Corn is a versatile and tasty vegetable that shines in many dishes. From soups and salads to casseroles and sides, corn adds sweetness and texture to countless recipes.

Whether you prefer it grilled, boiled, or roasted, there’s a corn dish for every taste.

You’ll find plenty of ways to enjoy fresh summer corn or frozen kernels year-round with these 15+ delicious corn recipes. Try creamy chowders, zesty salsas, hearty casseroles, and simple grilled cobs.

With so many options, you can serve corn as an appetizer, side dish, or even the star of your meal. Get ready to add some tasty corn dishes to your recipe collection.

1. Grilled Mexican Street Corn

Grilled Mexican Street Corn, also known as elotes, is a tasty summer treat. You start by grilling fresh corn on the cob until it’s lightly charred.

Next, brush the corn with a creamy mixture of mayo and sour cream. Sprinkle chili powder over the corn for a spicy kick.

Finally, add a generous coating of crumbled cheese. The result is a perfect blend of sweet, spicy, and tangy flavors.

This dish is easy to make at home. It’s a great addition to your next barbecue or cookout. Your guests will love this tasty twist on plain grilled corn.

2. Corn Chowder with Bacon

Corn chowder with bacon is a hearty, comforting soup perfect for cold days. You can make this delicious dish in about 30 minutes.

Start by cooking bacon until crispy in a large pot. Remove the bacon but keep the grease for added flavor.

Add diced potatoes, onions, and corn to the pot. Pour in milk and cream of mushroom soup for a rich base. Simmer until the potatoes are tender.

Crumble the bacon and stir it into the chowder just before serving. Top with green onions or a dollop of sour cream if you like.

This creamy soup combines sweet corn, smoky bacon, and buttery potatoes for a satisfying meal. It’s easy to make ahead and reheat later.

3. Sweet Corn Pancakes

Sweet corn pancakes are a delicious twist on a breakfast classic. You can make them with fresh, canned, or frozen corn.

To prepare, mix cornmeal, flour, sugar, and salt in a bowl. In another bowl, combine milk, melted butter, and corn.

Add the wet ingredients to the dry and stir until just combined. Don’t overmix. Let the batter rest for 15-20 minutes.

Heat a skillet over medium heat. Pour small amounts of batter onto the hot surface. Cook until bubbles form, then flip and cook the other side.

Serve your sweet corn pancakes warm with butter and syrup. They’re great for breakfast or as a unique side dish.

4. Creamy Corn Risotto

Creamy corn risotto is a tasty dish that combines the sweetness of corn with the richness of risotto. You’ll need Arborio rice, corn kernels, chicken broth, butter, and Parmesan cheese.

Start by sautéing minced onions in butter. Add the rice and toast it briefly. Pour in some white wine and let it absorb.

Gradually add hot broth while stirring constantly. This process takes about 20 minutes.

When the rice is almost done, mix in the corn kernels and cook for a few more minutes.

Finish your risotto by stirring in grated Parmesan and a splash of cream. The result is a creamy, comforting dish that highlights the flavor of fresh corn.

5. Corn Fritters

Corn fritters are a tasty way to enjoy fresh or frozen corn. You can make them in about 15 minutes with just a few ingredients.

To make corn fritters, mix flour, sugar, and baking powder. Add eggs, milk, salt, and a dash of cayenne pepper. Stir in corn kernels and chives.

Heat oil in a pan. Drop spoonfuls of batter into the hot oil. Cook for 1-2 minutes on each side until golden brown.

Corn fritters are crispy on the outside and tender inside. They make a great side dish or snack. You can serve them plain or with a dipping sauce.

6. Corn and Black Bean Salsa

Corn and black bean salsa is a tasty and colorful dish perfect for snacking or as a side. You can make it quickly with just a few ingredients.

Start by cooking corn in a skillet until lightly golden. Add black beans, diced bell peppers, tomatoes, and red onions for extra flavor and crunch.

Season your salsa with salt, cumin, and lime juice. For a spicy kick, mix in some chopped jalapeño. Fresh cilantro adds a bright, herbal note.

This versatile salsa goes great with chips, tacos, or grilled meats. It’s also a healthy option for potlucks and parties.

7. Buttery Cornbread

Buttery cornbread is a classic comfort food that’s easy to make at home. You’ll love its golden crust and rich flavor.

This recipe uses butter as a key ingredient for moist, tender results. Mix in some frozen corn kernels for extra texture.

For best results, bake your cornbread in a preheated cast iron skillet. This gives it a crispy exterior. Serve warm with honey or extra butter on the side.

Try adding cheese, jalapeños, or herbs to change up the flavors. Cornbread works well as a side dish or snack. You can store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days.

8. Spicy Corn and Zucchini Salad

This zesty salad combines fresh corn and zucchini for a perfect summer side dish. Cut zucchini into bite-sized pieces and mix with corn kernels in a bowl.

Make a tangy dressing with lime juice, vinegar, honey, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Pour it over the vegetables and toss to coat.

For extra flavor, try grilling the corn and zucchini first. This adds a nice smoky char to the salad.

You can customize this versatile dish by adding other ingredients like red bell pepper, red onion, or feta cheese. Fresh cilantro brings a bright, citrusy note to finish it off.

9. Corn Pudding

Corn pudding is a tasty side dish that blends sweet corn with a creamy, custard-like texture. You can make it easily with canned or frozen corn.

Most recipes call for whole kernel corn and cream-style corn. Other common ingredients are eggs, milk, butter, and sugar.

To prepare corn pudding, mix the ingredients in a bowl. Pour the mixture into a baking dish and bake until set and golden on top.

This dish is popular at holiday meals, especially Thanksgiving. It pairs well with turkey, ham, or other main courses.

You can customize corn pudding by adding cheese, bacon, or herbs. Some versions use cornbread mix for extra flavor and texture.

10. Cheesy Corn Casserole

Cheesy Corn Casserole is a tasty and easy dish you can make for dinner or special occasions. You’ll need whole corn, cream-style corn, cornbread mix, sour cream, cheddar cheese, and eggs.

Mix these ingredients in a bowl and pour into a greased baking dish. Spread the mixture evenly and top with more cheese if you like.

Bake the casserole in a 350°F oven for about 45-55 minutes. It’s done when a knife inserted in the center comes out clean. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.

This casserole is creamy, cheesy, and full of corn flavor. It’s great as a side dish or even as a main course.

11. Corn and Avocado Salad

Corn and avocado salad is a tasty summer dish that’s quick to make. You’ll need fresh corn, ripe avocados, and a few other ingredients.

Start by cooking the corn. You can boil it for 3 minutes or grill it for extra flavor. Let it cool, then cut the kernels off the cob.

Mix the corn with diced avocado, chopped tomatoes, and red onion in a bowl. Add some cilantro for a fresh taste.

Make a simple dressing with lime juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Pour it over the salad and toss gently. This salad goes well with grilled meats or can be enjoyed on its own.

12. Corn-Stuffed Peppers

Corn-stuffed peppers are a tasty twist on classic stuffed peppers. You can use bell peppers or poblanos as your base. Cut the peppers in half and remove the seeds.

Mix cooked ground beef, corn, rice, and tomato sauce for the filling. Spoon this mixture into the pepper halves. For extra flavor, add some cheese on top.

Bake the stuffed peppers until they’re tender and the filling is hot. The corn adds a sweet crunch to each bite. You can customize the recipe by adding other vegetables or spices you like.

This dish is filling and nutritious. It’s perfect for a family dinner or meal prep. Serve with a side salad for a complete meal.

13. Corn and Cheddar Muffins

Corn and cheddar muffins are a tasty twist on classic cornbread. You can make these savory treats easily at home.

Start by mixing your wet ingredients in one bowl and dry ingredients in another.

Combine flour, cornmeal, baking powder, and salt for the dry mix. For wet ingredients, blend milk, sour cream, melted butter, and eggs. Fold the two mixtures together gently.

Add shredded cheddar cheese and corn kernels to the batter for extra flavor and texture. Spoon the mixture into greased muffin tins. Bake at 425°F for about 15-18 minutes until golden brown.

These muffins are perfect for breakfast or as a side dish. They’re great with chili or soup too. Enjoy them warm from the oven for the best taste.

14. Corn and Tomato Salad

Corn and tomato salad is a refreshing summer dish you can make in just 15 minutes. It combines sweet corn kernels with juicy cherry tomatoes for a burst of flavor.

To make this salad, mix fresh corn, halved cherry tomatoes, and diced red onion in a bowl. Add chopped fresh basil for a fragrant touch.

For the dressing, whisk together red wine vinegar, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Pour it over the vegetables and toss gently to coat.

This versatile salad pairs well with grilled chicken or shrimp. You can also serve it as a side dish at barbecues or picnics. It’s best enjoyed chilled for maximum freshness.

15. Cornbread Waffles

Cornbread waffles offer a tasty twist on traditional cornbread. They’re crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. You can make them easily with a waffle iron and basic ingredients.

Mix cornmeal, flour, sugar, eggs, and buttermilk for the batter. Some recipes use Jiffy cornbread mix as a shortcut. Pour the batter into a preheated waffle iron and cook until golden brown.

These waffles are versatile. You can serve them sweet with honey or maple syrup. For a savory option, top them with chili or fried chicken. Add corn kernels, jalapeños, or cheese to the batter for extra flavor.

Cornbread waffles freeze well. Cook them slightly less if you plan to reheat later. They’re perfect for quick breakfasts or easy dinners.

Nutritional Benefits of Corn

Corn offers many health benefits due to its rich nutrient content. It provides essential vitamins, minerals, and fiber that support your body’s functions.

Vitamins and Minerals

Corn contains several important vitamins and minerals. It’s a good source of thiamine, a B vitamin that helps turn food into energy. You’ll get about 20% of your daily thiamine needs from one ear of corn.

Corn also provides folate, another B vitamin. Folate is key for making DNA and other genetic material. One ear of corn gives you about 15% of the folate you need each day.

You’ll find vitamin C in corn too. This vitamin boosts your immune system and helps your body absorb iron. Corn also has small amounts of other vitamins and minerals like potassium, magnesium, and zinc.

Fiber Content

Corn is rich in fiber, which is great for your digestive system. One medium ear of corn has about 2 grams of fiber.

That’s about 8% of what you need daily.

Fiber helps you feel full and may aid weight control. It also keeps your bowels regular and might lower cholesterol levels.

Corn has both types of fiber – soluble and insoluble. Soluble fiber may help control blood sugar. Insoluble fiber adds bulk to stool and helps food move through your gut.

Corn Varieties and Their Uses

Corn comes in different types, each with unique qualities and cooking uses. The two main varieties you’ll find are sweet corn and flint corn.

Let’s look at how these differ and what you can do with them in the kitchen.

Sweet Corn

Sweet corn is the type you’ll most often eat fresh. It has a high sugar content that gives it a sweet taste. You can find it in yellow, white, or bicolor varieties.

Sweet corn is great for:

• Grilling or boiling on the cob
• Adding to salads
• Making creamed corn
• Using in corn chowder

For the best flavor, eat sweet corn soon after picking. As time passes, its sugars turn to starch.

If you can’t eat it right away, store it in the fridge with the husks on.

Flint Corn

Flint corn has a hard outer layer and is also called Indian corn. It comes in many colors, from red to blue to white.

You can use flint corn for:

• Making cornmeal and polenta
• Popping into popcorn
• Fall decorations

Flint corn is not eaten fresh like sweet corn. It needs to be processed first. Its hard kernels make it good for grinding into flour. You might see it used in tortillas or cornbread.