Do you need a delicious and easy-to-make treat for your next gathering? Corn Pie is the perfect solution! This classic Southern dish is made with simple ingredients, like corn, eggs, butter, sugar, and flour. It’s surprisingly light yet decadent at the same time. Plus, it pairs perfectly with any entree or side dish. So, if you’re looking for a crowd-pleasing dessert, this is it.
What is Corn Pie?
Corn Pie is a classic Southern dish that has been around for generations. It’s made with a creamy custard base of corn, eggs, butter, sugar, and flour. This sweet and savory treat has a light yet decadent texture that pairs perfectly with any main course. Its history dates back to the 1800s when it was served as a family-style dessert in many households. Over time, it has become a popular go-to for potlucks and gatherings.
Reasons why corn pie is popular
Corn Pie is a popular dish for many reasons. Firstly, its ingredients are simple and easy to find in most grocery stores. Secondly, it’s an incredibly versatile dish that can be adjusted to suit different tastes and dietary preferences. For example, you can use different types of corn or substitute the butter for vegan-friendly alternatives. Lastly, it’s a quick and easy dessert that can be put together in no time.
Ingredients
List of ingredients needed
The ingredients for Corn Pie are simple and easy to find. You will need:
2 cans of corn, drained.
4 eggs, lightly beaten.
1/2 cup (1 stick) butter or margarine, melted and cooled.
1/2 cup sugar.
1/2 cup all-purpose flour.
Salt and pepper to taste.
Importance of using fresh corn
For the best results, it’s important to use fresh corn for your Corn Pie. Fresh corn has a sweeter, more pronounced flavor than canned or frozen varieties and will make all the difference in the final taste of your dish. It also adds an extra touch of texture and visual appeal to the pie.
Preparation
Steps to prepare the corn
1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
2. In a large bowl, mix together the corn, eggs, butter, sugar, flour, salt and pepper until well combined.
3. Grease a 9-inch pie plate with butter or margarine and pour in the corn mixture.
Steps to prepare the crust
1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
2. In a medium bowl, combine 1/2 cup butter, 1/4 cup sugar, and 1/4 teaspoon salt until mixture is crumbly.
3. Add 1 cup all-purpose flour and mix until combined.
4. Press the crust into the greased pie plate and bake for 10 -15 minutes, or until golden.
Steps to prepare the filling
1. In a large bowl, mix together the drained corn, eggs, butter, sugar, flour, salt and pepper until well combined.
2. Pour the corn mixture into the pre-baked pie crust.
3. Bake for 30-40 minutes at 375 degrees F (190 degrees C) or until the filling is set and golden brown on top.
Cooking
Temperature and time needed to bake the pie
The temperature and time needed to bake the Corn Pie will depend on the size of your pie dish. For a 9-inch pie plate, preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C) and bake for 30-40 minutes or until the filling is set and golden brown on top. If you are using a larger or smaller dish, adjust the baking time accordingly.
Tips for achieving the perfect texture
For a perfectly textured Corn Pie, it’s important to not overbake the dish. To help ensure that you don’t overcook your pie, check its center with a toothpick before taking it out of the oven. The filling should be set but still slightly jiggly. Additionally, for the best texture and flavor, opt for fresh corn whenever possible. Fresh corn provides an extra sweetness, texture, and visual appeal that canned or frozen varieties just can’t beat.
Serving
Ways to serve the corn pie
Corn Pie can be served as a delicious dessert with a dollop of freshly whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. It’s also perfect for breakfast or brunch, paired with pancakes and other morning favorites. For those looking to switch up their dinner menu, Corn Pie makes a great side dish when accompanied by roasted vegetables and grilled proteins. Finally, it’s the perfect snack for any time of day – just slice and enjoy!
Pairing suggestions
Corn Pie is incredibly versatile and can be served in a variety of ways. For a classic dessert pairing, serve with freshly whipped cream or scoop of vanilla ice cream. For breakfast or brunch, pair with pancakes, bacon, eggs and other morning favorites. To switch up your dinner menu, serve Corn Pie as a side dish accompanied by roasted vegetables and grilled proteins. Finally , for an anytime snack, just slice and enjoy!
Variations
Vegetarian options
For a vegetarian version of Corn Pie, simply omit the eggs and replace the butter with vegan margarine or coconut oil. You can also add diced vegetables such as bell peppers, onions or mushrooms for extra flavor and texture. Additionally, you can swap out the sugar for honey or agave nectar to make it vegan-friendly. For an extra boost of nutrition, stir in cooked quinoa or barley.
Meat options
For a meaty version of Corn Pie, add cooked ground beef, pork, or turkey to the filling. To make it even heartier, top with shredded cheese before baking. You can also add other diced vegetables such as bell peppers, onions or mushrooms for extra flavor and texture. For an added kick, stir in some diced jalapenos or chopped green chilies for a bit of heat.
Seasonal variations
Corn Pie is a great way to switch up your dinner menu with seasonal ingredients. For summer, stir in fresh corn, tomatoes and zucchini for a light and refreshing twist. In autumn, opt for butternut squash, cranberries and apples for a comforting flavor combination. For winter, add sweet potatoes, kale and onions for a hearty and warming dish. Finally, for springtime, opt for mushrooms, leeks and asparagus – a classic but delicious combination.
Conclusion
Corn Pie is a delicious and versatile dish that can be enjoyed year-round. Whether you are looking for a classic dessert or a hearty side dish, this recipe has something to offer everyone. With its simple ingredients and easy instructions, you can whip up the perfect Corn Pie in no time. From adding seasonal vegetables to omitting eggs for vegetarian options, the possibilities are endless when it comes to this delicious dish.
