If you’ve ever craved a side dish that’s creamy, smoky, and bursting with flavor, then you are in for a real treat with this Chipotle Creamed Corn Recipe. This rich and velvety dish brings together sweet corn with the smoky heat of chipotle chili paste, all rounded out by the lusciousness of cream cheese and butter. It’s simple enough to whip up any night but special enough to impress at your next dinner party or family gathering. Plus, the subtle warmth from chipotle and cumin adds a beautiful depth that makes every bite unforgettable.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient here plays an important role in crafting that perfect balance of creaminess and smoky spice. These simple staples come together effortlessly, giving you a dish that’s as comforting as it is flavorful.
- Frozen corn (2 packages, 16 oz each): Using frozen corn ensures sweet, fresh-tasting kernels year-round and a creamy base for the recipe.
- Chipotle chili paste (1 to 2 Tbsp): This is where the smoky heat comes from, adding a subtle kick without overpowering the dish.
- Cream cheese (8 oz package): Creates that dreamy, velvety texture that binds all the ingredients together.
- Unsalted butter (¼ cup): Adds richness and helps meld flavors smoothly, while keeping the saltiness in your control.
- Heavy cream (¼ cup): Boosts the creaminess and soft mouthfeel, making this side truly indulgent.
- Milk (¼ cup): Lightens the texture just enough so it’s not too thick, maintaining an inviting creaminess.
- Ground cumin (1½ tsp): Brings earthy warmth that complements the chipotle beautifully.
- Garlic powder (1 tsp): Adds a gentle savory background note without overwhelming the sweet corn.
- Salt and pepper (to taste): Essential for seasoning and enhancing all the flavors in the dish.
How to Make Chipotle Creamed Corn Recipe
Step 1: Combine Ingredients
Start by gathering your frozen corn, chipotle chili paste, cream cheese, butter, heavy cream, milk, ground cumin, and garlic powder into a large skillet. Mixing everything together at this stage ensures that all those delicious flavors begin to meld even before you turn on the heat.
Step 2: Cook Until Cream Cheese Melts
Place the skillet over medium-high heat and cook the mixture, stirring occasionally until the cream cheese is fully melted. This step is key for achieving that smooth, creamy consistency that defines this Chipotle Creamed Corn Recipe. Be patient and watch as it transforms into a luscious blend.
Step 3: Simmer to Perfection
Once the cream cheese is melted and the ingredients are well combined, reduce the heat to medium-low and let the mixture simmer gently for 10 to 15 minutes. This slow cooking allows the flavors to deepen and the liquid to reduce slightly, resulting in a rich and thickened creamed corn that’s bursting with smoky, savory goodness.
Step 4: Season with Salt and Pepper
Finish by seasoning with salt and black pepper to your taste. This final touch brings all the flavors into harmony and lets the natural sweetness of the corn shine through with hints of smoky spice.
How to Serve Chipotle Creamed Corn Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes can really elevate this dish. A scattering of finely chopped green onions adds a fresh, mild bite and pops of color. Fresh parsley or cilantro works wonderfully too, offering a vibrant, herbaceous contrast to the smoky creaminess.
Side Dishes
This Chipotle Creamed Corn Recipe is a versatile side that pairs beautifully with grilled meats, like steak or chicken, and even alongside roasted vegetables. It’s also fantastic with barbecue dishes, offering a cooling but flavorful foil to spicy ribs or pulled pork.
Creative Ways to Present
Why not turn this traditional favorite into a fun appetizer? Serve the creamed corn in small ramekins topped with crispy bacon bits or toasted breadcrumbs. Or spread it in a shallow dish and broil briefly for a golden crust, turning this simple recipe into a delightful, creamy corn gratin.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors often deepen even more, which makes for a delicious follow-up meal.
Freezing
You can freeze this Chipotle Creamed Corn Recipe, but be aware that the texture might change slightly upon thawing due to the dairy content. Freeze in a tightly sealed container for up to 2 months and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, warm gently over low heat on the stovetop, stirring frequently to maintain that smooth, creamy texture. Adding a splash of milk or cream can help restore the luscious consistency if it thickens too much.
FAQs
Can I use fresh corn instead of frozen for this recipe?
Absolutely! Fresh corn adds a natural sweetness and texture that’s delightful. Just be sure to cook it a bit longer, and you might need to adjust the liquids slightly to maintain the creamy consistency.
How spicy is the chipotle chili paste in this dish?
The chipotle chili paste lends a smoky, mild heat that enhances the flavor without overwhelming your palate. You can adjust the amount from 1 to 2 tablespoons depending on how much spice you prefer.
Is this recipe suitable for a vegetarian diet?
Yes, this Chipotle Creamed Corn Recipe is vegetarian-friendly as is. Just double-check your chipotle chili paste ingredients to ensure there are no animal-derived additives.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
While dairy is a key component for the creamy texture, you can experiment with plant-based cream cheese, butter substitutes, and non-dairy milks. Keep in mind the flavor and texture will shift, but it can still be delicious.
How can I make this recipe less rich?
To lighten the dish, reduce the amount of cream cheese and butter slightly, and swap heavy cream for half-and-half or milk. However, the richness is part of what makes this Chipotle Creamed Corn Recipe so special.
Final Thoughts
This Chipotle Creamed Corn Recipe truly stands out as a comforting, flavorful side that’s easy to make and so satisfying to eat. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner or sharing with friends, its creamy texture and smoky notes will surely win hearts and taste buds alike. Give it a try—you’ll wonder how you ever enjoyed corn without it!
Print
Chipotle Creamed Corn Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
Chipotle Creamed Corn is a rich and smoky side dish featuring tender corn simmered in a creamy blend of cream cheese, butter, and spices, with a zesty chipotle chili paste adding a delightful smoky heat. Perfect for pairing with grilled or roasted meats, this comforting dish comes together quickly and easily on the stovetop.
Ingredients
Corn Base
- 2 (16-oz) packages frozen corn
Spices and Seasonings
- 1 to 2 Tbsp chipotle chili paste
- 1½ tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Dairy
- 1 (8-oz) package cream cheese
- ¼ cup unsalted butter
- ¼ cup heavy cream
- ¼ cup milk
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: In a large skillet, add the frozen corn, chipotle chili paste, cream cheese, unsalted butter, heavy cream, milk, ground cumin, and garlic powder. Stir to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Cook and Simmer: Place the skillet over medium-high heat and cook, stirring occasionally, until the cream cheese has fully melted and the mixture is well incorporated. Then reduce the heat to medium-low and let it simmer gently for 10 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the flavors meld and the mixture thickens slightly.
- Season and Garnish: Taste the creamed corn and season with salt and black pepper according to your preference. Garnish with chopped green onions or fresh parsley before serving to add a fresh pop of color and flavor.
Notes
- You can adjust the amount of chipotle chili paste based on how spicy and smoky you want the dish.
- Using fresh corn instead of frozen will add sweetness but may require slightly longer cooking.
- For a thinner creamed corn, increase milk or heavy cream as desired.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop.
