This dairy free creamed corn is rich, comforting, and made with simple ingredients. The perfect side dish to your holiday meal or any cozy dinner.

Growing up, creamed corn was always my favorite Thanksgiving dish! What's not to love about thick, creamy corn? After becoming lactose intolerant, I had to get creative with classic holiday recipes and this vegan version is just as good (if not better) than the original.

Traditional creamed corn is made with heavy cream, whole milk, and plenty of butter. My recipe uses a can of sweet corn, dairy-free milk and butter, onion, flour, sugar, and salt for a flavorful alternative!

Why you'll love this recipe

Ready in 30 minutes: With minimal prep and cook time, this might be the easiest side dish on your holiday table.
Uses pantry staples: I'm all about quick meals, so this recipe uses canned corn and other common ingredients you probably already have.
Keep it classic or customize: Let the sweet corn kernels shine through or twist it up with new, bold flavors

If you're a fan of corn, don't miss my other favorite recipes! Try the bold and zesty chipotle corn salsa, perfect for tacos or dipping. Fire up the grill for smoked corn on the cob or keep it simple with air fryer corn on the cob. For something shareable, my vegan street corn dip is always a hit, and the vegan corn fritters are crispy, golden bites you'll want to make again and again.

Ingredient notes

This recipe comes together with a handful of ingredients. See below for my recommendations and suggested substitutions.

Corn: You can use canned corn for convenience or fresh corn for a sweeter, fresher flavor. If using frozen corn, make sure to let it thaw completely.
Onion: You can substitute onion with half a small shallot for a milder, sweeter flavor.
Dairy-free milk: Non-dairy alternatives like almond milk, oat milk, soy milk, or coconut milk work great. Choose unsweetened for a more savory taste.
Sugar: You can use pure maple syrup as an alternative that adds a touch of natural sweetness to balance the flavors.
Salt: Use to taste, but be mindful if using salted canned corn.
Vegan butter: Adds richness and creaminess. Feel free to use your oil instead.
Flour: All-purpose flour works well for thickening, or use a gluten-free flour blend if needed.

How to make vegan creamed corn

This is a quick overview, for measurements and detailed directions, jump down to the recipe card.

Sauté onion: In a skillet with cooking oil, sauté onion until translucent.
Drain sweet corn: Drain and rinse corn, reserving half and transferring to a food processor.
Caramelize corn: Add the remaining corn to the skillet with the onion and cook for 5-10 minutes, letting it brown slightly.
Bring to a simmer: Add dairy-free milk, salt, and sugar to the skillet, then bring to a simmer. Let it cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Make a roux: In the middle of the skillet, melt dairy-free butter and stir in flour to create a roux.
Combine: Add the puréed corn to the skillet and stir everything together until well combined.
Serve: Let the mixture thicken to your desired consistency then serve and enjoy!

Flavor boosters

Whether you're craving heat, richness, or a pop of freshness, there's something here for everyone.

Take your creamed corn to the next level with these easy additions!
Nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.
Vegan cream cheese for extra creaminess.
Red peppers for a sweet, crunchy bite.
Fresh poblano for a smoky, mild heat.
Jalapeño slices for a bold, zesty twist.
Cayenne pepper or chili pepper for a spicy kick!
Green onions for a fresh, oniony bite.

Cooking tips

Keep these in mind for smooth, stress-free cooking!

Don't overcook the corn: Canned corn is already cooked, so warm it up gently to avoid overcooking.
Use fresh corn: Shuck 2 ears of corn and carefully use a knife to remove all the kernels.
Leftovers: Store homemade creamless creamed corn in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave until warm.
Feed a crowd: Double or triple the recipe to make a larger batch for a crowd.

Related recipes

Planning a dairy-free Thanksgiving? I've got you covered with all the classics. Try my vegan green bean casserole and vegan dinner rolls to start. Add cozy sides like vegan cornbread, dairy-free mac and cheese, and creamy vegan mashed potatoes with gravy. For more holiday comfort, don't miss the dairy-free sweet potato casserole and hearty vegan stuffing casserole. And to wrap it all up, enjoy a slice of vegan pumpkin pie, a must-have for the season.

I hope you love this creamed corn without the cream as much as we do! It's easy to make with a wonderful creamy texture that's full of flavor.