Description
Ina Garten’s cheddar & scallion creamed corn melds classic comfort with sophisticated flavors. Fresh corn kernels combine with sharp cheddar and green onions, creating a delightful side dish you’ll crave at summer gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
- 6 cups fresh corn kernels (8 to 10 ears)
- 2 cups scallions, white and green parts (12 to 14 scallions)
- 6 tbsps (0.75 stick) unsalted butter
- 2 cups extra-sharp white Cheddar cheese, grated (5 oz)
- 2 tbsps Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
- 0.67 cup half-and-half
- Kosher salt
- Black pepper, freshly ground
Instructions
- Butter Melting: Gently heat unsalted butter in a spacious skillet over medium temperature until golden and aromatic.
- Scallion Sauté: Introduce finely chopped scallions to the melted butter, softening them for 2 minutes without browning.
- Corn Preparation: Add fresh corn kernels, seasoning with salt and black pepper, stirring to distribute evenly and cooking at medium-high heat for 4-6 minutes until tender and slightly caramelized.
- Texture Development: Transfer a portion of the corn mixture to a food processor, pulse with half-and-half to create a coarse purée, then return to the pan and blend with remaining whole kernels.
- Creaming Process: Simmer the mixture for 3 minutes, stirring intermittently until the sauce reaches a luxurious, creamy consistency.
- Cheese Integration: Remove from heat, fold in shredded cheddar and Parmesan cheeses, allowing them to melt seamlessly into the warm corn base.
- Final Touch: Adjust seasoning to taste, ensuring a balanced flavor profile, and serve immediately while piping hot.
Notes
- Kernel Cutting Technique: Use a sharp knife and steady cutting board to slice corn kernels cleanly, avoiding crushing or mashing the kernels for best texture.
- Cheese Melting Strategy: Grate cheeses fresh and add off-heat to prevent stringy or grainy consistency, ensuring smooth and creamy incorporation.
- Heat Control Secrets: Maintain medium to medium-high heat to caramelize corn without burning, developing deep flavor without compromising sweetness.
- Seasoning Precision: Layer salt and pepper gradually, tasting throughout cooking to achieve balanced flavor without overwhelming the corn’s natural sweetness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 300 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 21 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 7 g
- Cholesterol: 50 mg