which will thicken your sauce. Next, add the prepared corn kernels (and all the liquid/pulp you scraped from the cobs) and the non-dairy milk to the pot. Stir everything thoroughly to combine, ensuring the flour is fully incorporated and there are no lumps.
4. Simmer to Perfection: Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat, then immediately reduce the heat to medium-low. Allow the creamed corn to cook for approximately 30 minutes, or until the corn kernels reach your desired tenderness and the sauce has significantly thickened to a rich, creamy consistency. It’s crucial to stir the mixture every 3 to 4 minutes during this simmering period to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pot or burning. The longer it simmers, the more the flavors meld and the creamier the texture becomes. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed before serving.
Tips for Success: Achieving the Best Vegan Creamed Corn
These essential tips will help ensure your homemade vegan creamed corn turns out perfectly creamy, flavorful, and absolutely irresistible every single time!
- Thaw Frozen Corn Completely: If you opt for frozen ears of corn instead of fresh, it is paramount that they are completely thawed before you begin cutting. Attempting to cut or scrape frozen or partially frozen corn will prevent you from extracting all the valuable corn juice and pulp, which are vital for the dish’s creaminess and authentic corn flavor.
- Stir Frequently and Thoroughly: Creamed corn, especially its thick, dairy-free sauce, is prone to sticking and burning at the bottom of the pot. To prevent this, make sure to stir the mixture often, every 3-4 minutes, throughout the entire cooking process. Pay special attention to scraping the bottom and sides of the pot.
- Adjusting the Consistency to Your Liking: The consistency of your creamed corn is a matter of personal preference. If, after the corn has softened and cooked for the recommended time, you find the sauce to be too thick, simply whisk in an additional splash of non-dairy milk or even some vegetable broth until you achieve your desired level of creaminess. Start with a tablespoon or two and add more gradually.
- Don’t Skimp on the Corn Milk: The liquid and pulp scraped from the cobs are the secret to deeply flavored and naturally creamy creamed corn. This natural “corn milk” adds a depth of flavor and a silky texture that can’t be replicated with just kernels and milk.
- Taste and Adjust Seasoning: Always taste your creamed corn before serving. You may find it needs a little more salt to bring out the sweetness, or perhaps a dash more pepper for a gentle kick. A pinch of sugar can enhance sweetness if your corn isn’t naturally very sweet.
- Proper Heat Management: While you want the mixture to simmer, avoid boiling it vigorously, which can cause sticking and may overcook the corn too quickly. A gentle medium-low heat is ideal for a slow, even cook that allows flavors to meld beautifully and the sauce to thicken properly.
Variations: Customize Your Vegan Creamed Corn
One of the best things about this vegan creamed corn recipe is its versatility. Feel free to experiment with these variations to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs:
- Make it Gluten-Free: Easily adapt this recipe to be gluten-free by replacing the all-purpose flour with a measure-for-measure gluten-free flour blend. Ensure your chosen blend is suitable for thickening sauces.
- Sweeter Creamed Corn: If you prefer a noticeably sweeter creamed corn, simply add a tablespoon of granulated sugar (or your preferred vegan sweetener like maple syrup or agave) to the pot at the same time you add the corn and milk. Adjust to your desired sweetness level.
- Herbaceous Twist: For an added layer of sophisticated flavor, incorporate some fresh herbs. A sprig of fresh thyme or a small amount of finely chopped rosemary added during the simmering stage can elevate the dish significantly. Fresh chives or parsley sprinkled just before serving also add a beautiful fresh note.
- Spicy Kick: If you enjoy a bit of heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper, a dash of hot sauce, or a finely diced jalapeño (seeds removed for less heat) along with the onions.
- Cheesy Delight: For a cheesy vegan creamed corn, stir in a few tablespoons of nutritional yeast when you add the milk and corn. You could also melt in some vegan cream cheese or shredded vegan cheddar for extra indulgence.
- Smoky Flavor: A tiny dash of liquid smoke or a pinch of smoked paprika can add a wonderful smoky depth to the dish, especially if you’re serving it with barbecue-inspired mains.
- Asian-Inspired Fusion: Get creative by swapping the yellow onions for thinly sliced scallions (green onions), using full-fat coconut milk as your non-dairy liquid, adding a splash of soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free) for umami, and garnishing with toasted coconut flakes and fresh cilantro.
- Added Vegetables: While corn is the star, don’t hesitate to incorporate other finely diced vegetables like bell peppers (red or green) or finely shredded carrots for added nutrition and color. Add them with the onions for proper cooking.
Serving Suggestions for Vegan Creamed Corn
This versatile vegan creamed corn makes an excellent side dish for a wide variety of meals. Here are some ideas to inspire you:
- Holiday Feasts: It’s a perfect addition to Thanksgiving, Christmas, or Easter dinners alongside vegan roasts, mashed potatoes, and green bean casserole.
- BBQ & Grilling: Pair it with grilled corn on the cob, vegan burgers, veggie dogs, or barbecued tofu for a delightful summer meal.
- Comfort Food Dinners: Serve it alongside vegan meatloaf, lentil shepherd’s pie, or your favorite plant-based steaks.
- Breakfast/Brunch: Believe it or not, creamed corn can be a unique and tasty addition to a savory vegan brunch spread.
- Stirred into Grains: Mix leftovers into cooked quinoa or rice for a quick and flavorful side or light meal.
How to Store Leftovers
Any leftover vegan creamed corn can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat it gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally, or warm it up in the microwave until heated through. You might need to add a splash of non-dairy milk or vegetable broth if it has thickened too much in the fridge.
Can This Recipe Be Frozen?
Absolutely, this vegan creamed corn recipe freezes beautifully, making it an excellent candidate for meal prep! To freeze, ensure the creamed corn has cooled completely to room temperature. Then, transfer it to a freezer-safe zip-top bag, pressing out as much air as possible before sealing. Lay the bag flat in your freezer for efficient storage. It can be stored for up to 6 months. When you’re ready to use it, thaw the frozen creamed corn overnight in the refrigerator or in a bowl of warm water for a quicker defrost. Once thawed, reheat it on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring well until it’s warmed through and creamy again.
Enjoy friends! If you make this delicious vegan creamed corn, we’d absolutely love to see your culinary creations! Please snap a photo and tag #jessicainthekitchen on Instagram! Your feedback is invaluable to us, so please don’t hesitate to leave a comment below and give the recipe a rating. Thanks so much for being a part of our plant-based journey!
Vegan Creamed Corn
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Ingredients
- 6 ears of corn, fresh or thawed frozen ears 1068 grams
- ¼ cup vegan butter, 57 grams
- ½ cup yellow onion, diced 68 grams
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour, 19 grams
- 1 ¼ cup non-dairy milk
Instructions
- Stand up one ear of corn in a deep bowl. Use a sharp knife to cut the top of the corn kernels from the cob. Turn the knife over and use the non blade edge to rub down the side of the cob to get the pulp and juice from the corn.
- Repeat with all 6 ears of corn and set aside.
- Add vegan butter and onions to a pot over medium heat. Cook for 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions are softened.
- Add the flour, salt and pepper. Continue to cook, stirring constantly for 1 minute.
- Add the corn and milk. Stir well.
- Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to medium low. Cook for 30 minutes or until corn is desired softness, stirring about every 3-4 minutes to prevent sticking.
Notes
- If using frozen ears of corn, make sure they are thawed completely before cutting
otherwise you won’t be able to get the pulp out of the cob. - Replace all purpose flour with a 1 to 1 gluten free flour blend to make this gluten free.
- If you like sweeter creamed corn, add 1 tablespoon of sugar when you add the corn and milk.
Storage:
Store leftover creamed corn in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To freeze, place cooled creamed corn in a freezer safe ziploc bag. Lay flat and freeze for up to 6 months. Thaw in a bowl of cool water or overnight in the refrigerator. Then reheat before serving.
Disclaimer: Although jessicainthekitchen.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, kindly note that these are only estimates. Nutritional information may be affected based on the product type, the brand that was purchased, and in other unforeseeable ways. Jessicainthekitchen.com will not be held liable for any loss or damage resulting for your reliance on nutritional information. If you need to follow a specific caloric regimen, please consult your doctor first.