Thanksgiving corn pudding is a warm, creamy, and slightly sweet side dish that has become a beloved part of many holiday tables. With its custard-like texture and rich corn flavor, it strikes the perfect balance between savory and sweet, offering comfort and nostalgia in every bite. This dish is often served alongside turkey, stuffing, and mashed potatoes, adding variety and a touch of indulgence to the feast.
At its core, corn pudding celebrates the simple, natural sweetness of corn. It’s made with a mixture of whole kernel corn, creamed corn, eggs, milk or cream, butter, and a touch of flour or cornmeal to help bind it all together. As it bakes, the mixture transforms into a soft, custardy pudding with golden, slightly crisp edges and a smooth, tender center.
What makes corn pudding special is its versatility. Some families prefer it more on the sweet side, while others lean into the savory notes by adding herbs, cheese, or even a little spice. No matter how it’s prepared, it’s always creamy, rich, and deeply comforting.
Corn pudding’s humble, homey nature pairs perfectly with the traditional flavors of Thanksgiving. Its mild sweetness complements savory dishes like roast turkey, gravy, stuffing, and green beans, while its soft texture adds a welcome contrast to crisp or crunchy sides.
Beyond Thanksgiving, corn pudding is a dish that often appears at other gatherings and potlucks because it’s easy to make and universally loved. It travels well, stays warm for a long time, and appeals to both kids and adults.
For drinks, corn pudding pairs nicely with a lightly oaked Chardonnay, a sparkling apple cider, or even a crisp pilsner. Its simple, comforting flavors make it a natural companion to the more robust and savory dishes that fill the Thanksgiving table.
Thanksgiving corn pudding is more than just a side dish – it’s a celebration of comfort, tradition, and the flavors of the season.
Ingredients
- 2 cups corn kernels fresh or frozen
- 1 can cream-style corn (14.75 ounces)
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1/2 cup butter melted
- 1 egg beaten
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 package cornbread mix (8.5 ounces)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a baking dish.
- In a large bowl, combine the corn kernels, cream-style corn, and sugar. Mix well.
- Add the melted butter, beaten egg, and milk to the bowl. Stir until fully combined.
- Gradually add the cornbread mix to the bowl, stirring until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and smooth the top with a spatula.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the pudding is set.
- Allow to cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy!
Nutrition
Yum! This is SO good. Perfect side dish for Thanksgiving. Everyone loved it! 🌽
I tried this recipe and it came out too sweet for my liking. Thought it needed somethin’ else. Maybe less sugar?
Isn’t cream-style corn just sweet corn in a can? Not sure why that’s in the recipe. Kinda iffy about trying it…
I used to think that too, but cream-style corn adds a nice creaminess to the dish! You should give it a chance, it might surprise you!
Nah, it’s just a fancy way of saying mushy corn. I wouldn’t bother with it, just use normal corn!
This corn pudding is a hit at our Thanksgiving dinner! I love how easy it is to make. Definitely will be my go-to from now on!
I had high hopes but it turned out too sweet for my taste. Maybe less sugar next time?
Yeah, I also found it a bit too sweet. Next time I’ll cut down on the sugar for sure!
Can I use canned corn instead of frozen? I saw someone say that’s what they did.
This was absolutely delicious! I couldn’t stop eating it. Perfect for Thanksgiving!
OMG this is the best thing ever!! So creamy and awesome! Yum!
I made this for Thanksgiving and it was a hit! Everyone loved it! Super easy too!
I made this for a potluck and nobody wanted to take leftovers! So good!
I don’t know why people like this so much. It’s just corn and bread, right?
Eh, I don’t get it either. Corn and bread just sounds kinda plain to me. Maybe it’s an acquired taste?
I actually love this dish! It’s not just corn and bread, it’s the sweet and savory combo that makes it special. Perfect for Thanksgiving!
Ehh, it was too sweet for my taste. I prefer more savory dishes.
Yum, yum, yum! Just perfect for the holiday! 🎉
This is like magic! My family devoured it. 10/10 recommend!
I’m so glad to hear that! It’s a family favorite for sure. 😊
It turned out ok, but I think I overmixed it. Next time I’ll be more careful.
Yummy! But didn’t expect cornbread mix to be in pudding. Can it be done without?
Um, can we skip the egg? I’m not a fan of eggs in pudding. But otherwise, good.
This corn pudding is a game changer for our Thanksgiving dinner! Everyone loved it!
My kids loved it! They begged for more. Will definitely be making it again!
I don’t know why you gotta add milk. It’s just corn, right? Whatever.
Simple and delicious! Will definitely make this again!
Tried making this, but it came out all mushy. I think I added too much butter.
Maybe try less butter next time? It can make it gooey if you overdo it. Good luck!
Corn + pudding = corn pudding. Amazing math! 😂
Not bad, I guess. Just kinda basic. I thought it would be better.
This was so easy to make! Perfect side dish. I added some cheese on top and it was incredible.
I’m glad you liked it! Cheese sounds like a great addition! I’ll have to try that next time.
Really tasty but it’s too sweet for my taste. Next time, I’ll cut down the sugar a bit.
I agree! It was super sweet for me too. Maybe I should try less sugar next time.
Cutting down on sugar? Are you sure that’s a good idea? Sugar makes it yummier!
This corn pudding is to die for! So creamy and sweet! Everyone loved it at our Thanksgiving dinner!
Yum! 🍽️ This is the best recipe ever! Made it twice this month already.
I tried it with some cheddar cheese mixed in and it was fantastic! Definitely recommend it! 🧀
Really? I don’t know, this one sounds a bit too sweet for my taste. How can you call it pudding when it’s more like cake?
Wait, is cornbread the same as cornmeal? I messed it up because of that. Not sure how I feel about this.
Corn is nice but pudding should be more liquidy, right? This was more like mush to me.
I tried making it but it didn’t come out right. I think I added too much butter or something.
I just used canned corn and it worked out fine. Not too picky but I like my food simple.
But fresh corn makes it taste way better! Canned has that weird texture sometimes, don’t you think?
Canned corn is definitely a handy shortcut! I think it tastes good too, as long as you season it right.