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When it comes to soul food side dishes, creamed corn is comfort on a spoon! Rich, buttery, and sweet with a savory Southern twist. And thanks to the Instant Pot, you can now bring this down-home classic to the table in a fraction of the time, without sacrificing flavor.

I’m talking fresh corn kernels simmered to perfection in a creamy, seasoned sauce that tastes like it’s been slow-cooked all day. Whether you’re serving it at a Sunday dinner, as part of a holiday spread, or just need a quick side that hits the spot, this Instant Pot creamed corn recipe delivers all the flavor and none of the fuss!

What is Southern creamed corn?

Don’t let the name fool you… True Southern creamed corn doesn’t come from a can, and it’s not made with cream in the traditional sense. Instead, it’s made by simmering fresh (or frozen) corn kernels in butter and milk, often with soulful seasonings, sugar, salt, pepper, onion, garlic, and Parmesan cheese.

This creamed corn recipe is Southern soul food at its core because it reflects the heart of Southern cooking. Simple ingredients, slow-simmered flavors, and a deep tradition of turning humble vegetables into something rich, soulful, and satisfying. Because Southern creamed corn isn’t just about adding cream to corn. It’s about coaxing out the corn’s natural sweetness and starch, then blending it with butter, milk, and just the right amount of seasoning to create that signature velvety texture.

How to make creamed corn in the Instant Pot

Ingredients

Corn – Fresh off the cob is ideal for that true Southern taste, but frozen corn works just as beautifully for convenience.
Butter – The base of any good soul food dish. Adds richness and that signature Southern flavor.
Onion – Finely chopped and sautéed for a subtle sweetness and depth.
Garlic – A little minced garlic brings a savory warmth to the mix.
Heavy whipping cream – For that indulgent, creamy texture that makes this dish so comforting.
Parmesan cheese – Adds a salty, nutty flavor and helps thicken the sauce. Unexpected, but oh-so-delicious!
Salt and black pepper – Simple savory seasonings that let the sweetness of the corn shine through.
Fresh parsley – Sprinkled on top for a burst of color and a hint of herbal brightness.

How to make creamed corn in the Instant Pot

This isn’t your average cream-style corn from a can! I’m sharing my family’s Southern creamed corn recipe made faster in the Instant Pot, but still full of that slow-cooked, buttery flavor you remember from Grandma’s table. It’s sweet, savory, and silky-smooth with a touch of soul.

Here’s a quick overview of how to make it.

Start by using the Instant Pot’s sauté setting to melt the butter and soften the chopped onion and garlic.
Add the corn, salt, and black pepper, stirring to coat everything in that buttery goodness.
Pour in the heavy cream, and switch to the ‘keep warm’ setting.
Stir in the Parmesan cheese, finish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley, serve, and enjoy!

How to thicken creamed corn

If you find that your creamed corn is too soupy, simply adding more corn kernels can quickly fix the problem. You’ll get perfect balance and richness without any change in flavor!

What to serve with creamed corn

Creamed corn was one of those soulful side dishes that always found its way to our family table, especially when Grandma was cooking. She’d serve it alongside crispy fried chicken, baked chicken, or a honey-baked ham, with a basket of hot buttered soul food cornbread to soak up every last creamy bite. Because in a Southern kitchen, creamed corn doesn’t just play a side role. It helps complete the comfort!

Instant Pot Creamed Corn The Soul Food Way

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Prep Time: 5

Cook Time: 15

Total Time: 20

Course: Side Dish

Cuisine: Soul Food, Southern Food

Servings:

Calories: 352kcal

Author: Shaunda Necole

Equipment

Instant Pot pressure cooker

Ingredients

3 cups corn fresh or frozen
2 tablespoons butter unsalted
¼ cup yellow onion finely chopped
1 clove garlic minced
1 cup heavy whipping cream
¼ cup parmesan cheese shredded
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
¼ cup fresh parsley finely chopped

Instructions

Turn on the Instant Pot to the sauté setting for 10 minutes (although you’ll not likely need all of this time).
Add the butter, onion, garlic, salt, and pepper and sauté with the Instant Pot lid off for 1-2 minutes until the onion softens.
Add the corn to the sauté.
Then, pour in the heavy cream and stir until well combined.
Allow the corn mixture to simmer until it comes to a boil, then boil for 3 minutes.
Cancel the Instant Pot sauté setting and change it to the ‘keep warm’ setting.
Leave the creamed corn mixture on this setting for 10 minutes with the Instant Pot lid on.
To open the Instant Pot lid, make sure the valve is in the ‘venting’ position and manually release any remaining pressure, if applicable.
Turn off the Instant Pot and remove the stainless steel inner pot with the creamed corn.
Stir in the parmesan to melt into the corn, thicken the sauce, and create that signature creamy texture.
Top with fresh chopped parsley, serve, and enjoy!

Video

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Instant Pot Creamed Corn by The Soul Food Pot

The Ultimate Soul Food Recipes Guide

What is soul food? Soul food recipes are African-American recipes full of flavor! A legacy of Southern cooking the Black way. Check out this collection of the best soul food recipes!

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