Corn Pudding Recipe: 7-Ingredient Grandma’s Classic Side Dish
A creamy, sweet corn casserole that brings comfort and nostalgia to any family gathering
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Grandma’s Homemade Corn Pudding: A Timeless Family Favorite
There’s something truly special about recipes that have been passed down through generations. Grandma’s corn pudding is one such treasure – a perfect blend of sweet corn kernels suspended in a creamy, custard-like base that brings comfort and nostalgia to any meal. This classic Southern side dish strikes the perfect balance between savory and sweet, making it an ideal companion for holiday dinners, Sunday suppers, or anytime you need a taste of home.
Whether you’re continuing a family tradition or starting a new one, this corn pudding recipe is guaranteed to earn a permanent place in your recipe collection. The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity – just a handful of basic ingredients transforming into something truly magical in the oven. Let’s explore this beloved recipe that has stood the test of time.
What Makes Corn Pudding So Special?
Corn pudding (sometimes called corn casserole) occupies a special place in American cuisine, particularly in Southern cooking. It’s a versatile side dish that bridges the gap between everyday meals and special occasions. The dish has humble origins, likely emerging as a way to make the most of fresh summer corn, but has evolved into a staple at holiday tables across the country.
What sets this particular recipe apart is its perfect texture – not too firm and not too runny. The cornstarch provides structure while allowing the pudding to maintain a delicate, spoonable consistency. The balance of sweetness from the sugar and corn against the richness of butter and eggs creates a complex flavor profile that complements virtually any main course.
Many families have their own variations of corn pudding, but this version has earned its “Grandma’s” title through generations of approval. The recipe has stood the test of time because it hits all the right notes – simple to prepare, reliable results, and universally appealing flavor.
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the beauties of this recipe is that it relies on pantry staples and readily available ingredients. Here’s everything you’ll need to create this comforting classic:
- 5 large eggs
- ⅓ cup butter, melted and slightly cooled
- ¼ cup white sugar
- ½ cup milk
- ¼ cup cornstarch
- 1 (15.25 ounce) can whole kernel corn, drained
- 2 (14.75 ounce) cans cream-style corn
The combination of whole kernel corn and cream-style corn is crucial to achieving the perfect texture. The whole kernels provide substance and a pleasant bite, while the cream-style corn contributes to the pudding’s custardy base. The eggs and butter add richness, while the cornstarch helps thicken the mixture to the ideal consistency.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Creating this corn pudding is remarkably straightforward, making it accessible even for novice cooks. Follow these simple steps for consistent results:
- Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). This relatively high temperature helps create that beautiful golden top while ensuring the center cooks through properly.
- In a large mixing bowl, lightly beat the 5 eggs. The eggs provide structure and richness to the pudding, so be sure to beat them just enough to break them up without incorporating too much air.
- Add the melted butter to the eggs, ensuring it has cooled slightly so it doesn’t cook the eggs. Stir to combine thoroughly.
- Mix in the sugar, milk, and cornstarch, stirring until the cornstarch is completely dissolved with no lumps remaining. The cornstarch is key to achieving the proper consistency, so take your time with this step.
- Fold in both the drained whole kernel corn and the cream-style corn. Gentle folding preserves the texture of the whole kernels while distributing them evenly throughout the mixture.
- Pour the mixture into a 2-quart casserole dish or a 9×13 inch baking dish. For even cooking, ensure the mixture is spread in an even layer.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour, or until the top is golden brown and a knife inserted in the center comes out clean. The pudding may still have a slight jiggle in the center, but it will continue to set as it cools.
- Allow the pudding to rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This resting period helps the pudding set to the perfect consistency.
Tips for Perfect Corn Pudding Every Time
While this recipe is fairly foolproof, these expert tips will help ensure your corn pudding turns out perfectly:
- Room temperature ingredients: Allow your eggs and milk to come to room temperature before mixing. This creates a smoother batter and more even cooking.
- Don’t overmix: Once you add the corn, stir just enough to distribute it evenly. Overmixing can affect the final texture.
- Check for doneness carefully: The pudding should be set around the edges but may still have a slight jiggle in the center. It will continue to firm up as it cools.
- Cover with foil if browning too quickly: If you notice the top getting too brown before the center is set, loosely cover with aluminum foil for the remainder of the baking time.
- Make ahead option: This pudding can be assembled up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerated until ready to bake. You may need to add 5-10 minutes to the baking time if cooking from cold.
Variations to Try
While Grandma’s recipe is perfect as is, these variations can add new dimensions to this classic dish:
- Add cheese: Fold in 1 cup of shredded cheddar or pepper jack cheese for a savory twist.
- Spice it up: Add a finely chopped jalapeño or a quarter teaspoon of cayenne pepper for a hint of heat.
- Herb infusion: Fresh chopped chives, thyme, or sage (about 1-2 tablespoons) add wonderful aromatic notes.
- Bacon lover’s version: Stir in 6-8 slices of cooked, crumbled bacon for a smoky flavor profile.
- Fresh corn option: In summer, substitute fresh corn kernels cut from 5-6 ears of corn for the canned whole kernel corn, and use 2 cups of corn puree (corn kernels processed in a blender) in place of cream-style corn.
Serving Suggestions
Corn pudding is incredibly versatile and pairs beautifully with a wide range of main dishes. Here are some perfect pairings:
- Holiday meals: Serves as a traditional side alongside roast turkey, ham, or prime rib.
- Barbecue companion: The sweetness complements smoky pulled pork, ribs, or brisket.
- Sunday dinner: Pairs perfectly with fried chicken or pot roast.
- Weeknight meal: Transforms simple grilled chicken or fish into a special dinner.
For a complete meal, consider serving corn pudding with green vegetables like roasted Brussels sprouts, green beans, or a fresh salad to balance the richness of the pudding.
Storage and Reheating
One of the advantages of this dish is that it stores and reheats beautifully, making it perfect for meal prep or holiday planning:
- Refrigerator storage: Leftovers can be covered and refrigerated for up to 3-4 days.
- Reheating individual portions: Microwave on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.
- Reheating the entire dish: Cover with foil and warm in a 325°F oven for 15-20 minutes until heated through.
- Freezing: While not ideal due to texture changes, corn pudding can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Nutrition Information
Corn pudding is a comforting side dish that’s meant to be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced meal. Each serving contains approximately:
- Calories: 290
- Protein: 8g
- Carbohydrates: 46g
- Fat: 10g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 14g
Why This Recipe Has Stood the Test of Time
There’s something magical about recipes that get passed down through generations. They carry not just flavors but memories and traditions. This corn pudding recipe has earned its place in family cookbooks because it hits all the marks of a perfect heirloom recipe:
- Simplicity: Uses basic ingredients most people have on hand
- Reliability: Produces consistent results with minimal effort
- Universal appeal: Beloved by both children and adults
- Versatility: Works for everyday dinners and special occasions
- Nostalgia: Evokes warm memories of family gatherings
When you serve this corn pudding, you’re not just offering a delicious side dish – you’re continuing a tradition that connects generations at the table.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I make this corn pudding ahead of time?
A: Yes! You can prepare the mixture up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate it, covered, until you’re ready to bake. You may need to add 5-10 extra minutes to the baking time if cooking from cold.
Q: Can I use fresh corn instead of canned?
A: Absolutely. For the whole kernel corn, substitute about 1½ cups of fresh corn kernels. For the cream-style corn, you can blend 2 cups of fresh corn kernels with a little heavy cream until smooth but still slightly chunky.
Q: Why is my corn pudding watery?
A: This could be due to excess moisture in the corn or underbaking. Make sure to drain the whole kernel corn well, and ensure the pudding is baked until a knife inserted in the center comes out clean.
Q: Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker?
A: Yes, combine all ingredients as directed and cook on low for 3-4 hours or high for 2-3 hours, until set in the center.
Q: Is corn pudding gluten-free?
A: This particular recipe is naturally gluten-free, assuming all canned ingredients are certified gluten-free. Always check labels if cooking for someone with gluten sensitivity.
Q: Can I double this recipe for a larger crowd?
A: Yes, simply double all ingredients and use a larger baking dish. You may need to increase the baking time by 15-20 minutes, so check for doneness with a knife.
In conclusion, Grandma’s Corn Pudding is more than just a recipe – it’s a tradition worth preserving and sharing. With its perfect balance of sweetness, creamy texture, and comforting flavor, it’s sure to become a requested favorite at your family gatherings for years to come. Whether you follow the classic recipe or add your own special touch, this timeless dish connects us to generations of home cooks who found joy in bringing loved ones together around the table.
References
- https://www.allrecipes.com/recipe/15985/grandmas-corn-pudding/
- https://www.allrecipes.com/recipe/13684/easy-corn-pudding/
- https://www.allrecipes.com/recipe/230545/grandma-swallows-corn-pudding/
- https://www.allrecipes.com/recipe/18906/awesome-and-easy-creamy-corn-casserole/
- https://netcookingtalk.com/forums/threads/grandmas-corn-pudding-internet.34131/
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