If you are looking for a dish that brings together the smoky charm of the grill and the comforting creaminess of a classic side, then this Char Grilled Creamed Corn Recipe is exactly what you need. Charred to perfection, each kernel bursts with sweet, juicy flavor that’s beautifully balanced by a rich, velvety cream sauce. It’s a foolproof way to elevate any meal with a pop of color, texture, and irresistible warmth that invites everyone back for seconds. Whether you're hosting a barbecue or just craving something deliciously homey, this recipe will become your new go-to.
Ingredients You'll Need
The beauty of the Char Grilled Creamed Corn Recipe lies in its simplicity and the quality of each ingredient. Every element serves a purpose—from the sweet corn that forms the base to the luscious cream cheese that brings everything together. These essentials combine to create a dish that’s rich, smoky, and comforting without any fuss.
- 5 ears corn (husks and silk removed): Fresh corn is the star—choose plump ears for maximum sweetness and juiciness.
- 2 Tablespoons butter: Adds a silky richness that enhances the grilled corn’s natural flavor.
- 1 Tablespoon all-purpose flour: This helps thicken the sauce for the perfect creamy texture.
- ½ cup milk: Provides a light, smooth base for the cream sauce.
- ½ cup heavy cream: Elevates the sauce’s indulgence and silkiness.
- 4 ounces cream cheese: Melts in to create the hallmark creamy consistency that makes this side so addictive.
- Hey Grill Hey Beef Rub (to taste, or salt and pepper): Brings a smoky, savory kick to complement the sweetness of the corn beautifully.
How to Make Char Grilled Creamed Corn Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Grill
Start by setting your grill to medium-high heat, aiming for about 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Properly heating the grill ensures you get that perfect char on the corn, which is essential for unlocking the bold flavors in this recipe.
Step 2: Grill the Corn
Place the husked corn directly on the grill grates and close the lid. Cook for roughly 10 minutes, turning every few minutes to achieve even, beautiful char marks on all sides. This grilling step softens the kernels and adds that irresistible smoky note that makes this dish stand out.
Step 3: Shell the Corn
Once grilled, remove the corn cobs from the heat and allow them to cool for about 5 minutes to make handling easier. Then, with a sharp knife, carefully slice the kernels off each cob into a mixing bowl. The kernels will be juicy, tender, and slightly smoky—pure magic in every bite.
Step 4: Make the Corn Base
Heat a large cast iron skillet over medium heat and melt the butter until it’s fully liquid and bubbly. Add your grilled corn kernels and sauté them for 3 to 4 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the corn to soak in some buttery richness.
Step 5: Prepare the Cream Sauce
Sprinkle the flour over the corn and stir gently with a whisk for about a minute to cook out the raw flour taste. Slowly pour in the milk while whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Let this mixture simmer for 2 to 3 minutes until it thickens slightly. Reduce the heat to low, then stir in the heavy cream and cream cheese, continuing to stir gently until everything is melted and blended into a luscious, creamy sauce—about 3 to 5 minutes.
Step 6: Season, Serve, and Enjoy
Finish by seasoning the dish with Hey Grill Hey Beef Rub or a simple salt and pepper blend to taste. Give everything a final stir, then transfer your rich, dreamy creamed corn into a serving dish. Serve warm alongside your favorite mains, and prepare for plenty of compliments!
How to Serve Char Grilled Creamed Corn Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh chopped herbs like parsley or chives adds a pop of color and a touch of brightness that contrasts wonderfully with the creamy, smoky corn. For an extra flair, a light dusting of smoked paprika or a few crumbles of cotija cheese can make this dish even more irresistible.
Side Dishes
This Char Grilled Creamed Corn Recipe pairs beautifully with grilled chicken, steak, or fish, offering a balance of creamy sweetness to hearty, savory proteins. It’s also fantastic alongside fresh summer salads or roasted vegetables, rounding out the meal with luxurious texture and flavor.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this creamed corn straight from a rustic cast iron skillet to keep it warm and add to the casual, homey vibe. You can also spoon it into individual ramekins for charming single servings or layer it as a side in a vibrant summer picnic spread to wow your guests visually and gastronomically.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Char Grilled Creamed Corn keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days. It’s perfect for quick weeknight meals or to add to lunch boxes when you want a comforting treat on hand.
Freezing
You can freeze this creamed corn, although the texture may shift slightly due to the cream and cream cheese. To freeze, cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. Use within 2 months for best quality and thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the creamed corn gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently to restore smooth texture and prevent sticking. Adding a splash of milk or cream while reheating can help rejuvenate the creaminess if it has thickened too much.
FAQs
Can I use canned or frozen corn instead of fresh?
While fresh corn delivers the best flavor and texture for this Char Grilled Creamed Corn Recipe, you can use frozen corn in a pinch. Just thaw and dry the kernels, then consider sautéing them in a grill pan to add some char since you can’t grill frozen kernels directly.
What is the purpose of the flour in the recipe?
The flour acts as a thickening agent, creating the creamy, luscious sauce that clings perfectly to each kernel. It helps the milk and cream cheese form a smooth, velvety consistency instead of a thin liquid.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Absolutely! Substitute the butter with a plant-based alternative, use coconut cream or your favorite non-dairy milk, and replace cream cheese with a dairy-free version or cashew cream for a tasty, dairy-free spin.
How spicy is the Hey Grill Hey Beef Rub?
The beef rub offers a nice balance of smoky, savory, and mildly spicy notes without being overpowering. You can adjust the amount you add to suit your taste or swap it with simple salt and pepper if you prefer milder flavors.
Is this recipe suitable for outdoor BBQ parties?
Definitely! The smoky char flavor plus the creamy indulgence make this Char Grilled Creamed Corn Recipe a fantastic side for any grill-out. It’s easy to prepare and guaranteed to impress your guests with minimal effort.
Final Thoughts
This Char Grilled Creamed Corn Recipe is like a warm hug on a plate, bringing together smoky sweetness and rich creaminess in a way that feels both indulgent and comforting. It’s a superb side that pairs with so many dishes and shines in any season. I can’t recommend it enough—grab those fresh ears of corn and get grilling. You’ll find yourself making this recipe again and again!
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Char Grilled Creamed Corn Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
Description
Char Grilled Creamed Corn is a smoky, creamy side dish that combines the sweet flavor of grilled corn with a rich, cheesy cream sauce. Perfect for summer barbecues or as a comforting accompaniment to grilled meats, this dish features tender corn kernels charred to perfection on the grill and blended into a luscious, creamy base with butter, cream cheese, and heavy cream.
Ingredients
Corn
- 5 ears corn (husks and silk removed)
Cream Sauce
- 2 Tablespoons butter
- 1 Tablespoon all-purpose flour
- ½ cup milk
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 4 ounces cream cheese
Seasoning
- Hey Grill Hey Beef Rub (to taste, or salt and pepper)
Instructions
- Preheat the grill: Set your grill to medium-high heat, aiming for around 400 degrees Fahrenheit. This will ensure the corn cooks evenly and develops that perfect char.
- Grill the corn: Place the husked corn directly on the grill grates. Close the lid and grill for about 10 minutes, turning occasionally, until the kernels are tender and have slight char marks for that smoky flavor.
- Shell the corn: Remove the corn from the grill and let it cool for approximately 5 minutes. Using a sharp knife, carefully slice the kernels off the cobs into a large bowl.
- Make the corn base: Heat a large cast iron skillet over medium heat. Add the butter and allow it to melt completely. Once melted, add the grilled corn kernels to the skillet and cook for 3–4 minutes to combine flavors.
- Make the cream sauce: Sprinkle the flour over the corn and stir gently with a whisk for about 1 minute to cook out the raw flavor. Slowly pour in the milk, stirring continuously to avoid lumps. Let the mixture simmer for 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened. Reduce the heat to low, then add the heavy cream and cream cheese. Stir gently until the cream cheese melts and the sauce is smooth and creamy, about 3–5 minutes.
- Season, serve, and enjoy: Season the creamed corn with Hey Grill Hey Beef Rub or salt and pepper to taste. Give everything a final stir, transfer to a serving dish, and serve warm alongside your favorite grilled meats.
Notes
- Be careful when cutting the kernels off the cob to avoid injury.
- You can substitute cream cheese with mascarpone for a slightly different flavor.
- Adjust seasoning according to taste; the beef rub adds a smoky and spicy kick.
- This dish pairs excellently with grilled steaks, chicken, or pork.
- Use fresh ears of corn for the best flavor and texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
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