Dreamy Pioneer Woman Corn Pudding Recipe

Creamy Pioneer Woman Corn Pudding Recipe with Southern Charm

Corn pudding erupts with soul-warming Southern charm, promising a culinary embrace that melts hearts.

Generations of family recipes whisper tales of comfort through each creamy spoonful.

Velvety kernels dance in a golden custard, weaving magic on dinner plates everywhere.

Silky textures mingle with sweet and savory notes, creating a symphony of flavor that dances across your palate.

Humble ingredients transform into a luxurious side dish that feels like a warm hug from grandma’s kitchen.

Crispy bacon sprinkled throughout adds a smoky crescendo that elevates this classic to extraordinary heights.

One bite promises to transport you to a world of pure, nostalgic deliciousness that lingers long after the last morsel disappears.

Quick Recipe Overview

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 30 minutes

Cook Time: 40 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes

Calories: 400 kcal

Servings: 8

What You Need for PW’s Corn Pudding

For Dry Base:
  • Flour: Choose unbleached all-purpose flour for the best texture and consistent results.
  • Cornmeal: Opt for stone-ground cornmeal to enhance rustic flavor and add delightful texture.
  • Sugar: Select fine granulated sugar for smooth blending and balanced sweetness.
  • Baking Powder: Use fresh baking powder to ensure proper rising and fluffy consistency.
  • Salt: Pick kosher or sea salt for clean, pure seasoning.
  • Garlic Powder: Select high-quality, fragrant garlic powder for deep, aromatic undertones.
For Wet Ingredients:
  • Eggs: Pick fresh, room-temperature eggs for smoother mixing and better incorporation.
  • Half-and-Half: Choose organic half-and-half for richer, creamier texture.
For Flavor Enhancers:
  • Bacon, Onions: Select thick-cut bacon and sweet yellow onions for robust, caramelized notes.
  • Corn Kernels: Use fresh or high-quality frozen corn for natural sweetness and authentic corn flavor.
  • Butter: Pick unsalted butter for precise seasoning control and pure dairy richness.

Casserole Dishes and Mix Tools

  • Large mixing bowl: Perfect for combining dry and wet ingredients smoothly.
  • Whisk: Essential for blending ingredients without lumps and creating silky mixtures.
  • Large pan: Great for cooking bacon and sautéing onions to crispy perfection.
  • 3-quart baking dish: Ideal size for baking this delicious corn pudding.
  • Measuring cups and spoons: Necessary for accurate ingredient measurements.
  • Stove: Used for cooking bacon and onions over medium-low heat.
  • Oven: Preheated to 350°F for baking the corn pudding.
  • Spatula: Helpful for gently folding ingredients and transferring mixture to baking dish.

How to Bake Pioneer Woman’s Corn Pudding

How to Bake Pioneer Woman’s Corn Pudding
  • Fire Up the Oven

Get your oven toasty at 350°F and grease a cozy baking dish, making sure every corner is covered with a slick of butter or cooking spray.

  • Sizzle and Soften

In a skillet, transform bacon into crispy golden bits over medium-low heat. Toss in chopped onions and let them dance until they turn silky and translucent, releasing their sweet aroma.

  • Build the Base

Grab a mixing bowl and whirl together flour, cornmeal, and a handful of seasonings. Whisk with enthusiasm, creating a fluffy dry blend that will give your dish amazing texture and depth.

  • Blend Liquid Magic

Crack eggs into a separate bowl and splash in some half-and-half. Whip them into a smooth, creamy mixture that will bind all your ingredients together with delicious harmony.

  • Create the Masterpiece

Pour your liquid mixture into the dry ingredients, stirring gently. Fold in the crispy bacon, caramelized onions, melted butter, and sweet corn kernels. Mix until everything is just married together, being careful not to overmix.

  • Bake to Perfection

Slide your creation into the preheated oven. Bake for about an hour, watching for a golden top and a center that’s set but still tender. Let it rest briefly before serving up this crowd-pleasing comfort dish.

Creaminess and Corn Kernel Tips

Personalize the classic recipe with these creative twists and expert techniques.

Replace traditional bacon with pancetta, turkey bacon, or smoked ham for unique flavor profiles that complement the corn’s sweetness.

Fold in shredded cheddar, pepper jack, or crumbled goat cheese to add richness and depth to the pudding’s creamy texture.

Sprinkle fresh chopped herbs like chives, thyme, or green onions to brighten the dish and introduce subtle aromatic notes.

Mix in diced jalapeños, red pepper flakes, or a dash of cayenne for those who enjoy a warm, zesty kick in their side dish.

Ways to Plate Corn Pudding

  • Pair with Hearty Proteins: Serve alongside grilled chicken, roasted pork tenderloin, or juicy steak for a complete and satisfying meal.
  • Thanksgiving Table Star: Bring this corn pudding as a crowd-pleasing side dish to holiday gatherings, where it'll complement traditional turkey and cranberry sauce.
  • Create a Brunch Feast: Top with a sunny-side-up egg or crumbled crispy bacon for a decadent weekend breakfast that'll impress family and friends.
  • Elevate with Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle chopped chives, parsley, or green onions on top to add a pop of color and fresh flavor to this rich, comforting dish.

Storage for Pudding Leftovers

  • Smart Storage Solutions: Keep corn pudding in an airtight container in the refrigerator for maximum freshness, lasting up to 4 days.
  • Freeze with Ease: Wrap individual portions or the entire dish tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, storing in the freezer for up to 3 months without losing flavor quality.
  • Reheating Rescue: Warm refrigerated corn pudding in the oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes, covering with foil to prevent drying out and maintain its creamy texture.
  • Meal Prep Magic: Prepare this dish ahead of time by assembling the ingredients the night before, then baking fresh on the day of serving for a stress-free cooking experience.
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Dreamy Pioneer Woman Corn Pudding Recipe

Dreamy Pioneer Woman Corn Pudding Recipe


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4.7 from 26 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
  • Yield: 8 1x

Description

Hearty pioneer woman corn pudding celebrates midwestern comfort cooking with creamy, rich ingredients from rural kitchens. Home cooks appreciate this classic side dish that delivers warm, satisfying flavor for family gatherings and holiday meals.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 ½ cups corn kernels (fresh, canned, or frozen thawed)
  • 5 large eggs
  • 1 ½ cups half-and-half
  • 1 sweet onion, chopped
  • 4 strips thick-cut bacon, chopped
  • ½ cup (113 g) butter, melted
  • 1 cup (236 ml) all-purpose flour
  • ¾ cup (177 ml) yellow corn meal
  • ¾ cup (150 g) granulated sugar
  • 1 ½ tbsps baking powder
  • 1 ½ tsps kosher salt
  • ¼ tsp garlic powder

Instructions

  1. Bacon Preparation: Render bacon in a large skillet over medium-low heat until crisp and golden, creating a rich flavor foundation.
  2. Aromatics Development: Sauté chopped onions in the bacon drippings until translucent, infusing the base with sweet depth.
  3. Dry Ingredient Fusion: Whisk cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and garlic powder in a large mixing bowl until completely integrated.
  4. Liquid Component Blending: Vigorously whisk eggs and half-and-half until smooth and slightly aerated, creating a cohesive liquid mixture.
  5. Batter Integration: Fold liquid ingredients into dry ingredients, ensuring a lump-free consistency, then incorporate caramelized onions, crispy bacon, bacon fat, and melted butter.
  6. Corn Incorporation: Gently fold corn kernels throughout the batter, distributing evenly for balanced texture and flavor profile.
  7. Baking Preparation: Preheat oven to 350°F, grease a 3-quart baking dish, and pour the complete batter, spreading uniformly.
  8. Final Cooking: Bake for 55-60 minutes until the surface turns golden-brown and the center becomes slightly firm, then remove immediately to preserve moisture and prevent drying.

Notes

  • Bacon Prep Tip: Render bacon slowly over medium-low heat to achieve maximum crispness and extract rich, flavorful fat for enhanced corn pudding depth.
  • Texture Control: Whisk egg and cream mixture vigorously to eliminate lumps, ensuring a smooth, consistent batter that guarantees a creamy final result.
  • Corn Selection: Use fresh or high-quality frozen corn kernels for optimal sweetness and texture, distributing them evenly throughout the pudding for balanced flavor.
  • Baking Watch: Monitor pudding closely during final 15 minutes of baking to prevent over-browning, aiming for a golden surface with a slightly firm center that remains moist and tender.
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Side Dish
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8
  • Calories: 400
  • Sugar: 18 g
  • Sodium: 800 mg
  • Fat: 25 g
  • Saturated Fat: 15 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 38 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 9 g
  • Cholesterol: 190 mg
Michael Thompson

Michael Thompson

Founder & Culinary Director

Expertise

Classical & Contemporary Cooking Techniques, Global Cuisine Appreciation, Nutrition & Menu Engineering, Sustainable Cooking Practices, Farm-to-Table Cuisine

Education

Southwestern Oregon Community College

  • Program: Culinary Arts, Associate of Applied Science
  • Focus: Emphasis on mastering core culinary competencies, like safety and sanitation, hot, cold, and pastry techniques, while cultivating appreciation of global cuisines and developing operational skills in nutrition, menu design, costing, purchasing, and supervisory management.

Michael grew up in Oregon, where he learned early that food tastes better when it’s fresh, local, and made with care. 

After earning his degree from the Southwestern Oregon Community College, he focused his career on teaching others how to cook with the seasons, reduce food waste, and reconnect with what’s on their plate.

Michael keeps his cooking simple, sustainable, and full of flavor. His favorite part of the process? Watching people realize how easy and satisfying it can be to cook a single great meal from scratch.

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