Corn is such a versatile vegetable. It can be eaten on or off the cob, cooked or eaten raw, and used in savory and sweet applications. Summer is the peak season for fresh corn, but frozen and canned corn are available year round. Corn is also extremely affordable, making it the perfect veggie to make on a budget or to feed a large family. The best corn recipes are easy to make, delicious, and affordable.
At the supermarket, there are typically three options for corn: canned corn, fresh ears of corn, and frozen corn. While they are all corn, there are slight variations depending on which corn you buy.
Canned corn is preserved, typically in a sugary or syrupy brine. It's extremely shelf stable, but you'll want to use it after opening the can. Frozen corn is blanched and flash frozen before it is packaged up. Once the corn thaws, it's ready to eat. You can also use it in soups and stews right from the freezer. Fresh corn has to be peeled and shucked before the kernels can be used.
We're taking a look at our favorite corn recipes, using fresh, frozen, and canned corn.
1. Elote Salad
WOE
Elote is also known as Mexican corn. It's a popular street food that is eaten straight off the cob. After the corn is grilled, it's slathered with a mayo and sour cream sauce, seasoned with chili powder and paprika. It's then sprinkled with cotija cheese, lime, and cilantro.
Get the recipe here.
2. Creamed Corn
WOE
You can buy a can of pre-made creamed corn, but making it from scratch is even more delicious. The homemade version is easy to whip up, as it barely takes any prep time. Flour and milk are added to a saucepan to create a roux. Then, heavy cream, milk, cream cheese, and parmesan is added to the pot with frozen corn kernels. The result is a rich and creamy side dish that everyone will love.
Get the recipe here.
3. Corn Chowder
WOE
Soup is usually reserved for the winter time, but corn chowder is a great summertime dish. This dish utilizes fresh summer corn on the cob because the husks are used to flavor the stock. Corn chowder can also be loaded with bacon, potatoes, and veggies to make it hearty and satisfying.
Get the recipe here.
4. Summer Corn Salad
WOE
This salad utilizes all the fresh summer vegetables, including corn on the cob. The best part of this recipe is you don't need to turn on the oven. Corn is grilled to bring out the sweetness and charred flavor.
Get the recipe here.
5. Hot Corn Dip
WOE
This corn dip is made with canned Mexican corn, canned green chili, and jalapeno, for a hint of spice. The creamy dip is baked until nice and bubbly hot. It can also be made in a slow cooker and cooked for 1-2 hours. This dip can be served with tortilla chips, crackers, or even fresh tortillas.
Get the recipe here.
6. Corn Pudding
A Spicy Perspective
Corn pudding, aka corn soufflè is a light and fluffy side dish. This dish uses canned cream corn, as well as fresh or frozen corn. It's extremely versatile and can be made year round. Poblano pepper adds a little kick to balance the sweetness from the corn.
Get the recipe here.
7. Corn Fritters/Fried Cornbread
Sarah Abrams
Corn fritters are essentially corn and cheese fried patties. They are sweet, crispy, and delicious. You can use fresh kernels or frozen kernels that have completely thawed. Once the corn batter is made, the fritters are dropped into a skillet with vegetable oil and fried until golden brown. These are scrumptious on their own, but could be topped with sour cream or bacon bits for a heartier snack.
Get the recipe here.
8. Cowboy Caviar
WOE
This dish is a staple throughout Texas and the South. Some may even refer to the dish as Texas caviar. It's a mix between a salsa and a salad and it's downright delicious. It's a mix of corn, onion, peppers, tomato, avocado, and beans. The black eyed peas represent the "caviar" in the dish. A tangy vinaigrette of lime juice and red wine vinegar brings all the flavors together.
Get the recipe here.
READ: All the Ways to Cook Corn on the Cob for the Perfect Side
