Introduction
Corn pudding is a beloved dish that embodies the essence of comfort food. This sweet and savory creation, made from simple ingredients like corn, eggs, and milk, has become a staple in American cuisine, often gracing the tables of family gatherings and festive celebrations. Its rich texture and delightful flavor make it suitable as both a side dish and a hearty main course.
For young professionals who cherish homemade meals but are pressed for time, this dish offers an ideal solution. In just over an hour, you can whip up a delicious corn pudding that will impress your friends and family. The combination of fresh corn kernels and the creamy consistency from milk and eggs creates a satisfying dish that can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature.
As you embark on making this corn pudding, consider the versatility it offers. It can be customized with additional ingredients like cheese for a savory twist or spices to enhance its flavor profile. Whether you’re serving it at a dinner party or enjoying it at a cozy family meal, corn pudding is sure to become a favorite. So, gather your ingredients, and let’s dive into this delightful recipe!
Key Ingredients
Corn Kernels (2 cups)
Fresh corn kernels serve as the star of this dish, providing a naturally sweet flavor and delightful texture. They are the foundation of the pudding, contributing to its richness and making it a comforting favorite.
Milk (1/2 cup)
Milk adds creaminess to the pudding, creating a smooth consistency that complements the corn. For a richer taste, consider substituting cream for milk, as suggested in the notes.
Eggs (3)
Eggs act as a binding agent, helping to set the pudding as it bakes. They also enrich the flavor, making the dish more satisfying and nourishing.
Sugar (1/4 cup)
Sugar enhances the sweetness of the corn, balancing the savory notes in the dish. It plays a crucial role in creating a delightful contrast that makes corn pudding so enjoyable.
Butter (1/4 cup, melted)
Melted butter not only adds moisture but also infuses the pudding with a rich, buttery flavor that elevates the overall taste. It’s an essential ingredient that contributes to the dish’s deliciousness.
Salt (1/2 teaspoon)
Salt enhances the flavors of the other ingredients, ensuring that the sweetness of the corn is well-balanced. It’s a small yet vital component in the recipe.
Black Pepper (1/2 teaspoon)
Black pepper adds a subtle warmth and depth to the dish, complementing the sweetness of the corn and rounding out the flavors beautifully.
Baking Powder (1 teaspoon)
Baking powder provides the necessary lift for the pudding, ensuring it has a light and fluffy texture. It’s what helps the dish rise as it bakes, creating the perfect consistency.
This corn pudding recipe is not just easy to make but also incredibly delicious, making it a must-try for anyone who loves homemade comfort food.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Corn pudding is a delightful dish that beautifully balances sweet and savory flavors, making it a versatile addition to any meal. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or simply craving comfort food, this recipe is sure to impress. Its creamy texture, enriched by the combination of corn, eggs, and milk, creates a satisfying experience for your taste buds.
One of the reasons you’ll love this corn pudding is its simplicity. With just a handful of ingredients and straightforward instructions, it’s perfect for young professionals who are often time-pressed but still want to enjoy homemade meals. In about an hour, you can serve a dish that feels special yet requires minimal effort.
Moreover, corn pudding is incredibly adaptable. You can easily customize it by adding cheese for a more savory twist or even incorporating spices to adjust the flavor profile to your liking. This flexibility not only keeps the dish exciting but also allows you to cater to various preferences, making it a hit with family and friends.
In summary, this corn pudding recipe is a must-try for anyone looking to create an easy, delicious dish that brings joy to the table. So why not gather your ingredients and give it a go? You won’t be disappointed!
Variations
Corn pudding is a versatile dish that can be adapted to suit various tastes and occasions. Whether you’re looking to add a twist or cater to dietary preferences, there are plenty of delicious variations to explore.
Cheesy Corn Pudding
For those who love a bit of extra richness, consider adding cheese! Incorporating shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack into the mixture before baking will create a savory, gooey texture that pairs perfectly with the sweetness of the corn. This variation is perfect for a comforting side dish that will please cheese lovers.
Spicy Corn Pudding
If you’re in the mood for something with a kick, try adding diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper to the mix. This spicy corn pudding variation introduces a delightful heat that contrasts beautifully with the dish’s natural sweetness. It’s an exciting option for those who enjoy bold flavors.
Herb-Infused Corn Pudding
Elevate your corn pudding with fresh herbs like chives, parsley, or thyme. Adding these herbs not only enhances the flavor but also adds a pop of color to the dish. This fresh twist makes the pudding suitable for spring and summer gatherings, bringing a taste of the garden to your table.
Vegan Corn Pudding
For a plant-based alternative, substitute the eggs and milk with flaxseed meal and almond milk, respectively. This vegan version retains the comforting essence of traditional corn pudding while catering to those following a vegan diet. It’s a fantastic way to ensure everyone can enjoy this delightful dish.
With these variations, you can make corn pudding a staple in your kitchen, adapting it to fit any occasion or preference. So get creative and experiment with flavors that you love!
Cooking Tips and Notes
Corn pudding is not only delicious but also quite forgiving, making it a fantastic dish for home cooks of all levels. Here are some helpful tips to ensure your corn pudding turns out perfectly every time.
Choosing the Right Corn
Using fresh corn kernels can elevate your dish with vibrant flavor and texture. If fresh corn isn’t available, frozen corn is a great alternative. Just be sure to thaw and drain it well before mixing it into your batter.
Ensure Proper Mixing
When combining the ingredients, mix until just combined. Overmixing can lead to a dense texture. You want a fluffy and light pudding, so gently fold the ingredients together to maintain airiness.
Baking Tips
Keep an eye on the baking time, as ovens can vary. You’ll know your corn pudding is done when it’s set in the middle and has a golden-brown top. If you find the edges are browning too quickly, consider covering them with foil to prevent burning while the center continues to bake.
Serving Suggestions
Let your corn pudding cool for a few minutes before serving; this helps it firm up and makes for easier slicing. It can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature, making it an excellent make-ahead dish for potlucks or family gatherings.
These cooking tips will help you achieve the perfect corn pudding every time, allowing you to focus on enjoying this delightful dish with family and friends.
Serving Suggestions
Corn pudding is a versatile dish that pairs wonderfully with a variety of meals. It can be served as a delightful side for roasted meats, grilled chicken, or even alongside vegetarian dishes, making it a great option for any gathering.
For a more casual meal, consider serving corn pudding with a fresh salad or a bowl of chili. The sweetness of the pudding contrasts beautifully with the spiciness of the chili, creating a satisfying balance.
Additionally, corn pudding can be enjoyed on its own as a light lunch or snack. Simply serve it warm, and perhaps top it with a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of chopped green onions for added flavor. With its rich texture and sweet-savory profile, corn pudding is sure to be a crowd-pleaser at any table.
Time Breakdown
Preparation
Get started on your corn pudding by preparing all your ingredients. This step takes about 15 minutes, allowing you to focus on mixing everything together smoothly.
Cooking/Baking
Bake your corn pudding in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 45-50 minutes. This ensures that the pudding is set and golden brown, providing the perfect texture.
Total
In total, you’ll spend about 1 hour and 5 minutes from start to finish, making it a quick and satisfying dish to prepare. For efficiency, consider prepping the ingredients while the oven preheats.
Nutritional Facts
Understanding the nutritional profile of corn pudding is essential for health-conscious eaters. Each serving, which is about 1 cup, contains approximately 200 calories, making it a satisfying yet moderate option for a side dish.
The pudding is made up of 10 grams of total fat, including 5 grams of saturated fat, which contributes to its rich flavor and creamy texture. With 5 grams of protein, it provides a good source of energy, while the 24 grams of carbohydrates, including 2 grams of dietary fiber and 8 grams of sugars, offer a balance of nutrients. Additionally, it contains 80 milligrams of cholesterol and 150 milligrams of sodium, making it a relatively heart-friendly choice when consumed in moderation.
This corn pudding is not only delicious but also versatile, catering to various dietary preferences with its vegetarian profile. Enjoy it as a side dish or a hearty main course!
FAQ about Corn Pudding
What is corn pudding?
Corn pudding is a sweet and savory dish made primarily from corn, eggs, and milk. It’s known for its creamy texture and can be served as either a side dish or a main course, making it a versatile option for various meals.
How do you make corn pudding?
To make corn pudding, you mix together corn kernels, milk, eggs, sugar, melted butter, salt, pepper, and baking powder. The mixture is then poured into a greased baking dish and baked in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 45-50 minutes until it is set and golden brown.
Can you make corn pudding ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare corn pudding ahead of time by mixing the ingredients and storing them in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to serve, simply bake it according to the instructions. This makes it a convenient option for busy weeknights or gatherings.
Conclusion
Corn pudding is more than just a dish; it’s a celebration of flavors and textures that brings warmth to any table. This delightful recipe combines sweet corn with creamy ingredients, resulting in a comforting side or main course that can please any palate. Whether served at family gatherings, holiday feasts, or casual dinners, corn pudding is sure to become a favorite. It’s easy to make and can be customized to suit your taste, making it a versatile choice for home cooks. So why not try this corn pudding recipe today? Cook it, share it, and enjoy the delightful experience it brings to your dining table!
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Corn Pudding
This Corn Pudding is a sweet and savory dish that combines corn, eggs, and milk to create a delightful side or main course.
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 2 cups corn kernels
- 1/2 cup milk
- 3 eggs
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup butter, melted
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, mix together corn, milk, eggs, sugar, melted butter, salt, pepper, and baking powder.
- Pour the mixture into a greased baking dish.
- Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the pudding is set and golden brown.
- Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
- For a creamier texture, use cream instead of milk.
- Add cheese for a savory twist.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 80mg