Why Make This Skillet Creamed Corn with Turkey
This dish is comforting food. It brings warmth and good memories. It is full of flavor and will make you feel satisfied. Making it is simple and quick, perfect for busy weeknights. You can change the recipe to fit what you like or need. It tastes even better the next day, making leftovers great.
How to Make Skillet Creamed Corn with Turkey
Making this Skillet Creamed Corn with Turkey is easy. You will cook down onions and garlic, then build a rich, creamy sauce. After that, you add corn and your cooked turkey. You simmer it until it gets thick and flavorful.
Ingredients of Skillet Creamed Corn with Turkey
For the Creamed Corn Base:
* 4 cups fresh or frozen corn kernels
* 2 tablespoons butter
* 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
* 1.5 cups milk (whole or 2%)
* 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
* 1 teaspoon sugar (optional, for sweetness balance)
* 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
* 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, or to taste
For the Turkey & Flavor Boost:
* 1.5 cups cooked turkey, shredded or diced (leftover roasted turkey, cooked ground turkey, or turkey sausage)
* 1 medium onion, finely diced
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1/2 cup chicken or turkey broth
* 2 tablespoons fresh herbs (e.g., thyme, chives, parsley), chopped – optional garnish
Directions of Skillet Creamed Corn with Turkey
1. Prep Your Ingredients
* Finely dice the onion. Mince the garlic. If using fresh corn, cut it off the cob. If using frozen corn, let it thaw slightly. Shred or dice your cooked turkey.
2. Sauté Aromatics
* Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until soft and clear, about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute until fragrant.
3. Build the Creamy Base
* Sprinkle the flour over the softened onions and garlic. Stir well and cook for 1-2 minutes to create a roux. Slowly whisk in the milk until smooth. Add the softened cream cheese and continue whisking until it melts and the sauce is smooth and thick.
4. Introduce the Corn and Turkey
* Add the corn kernels and cooked turkey to the skillet. Stir everything together. Pour in the chicken or turkey broth. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring often, until the sauce thickens and the flavors mix well.
5. Season and Finish
* Taste the Skillet Creamed Corn with Turkey. Add salt, black pepper, and optional sugar to your liking. Stir in the fresh herbs just before taking it off the heat.
How to Serve Skillet Creamed Corn with Turkey
Serve this dish next to roasted chicken, pork, or beef. You can also eat it by itself as a light and filling meal. It pairs well with crusty bread to soak up the creamy sauce. For a bigger meal, serve it over rice or quinoa. It is also great for parties and gatherings because it is easy to transport and everyone loves it.
How to Store Skillet Creamed Corn with Turkey
Store your Skillet Creamed Corn with Turkey in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. It tastes just as good when reheated. You can warm it up on the stove or in the microwave.
Tips to Make Skillet Creamed Corn with Turkey
- Don’t overcook the corn: Cook the corn just enough so it still has a slight bite. This gives the dish better texture.
- Adjust consistency: If the sauce is too thick, add a little more milk or broth until it reaches your desired consistency. If it’s too thin, let it simmer a bit longer, stirring, until it thickens.
- Best skillet choice: Use a cast-iron skillet. It cooks evenly and keeps the food warm.
Variation
Flavor Twists:
* **Spicy kick:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the skillet when you add the corn for a little heat.
* **Cheesy delight:** Stir in 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, or a cheese blend with the cream cheese for an extra creamy, cheesy flavor.
Ingredient Swaps:
* **Vegetarian option:** Skip the turkey and use vegetable broth instead of chicken or turkey broth. You can also add plant-based meat alternatives if you like.
* **Dairy-free:** Use dairy-free milk and dairy-free cream cheese. The texture might change a little.
FAQs
Q1: Can I use frozen corn for this Skillet Creamed Corn with Turkey recipe?
Yes, you can definitely use frozen corn. Just let it thaw a bit before adding it to the skillet. This helps prevent too much water from making the sauce thin.
Q2: What kind of turkey works best for Skillet Creamed Corn with Turkey?
Leftover roasted turkey gives the best flavor. You can also use cooked ground turkey, shredded turkey breast, or even turkey sausage. Each gives a different taste.
Q3: How long does Skillet Creamed Corn with Turkey last in the refrigerator?
Your Skillet Creamed Corn with Turkey will stay good for 3-4 days in the refrigerator if you keep it in an airtight container. It reheats very well.
Hearty Skillet Creamed Corn with Savory Turkey
This hearty skillet dish features a rich and creamy corn base combined with savory cooked turkey, making for a comforting and satisfying meal. Easy to prepare, it's perfect for a weeknight dinner or using up leftover turkey.
Equipment
- large skillet
- whisk
Ingredients
For the Creamed Corn Base
- 4 cups corn kernels fresh or frozen
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1.5 cups milk whole or 2%
- 4 ounces cream cheese softened
- 1 teaspoon sugar optional, for sweetness balance
- 0.5 teaspoon salt or to taste
- 0.25 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper or to taste
For the Turkey & Flavor Boost
- 1.5 cups cooked turkey shredded or diced (leftover roasted turkey, cooked ground turkey, or turkey sausage)
- 1 medium medium onion finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 0.5 cup chicken or turkey broth
- 2 tablespoons fresh herbs chopped (e.g., thyme, chives, parsley) – optional garnish
Optional Flavor Twists
- Pinch/dash red pepper flakes or hot sauce optional
- 0.5 cup shredded cheddar cheese optional
Instructions
Prep Your Ingredients
- Finely dice the onion and mince the garlic. Prepare your corn (fresh off the cob or thawed frozen) and shred or dice your cooked turkey.
Sauté Aromatics
- Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat, then add the diced onion and cook until soft and clear (about 5-7 minutes). Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute until fragrant.
Build the Creamy Base
- Sprinkle flour over the softened onions and garlic, stirring to create a roux (1-2 minutes). Slowly whisk in the milk until smooth, then add softened cream cheese and whisk until melted and the sauce is thick.
Introduce the Corn and Turkey
- Add corn kernels, cooked turkey, and chicken/turkey broth to the skillet. If desired, add red pepper flakes. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring often, until the sauce thickens and flavors meld.
Season and Finish
- Taste and season with salt, black pepper, and optional sugar. Stir in shredded cheddar cheese until melted, then stir in fresh herbs just before serving hot.
Notes
For an extra kick, don't shy away from the red pepper flakes or hot sauce. If using fresh corn, ensure it's sweet and tender for the best flavor. This recipe is also great with shredded rotisserie chicken as a substitute for turkey.