Oh my goodness, let’s talk about one of my absolute favorite comfort foods: Nantucket Corn Pudding! This dish is a delightful blend of sweet corn, creamy goodness, and just the right touch of savory flavors. I still remember the first time I had it at a friend’s family gathering. I couldn’t get enough! There’s something so homely about this dish—it’s like a warm hug straight from your grandma’s kitchen. Plus, it’s super easy to make and even more fun to share!
This pudding is perfect for a gathering or even just a cozy night in. Whether you’re serving it alongside some roasted chicken or enjoying it all on its own, it’s sure to please everyone at the table. And let’s not forget—the bonus here is that you can whip it up ahead of time and just pop it in the oven when you need it. Trust me; your friends and family will be raving about this one!
What’s in Nantucket Corn Pudding?
Corn: Fresh corn kernels are the star of this dish! I love using 4 cups of fresh corn when it’s in season, but frozen corn works perfectly too, especially when you want to save time.
Milk: Creamy goodness, right? This helps to give the pudding its velvety texture. I recommend using whole milk for the creamiest outcome.
Heavy Cream: For that luxurious richness, just a half-cup of heavy cream elevates the entire dish to the next level. You could switch it with half and half if you’re looking for a lighter version.
Eggs: These act as a binding agent, providing structure to our creamy pudding. Two large eggs do the trick beautifully!
Granulated Sugar: A little sugar goes a long way in enhancing the natural sweetness of the corn. It really balances the other flavors well.
All-purpose Flour: Just half a cup is enough for this recipe to help thicken our pudding without making it too heavy.
Baking Powder: This little leavening agent helps the pudding puff up, adding a delightful texture.
Salt: A must for enhancing all those delicious flavors and ensuring the dish isn’t bland.
Black Pepper: A hint of spice complements the sweetness of the corn beautifully.
Paprika (optional): I often throw in a little paprika for a pop of color and a subtle smokiness.
Shredded Cheddar Cheese (optional): If you’re feeling cheesy (pun intended!), adding a cup of sharp cheddar elevates this to a cheesy comfort food dream.
Crushed Crackers: Think Ritz crackers—these add a lovely crunch on top that balances the creamy pudding underneath.
Butter: Who doesn’t love butter? Three tablespoons of melted butter mix with the crackers to create that enticing crispy topping.
Is Nantucket Corn Pudding Good for You?
Well, like most comfort foods, it’s all about balance! This pudding combines some nutritious ingredients.
Corn is rich in vitamins and minerals, particularly Vitamin C and dietary fiber, which are great for digestive health. However, since the pudding contains dairy and sugar, I’d recommend indulging in moderation, particularly if you’re watching your calorie intake.
Keep in mind that if you go heavy on the cheese and butter, like I often do (oops!), it can start to tip the scales health-wise. So if you’re feeling like keeping it lighter, you could always lessen the cream and omit the cheese, while still enjoying a gloriously delicious dish.
Ingredients
– 4 cups fresh corn kernels (or 2 cups frozen corn)
– 1 cup milk
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– 2 large eggs
– 1/3 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 1/4 teaspoon paprika (optional)
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
– 1 cup crushed crackers (such as Ritz) for topping
– 3 tablespoons butter, melted (for topping)
**Serves:** 6-8 people
How to Make Nantucket Corn Pudding?
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 2-quart baking dish or casserole dish.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the fresh corn, milk, heavy cream, eggs, sugar, flour, baking powder, salt, black pepper, and paprika. Stir until well mixed.
3. If using, fold in the shredded cheddar cheese for extra flavor and creaminess.
4. Pour the corn mixture into the prepared baking dish.
5. In a separate bowl, combine the crushed crackers with the melted butter. Mix until the crackers are evenly coated.
6. Sprinkle the cracker mixture evenly over the top of the corn pudding.
7. Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the pudding is set.
8. Remove from the oven and let cool for 5-10 minutes before serving.
Delicious Serving Suggestions and Extra Tips
– Serve this warm as a side dish with your favorite meat, or simply pair it with a green salad for a lighter meal.
– If you’re feeling adventurous, tossing in some diced jalapeños can spice things up!
– You can prepare the mixture the night before and just bake it the next day; it’s a total time-saver for gatherings.
– Leftovers (if there are any) reheat beautifully, although I doubt you’ll have much!
I hope you give this Nantucket Corn Pudding a try! It’s one of those dishes that’s sure to bring everyone together and leave you with a big warm smile. Let me know how yours turns out; I’d love to hear about your family’s reaction! Happy cooking!
