Tee’s Corn Pudding Recipe

As someone who deeply cherishes family recipes and the warmth they bring to our table, I must say, Tee’s Corn Pudding has become an absolute staple in our home. From holiday gatherings to simple weeknight dinners, this dish consistently disappears in minutes, leaving everyone craving more. There’s a certain magic in its creamy texture and the sweet burst of fresh corn that makes it utterly irresistible. It’s not just a side dish; it’s a comforting hug on a plate, and I’m thrilled to share this cherished recipe with you, so you too can experience the joy it brings.

Ingredients

To create this delectable Tee’s Corn Pudding, gather the following fresh and simple ingredients. Using high-quality ingredients will truly elevate the final dish, especially when it comes to the corn and cream.

• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 3 Tbsp. all-purpose flour
• 2 tsp. baking powder
• 1 1/2 tsp. salt
• 6 large eggs
• 2 cups whipping cream
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 6 cups fresh corn kernels (about 12 ears)

Instructions

Crafting Tee’s Corn Pudding is surprisingly straightforward, making it a fantastic option even for beginner cooks. Follow these simple steps to create a creamy, flavorful side dish that will impress everyone.

1. Preheat Your Oven and Prepare Baking Dish: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 13×9 inch baking dish. This step is crucial to prevent the corn pudding from sticking and ensures even baking. You can use butter, cooking spray, or even a light coating of oil to grease the dish.
2. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Ensure these dry ingredients are thoroughly combined. This step is important for even distribution of the baking powder and salt throughout the pudding, which will contribute to its texture and flavor. Whisking also helps to aerate the flour slightly, preventing clumps.
3. Whisk Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the large eggs, whipping cream, and melted unsalted butter. Whisk until the mixture is well combined and slightly frothy. The eggs provide structure and richness, the whipping cream lends a luxurious creaminess, and the melted butter adds flavor and moisture. Make sure the butter is cooled slightly before whisking into the eggs to prevent them from cooking.
4. Incorporate Dry into Wet: Gradually add the sugar mixture (dry ingredients) to the egg mixture (wet ingredients), whisking continuously until smooth and no lumps remain. Adding the dry ingredients gradually helps prevent clumps from forming and ensures a smooth, homogenous batter. Whisk until everything is perfectly incorporated and you have a silky, pale yellow mixture.
5. Stir in Fresh Corn Kernels: Gently stir in the fresh corn kernels into the batter until they are evenly distributed. Using fresh corn is key to the vibrant flavor of this pudding. Ensure you scrape the cobs well to get all the milky corn juice, which adds extra sweetness and corn flavor to the dish.
6. Pour into Baking Dish: Pour the corn pudding mixture into the prepared, greased 13×9 inch baking dish. Spread it evenly in the dish to ensure even cooking.
7. Bake to Golden Perfection: Bake in the preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 40 to 45 minutes, or until the corn pudding is set and lightly golden brown on top. To check for doneness, gently insert a knife into the center of the pudding. If it comes out clean, the pudding is ready. The edges should be set and the center should have a slight jiggle but not be liquid.
8. Rest Before Serving: Once baked, remove the corn pudding from the oven and let it stand for 5 minutes before serving. This resting period allows the pudding to set further and makes it easier to slice and serve. The residual heat will continue to cook the pudding slightly, ensuring the perfect texture.

Nutrition Facts

Understanding the nutritional content of your meals can be helpful for making informed dietary choices. Please note that these are estimations and can vary based on specific ingredient brands and portion sizes.

Serving Size: Approximately 1 cup

Servings Per Recipe: Around 12 servings (depending on portion size)

(Approximate Values per Serving):

• Calories: 350-400 kcal
• Total Fat: 25-30g
  • Saturated Fat: 15-20g
• Cholesterol: 150-180mg
• Sodium: 400-450mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 25-30g
  • Dietary Fiber: 2-3g
  • Sugars: 10-12g
• Protein: 6-8g

Important Notes:

• These values are estimates and can vary.
• Corn pudding is a rich dish due to the cream and butter content, providing a good source of energy but also higher in fat and calories.
• It does offer some nutritional benefits from the corn and eggs, including vitamins and minerals.
• For a slightly lighter version, consider using a lower-fat cream or a combination of cream and milk, but this will alter the richness and texture.

Preparation Time

One of the beauties of Tee’s Corn Pudding is its efficiency in the kitchen. From start to finish, you can have this delightful side dish ready in a reasonable amount of time.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes (This includes shucking corn, measuring ingredients, and mixing.)
• Cook Time: 40-45 minutes
• Total Time: Approximately 1 hour to 1 hour and 5 minutes

This timeframe makes it perfect for both planned dinners and last-minute gatherings. Most of the time is hands-off baking time, allowing you to focus on other aspects of your meal preparation.

How to Serve Tee’s Corn Pudding

Tee’s Corn Pudding is incredibly versatile and can be served in numerous ways, complementing a wide range of main courses and occasions. Its creamy texture and sweet corn flavor make it a crowd-pleaser for all ages.

Here are some delightful ways to serve this corn pudding:

• As a Classic Side Dish:
  • Holiday Feasts: A must-have for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Easter dinners. It pairs wonderfully with turkey, ham, roast beef, and other holiday main courses.
  • Sunday Suppers: Perfect alongside roasted chicken, pot roast, or grilled meats for a comforting Sunday meal.
  • BBQs and Cookouts: An excellent accompaniment to BBQ ribs, pulled pork, grilled chicken, and burgers, adding a touch of sweetness and creaminess to the smoky flavors.
• Elevated Garnishes:
  • Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle with fresh chives, parsley, or thyme for a pop of color and herbaceous freshness.
  • Crumbled Bacon: Crispy bacon bits add a salty, smoky contrast to the sweetness of the corn pudding.
  • Shredded Cheese: A light sprinkle of cheddar cheese, Monterey Jack, or Parmesan cheese can add a savory note and a slightly melted, cheesy topping.
  • Dollop of Sour Cream or Crème Fraîche: A cool dollop of sour cream or crème fraîche adds a tangy counterpoint to the richness of the pudding.
  • Roasted Red Peppers: Diced roasted red peppers can add a sweet and smoky flavor and a vibrant color contrast.
• Serving Temperature:
  • Warm: Traditionally served warm, allowing the creamy texture and flavors to be fully appreciated.
  • Room Temperature: Can also be served at room temperature, especially at buffets or potlucks, and it remains delicious.
  • Cold (Less Common): While less traditional, some people enjoy it chilled, especially in warmer months, though the texture will be firmer when cold.
• Meal Pairings:
  • Protein-Rich Mains: Pairs exceptionally well with protein-centric dishes like steak, pork chops, salmon, and shrimp.
  • Vegetarian Options: Can be a hearty side for vegetarian main courses such as lentil loaf, stuffed bell peppers, or grilled halloumi.
  • Breakfast or Brunch: While less traditional, a small serving can be a surprisingly delightful addition to a brunch spread, especially alongside savory breakfast items.
• Creative Serving Ideas:
  • Individual Ramekins: Bake in individual ramekins for elegant single servings.
  • Corn Pudding Muffins: For a fun twist, bake in muffin tins for portable corn pudding muffins.
  • Layered Casserole: Layer with other vegetables like sautéed onions, peppers, or spinach for a more complex casserole.

No matter how you choose to serve it, Tee’s Corn Pudding is bound to be a hit. Its comforting flavors and creamy texture make it a welcome addition to any meal.

Additional Tips for Perfect Tee’s Corn Pudding

To ensure your Tee’s Corn Pudding turns out perfectly every time, here are five essential tips to keep in mind:

1. Use Fresh, High-Quality Corn: The star of this dish is undoubtedly the fresh corn. Opt for the freshest, sweetest corn you can find. Ideally, use corn that has just been picked. The flavor difference between fresh corn and frozen or canned is significant. When cutting corn from the cob, be sure to scrape the cob with the back of your knife to extract all the milky juice – this “corn milk” adds extra flavor and moisture to the pudding. If fresh corn is not available, frozen corn can be used as a substitute, but thaw it completely and drain excess water before using. Canned corn is generally not recommended as it lacks the sweetness and fresh flavor of fresh or frozen corn.
2. Don’t Overmix the Batter: When combining the wet and dry ingredients, mix just until everything is incorporated and smooth. Overmixing can develop the gluten in the flour, leading to a tougher, less tender corn pudding. A few small lumps are okay; just ensure there are no large pockets of dry flour remaining. Gentle mixing is key to achieving a light and creamy texture.
3. Adjust Sugar to Taste: The recipe calls for 1/4 cup of granulated sugar, which provides a subtle sweetness that complements the corn. However, the sweetness of corn can vary depending on the variety and ripeness. Taste your corn kernels before adding sugar. If your corn is particularly sweet, you might want to reduce the sugar slightly. Conversely, if you prefer a sweeter pudding, you can add a tablespoon or two more of sugar. Maple syrup or honey can also be used as substitutes for granulated sugar for a different flavor profile, but adjust the amount accordingly as they are often sweeter than granulated sugar.
4. Bake Until Just Set: Overbaking can result in a dry and rubbery corn pudding. Bake the pudding until it is set around the edges and the center is just slightly jiggly but not liquid. The top should be lightly golden brown. Use a toothpick or knife inserted into the center to check for doneness. It should come out mostly clean, with maybe a few moist crumbs attached. Remember that the pudding will continue to set as it cools. Keep an eye on it during the last 10-15 minutes of baking, especially if your oven tends to run hot.
5. Let it Rest Before Serving: Resist the temptation to serve the corn pudding immediately out of the oven. Letting it rest for at least 5 minutes, and ideally 10 minutes, allows it to set further and firm up slightly, making it easier to slice and serve. Resting also helps to distribute the moisture evenly throughout the pudding, resulting in a better texture. This resting period also allows the flavors to meld together and deepen, enhancing the overall taste of the dish.

By following these tips, you’ll be well on your way to creating a truly exceptional Tee’s Corn Pudding that will be the star of any meal.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about Tee’s Corn Pudding

Here are some common questions people often have when making corn pudding, along with helpful answers to ensure your culinary success.

Q1: Can I use frozen or canned corn instead of fresh corn?

A: While fresh corn is highly recommended for the best flavor and texture, you can use frozen corn in a pinch. Thaw the frozen corn completely and drain any excess water before using. Canned corn is generally not recommended as it tends to be less flavorful and can have a softer texture, which might make the pudding too watery. If you must use canned corn, drain it very well and consider sautéing it briefly in butter to enhance its flavor before adding it to the batter.

Q2: Can I make Tee’s Corn Pudding ahead of time?

A: Yes, you can prepare Tee’s Corn Pudding ahead of time, which makes it a great dish for holidays and gatherings. You can assemble the pudding (up to the point of baking) and keep it covered in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before placing it in the preheated oven. You can also bake the corn pudding completely and reheat it. To reheat, cover it with foil and bake at 325°F (160°C) until heated through, about 20-30 minutes. Reheating may slightly alter the texture, making it a bit softer.

Q3: Can I freeze leftover corn pudding?

A: Freezing corn pudding is possible, but it can affect the texture. The creamy texture may become slightly grainy after thawing. To freeze, let the corn pudding cool completely, then cut it into portions and wrap each portion tightly in plastic wrap, followed by foil, or place them in freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. To thaw, transfer the frozen corn pudding to the refrigerator overnight. Reheat in the oven or microwave until heated through. Be aware that the texture might not be exactly the same as freshly baked pudding.

Q4: Can I make this recipe dairy-free or gluten-free?

A: Making Tee’s Corn Pudding dairy-free or gluten-free requires some substitutions:

• Dairy-Free: Substitute the whipping cream with full-fat coconut cream (the thick part from a chilled can) or a plant-based heavy cream alternative. Use a dairy-free butter substitute for the melted butter.
• Gluten-Free: Ensure you are using certified gluten-free baking powder. The recipe already uses a small amount of all-purpose flour, which can be substituted with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Look for blends that are designed for baking and contain xanthan gum or guar gum for binding.

Keep in mind that these substitutions may slightly alter the flavor and texture of the final dish, but they can make it accessible for those with dietary restrictions.

Q5: What are some variations I can try with this recipe?

A: Tee’s Corn Pudding is delicious as is, but here are a few variations to explore:

• Spicy Corn Pudding: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a diced jalapeño to the batter for a touch of heat.
• Cheesy Corn Pudding: Stir in 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, Monterey Jack, or Gruyère cheese into the batter for a cheesy twist. You can also sprinkle extra cheese on top before baking.
• Herbaceous Corn Pudding: Add 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh herbs like chives, thyme, rosemary, or parsley to the batter for a more savory and aromatic pudding.
• Sweet Corn Pudding Dessert: Increase the sugar slightly and add a teaspoon of vanilla extract for a sweeter version that can be served as a dessert. Consider topping with fresh berries or a drizzle of maple syrup.
• Smoked Paprika Corn Pudding: Add 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika to the dry ingredients for a smoky and savory flavor profile.

Experimenting with these variations can help you tailor Tee’s Corn Pudding to your personal preferences and create new and exciting flavor combinations.

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