If you’re craving a dish that perfectly balances sweet, savory, and downright comforting flavors, then you’re going to adore this Creamy Southern Corn Pudding Recipe. This classic Southern dish is like a warm hug on your holiday table with its custard-like texture, golden hue, and rich buttery sweetness. Whether you’re serving it alongside your favorite roast or simply enjoying it as a cozy treat, this corn pudding is simple to make yet impressively satisfying, capturing the heart of Southern cooking in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Creamy Southern Corn Pudding Recipe lies in its simple, wholesome ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role—from providing creaminess and sweetness to lending the perfect texture and that iconic golden color you’ll love. Here’s what you’ll gather to create this must-have side dish.
- Whole kernel corn (1 can, 15 oz): Adds a delightful pop of texture and natural sweetness to the pudding.
- Creamed corn (1 can, 15 oz): Gives the mixture that smooth, creamy base that’s key to achieving the custard-like consistency.
- Melted butter (½ cup): Infuses the pudding with rich flavor and helps create a golden crust.
- Sour cream (1 cup): Brings a subtle tang and luscious creaminess that balances sweetness beautifully.
- Beaten eggs (2): Acts as the binder and custard base, making the pudding set perfectly without being dense.
- Cornbread mix (1 box, 8 oz): Adds a tender crumb and hold to the pudding while enhancing the corn flavor.
How to Make Creamy Southern Corn Pudding Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Dish and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to a cozy 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius). Grease a 9×9-inch baking dish generously—this will ensure your pudding doesn’t stick and that you get those perfect edges that are slightly crisped and irresistible.
Step 2: Mix the Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the whole kernel corn, creamed corn, melted butter, sour cream, beaten eggs, and cornbread mix. Stir everything together just until the ingredients are evenly incorporated. Be cautious not to overmix to maintain a light texture.
Step 3: Bake to Golden Perfection
Pour your creamy mixture into the greased baking dish and slide it into the preheated oven. Bake for 45 to 50 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the top is beautifully golden and the pudding is set but still jiggles slightly in the middle—perfectly custardy and warm.
How to Serve Creamy Southern Corn Pudding Recipe
Garnishes
Garnishing your corn pudding can elevate the experience. Try a pat of butter melting on top while it’s still warm or a light drizzle of honey to amplify its natural sweetness. Freshly chopped chives or parsley also add a lovely burst of color and mild flavor that complements the pudding beautifully.
Side Dishes
This Creamy Southern Corn Pudding Recipe pairs wonderfully with a variety of dishes. Think savory roasted meats like turkey, ham, or chicken, as well as hearty southern staples like collard greens and black-eyed peas. It also shines as part of a festive holiday spread, adding balance and richness to every plate.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to mix things up? Serve the pudding in individual ramekins for a charming personal touch at dinner. You can also use this recipe as a base for mini corn pudding bites topped with crispy bacon or shredded cheese, perfect for appetizers or festive nibbling.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store any leftover Creamy Southern Corn Pudding in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh and flavorful for up to 3 days, making it easy to enjoy this Southern delight again without any fuss.
Freezing
This corn pudding freezes well, which means you can make it ahead of time for your holiday celebrations. Wrap the cooled pudding tightly with plastic wrap and then aluminum foil, or use a freezer-safe container. It will maintain quality for up to 2 months in the freezer.
Reheating
To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight if frozen. Warm the pudding in the oven at 325 degrees Fahrenheit until heated through, usually about 20 to 30 minutes, so it retains its creamy texture without drying out.
FAQs
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! Just swap out the traditional cornbread mix for a gluten-free cornbread mix, and you’ll have a delicious gluten-free Creamy Southern Corn Pudding Recipe that doesn’t compromise on taste or texture.
Is it possible to add more sweetness to the pudding?
Yes! If you prefer your corn pudding sweeter, simply add 2 tablespoons of sugar to the mix before baking. This little tweak enhances the natural sweetness and makes it even more decadent.
Can I use fresh corn instead of canned?
Fresh corn works beautifully. Use about 1 ½ cups of fresh kernels, cut from the cob. You can also lightly steam them if you prefer a softer texture, but raw fresh corn adds a wonderful crunch and brightness that complements this recipe well.
What is the best way to ensure the pudding sets properly?
Don’t skip the beaten eggs as they provide the custard base that sets the pudding firmly but tenderly. Also, avoid overmixing the batter to keep the texture light, and be sure to bake it until the edges are golden and the center is just set with a little jiggle.
Can this recipe be made dairy-free?
Yes, with some substitutions! Use dairy-free sour cream and replace the butter with an equal amount of a plant-based alternative. The flavor will be slightly different but still delicious and creamy for those with dietary restrictions.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Southern Corn Pudding Recipe is an absolute game-changer for any occasion, especially festive dinners. Its simplicity, combined with rich, comforting flavors, makes it a standout side that everyone will reach for seconds of. Give it a try—you might just find your new favorite Southern classic that brightens up your holiday table year after year.
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Creamy Southern Corn Pudding Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Corn Pudding is a creamy, custard-like corn casserole that blends sweet and savory flavors into a golden delight. This Southern classic is perfect for holiday tables or comforting family meals, offering a rich texture and comforting taste with minimal effort.
Ingredients
Corn Mixture
- 1 can (15 oz) whole kernel corn, drained
- 1 can (15 oz) creamed corn
Wet Ingredients
- ½ cup melted butter
- 1 cup sour cream
- 2 eggs, beaten
Base
- 1 box (8 oz) cornbread mix
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven temperature to 350 °F (175 °C). Lightly grease a 9×9-inch baking dish to ensure the pudding won’t stick and comes out easily after baking.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained whole kernel corn, creamed corn, melted butter, sour cream, beaten eggs, and cornbread mix. Stir gently just until all ingredients are incorporated to maintain a tender texture.
- Bake: Pour the combined mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly. Place in the oven and bake for 45 to 50 minutes until the top turns golden brown and the pudding is set in the center, indicating it’s fully cooked.
Notes
- For extra sweetness, consider adding 2 tablespoons of sugar to the mixture before baking.
- Serve the pudding warm for best flavor, optionally drizzled with butter or honey for added richness and sweetness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern American
