I always look forward to the holidays because they bring everyone together around a table filled with warmth and love. Christmas dinner just would not feel complete without a side dish that feels like a big hug, and this recipe is exactly that. I love how the sweetness of the corn pairs perfectly with a rich, golden cheese crust to create a truly special experience that my family asks for every single year.

Recipe Details

Recipe Information

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Difficulty: Easy

Nutrition Information (Per Serving)

Calories: 285
Protein: 8g
Carbs: 24g
Fat: 19g

Why You’ll Love This Creamed Corn Au Gratin

This dish is the ultimate comfort food for any holiday gathering. It combines the natural sweetness of corn with a decadent, velvety cream sauce that is far superior to anything you would find in a can. The topping provides a wonderful crunch that contrasts beautifully with the tender kernels, making it a favorite for both kids and adults. Plus, it is incredibly easy to prepare, which means you can spend less time in the kitchen and more time celebrating with your loved ones.

Creamed Corn Au Gratin Ingredients & Substitutions

4 cups of corn kernels, either fresh or frozen
1/4 cup of unsalted butter
1/4 cup of all purpose flour
1.5 cups of heavy cream
1/2 cup of whole milk
1 teaspoon of salt
1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder
1.5 cups of shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1/2 cup of panko breadcrumbs
2 tablespoons of melted butter for the topping
1 tablespoon of fresh parsley for garnish

If you prefer a lighter sauce, you can substitute the heavy cream with half and half or whole milk, though the result will be slightly less rich. Frozen corn works perfectly as long as it is fully thawed and drained, but canned corn can also be used if you rinse it well first. For a different flavor profile, try swapping the cheddar for gruyere or fontina cheese. If you need a crunchier topping and do not have panko, crushed buttery crackers or even toasted breadcrumbs work as a fantastic alternative.

Step by Step Instructions to Make Creamed Corn Au Gratin

Step 1: Preparation

Begin by preheating your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Take a medium sized baking dish and lightly grease it with butter or a small amount of oil to ensure nothing sticks. If you are using frozen corn, make sure it has been thawed and patted dry with a paper towel to prevent the sauce from becoming too watery during the baking process.

Step 2: Creating the Roux

In a large saucepan or skillet over medium heat, melt the 1/4 cup of butter. Once it is bubbling, whisk in the all purpose flour. Continue to whisk for about one minute to cook out the raw flour taste. You want the mixture to be smooth and slightly pale, taking care not to let it turn brown.

Step 3: Simmering the Cream Sauce

Slowly pour in the heavy cream and whole milk while whisking constantly. This gradual process helps to prevent lumps from forming. Continue to cook the mixture over medium heat until it starts to thicken into a silky sauce. Stir in the salt, black pepper, and garlic powder to evenly distribute the seasonings.

Step 4: Combining the Corn and Cheese

Add the corn kernels into the saucepan and stir until they are completely coated in the cream sauce. Remove the pan from the heat and fold in one cup of the shredded cheddar cheese. Stir until the cheese is mostly melted and the mixture is thick and creamy.

Step 5: Adding the Topping and Baking

Transfer the corn mixture into your prepared baking dish. In a small bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs, the remaining half cup of cheese, and the melted butter. Sprinkle this crumbly mixture evenly over the top of the corn. Place the dish in the oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbling and the topping has turned a perfect golden brown. Let it sit for a few minutes before serving to allow the sauce to set.

Tips for Success

To get the best texture, I recommend grating your own cheese from a block rather than buying the pre shredded kind, as it melts much more smoothly. If you find the topping is browning too quickly before the sauce is bubbling, you can loosely cover the dish with foil for the first ten minutes of baking. For those who love a bit of extra flavor, sautéing a small amount of finely diced onion in the butter before adding the flour adds a wonderful depth to the cream sauce.

Variations of Creamed Corn Au Gratin

For a smoky twist that fits perfectly with a Christmas roast, you can add a pinch of smoked paprika or some chopped turkey bacon to the corn mixture. If you enjoy a bit of heat, try mixing in some diced jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper. You can also make this a more herb forward dish by adding fresh thyme or rosemary to the cream sauce while it simmers, which complements the holiday spirit beautifully.

Serving Suggestions: What to Pair with Creamed Corn Au Gratin

This dish is a versatile side that pairs wonderfully with a traditional Christmas turkey or a slow roasted beef tenderloin. It also sits perfectly alongside other holiday favorites like garlic mashed potatoes, roasted green beans, or a fresh cranberry sauce. If you are looking for a vegetarian friendly holiday spread, this corn dish serves as a hearty and satisfying centerpiece when paired with a wild rice pilaf and roasted root vegetables.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three or four days. To reheat, place a portion in a microwave safe dish and heat in thirty second intervals until warm. For the best results and to keep the topping crunchy, you can reheat the dish in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about ten to fifteen minutes. I do not recommend freezing this dish, as the cream sauce can sometimes separate and change texture upon thawing.

Memories Made Around the Table

Some of my fondest memories involve sitting at my grandmother’s large wooden table during the holidays. She always made a version of this corn dish, and the smell of the bubbling cheese and sweet corn would fill the entire house. I remember the clinking of silverware and the sound of laughter as we all reached for a second helping. Bringing this recipe to my own table now feels like a way to keep those traditions alive and share that same feeling of warmth with the next generation.

FAQs

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the corn and cream sauce mixture up to a day in advance. Store it in the refrigerator in the baking dish, but wait to add the breadcrumb and cheese topping until right before you are ready to put it in the oven. This ensures the topping stays crisp and does not get soggy while sitting in the fridge.

Is it better to use fresh or frozen corn?

Both work very well for this recipe. Fresh corn sliced off the cob offers a wonderful snap and sweetness, especially if it is in season. However, frozen corn is a fantastic and convenient option for winter holidays like Christmas, and it retains its flavor and texture beautifully once baked.

What can I use instead of panko breadcrumbs?

If you do not have panko, you can use regular breadcrumbs, crushed crackers, or even crushed potato chips for a salty and crunchy finish. The key is to mix them with a bit of melted butter so they brown evenly in the oven.

How do I make the sauce thicker?

If your sauce seems too thin, you can let it simmer for an extra minute or two before adding the corn. Additionally, the sauce will continue to thicken as it bakes in the oven and as it cools slightly before serving.

Can I add other vegetables to this recipe?

Absolutely. Diced bell peppers or small pieces of steamed broccoli would make great additions. Just be sure to cook or drain any extra vegetables well so they do not add too much moisture to the cream sauce.

Final Thoughts

Creamed Corn Au Gratin is a timeless classic that brings a sense of elegance and comfort to any Christmas dinner. Its simple ingredients and straightforward preparation make it a stress free addition to a busy holiday menu. I hope this dish becomes a staple in your home just as it has in mine, bringing a little extra sweetness and joy to your festive celebrations.

Creamed Corn Au Gratin

Print Recipe

Total Time: 40 minutes

Ingredients

4 cups of corn kernels, either fresh or frozen
1/4 cup of unsalted butter
1/4 cup of all purpose flour
1.5 cups of heavy cream
1/2 cup of whole milk
1 teaspoon of salt
1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder
1.5 cups of shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1/2 cup of panko breadcrumbs
2 tablespoons of melted butter for the topping
1 tablespoon of fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

Begin by preheating your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Take a medium sized baking dish and lightly grease it with butter or a small amount of oil to ensure nothing sticks. If you are using frozen corn, make sure it has been thawed and patted dry with a paper towel to prevent the sauce from becoming too watery during the baking process.
In a large saucepan or skillet over medium heat, melt the 1/4 cup of butter. Once it is bubbling, whisk in the all purpose flour. Continue to whisk for about one minute to cook out the raw flour taste. You want the mixture to be smooth and slightly pale, taking care not to let it turn brown.
Slowly pour in the heavy cream and whole milk while whisking constantly. This gradual process helps to prevent lumps from forming. Continue to cook the mixture over medium heat until it starts to thicken into a silky sauce. Stir in the salt, black pepper, and garlic powder to evenly distribute the seasonings.
Add the corn kernels into the saucepan and stir until they are completely coated in the cream sauce. Remove the pan from the heat and fold in one cup of the shredded cheddar cheese. Stir until the cheese is mostly melted and the mixture is thick and creamy.
Transfer the corn mixture into your prepared baking dish. In a small bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs, the remaining half cup of cheese, and the melted butter. Sprinkle this crumbly mixture evenly over the top of the corn. Place the dish in the oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbling and the topping has turned a perfect golden brown. Let it sit for a few minutes before serving to allow the sauce to set.

Cook Time: 40 minutes
Diet: Vegetarian