Corn pudding is a delicious side dish that can complement a variety of main courses. With its sweet corn flavor and creamy, custard-like texture, corn pudding makes a satisfying addition to any meal. But what exactly goes well with corn pudding? There are many possibilities that can enhance the flavors of this classic recipe. In this article, we’ll explore the best pairings for corn pudding, from meats to vegetables to desserts. Whether you’re planning a holiday meal or a weeknight dinner, read on for serving suggestions that will highlight the tasty goodness of corn pudding.
Savory Main Dishes That Pair Well with Corn Pudding
Corn pudding’s mildly sweet flavor profile means that it pairs well with a range of savory main dishes. The custardy texture also balances out more substantial meat or poultry entrees. Here are some of the best savory pairings for corn pudding:
Pork Dishes
The sweetness of corn pudding beautifully complements the salty, savory flavor of pork. Try serving corn pudding alongside dishes like baked ham, pork chops, or pork roast. The contrast of flavors and textures is extremely appetizing.
Chicken Dishes
Like pork, chicken has a mild enough flavor that it won’t overpower corn pudding’s delicate taste. Roasted chicken, baked chicken, fried chicken, or any other chicken entree makes an excellent match for this side. The corn pudding can soak up the juices from the meat, creating even more flavor.
Turkey
Thanksgiving dinner just isn’t complete without turkey, potatoes, stuffing, cranberries…and corn pudding! The traditional side is the perfect accompaniment to roasted or fried turkey. Add corn pudding to your holiday spread for a meal that screams fall.
Beef Dishes
While lean beef dishes like steak or pot roast may seem too hearty for creamy corn pudding, the contrast actually works well. The smooth pudding balances out the richness of beef. Try serving corn pudding with your favorite beef entree for a satisfying meal.
Seafood
Lighter seafood like fried white fish or grilled salmon go nicely with corn pudding. The pudding won’t overpower the delicate fish flavors. Plus, the colors and textures look beautiful on a plate together.
Game Meats
Corn pudding’s sweet, summery flavor helps offset the natural boldness of game meats like venison, duck, or boar. It’s an intriguing pairing you don’t see every day. Offer corn pudding at your next game night dinner.
Vegetable Side Dishes
In addition to meat or poultry entrees, corn pudding pairs nicely with a medley of fresh vegetable side dishes. Here are some top choices:
Asparagus
The springlike flavors of asparagus complement corn pudding perfectly. Blanch fresh asparagus spears and serve alongside the sweet corn custard.
Green Beans
Buttery steamed green beans add color and texture contrast to this meal. Beans also provide fiber to balance the starch and cream in the corn pudding.
Creamed Spinach
For a rich and indulgent meal, serve creamed spinach and corn pudding together. The lush textures and complementary flavors are a match made in comfort food heaven.
Brussels Sprouts
Roasting brings out the sweetness in Brussels sprouts, which mirrors the sweetness in the corn pudding. The crunchy sprouts texture also balances the creamy pudding.
Summer Squash
Sauteed zucchini, yellow squash, or other summer varieties taste amazing with fresh corn pudding, especially when sweet corn is in season. The pretty colors look wonderful on the plate too.
Corn on the Cob
For the ultimate corn lover’s feast, serve corn pudding with freshly grilled or boiled corn on the cob. The varied textures show off corn’s versatility.
Breads
Crunchy, flaky, or chewy breads make for satisfying corn pudding pairings. Here are breads that beautifully balance out this side dish:
Cornbread
Warm cornbread naturally complements its flavor cousin, corn pudding. For a perfectly unified corn theme, drizzle both dishes with honey butter.
Dinner Rolls
Soft, pillowy dinner rolls are ideal for soaking up every last bit of corn pudding. The neutral flavor doesn’t compete with the pudding either.
Cornbread Muffins
Individual cornbread muffins served alongside the custardy corn pudding make for wonderful breakfast, lunch, or dinner fare. The moist muffins absorb the pudding flavors deliciously.
Biscuits
Flaky, buttery biscuits beg to be dunked in creamy corn pudding. Enjoy this hearty meal any time of day.
Corn Tortillas
For a Mexican-inspired feast, warm corn tortillas pair beautifully with the corn pudding. Top both with cotija cheese, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime.
Dessert Pairings
While corn pudding can certainly be enjoyed as its own dessert, it also complements other sweet treats. Here are delicious desserts to serve after a meal featuring corn pudding:
Apple Pie
The classic all-American flavors of corn pudding and apple pie make the perfect dessert pairing. Modestly portioned, they won’t overwhelm the palate when enjoyed together.
Peach Cobbler
Like apple pie, peach cobbler provides a nice fruit contrast to corn pudding’s creamy corn base. The cobbler’s biscuit topping offers an additional tasty texture.
Pumpkin Pie
For the fall season, follow up turkey, stuffing, and corn pudding with a slice of pumpkin pie. The nutmeg and cinnamon spices bring wonderful autumnal warmth.
Pecan Pie
The nutty crunch of pecan pie creates an intriguing flavor and texture contrast with creamy corn pudding. Drizzle the pie with caramel sauce for even more over-the-top decadence.
Cheesecake
A light, fluffy slice of cheesecake makes a lovely post-dinner treat when preceded by corn pudding. Opt for a plain or minimally flavored cheesecake that won’t compete with the signature corn flavors.
Beverage Pairings
Beyond food, beverage choices significantly impact the corn pudding dining experience. Here are drink ideas to complement this side dish:
Iced Tea
A glass of sweet iced tea tastes like summer and brings out the sweetness of corn pudding. The chilled liquid also cleanses the palate between bites.
Lemonade
Like iced tea, refreshing lemonade picks up on corn pudding’s sweet notes. For an adult beverage, add vodka or bourbon to your lemonade.
White Wine
An unoaked chardonnay, pinot grigio, or other light white nicely complements corn pudding without overshadowing the flavors.
Beer
Opt for lighter beer styles like lagers or pale ales so the carbonation and hoppy bitterness can cut through the rich pudding.
Milk
You can’t go wrong pairing corn pudding with a cold glass of milk. The creamy textures enhance each other beautifully.
Coffee
After a heavy meal involving corn pudding, black coffee helps with digestion. It also provides contrast with the sweet, starchy side dish.
Conclusion
Corn pudding may seem like a simple side, but it’s quite versatile when considering food and drink pairings. Matching corn pudding with pork, chicken, or hearty vegetables allows the sweet and creamy base recipe to shine. Lighter seafood, greens, or bread let the subtle corn flavor take center stage. For dessert, corn pudding preps the palate for fruity or nutty treats ahead. Whatever you choose to serve it with, keep the beverage light and refreshing to balance out corn pudding’s richness. With endless pairing possibilities, this classic recipe can be reinvented for any occasion or menu. Experiment with different combinations at your next dinner party or holiday feast. Proper pairings will highlight corn pudding’s most crave-worthy qualities.
| Main Dish Pairings | Vegetable Pairings | Bread Pairings |
|---|---|---|
| Baked Ham | Asparagus | Cornbread |
| Roasted Chicken | Green Beans | Dinner Rolls |
| Fried Turkey | Creamed Spinach | Cornbread Muffins |
| Pot Roast | Brussels Sprouts | Biscuits |
| Grilled Salmon | Summer Squash | Corn Tortillas |
| Dessert Pairings | Beverage Pairings |
|---|---|
| Apple Pie | Iced Tea |
| Peach Cobbler | Lemonade |
| Pumpkin Pie | White Wine |
| Pecan Pie | Beer |
| Cheesecake | Milk |
| Coffee |