When the holidays roll around I’m the first to admit that I’m on the hunt for easy Christmas sides to make. This parmesan garlic fried corn recipe started as a Thanksgiving corn recipe I tried one year. It’s quickly become my go-to Christmas corn recipe too. Oh and I should mention I use it for Easter too!
It’s an easy corn side dish that’s perfect for large groups!
Scroll down for the complete printable recipe or read on for tips and details on how to make this fried corn recipe.
The photos in this post were most recently updated in November 2024.
Fried Corn Recipe
Pan fried corn is the way to go if you want to make Christmas corn or Thanksgiving corn for a larger group you might be hosting. With frozen corn, it’s so easy to make a cheesy, delicious side dish in a short amount of time.
This is also one of the most popular recipes on The Simple Parent!
In addition to pan roasted corn, my other go-to for holiday corn is my Crockpot Corn Casserole. It’s another easy side dish to make that is always a hit and feeds a lot of people!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe is so easy to prep and cooks in minutes. It’s a great one to put together as you put the finishing touches on the rest of your holiday meal. You can also save the leftovers or cut the recipe in half if you just want to enjoy sauteed corn with a weeknight dinner.
Skillet fried corn is really a classic recipe. Add in the ease and I don’t know why you wouldn’t want to make it from time to time. It goes great with mashed potatoes too, in case you were wondering.
I make this recipe as fried frozen corn but you can also use canned corn. It will take even less time to cook.
If you’re looking for more easy corn side dish recipes, try our Crockpot Cheesy Corn or Sweet Corn Salad Recipe.
Fried Corn Ingredients
To make this cheesy creamed corn dish, you need a simple list of five ingredients plus salt and pepper for seasoning. You’ll need:
- Butter
- Frozen Corn
- Cream Cheese
- Shredded Parmesan Cheese or Italian Cheese Blend
- Garlic powder
- Salt and Peppr, to taste
Exact measurements are listed in the recipe card at the bottom of this post.
Equipment
Another great thing about this corn recipe is that it’s a one-pan recipe! I’ve used quite a few pans over the years, but my favorite pan to make this corn in is my Green Pan Saute Pan.
Here’s everything you’ll need from the kitchen:
- Saute pan
- Silicone spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Cheese grater (if grating your own cheese)
Christmas Corn Recipe
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- 1. Heat a large pan over medium heat and melt the butter. Once the butter has melted, add all of the frozen corn to the pan.
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- 2. Stir corn until heated thoroughly. Add the cream cheese and stir until it melts completely.
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- 3. Stir in the shredded cheese.
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- 4. Add garlic powder and mix in.
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- 5. Once the cheese has melted, remove from heat and season with salt and pepper, as desired.
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- Enjoy with your holiday meal!
If you’re craving a bit of a cheesy creamed corn consistency that you’re not getting once all of the cheese melts, you can add a bit of milk. I recommend adding a splash and then stirring it in well. Add a bit at a time until you get the consistency that you like.
Leftovers & Storage
If you happen to have any leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can reheat in the microwave or reheat in a skillet over low heat.
Recipe Tips & Tricks
- I recommend using frozen corn to make this cheesy fried corn recipe because it holds it’s texture. You can use canned corn though. Just be sure to drain it well before adding it to the pan. You can also use fresh corn if you prefer.
- If you don’t have butter, you can spray the pan with nonstick cooking spray or use a bit of oil.
- You can use any shredded cheese that you like in this recipe. I prefer parmesan, mozzarella, or an Italian type blend of shredded cheese because they pair well with the garlic powder.
Garlic Parmesan Fried Corn
Ingredients
- 3 Tbsp. butter
- 32 oz. bag of frozen corn
- 3 Tbsp. cream cheese
- 3/4 cup Parmesan Cheese grated
- 3/4 tsp. Garlic Powder
- salt and pepper as desired
Instructions
- Melt butter in a large pan over medium heat.
- Once the butter has melted, add frozen corn to the pan and stir the corn until it is thoroughly heated. This takes 5-8 minutes.
- Stir in the cream cheese until it's melted.
- Add the shredded cheese and garlic powder and stir until well mixed.
- Once the cheese has melted, remove from heat and season with salt and pepper as desired. Enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition
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Mama Maggie's Kitchen says
This dish looks SO deliciously good. I wish I could eat that right now!
Meghan Wunschel says
I’m excited and making this for Thanksgiving. Could you tell me how many servings this recipe would make? Thanks!
Mariah says
Hi Meghan! This makes about (12) half-cup servings.
Monica says
Can you make that on advance, like the day before???
Mariah says
Absolutely! Then just reheat in the oven (or microwave if you need to).
Amber says
Do you think this would do ok in a crockpot? Trying to take it to a family Christmas!
Mariah says
Yes, you can make it in the Crockpot! Put all of your ingredients in the Crockpot and mix them together. Cook on LOW until it’s heated thoroughly and the cheese is melted (about 3-4 hours). Stir it once or twice while cooking.
Tova says
Can you use canned corn? Or does it have to be frozen?
Mariah says
Yes, you can! You may not have to cook as long since you won’t be dealing with the cold corn. So just watch it as you cook!
Shannon says
What can I use if I don’t have cream cheese?
Stacy says
Wanting to try this how would I make it a smaller portion like half the recipe
Mariah says
You can just half everything!
1.5 Tbsp butter
16 oz corn
1.5 Tbsp cream cheese
1/3-1/2 cup shredded cheese
1/3-1/2 tsp Garlic powder
salt and pepper to taste
Sherri says
Made this for Christmas dinner with my ham. Everyone loved it. I made it as written. Had to use Sargento cheese blend but was still delicious
Audrey O. says
This was “different” in texture (for me and my 15 year old), but not bad. My husband and two other kids (6 and 13) really enjoyed it.
M. Diane MacKenzie says
This was absolutely delicious! Thank you!
Amanda L. Boyd says
This recipe was one of the very best I’ve tried from Pinterest!!!!!
michelle says
super easy – family loved it. looked elegant as well – good enough to serve to company (although one could tell it was frozen corn). Might try it with fresh and see how it goes… but overall – super delicious and easy.
Jacklyn says
can you make this with a vegetable blend or can it only work with corn?
Mariah says
You can definitely use a blend for a different flavor profile!
2ndlife says
Made for my self and roommate to try out before cooking for our monthly potluck dinner for 50, used the crockpot and not frozen but fresh corn and it was delicious. This is a definite recipe for our potluck, we ate it all and wanted more.
K says
How different would the instructions be using fresh corn instead of frozen?
Hannah says
How far ahead can I make this? We have a Thanksgiving Celebration at school and I am wanting to make this on Tuesday but reheat on Thursday (2 days later). Would that work?
Kelly says
Made this for a Friendsgiving last night and it was a HIT! And so so easy (and affordable) to make. We are now making it for all of our Thanksgiving celebrations this year!
K says
How exactly would you cook the corn if you were to use fresh corn instead of frozen?
kg says
Having our Easter Dinner early this year so just finished making this recipe for tomorrow. It’s delicious of course I had to sample it ❤️
Aurealisa says
A lifesaver recipe when you need a quick meal! The simplicity of the ingredients means anyone can make it right away.