Mama’s Skillet Corn: A Delicious Summertime Classic
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 6
If you’ve ever enjoyed the simple sweetness of fresh corn cooked just right, then you’ll love Mama’s Skillet Corn. This dish is the perfect balance of creamy and crunchy, with the natural sweetness of the corn shining through. Mama used to make it every summer when fresh corn was in season, but don’t worry—you can make it year-round with frozen corn if the cravings strike in the winter months. It’s reminiscent of creamed corn but with a satisfying difference: the kernels stay whole, giving it that irresistible, natural bite. It’s a great side dish that pairs wonderfully with any meal and is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Fresh or frozen corn | 3 cups | Use fresh in the summer; frozen works well in winter. |
| Salt | 1/2 tsp | Adjust to taste |
| Black pepper | 1/4 tsp | Freshly ground for best flavor |
| Sugar | 1 tsp | Optional, but it enhances the sweetness |
| Butter | 1/2 tbsp | Adds richness to the dish |
| Water | 1 cup | Helps create the base liquid |
| All-purpose flour | 1 tbsp | For thickening |
| Milk | 1/4 cup | Adds creaminess and smooth texture |
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 158.7 kcal |
| Fat Content | 9.2 g |
| Saturated Fat | 5.2 g |
| Cholesterol | 21.8 mg |
| Sodium | 267.7 mg |
| Carbohydrate | 19.2 g |
| Fiber | 1.8 g |
| Sugar | 5.5 g |
| Protein | 3.1 g |
Instructions
-
Prepare the Base: Begin by combining the corn, salt, pepper, sugar, butter, and water in a 10-inch skillet. Stir to combine and get everything well incorporated.
-
Simmer: Cover the skillet and let the mixture simmer over medium heat for about 15 minutes. Stir occasionally to ensure the corn doesn’t stick and the butter melts evenly into the corn, allowing the flavors to meld together.
-
Make the Creamy Mixture: In a small bowl, whisk together the flour and milk until smooth. This will serve as the thickening agent for the dish, turning the corn into a creamy side.
-
Add the Creaminess: Slowly stir the milk-flour mixture into the corn. Continue stirring to incorporate everything evenly, ensuring the flour doesn’t clump and the mixture becomes creamy.
-
Final Touches: Let the corn cook for an additional 5 minutes, stirring constantly. This will allow the mixture to thicken up and the flavors to deepen. Once the corn is creamy and the sauce has thickened, remove from heat.
-
Serve: Serve Mama’s Skillet Corn hot as a side dish. The corn should be sweet, creamy, and a little bit buttery—a perfect comfort food to accompany any meal.
Tips for Success:
- Frozen Corn: If you’re using frozen corn, simply thaw it before starting the recipe. It’s a great shortcut that doesn’t compromise the flavor.
- Adjust the Sweetness: Depending on the sweetness of your corn, you may want to adjust the amount of sugar. Fresh corn often has a natural sweetness, so you may find that the sugar isn’t necessary.
- Make it Vegan: Swap the butter for a plant-based alternative like olive oil or vegan butter for a vegan-friendly version of this dish.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Mama’s Skillet Corn brings together the perfect balance of flavors—sweet corn, a hint of sugar, and creamy milk, all cooked together in a savory butter base. It’s the perfect side for summer cookouts, holiday meals, or a cozy winter dinner. Whether you use fresh corn or frozen, this simple yet flavorful dish will remind you of home and the joys of a good homemade meal.
