Corn pudding (also called pudding corn, puddin’ corn, hoppy glop, or spoonbread) is a creamy culinary dish prepared from stewed corn, water, any of various thickening agents, and optional additional flavoring or texturing ingredients. It is typically used as a food staple in rural communities in the Southern United States, especially in Appalachia.
Corn pudding has sometimes been prepared using “green corn”, which refers to immature ears of corn that have not fully dried. Green corn is not necessarily green in color. The cooking of the corn pulp when preparing the dish can serve to thicken it.
Corn pudding is sometimes served as a Thanksgiving dish
Corn pudding may be sweet or savory.
Corn Pudding Ingredients
This recipe is made with just 7 simple ingredients. Many of them are probably already in your kitchen!
- Eggs – Take them out of the fridge at least 30 minutes before making the dish. Room temperature eggs will make the dish light and fluffy.
- Melted butter – Gives the dish that rich flavor. Margarine works fine as well.
- White sugar – This recipe calls for a quarter cup, but if you don’t want the dish to be too sweet, feel free to use less.
- Milk – You can use either whole, 1%, or 2% milk.
- Cornstarch – It’s the thickening agent that will give the dish that custard-like texture.
- Canned whole kernel corn – You can also use fresh or frozen corn if you prefer.
- Canned cream-style corn – The “secret” ingredient that makes this recipe so deliciously creamy.
How to Make Corn Pudding
This creamy corn pudding is so good, people will think you’re an expert cook who knows your way around the kitchen. But in reality, the recipe is so simple, even the kids can help make it! Here’s how:
- Lightly beat eggs in a bowl.
- Add sugar, milk, and melted butter.
- Add the cornstarch and whisk until fully incorporated.
- Add corn and creamed corn. Mix well.
- Pour mixture into a greased casserole dish.
- Pop it in the oven for one hour at 400 Degrees Fahrenheit.
- Serve either hot or cold.
Tips & Tricks
- No cornstarch? No problem! You can use half a cup of flour instead.
- You can also use frozen corn instead of canned corn, but add a teaspoon of salt to the mixture.
- Here’s a neat trick to incorporate cornstarch easily into the dish: combine it with cold milk, whisk the lumps away, and then add it to the mixture. A great timesaving hack!
- If you want your corn pudding to contain a little less liquid, drain the liquid out of the canned kernel corn. Do not drain the creamed corn, though!
- If you’re serving a large crowd, you can double the ingredients to make more, but bake it in two separate dishes to make sure it cooks all the way through.
- If you want to cut back on the cholesterol, use a liquid egg substitute instead of five eggs.
- You can use either a 2-quart casserole dish, a glass baking dish, or an aluminum pan to bake the dish in. Whatever you use, do not forget to grease it with cooking spray. Use fat-free.
Corn Pudding Variations
- If you want a more savory corn pudding, easy – just skip on the sugar!
- Want to add some Tex-Mex flair to the dish? Add some green chili and loads of shredded cheese to the mixture before popping it in the oven.
- Give the dish a smoky flavor by topping it with crunchy bacon bits.
- Spice it up by adding some jalapenos and pepper jack cheese.
What to Serve with Corn Pudding
Creamy corn pudding is the perfect side dish to complement the star of your dinner table. Whether it’s turkey, beef, ham, or chicken, this traditional sweet and savory dish will elevate any meal to the next level.
Whether you’re celebrating a special holiday or having a simple dinner with the family, corn pudding will surely be a wonderful addition to your meal. Here are several amazing dishes that taste great with corn pudding:
- BBQ. For the perfect combination of savory and sweet.
- Turkey. For a traditional Thanksgiving party.
- Glazed Ham. For that simple Easter celebration.
- Pork Chops. For a fun lunch with friends.
- Corned Beef. For the St. Patty’s festivities.
- Roast Chicken. For that special weekend dinner with the whole family.
- Meatloaf. For the perfect winter comfort food.
- Chili. For absolutely any occasion!