Never Eat Bland Canned Corn Again When You Add One Creamy Ingredient

Canned corn is a pantry staple that's quick, versatile, and perfect for whipping up side dishes. But let's face it: canned corn can feel a little one-dimensional. The good news? You can transform your canned corn into a creamy, flavorful, indulgent, comforting dish with a few tweaks.

Adding cream cheese is one of the easiest ways to make canned corn luxuriantly creamy. Its rich, tangy flavor melts beautifully into the corn, while it also helps to create a luscious texture. You may even have a tub of cream cheese at the back of the fridge from the last time you had bagels, so just be sure it's still good to eat.

First, drain the corn (or leave some liquid for extra sauciness). Then, gently heat it in a pan and simply stir in a few tablespoons of cream cheese until it's fully melted. You can try flavored cream cheese like veggie, scallion, or smoked salmon to kick it up another notch.

While cream cheese is an easy go-to, there are plenty of other ingredients that can create a similar effect. Stir in a splash of heavy cream or half-and-half while heating the corn. This creates a silky, velvety texture. Melt butter into the corn, then stir in a small amount of whole milk for smoothness. For a little tang, stir in a dollop of sour cream. It's an excellent option for dishes with a bit of spice or acidity. Likewise, Greek yogurt is creamy and rich but lower in fat and higher in protein than cream cheese, making it a great substitute. And coconut milk can give the corn a hint of tropical flavor. You can even use coconut milk powder and scoop as needed, adding liquid to your desired thickness.

Consider stirring in shredded cheddar, Parmesan, or pepper jack. Or, if you're daring, try one of these best stinky cheeses, which will go well with the sweetness of the corn. Fresh parsley, chives, or thyme can brighten the dish. Spices like smoked paprika, chili powder, or cumin add depth. Crumbled bacon or diced ham brings a smoky, savory edge to the creaminess.

Canned corn doesn't have to be boring! With the addition of cream cheese you can easily create a rich, satisfying dish. And with any leftover cream cheese, swap out your mayo and use cream cheese on your next sandwich. Who knew cream cheese was so useful?