5 Star Creamed Corn: A Taste of Piero’s Legacy

There are some dishes that, when you taste them, transport you. For me, it’s that unmistakable aroma, the rich, comforting embrace of creamed corn, particularly when it’s done with a finesse that elevates it far beyond its humble roots. I remember standing in the bustling kitchen of Piero’s Italian Restaurant in Las Vegas, the air alive with sizzles and the focused energy of a top-tier culinary team. The executive chef, a man whose passion was palpable, generously shared the secrets to their legendary creamed corn. He explained that simplicity, when executed with quality ingredients, is the true mark of excellence. This isn’t your average, overly sweet, and often gummy canned corn. This is a sophisticated, barely-sweet revelation, a testament to the power of restraint and perfect balance, a dish that truly deserves its “5 Star” status.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Servings: 6-8
• Yield: 1 casserole dish
• Dietary Type: Vegetarian

Ingredients

The beauty of this dish lies in its straightforward ingredient list. Using quality frozen corn is key here, as it often retains a better texture and flavor than its fresh counterpart out of season.

• 2 1/2 lbs quality frozen corn
• 1 cup heavy whipping cream
• 1 cup whole milk
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1 dash cayenne pepper
• 2 ounces melted butter
• 1 1/2 ounces flour
• 1/4 cup shredded Parmesan cheese, not the powdered kind

Equipment Needed

While this recipe is elegant in its simplicity, having a few key tools will ensure smooth sailing:

• A large saucepan or pot
• A whisk
• A small bowl for the roux
• A casserole dish (approximately 8×8 inches or similar capacity)
• A broiler-safe baking sheet or oven rack

Instructions

The method is deceptively simple, but attention to each step will yield unparalleled results.

1. Preheat the broiler. This is your final step for achieving that irresistible golden crust, so get it ready early.
2. Combine the base ingredients. In your large saucepan, combine the frozen corn, heavy whipping cream, whole milk, salt, sugar, and cayenne pepper.
3. Bring to a boil. Place the saucepan over medium-high heat and stir occasionally until the mixture comes to a rolling boil.
4. Simmer. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and simmer for 5 minutes, stirring gently. This allows the flavors to meld and the corn to cook through while retaining a pleasant bite.
5. Prepare the roux. While the corn mixture simmers, in a small bowl, blend the melted butter with the flour. Whisk them together thoroughly until you have a smooth paste. This is your roux, the thickening agent that will give the creamed corn its luxurious texture.
6. Incorporate the roux. Slowly add the roux to the simmering corn mixture, whisking constantly to ensure it incorporates smoothly and there are no lumps. Continue to mix well until the sauce has thickened.
7. Remove from heat. Once the desired creamy consistency is achieved, take the saucepan off the heat.
8. Transfer to a casserole dish. Pour the rich, creamy corn mixture into your prepared casserole dish.
9. Top with cheese. Sprinkle the shredded Parmesan cheese evenly over the surface of the creamed corn.
10. Broil until browned. Carefully place the casserole dish under the preheated broiler. Broil until the cheese is nicely browned and bubbly, watching it closely to prevent burning. This usually takes only a few minutes.

Expert Tips & Tricks

• Corn Quality: I cannot stress enough the importance of quality frozen corn. If you can get your hands on fresh corn in season, by all means, use it, but ensure it’s cut fresh. Frozen corn, especially premium brands, often provides a more consistent and appealing texture for this dish.
• Roux Consistency: When making your roux, the key is to ensure the butter and flour are fully combined before adding them to the hot liquid. A well-made roux will melt into the cream mixture without clumping, creating a silky smooth sauce.
• Cayenne Kick: The cayenne pepper is not intended to make this dish spicy, but rather to offer a subtle warmth that enhances the sweetness of the corn and the richness of the cream. A “dash” is truly that – just a hint to awaken the palate.
• Parmesan Choice: The recipe specifically calls for shredded Parmesan cheese, not the powdered kind. The shredded cheese melts more evenly and creates a beautiful, slightly crispy topping. Powdered Parmesan can sometimes clump or burn too quickly under the broiler.
• Broiler Watch: Broilers vary in intensity. Keep a close eye on the corn as it broils; this step is quick and can go from perfectly browned to burnt in a flash.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

This 5 Star Creamed Corn is best served hot, straight from the oven, its rich aroma filling the room. It’s a magnificent side dish that pairs exceptionally well with grilled steaks, roasted chicken, or even a festive holiday ham. For a truly impressive presentation, you can spoon it into individual ramekins before broiling and topping with cheese.

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, gently warm it in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally, or reheat in a covered casserole dish in a 300°F (150°C) oven until heated through. You might need to add a splash of milk or cream if it has thickened too much during storage.

Nutritional Information

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	456.1 kcal	N/A
Calories from Fat	237 kcal	N/A
Total Fat	26.4 g	40%
Saturated Fat	15.7 g	78%
Cholesterol	82.4 mg	27%
Sodium	557.2 mg	23%
Total Carbohydrate	52.2 g	17%
Dietary Fiber	4.7 g	18%
Sugars	6.3 g	25%
Protein	10.2 g	20%

Nutritional values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients used.

Variations & Substitutions

While this recipe is a classic for a reason, a few tweaks can adapt it to different tastes or dietary needs.

• For a richer corn flavor: Consider using half fresh corn (cut off the cob) and half frozen. The fresh corn will lend a brighter, sweeter note.
• Dairy-Free Option: For a dairy-free version, you could experiment with a high-quality full-fat coconut milk (from a can, not the carton) and a dairy-free butter substitute. The flavor profile will change, but it can still be delicious.
• Herbaceous Notes: A pinch of fresh chives or parsley, finely chopped and stirred in at the end, can add a lovely visual and aromatic appeal.
• Spicier Kick: If you prefer a more pronounced heat, increase the cayenne pepper slightly or add a finely minced jalapeño to the corn mixture during the simmering stage.

FAQs

Q: Why does the recipe call for frozen corn instead of fresh?
A: High-quality frozen corn often provides a more consistent texture and flavor year-round, which is crucial for achieving the intended result of this recipe.

Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: While it’s best served fresh, you can prepare the corn mixture up to the point of broiling and refrigerate it. Reheat gently and broil just before serving.

Q: What if my creamed corn isn’t thick enough?
A: Ensure you’ve made a proper roux by thoroughly blending the melted butter and flour before adding it to the corn mixture. Simmering for a few extra minutes, stirring constantly, can also help thicken it.

Q: Is the sugar really necessary?
A: The sugar is important for balancing the other flavors, especially the salt and cream, and to bring out the natural sweetness of the corn without making it overtly sweet.

Q: Can I use a different cheese on top?
A: While Parmesan is recommended for its salty, nutty profile, a sharp cheddar or Gruyère could be interesting substitutes, though they will alter the classic flavor.

Final Thoughts

This 5 Star Creamed Corn is more than just a side dish; it’s an experience. It’s a testament to the fact that even the simplest ingredients, when treated with care and respect, can create something truly extraordinary. It’s the kind of dish that earns second glances and requests for the recipe. I encourage you to try it, to taste the legacy of Piero’s, and to discover the magic that happens when cream, corn, and a touch of culinary genius come together. Serve it alongside your favorite roasted meats or enjoy it as a comforting vegetarian main, and prepare for a round of applause.