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Creamed Corn with Jalapeños and Cream Cheese

creamed corn with jalapeños and cream cheese - featured image

A quick and easy creamed corn side dish with a creamy texture, a spicy kick from jalapeños, and rich cream cheese, perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cups fresh corn kernels (about 5 ears)
  • 12 jalapeños, finely chopped
  • 4 oz (115g) cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup (120ml) heavy cream
  • 2 tablespoons (28g) unsalted butter
  • 1/4 cup finely diced onion
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • Optional: fresh lime juice or chopped cilantro for garnish

Instructions

  1. Prepare Ingredients (5-7 minutes): Shuck fresh corn and cut off kernels. If using frozen, thaw and drain well. Finely chop jalapeños, removing seeds if less heat is desired. Dice onion and mince garlic. Soften cream cheese by leaving at room temperature or microwaving for 15 seconds.
  2. Sauté Aromatics (5 minutes): Heat butter over medium heat in a large skillet. Add diced onion and cook until translucent, about 3 minutes. Add minced garlic and chopped jalapeños, cooking for 2 more minutes until soft but not browned.
  3. Add Corn and Cook (8-10 minutes): Stir in corn kernels and sugar. Cook, stirring often, until corn is tender and slightly caramelized.
  4. Create the Creamy Base (3 minutes): Scoop out about half the corn mixture and pulse in a blender or food processor until slightly pureed. Return to skillet and stir to combine.
  5. Add Cream Cheese and Heavy Cream (3 minutes): Stir in softened cream cheese until melted and smooth. Pour in heavy cream, stirring constantly. Reduce heat to low and simmer gently for 2-3 minutes until thickened. Season with salt and pepper.
  6. Final Touches and Serve: Taste and adjust seasoning. Optionally add a squeeze of fresh lime juice or sprinkle chopped cilantro. Serve warm as a side dish.

Notes

Avoid boiling the cream mixture vigorously to prevent curdling; simmer gently for silky results. Soften cream cheese before adding to avoid clumping. Pulsing half the corn creates a creamy texture while leaving some kernels whole for bite. Fresh corn is best, but frozen works if thawed and drained well.

Nutrition

Keywords: creamed corn, jalapeños, cream cheese, side dish, spicy corn, easy recipe, quick side, comfort food