A classic dish full of flavor and comforting textures, perfect for holiday tables or weeknight dinners alike. Simple and inexpensive ingredients give you a warm hug with every bite. Enjoy this easy Southern corn pudding warm or at room temperature. If you’re not familiar with corn pudding, give it try, I’m sure you’ll love it as much as we do!
What you Need to Make Southern Corn Pudding:
A really comforting and classic dish that is inexpensive and relatively easy-to-make. This corn pudding strikes a perfect balance between sweet and savory. Texture perfection. You’ll want to make this for years to come.
Easy Southern Corn Pudding Ingredients
- corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
- unsalted butter
- all-purpose flour
- granulated sugar
- eggs
- heavy cream
- milk
- salt
- black pepper
- nutmeg (optional)
- parsley, for garnish
How to Make Southern Corn Pudding
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees and grease a 9×13-inch baking or soufflé dish.
- Prepare the Bain-Marie: Choose a large baking dish or roasting pan able to fit the 9×13 or soufflé dish. Lay a kitchen towel or cloth flat on the bottom of the larger pan(to stop the dishes from sliding). It will be filled with water, giving a perfect even cooking for the corn pudding.
- Blend Corn Mixture: In a blender or food processor, pulse 2 cups of corn kernels until partially pureed. Leave some texture for a chunkier consistency.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter, flour, and sugar until well combined. Add the eggs and whisk until smooth.
- Add Cream and Milk: Gradually whisk in the heavy cream and milk until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Season: Stir in the partially pureed corn mixture, remaining 2 cups of whole corn kernels, salt, black pepper, and nutmeg (if using). Mix until all ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Pour into the Baking Dish: Pour the corn mixture into the greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Bain-Marie Setup: Place the baking dish with the corn mixture into the larger baking dish, setting it on the towel. Carefully fill the dish with warm tap water about halfway up the sides of the dish containing the corn pudding mixture.
- Place in Oven: Open preheated oven, sliding out middle rack. Carefully place the bain marie onto the middle rack and slowly slide into oven, careful not to splash the water around.
- Bake: Bake for about 45 to 55 minutes, or until the corn pudding is set around the edges and slightly jiggly in the center. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out mostly clean.
- Cool and Serve: Once done, carefully slide out the oven rack and remove the baking dish containing the corn pudding. Allow the pudding to cool slightly before serving. It will continue to set as it cools.
- Serve Warm: Serve the Southern Corn Pudding warm as a comforting side dish alongside your favorite Southern meals. Its creamy texture and sweet corn flavor will be a delightful addition to any table.
- Optional Garnishes: If desired, you can garnish the corn pudding with a sprinkle of fresh chopped herbs, such as parsley or chives, for a pop of color and freshness.
Why You’ll Love Southern Corn Pudding
- Cherished Classic: Southern corn pudding has the heart and soul of Southern comfort food, is perfect for gatherings and special events.
- Sweet and Savory Harmony: This custardy delight strikes the perfect balance between sweet and savory.
- Velvety Texture: The bain-marie cooking method ensures a creamy consistency that’s pure bliss, making every spoonful a treat.
- Simple Ingredients: The combination of corn, cream and aromatic seasonings creates a dish that’s both familiar and uniquely indulgent.
- Golden Crust, Tender Inside: As it bakes, the pudding forms a delicate golden crust on top, while remaining rich and tender inside.
- True Southern Tradition: With its special place in every Southern cook’s heart, this pudding is a nod to Southern culinary heritage and a spoonful of nostalgia.
What is Southern Corn Pudding?
Southern Corn Pudding is a traditional side dish that is a creamy and custard-like casserole. Made from sweet corn, combined with a mixture of butter, eggs, heavy cream, and milk. A indulgent blend of flavors and textures – sweet, savory, and rich – that captures the heart of Southern cuisine.
Often served at gatherings, family dinners, holiday tables and special occasions. It goes well with many main dishes like turkey, beef or ham. Southern Corn Pudding embodies the warmth and hospitality that Southern cooking is so well-known for.
Cooking Tips and Variations
Cooking Tips
- Canned or Frozen Kernels: If using canned or frozen corn kernels, be sure to fully drain excess water before using.
- Slippy Dippy: Be sure to place a kitchen towel or cloth on the bottom of your bain-marie to prevent your baking dish from sliding around! Safety first!
- Use the Rack: Rather than lifting your bain-marie dish in and out, use your oven’s rack to carefully slide it back and forth to make access easier.
Variations
- Cheese Lover’s Twist: For a cheesy twist, stir in grated cheddar or pepper jack cheese before baking.
- Spicy Kick: Add a dash of cayenne pepper or a finely diced jalapeno for a hint of heat.
- Herb Infusion: Incorporate chopped fresh herbs like thyme, chives, or parsley.
- Bacon Bliss: For a smoky touch, crumbled cooked bacon can be folded into the mixture before baking. (my fav!)
Easy Southern Corn Pudding
A classic Southern dish with custard-like texture pairs well with a variety of main courses. Perfect on holiday tables and family gatherings.
Servings: 8
Ingredients
- 4 cups corn kernels, fresh, frozen, or canned
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg, optional
- Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees and grease a 9×13-inch baking or soufflé dish.
- Prepare the Bain-Marie: Choose a large baking dish or roasting pan able to fit the 9×13 or soufflé dish. Lay a kitchen towel or cloth flat on the bottom of the larger pan(to stop the dishes from sliding). It will be filled with water, giving a perfect even cooking for the corn pudding.
- Blend Corn Mixture: In a blender or food processor, pulse 2 cups of corn kernels until partially pureed. Leave some texture for a chunkier consistency.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter, flour, and sugar until well combined. Add the eggs and whisk until smooth.
- Add Cream and Milk: Gradually whisk in the heavy cream and milk until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Season: Stir in the partially pureed corn mixture, remaining 2 cups of whole corn kernels, salt, black pepper, and nutmeg (if using). Mix until all ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Pour into the Baking Dish: Pour the corn mixture into the greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Bain-Marie Setup: Place the baking dish with the corn mixture into the larger baking dish, setting it on the towel. Carefully fill the dish with warm tap water about halfway up the sides of the dish containing the corn pudding mixture.
- Place in Oven: Open preheated oven, sliding out middle rack. Carefully place the bain marie onto the middle rack and slowly slide into oven, careful not to splash the water around.
- Bake: Bake for about 45 to 55 minutes, or until the corn pudding is set around the edges and slightly jiggly in the center. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out mostly clean.
- Cool and Serve: Once done, carefully slide out the oven rack and remove the baking dish containing the corn pudding. Allow the pudding to cool slightly before serving. It will continue to set as it cools.
- Serve Warm: Serve the Southern Corn Pudding warm as a comforting side dish alongside your favorite Southern meals. Its creamy texture and sweet corn flavor will be a delightful addition to any table.
- Optional Garnishes: If desired, you can garnish the corn pudding with a sprinkle of fresh chopped herbs, such as parsley or chives, for a pop of color and freshness.
Nutrition
Calories: 346kcalCarbohydrates: 23gProtein: 7gFat: 26gSaturated Fat: 16gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 7gTrans Fat: 0.5gCholesterol: 150mgSodium: 511mgPotassium: 221mgFiber: 2gSugar: 12gVitamin A: 997IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 77mgIron: 1mg
Tried our recipe?We would love to know how it was!
