Prepare your taste buds for an extraordinary culinary experience with the 12 Bones Corn Pudding. This isn’t just any corn pudding; it’s a legendary casserole from the acclaimed 12 Bones Smokehouse in Asheville, North Carolina. Renowned for its unique take on classic BBQ, 12 Bones has perfected a corn pudding that transcends the ordinary, becoming a staple you’ll crave all summer long and a star deserving of a place on every festive holiday table. While their Blueberry Chipotle Ribs are famously delectable, this corn pudding recipe holds its own as an unforgettable dish, promising a symphony of flavors that will delight everyone.
Through years of experimenting with countless recipes, I’ve savored many delicious corn puddings, but none quite compare to the distinct magic of the 12 Bones version. What truly sets this particular recipe apart and elevates it from a simple side dish to a gourmet delight is the ingenious addition of poblano peppers. These mild chili peppers infuse the pudding with incredible depth of flavor and just a whisper of heat, creating a complex and incredibly satisfying taste profile. It’s a harmonious blend of sweet, savory, and a touch of smoky spice that truly makes it extra special and irresistibly addictive.
The Secret to Perfection: Two Types Of Corn
The foundation of 12 Bones Corn Pudding’s rich, authentic corn flavor lies in its clever combination of textures and tastes. This recipe masterfully blends both fresh corn kernels and canned creamed corn. The fresh corn brings a vibrant, crisp sweetness and a delightful chew, bursting with the essence of summery goodness. It contributes a lively texture that makes each bite interesting and keeps the dish from feeling heavy. Meanwhile, the creamed corn contributes an unparalleled creamy texture and an intensified, sweet corn essence, ensuring every spoonful is lush, comforting, and deeply satisfying. This duality creates a complex flavor profile and a consistency that is both smooth and pleasantly textured, allowing the corn flavor to shine through in multiple dimensions, making it a true standout among corn dishes.
A Culinary Gem from Asheville, NC: 12 Bones Smokehouse
Before we dive deeper into the recipe’s specifics, let’s take a moment to appreciate its origin. 12 Bones Smokehouse isn’t just a restaurant; it’s an Asheville institution, a culinary landmark in the vibrant mountains of Western North Carolina. This beloved eatery has garnered a loyal following for its unconventional yet incredibly delicious barbecue, earning a reputation that stretches far beyond state lines. Known for its creative sauces, perfectly smoked meats, and innovative sides, 12 Bones has become synonymous with innovative Southern comfort food. Their approach to classic dishes, like this corn pudding, involves a unique twist that leaves a lasting impression on anyone lucky enough to try it. Visiting Asheville often means a pilgrimage to 12 Bones, and it’s easy to see why their recipes, like this corn pudding, have captured the hearts (and stomachs) of so many. The restaurant’s philosophy of using high-quality ingredients and bold flavors is perfectly encapsulated in this exceptional side dish, which perfectly balances tradition with a touch of the unexpected.
What Our Readers Are Saying
Debbie, a delighted cook, shared her experience: “I made this for Thanksgiving, it was said to be the best thing on the entire plate! So yummy and really easy to make.” ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ This resounding approval highlights the dish’s universal appeal and ease of preparation.
Serving Suggestions for 12 Bones Corn Pudding
This incredible corn pudding is not only remarkably quick and easy to prepare, but it also yields a generous amount, making it a fantastic choice for feeding a crowd. Baked in a standard 10×15-inch baking pan, it’s perfectly sized for large holiday feasts – think Thanksgiving, Christmas, or Easter gatherings – where a comforting and substantial side is always appreciated. Its impressive volume also makes it ideal for neighborhood potlucks, family reunions, church suppers, or any large social event where you want to bring a dish that truly stands out and garners rave reviews. The ease of preparation combined with its crowd-pleasing qualities makes it a go-to recipe for any host.
Beyond formal occasions, this corn pudding is an absolute sensation at casual cookouts and barbecue parties. It pairs flawlessly with a wide variety of grilled and smoked meats. Imagine a spoonful of this sweet and savory pudding alongside succulent pulled pork, perfectly seasoned grilled chicken, juicy burgers hot off the grill, or tender, smoky brisket. The creamy texture and unique flavor profile of the pudding, with its subtle spice, cut through the richness of the meats, creating a balanced and utterly satisfying meal that will have everyone asking for seconds. Don’t limit yourself to just BBQ; it also complements roasted turkey, pan-seared pork chops, or even a simple vegetarian spread beautifully. A garnish of fresh chopped cilantro, green onions, or a sprinkle of crumbled bacon before serving can add an extra layer of freshness, flavor, and visual appeal, elevating the dish even further.
With a significant amount of sugar, this corn pudding leans towards the sweeter side, almost bordering on a dessert. However, this sweetness is beautifully balanced by the richness of heavy cream and butter, which contribute to its luxurious texture. The savory notes from the ground cumin and coriander, along with the distinctive warmth from the poblano pepper, create a complex flavor profile that is distinctly Southwestern and incredibly satisfying. This thoughtful combination of ingredients prevents the sweetness from being overwhelming, making it a versatile dish that can surprise and delight guests with its depth and character. Honestly, when you have a side dish this good, infused with such rich and layered flavors, you might just find yourself focusing more on the pudding than the main course! It’s that memorable.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Preparing delicious meals should also be convenient, and this 12 Bones Corn Pudding excels in that regard. If you find yourself with any leftovers – a rare occurrence, given its immense popularity – they can be easily stored and enjoyed later. Transfer the cooled corn pudding to an airtight container and refrigerate it promptly for up to 4 days. This makes it a fantastic make-ahead option for busy weeknights or for savoring the deliciousness throughout the week after a big gathering. Its robust flavor often deepens slightly upon refrigeration, making leftovers almost as good as the first serving.
To reheat, simply place a portion in a microwave-safe dish and warm it until heated through, stirring occasionally for even temperature distribution. For larger amounts or if you prefer a crispier top, you can reheat it in the oven. Place it in an oven-safe dish at a moderate temperature (around 300°F or 150°C) until warm throughout, loosely covered with foil to prevent it from drying out. This method is especially recommended for holiday leftovers, as it helps maintain the pudding’s delightful texture. You can even prepare this entire casserole a day in advance, assemble it, cover it tightly, and refrigerate before baking. Just allow it to come closer to room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking, or add a little extra baking time if baking directly from the fridge. This exceptional flexibility makes it an even more appealing recipe for entertainers and busy home cooks alike, allowing you to enjoy this incredible dish without last-minute stress.
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More Irresistible Corn Recipes to Try
If you’ve fallen in love with the versatile flavor of corn and are looking for more ways to incorporate this wonderful ingredient into your meals, we have plenty of other fantastic recipes that celebrate its unique taste and texture. From hearty casseroles to zesty salads, these dishes are perfect for any meal and any occasion, offering diverse ways to enjoy corn year-round.
- Corn and Sausage Pudding: A hearty and savory take on corn pudding, packed with the richness of sausage and sweet corn. This makes for a comforting brunch or a satisfying dinner side.
- Crockpot Jalapeno Creamed Corn: Enjoy a creamy, flavorful corn dish with a delightful spicy kick, all made effortlessly in your slow cooker. It’s incredibly easy and bursting with flavor.
- Cheddar Corn Casserole: A cheesy, comforting casserole that beautifully combines the natural sweetness of corn with the sharp tang of cheddar cheese for an irresistible side dish that appeals to all ages.
- The BEST Way To Cook Corn on the Cob: Master the art of cooking corn on the cob to absolute perfection with this simple yet incredibly effective method, ensuring sweet, tender kernels every time.
- Country-Fried Skillet Corn: A rustic and incredibly flavorful skillet dish that brings out the best in fresh corn with a touch of classic Southern charm, perfect as a hearty side.
- Chipotle Corn Salad: A vibrant and zesty salad featuring crisp corn kernels, smoky chipotle peppers, and fresh ingredients for a light yet incredibly flavorful side dish or appetizer.
12 Bones Corn Pudding – The Official Recipe
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
Yields: 12 generously sized servings
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars (based on 8 enthusiastic reviews)
Experience the renowned 12 Bones Corn Pudding – a truly delicious, sweet, and smoky corn casserole that’s ideal for any gathering. Its unique blend of fresh and creamed corn with a hint of poblano guarantees it will be a crowd-pleaser and a memorable addition to your table.
Ingredients
- 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ¼ cups granulated sugar
- 3 tablespoons, plus 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (for a touch of heat, adjust to your preference)
- 6 large eggs
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 (14-ounce) can creamed corn
- 2 poblano peppers, seeded and finely diced
- 2 cups fresh corn kernels (approximately 3-4 ears of corn, removed from the cob)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven & Prepare Dish: Begin by preheating your oven to 300°F (150°C). Lightly grease a 10×15-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal and serving of the pudding.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine all the dry ingredients: all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, salt, ground coriander, ground cumin, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Whisk them thoroughly until they are well combined and there are no visible lumps. This step is crucial for an even distribution of flavors and leavening agents throughout the pudding.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the wet ingredients: the 6 large eggs, completely melted butter, heavy cream, and the entire can of creamed corn. Mix until smooth and fully incorporated, ensuring a uniform liquid base for the pudding.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add the wet ingredient mixture to the bowl containing the dry ingredients. Mix everything together carefully with a spatula or spoon, just until no dry streaks of flour remain. Be mindful not to overmix, as this can lead to a tougher, less tender corn pudding.
- Fold in Fresh Elements: Finally, gently fold in the finely diced poblano peppers and the fresh corn kernels. The poblanos add that signature depth and mild warmth, while the fresh corn provides a delightful texture contrast and bursts of natural sweetness.
- Pour into Dish: Pour the prepared corn pudding batter evenly into your greased 10×15-inch baking dish, spreading it out to create an even layer.
- First Bake (Covered): Cover the baking dish loosely with aluminum foil. This “tenting” method is important as it helps to ensure even cooking throughout the pudding and prevents the top from browning too quickly or drying out. Bake for 1 hour with the foil on.
- Second Bake (Uncovered) & Check Doneness: After 1 hour, carefully remove the aluminum foil. Continue baking for an additional 30 minutes, or until the center of the pudding is just set and the top has achieved a beautiful golden-brown color. To check for doneness, a toothpick inserted into the center should come out mostly clean.
- Cool and Serve: Once baked, remove the pudding from the oven and allow it to cool slightly on a wire rack for about 10-15 minutes before serving. This brief cooling period helps it to set further, makes for easier portioning, and allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Serve warm and prepare for compliments!
Notes
A Special Note on Baking Powder: You might notice that the amount of baking powder in this recipe seems quite generous for a pudding; rest assured, it is not a typo. This specific quantity is absolutely essential for achieving the perfect light, airy, and fluffy texture that makes this 12 Bones Corn Pudding truly unique and delicious. Trust the recipe – it works wonders!
Nutrition Information (Approximate Per Serving)
Calories: 441 kcal | Carbohydrates: 50g | Protein: 8g | Fat: 25g | Saturated Fat: 15g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 7g | Trans Fat: 0.3g | Cholesterol: 158mg | Sodium: 976mg | Potassium: 237mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 25g | Vitamin A: 1146 IU | Vitamin C: 19mg | Calcium: 269mg | Iron: 2mg
Please note: Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should be used as an approximation. Actual values may vary based on specific ingredients used and preparation methods.
Did you make this delicious 12 Bones Corn Pudding?We’d love to hear about it! Leave a comment below and don’t forget to tag us @spicysouthernkitchen on social media when you share your culinary creations!
This incredible recipe has been slightly adapted from the fantastic cookbook: 12 Bones Smokehouse: A Mountain BBQ Cookbook, a must-have for any fan of their distinctive flavors and innovative Southern cooking.
Originally posted on June 16, 2018. This article has been updated and enhanced for accuracy, comprehensiveness, and an even more delightful reading experience, ensuring you have all the information needed to recreate this legendary dish.