When you think of Ruth’s Chris Steak House, your mind probably goes straight to sizzling steaks, buttery lobster tails, and decadent desserts. But nestled among their famous menu offerings lies a humble yet unforgettable dish: Ruth’s Chris Corn Pudding. This rich, creamy, and slightly sweet casserole-style side has earned its own loyal fanbase, often remembered just as fondly as the steak itself.
In this post, we’ll take a deep dive into everything you need to know about Ruth’s Chris Corn Pudding: from its origins and flavor profile to a step-by-step recipe you can recreate at home. We’ll also explore serving suggestions, variations, and storage tips to help you make the most of this indulgent comfort food. Whether you’re preparing a holiday feast or a casual weeknight dinner, this is a dish that promises to impress.
What Is Ruth’s Chris Corn Pudding?
At its core, corn pudding is a custard-like side dish made with corn kernels, eggs, milk or cream, and a touch of flour or cornstarch to bind everything together. Ruth’s Chris elevates this Southern classic by striking the perfect balance between savory and sweet, with a creamy texture that pairs beautifully with their rich steaks and seafood.
Unlike cornbread, which is more bread-like and dense, Ruth’s Chris Corn Pudding has a velvety smooth consistency, almost like a soufflé or custard. Every bite is buttery, slightly sweet, and infused with the natural flavor of corn. It’s hearty without being heavy, and versatile enough to complement everything from roast turkey to barbecue ribs.
Why People Love Ruth’s Chris Corn Pudding
There’s a reason this side dish has a cult following. Here are a few qualities that make Ruth’s Chris Corn Pudding stand out:
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Creamy, Custardy Texture – Unlike gritty or dry corn casseroles, this pudding is silky smooth.
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Balanced Flavor – Sweet corn pairs with cream, butter, and a touch of seasoning for a sweet-savory harmony.
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Restaurant-Level Indulgence – It feels luxurious, making it ideal for holidays or special occasions.
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Comfort Food Vibes – Despite its elegance, it has that homestyle warmth that reminds you of Sunday dinners.
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Versatility – It pairs just as well with fine dining entrées as it does with fried chicken or roasted vegetables.
Ingredients in Ruth’s Chris Corn Pudding
While Ruth’s Chris has never officially released their secret recipe, food lovers and copycat chefs have worked tirelessly to replicate it. Most versions use a base of pantry staples, which makes it easy to prepare at home.
Here’s what you’ll typically need:
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Corn kernels – Fresh, frozen, or canned (fresh gives the best flavor).
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Cream-style corn – Adds creaminess and a sweet corn base.
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Eggs – Help bind the pudding and create that custardy texture.
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Heavy cream or whole milk – For richness.
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Butter – Because no Ruth’s Chris dish is complete without it.
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Sugar – To balance the savory notes.
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Flour or cornstarch – Thickens the pudding slightly.
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Salt and pepper – For seasoning.
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Optional spices – A pinch of nutmeg, cayenne, or paprika for depth.
Copycat Recipe: How to Make Ruth’s Chris Corn Pudding at Home
Here’s a tried-and-true copycat recipe that captures the essence of Ruth’s Chris Corn Pudding.
Ingredients
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2 cups corn kernels (fresh or frozen, thawed)
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1 can (14 oz) cream-style corn
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3 large eggs
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1 cup heavy cream (or whole milk for a lighter version)
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4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
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2 tablespoons sugar (adjust to taste)
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3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
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1 teaspoon baking powder
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½ teaspoon salt
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¼ teaspoon black pepper
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¼ teaspoon nutmeg (optional, for warmth)
Instructions
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Preheat the Oven
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a medium baking dish with butter. -
Mix Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, cream, melted butter, and sugar until smooth. -
Add Dry Ingredients
Stir in flour, baking powder, salt, pepper, and nutmeg until just combined. -
Fold in Corn
Add both the corn kernels and cream-style corn. Mix gently to distribute evenly. -
Bake
Pour the mixture into the greased dish. Bake for 45–50 minutes, or until the top is golden and the center is set but slightly jiggly. -
Cool & Serve
Let the pudding rest for 5–10 minutes before serving. The texture will firm up slightly as it cools.
Tips for Perfect Corn Pudding
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Don’t Overbake – Remove from the oven while it’s still a little jiggly; it will set as it cools.
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Fresh Corn = Best Flavor – If in season, use fresh corn cut straight off the cob.
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Adjust Sweetness – Some prefer sweeter pudding; feel free to add an extra tablespoon of sugar.
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Add Cheese for Richness – A handful of sharp cheddar or Parmesan creates a more savory version.
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Make Ahead – You can assemble the pudding a day in advance and bake it fresh when needed.
How to Serve Ruth’s Chris Corn Pudding
This dish shines as a holiday side or as a complement to hearty meats. Some classic pairings include:
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Steak or Prime Rib – Just like at Ruth’s Chris.
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Thanksgiving Turkey – A fantastic alternative (or addition) to stuffing.
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Honey Baked Ham – The sweetness of corn pudding matches beautifully with glazed ham.
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Southern Barbecue – Pairs well with smoky pulled pork or ribs.
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Vegetarian Meals – Serve alongside roasted vegetables or a fresh salad.
For presentation, serve directly from the casserole dish, or scoop into ramekins for individual servings. Garnish with fresh chives or parsley for a pop of color.
Variations to Try
Want to put your own spin on Ruth’s Chris Corn Pudding? Here are some creative variations:
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Cheesy Corn Pudding – Add shredded cheddar, Gruyère, or pepper jack.
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Spicy Kick – Mix in diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne.
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Herbed Version – Add thyme, rosemary, or sage for an aromatic twist.
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Bacon Lovers – Stir in crumbled crispy bacon before baking.
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Mexican-Inspired – Add cotija cheese, green chilies, and cilantro.
Storing and Reheating
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Refrigeration – Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
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Freezing – Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge.
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Reheating – Warm in the oven at 300°F (150°C) until heated through, or microwave individual portions.
Nutrition Information (Approximate per serving)
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Calories: 260
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Fat: 14g
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Carbs: 29g
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Protein: 6g
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Fiber: 2g
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Sugar: 8g
This makes it a moderate indulgence, perfect for holidays or special occasions.
Why You Should Make Ruth’s Chris Corn Pudding at Home
Recreating Ruth’s Chris Corn Pudding at home isn’t just about saving money—it’s about capturing that signature comfort in your own kitchen. With simple ingredients and a straightforward recipe, you can bring a touch of fine dining to your family table any night of the week.
Plus, this dish works across multiple occasions:
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Holidays – Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Easter.
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Family Dinners – A great way to make weeknight meals feel special.
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Potlucks – Crowd-pleasing and easy to transport.
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Celebrations – A side dish that always wows guests.
Conclusion
Ruth’s Chris Corn Pudding is more than just a side dish—it’s an experience. Creamy, indulgent, and packed with sweet corn flavor, it brings a comforting Southern touch to any meal. Whether you’re a longtime fan from the restaurant or a curious home cook eager to try it for the first time, this recipe will not disappoint.
