Is your fridge stocked with corn (fresh or frozen!)? Well, these tasty corn recipes will make you use up every single kernel!
If you’re a Southern American, you probably have more than a few corn recipes written on stained paper and treasured dearly in your kitchen.
But what if this versatile ingredient isn’t on your table that often? If you have an abundance of corn and wonder what best to cook with it, you’re at the right place.
Whether you’re in the mood for something creamy, spicy, healthy, or super cheesy, I’ve got you covered. These are the ultimate corn dishes that everyone will enjoy!
Table of Contents
What Should I Do with Corn?
What shouldn’t you do sounds like a better question. Because, really. Corn is such a versatile staple ingredient that blends well with meat, dairy products, and veggies.
From soups and chowders to salsa, fritters, salads, and loaded casseroles. Or plain on the cob? Or as a creamy dip? Pick your choice.
Corn can be used in so many different ways. And this roundup of recipes will show you that the possibilities of cooking with corn are endless.
Is it OK to Microwave Corn?
Leftover corn is safe to microwave, just like any other cooked veggie.
But did you know that you can cook your corn on the cob without boiling or grilling it?
An ear of fresh, normal-sized corn takes about 4 minutes to cook in the microwave. And it comes out crispy, sweet, and incredibly juicy.
Best Corn Recipes
Here are the most fool-proof corn recipes that will surely become regular:
1. Corn Mango Salsa
Source: blessthismeal.com
Healthy and refreshing salsa is my idea for a good summer lunch.
Whether with tortilla chips on the side or in a burrito bowl. It doesn’t really matter. Because you will absolutely love this recipe.
Spiced up with jalapenos and red onions. Sweetened up with mango. Plus, it features some refreshing lime and cilantro notes. What’s not to like?
A super colorful tossed dish that will transform any party table!
2. Homemade Creamed Corn
Source: currytrail.in
Creamed corn may be the Southern potluck staple. But this recipe is so good that it will complement your dinners all year long.
A really traditional recipe that pairs well with practically all meat dishes.
It uses cream cheese and half and half. But the real gem here has to be the butter-sauteed red onion bites that boost the flavor.
If you don’t like onions, feel free to omit them. But under no circumstances choose to go without the butter. It will be practically a crime.
3. Elote Corn Salad
Source: healthylifetrainer.com
If you have off-the-cob corn that you want to use up, this is definitely something to try. A lovely Mexican delight for the most exciting side dish ever.
Corn, onion, cilantro, and feta cheese. Plus, loads of sour cream, lime juice, and fragrant spices.
This salad is the perfect thing to keep you full until dinner. However, you can also have it as a side. Grilled chicken is a great pairing and will make a wholesome meal.
4. Calabacitas
Source: zucchinizone.com
If you’re a Mexican-cuisine newbie, Calabacitas means zucchini. And yes, this popular dish is made with zucchini. Plus, corn, squash, and cheese. Cotija cheese, to be precise.
It also uses peppers and onions, which seriously enhances the flavor. Heavy cream is also mixed in, so the dish is velvety and creamy.
You can use both fresh and frozen corn for this recipe.
5. Corn Cheese
Source: mikhaeats.com
Okay, if you were looking for the gooiest corn recipe ever, here is your winner. It is the cheesiest corn delight you can possibly whip up. And trust me, you will love whipping this up!
For the best results, use mozzarella cheese. And to make it super creamy, Japanese mayo is used.
Of course, it also features butter for silkiness. It is garnished with green onions. But you can also sprinkle some paprika over for a more fragrant bite.
6. Cheese Hot Corn Dip
Source: belleofthekitchen.com
Cheesy corn dip with chipotle, anyone? Spicy, creamy, and super delicious. This dip is definitely a match for your game-night chips.
The thing that gives it an incredible taste? The fact that it is baked, obviously. Baking the corn, mixed with mayo and chilies, makes it incredibly flavorful.
For a kid-friendly snack, swap the chilies with chopped bell peppers. It will be a huge hit on your table either way.
7. Tajin Corn
Source: beyondmeresustenance.com
Tajin is a popular Mexican seasoning made with chili peppers, salt, and lime. Sprinkled over charred kernels, tajin can seriously enhance corn.
The seasoned kernels are also combined with cotija cheese, which makes it even more delicious.
You can have it with pork, beef, chicken, or even on its own. This dish is filling and nutritious. And I guarantee that it will be prepared more than once.
Are you as obsessed with Tajin as we are? These Tajin recipes will wow your taste buds!
8. Zesty Sweet Corn Relish
Source: afarmgirlsdabbles.com
The best thing about this relish is that you don’t need a hot bath. You simply whip it up. Store it in the fridge. And enjoy it within the next three months.
It also uses peppers, onions, spices, and a white vinegar base. The relish is tangy and perfect with most meat dishes.
Keep in mind that this is a relish you store in the fridge and not the pantry!
9. Corn Fries
Source: bakeitwithlove.com
Have some extra corn you don’t know what to do with? Sprinkle it over your fries!
These French fries are topped with sautéed corn and cheese. And are loaded with taco seasonings for the most flavorful bites.
Crispy and super addicting, I dare you not to devour it all at once., Pretty impossible, I know!
Fresh Corn Recipes
Was there a sale at the farmer’s market? Well, these recipes will make perfect use of the load of fresh corn you’ve just bought!
10. Mexican Style Corn Ribs
Source: currytrail.in
Love having corn ears with your beef or pork dinners? Kind of fed up with the classic salted grilled corn? Then this recipe will be a game-changer, for sure!
Corn on the cob is quartered lengthwise, grilled, and then seriously enhanced. Drizzled with chili mayo, sprinkled with Cotija cheese, and garnished with cilantro.
Now, who wouldn’t want that sitting next to their meat dinner?
11. Black Bean and Corn Salsa
Source: strengthandsunshine.com
If you’re all about putting vibrant dishes on your dinner table, then this salsa will surely satisfy you.
Colorful, crisp, and super fresh! A lovely bowl of corn, black beans, tomatoes, red onions, peppers, and cilantro.
Plus, some garlic, chiles, and lime juice for the ultimate flavor!
You can have this dish as a side, snack, appetizer, or full-blown meal on its own. Yup, it is that filling and satisfying!
12. Air Fryer Corn On The Cob
Source: pipingpotcurry.com
Do you own an Air Fryer? Do you also have some corn ears sitting in your fridge? Then this is a must-try side dish!
Why? Because it practically requires no effort and it yields excellent results. Delicious results!
Simply spray the corn with some cooking oil, season to taste, and place it in the basket for up to 15 minutes. Top with butter, and that’s it!
13. Fresh Corn Salsa
Source: ihearteating.com
This recipe is a clean-eating treat at its best! It is fresh, healthy, nutritious, and ridiculously tasty, too!
It does not feature any creamy ingredients, but you can serve it with some sour cream on the side for a smooth touch.
The jalapeno can also be swapped with sweet peppers. But please, do not omit the cilantro. It is the freshness of this herb that transforms the flavor.
14. Air Fryer Corn Ribs
Source: frommypantry.com
Another Air Fryer on-the-cob recipe. Only this time, the cob is quartered into ribs for the ultimate side-dish indulgence.
The best thing about this recipe is that it makes an incredible snack.
If you are looking to replace your chips and salsa, you’re in luck. These corn ribs pair well with any sauce and dip and are just as addicting.
You can even drizzle your favorite condiment over for an even tastier bite.
15. Grilled Buffalo Corn On The Cob
Source: reusegrowenjoy.com
Hot mayo sauce and a generous parmesan topping. Can you think of anything more suited to put on grilled corn on the cob? Me neither!
Grilled to perfection and brushed with the sauce, this Mexican delight is perfect for your meat dinners.
Or even as a snack to inject some energy and keep the hunger at bay.
16. Mexican Corn Salad with Queso Fresco
Source: flavourandsavour.com
Is there an upcoming summer cookout you are about to participate in? Then this recipe is what you have been looking for all along!
A fresh and vibrant salad made with crisp summer ingredients. Corn, peppers, onions, and cilantro, topped with crumbled queso fresco.
But that’s not all! This tossed bowl is drizzled with a tangy and sweet dressing. The honey and lime touch transforms this salad, making it impossible to resist.
17. Charred Corn Avocado Salad with Roasted Red Onions
Source: thedevilwearssalad.com
If you want to put something fancy but super simple and nutritious on your table, this is it.
This charred corn salad features avocado and roasted onions. And it is a clash of textures your palate will find extremely satisfying.
Perfect for barbecue parties or as a side for grilled chicken or fish. Everyone who tries it will be begging you for the recipe.
18. Elote
Source: cookwithkushi.com
Elote is a very popular Mexican street food. It is cooked corn on the cob with the most delicious, yet very simple, topping ever.
Shucked, boiled, and broiled. This corn on the cob will show you that you don’t need to grill it to load it with flavors.
Brushed with butter. Drizzled with lime. And topped with chili mayo, cotija, and cilantro. A flavorful snack that you simply must serve at your summer backyard parties.
Corn Soup Recipes
If you’re not used to putting corn in your soups, this group of recipes will make you seriously rethink your soup-cooking game.
19. Vegan Corn Chowder
Source: theroastedroot.net
Okay, you can probably guess that this chowder is loaded with veggies, right? But what you don’t know is just how delicious it is.
Thick, creamy, and without any dairy ingredients. This corn delight uses coconut milk to give it a smooth and velvety texture.
It also combines potatoes, carrots, peppers, and onions. Plus, a generous portion of garlic and spices.
So it is loaded with both nutrients and flavors. No one is crazy to pass up on this goodness!
20. Sweet Corn Soup with Herbs and Buttermilk
Source: twokooksinthekitchen.com
This recipe uses a lot of greens. Spinach, chives, basil, parsley, and tarragon. Plus, some green onions!
It combines veggie broth and buttermilk, and it uses butter for silkiness.
But this is not your regular soup recipe. This delight is chilled and served cold. Which makes it perfect for fancy parties. Just serve it in some elegant glasses, and you’re good to go.
Herb-infused, creamy, and filling. A winning combo!
21. Roasted Tomato and Corn Soup
Source: ihearteating.com
A sheet pan full of roasted tomatoes, onions, and garlic, is used for this recipe. Plus, four roasted corn ears for a creamy but very filling meal.
Blended together until smooth, the mixture is then cooked with some broth. It is served drizzled with heavy cream, which makes it even creamier.
Additionally, you can add some cheese on top. Yummy!
22. Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken and Corn Soup
Source: biteswithbri.com
Chicken and corn make one delicious pairing. And if you add some cheese, onions, potatoes, garlic, carrots, and bacon, even tastier!
This creamy and chunky soup offers a lot of texture and flavor. It is rich in spices but very light on the palate.
It is made in the slow cooker, which is as convenient as soup-making can be.
Cheesy, meaty, and super satisfying, this has to be a great way to use up your corn supply.
23. Sweet Corn Soup
Source: culinaryshades.com
An instant pot recipe for an instant corn soup delight! This bowl of goodness is comforting and soothing but incredibly easy on the tummy.
Besides corn, it uses celery, green beans, carrots, and onions.
It is best to serve it hot as an appetizer. If you want some heat, just drizzle with sriracha sauce over. Perfect for unclogging the pipes when fighting a cold. Don’t you think?
24. Corn Soup
Source: healthyrecipes101.com
Simple and wonderfully creamy. This is what describes this soup the best.
Packed with corn, potatoes, and a generous amount of milk. Plus, some sharp parmesan cheese to give it a pungent kick.
Feel free to add your favorite spices and toppings. This soup can surely tolerate all sorts of seasonings. Crumbled bacon and paprika are my absolute favorite.
25. Mexican Corn Soup
Source: peaktoplate.com
Corn soups are a huge hit in Mexico. And if you’ve had the opportunity to try one, you probably know just how delicious they are.
Well, this comes as close to the traditional as possible. With a can of green chilies, a cup of half and half, and the inevitable onion and garlic. This soup busts with both heat and flavor.
The best part about it has to be the refreshing drizzle on top. A sour cream and lime crema to knock down the spiciness.
26. Shrimp and Corn Chowder
Source: belleofthekitchen.com
Want to put a restaurant-worthy stew on your table? Then this shrimp and corn chowder will do the trick!
Smoky, cheesy, creamy, and loaded with texture. It features peppers, bacon, chilies, and lots of cheese.
I’d definitely suggest some crusty bread with this delight. No, seriously. Having some bread to dip into this creaminess is almost a must.
27. Creamy Corn Soup with Lime, Chili, and Baked Tortilla
Source: chefspencil.com
Creamy corn soup with a zesty lime touch and a powerful chili kick. Serve with crispy baked tortillas, and you will not be able to stop yourself.
The recipe offers methods for both the soup and the tortillas. And you wouldn’t be able to decide which one you enjoy more.
The recipe uses 800 grams of corn. So it really is a delicious use for an abundant supply of this yellow ingredient.
28. Zucchini Corn Chowder
Source: zucchinizone.com
Zucchini and corn join forces in this absolute summer creaminess. A soup loaded with fresh veggies and a few pantry staples. Simple, yet incredibly scrumptious.
This soup uses a decent amount of milk and butter, so it is very smooth, as well. If you want to, you can also add some cheese on top to make it gooey.
The potatoes make it filling, but the onions give it depth in flavor.
Corn Casserole Recipes
Corn mixes well in casseroles and adds a nutritious and filling touch to many dishes. Check out these yummy recipes:
29. Cheesy Corn Casserole
Source: simplystacie.net
Creamy. Crispy. Crunchy. Cheesy. Buttery. And oh-so-delicious!
This corn casserole with onions, cheddar, eggs, crackers, and butter, is an absolute delight.
Soft and creamy on the inside, with a yummy soda crunch on the top. This has to be one of the most delicious side dishes to have with your chicken or veggie main dish.
The recipe uses basil as a garnish, but spicy seasonings can work well, too.
30. Mexican Street Corn Casserole
Source: officiallyglutenfree.com
Potluck, barbecue, or a summer cookout. It doesn’t matter what you’re attending because this recipe has got you covered.
A Mexican corn casserole that looks super fancy. But it’s actually very easy to make.
It feeds a crowd and satisfies one, too. Also, it is delicious, vibrant, and definitely worth the try.
You know it pairs with a variety of dishes, so serving this is nothing but a safe and tasty choice.
31. Scalloped Corn Casserole
Source: cincyshopper.com
Crunchy and creamy corn casserole with a generous cracker topping that will make everybody happy.
It is recommended to use Ritz for the best flavor, but any type of saline crackers will work here.
Corn, eggs, melted butter, and crushed crackers are combined. And then topped with some more buttered and seasoned crackers. Yummy, I know!
32. Jiffy Corn Casserole
Source: ihearteating.com
If you’re tired of cornbread but are looking for an equally delicious side dish, make this casserole. It is filling, creamy, and goes well with almost anything.
Corn, cornbread mix, butter, and sour cream. And this lovely dish is ready!
This casserole is a total crowd-pleaser. So it will be the perfect filling side on your holiday table.
33. Cornbread Casserole
Source: noshingwiththenolands.com
If you like the cornbread casserole idea, then this recipe surely satisfies your standards.
It requires only 15 minutes of prep time. Yes, loaded with sour cream. It is smooth. And it is easy to combine with most dishes. And it tastes amazing.
Do you really need more reasons to give this recipe a try? I didn’t think so!
34. Cheesy Fiesta Corn Casserole
Source: thekitchenismyplayground.com
This casserole really lives up to its name. Because this side dish will boost any fiesta.
It is loaded with cheese and a kick of jalapenos for a true Mexican delight.
And it couldn’t be simpler to make, either. You simply dump everything together, give it a mix, cover it, and bake for half an hour.
Isn’t that a side dish worth making over and over again?
35. Creamed Corn Casserole
Source: savoryexperiments.com
Creamed corn casserole is actually a corn-loaded version of cornbread.
It is made with butter and sour cream, and it is a rich side dish that is very versatile.
With the right additions (such as bacon, ham, or other veggies), it can serve as a whole meal on its own. Perfect for breakfast, right?
36. Cheesy Corn Casserole
Source: foxeslovelemons.com
Buttery breadcrumbs give this creamy corn casserole crunchy bites that will surely please a crowd.
But that’s not the only thing you’ll love about this casserole.
It is made with cornmeal, sour cream, heavy cream, and cheese. And it is as filling, cheesy, and creamy as it sounds.
It is also versatile, so it can take on seasonings well.
Corn Recipes for Dinner
What’s for dinner? Corn! Here are the most satisfying dinner recipes where corn plays a key role.
37. Fiesta Corn Salad with Avocado
Source: freshapron.com
Ok, many will agree that this is ideal for lunch. But, when the heat is unbearable, this salad makes one heck of a summer dinner.
It is light, it is vibrant, and it is super filling.
With corn, red onions, avocado, tomatoes, and cilantro, it is also super nutritious, too.
Plus, with a decent lime squeeze and some seasonings, it is packed with enough flavor to keep you coming for more.
This is one of the must-have pool party food ideas for a sunny day!
38. Crispy Corn Fritters
Source: wholesomefarmhouserecipes.com
These corn fritters are the perfect way to empty the corn-loaded drawer in your fridge.
It uses corn kernels, eggs, pancake mix, and some pale light beer to tie it all together.
The crispy beer batter is so delicious that you will not be sorry for making such a huge batch.
That’s right, this recipe makes a whopping 50 fritters. And you will be devouring every single one of them.
39. Summer Corn Macaroni Salad
Source: strengthandsunshine.com
Summer pasta salads should be light, nutritious, and delicious. And this corn macaroni checks all of the boxes!
Whether you serve it as a side dish or on its own, this creamy vegan dish will satisfy even hardcore mayo lovers.
And the best part? It takes only 10 minutes to whip up!
40. Corn, Spinach, and Feta Frittata
Source: uniquecooks.com
Whether for dinner or breakfast, this frittata is something you should not miss.
It comes together so quickly, yet, it can feed a lot of people. And not to mention, it is loaded with nutrients and nothing but yummy flavors.
The recipe uses corn, spinach, onion, and feta. But feel free to customize and add the veggies you have available. You cannot go wrong here, really.
41. Grilled Salmon with Cotija Corn Salsa
Source: lifeasastrawberry.com
Grilled salmon topped with a mixture of grilled corn and cotija cheese. Does that draw water to your mouth, or what?
The corn mixture also features green onions, cilantro, and lime juice. And it is as fresh, zesty, and tasty as you can imagine.
A full-blown meal that is both healthy and filling.
You’ll want to try these best canned salmon recipes next!
42. Cilantro Corn Pizza
Source: lifeasastrawberry.com
This may not sound like the most exciting thing to have for dinner. But trust me on this; you HAVE to try this recipe.
Pizza dough is topped with corn, mozzarella, gruyere, and fresh cilantro. It is crispy, cheesy, fresh, and incredibly satisfying.
If you don’t like (or have) cilantro, keep in mind that basil leaves are another great topping you can use.
43. Mexican Street Corn Fritters
Source: thefoodiephysician.com
Charred corn is added to a batter and cooked in spoonful-batches onto a skillet.
The cornmeal batter combines flour, milk, egg, queso fresco, and some seasonings. The fritters are also topped with additional crumbled cheese, which makes them even tastier.
The cherry on top has to be the lime and yogurt drizzle that gives them an elegant look. Garnish with sliced green onions or cilantro, and they’re all set up for a fancy party.
Looking for something to pair with your fritters? These authentic Mexican bread recipes are the answer!
44. Creamy Sweet Corn Pasta
Source: thedizzycook.com
When summer comes knocking, I start craving light veggies. Zucchini and corn are a regular pairing in my kitchen, so I simply had to share one of my favorite recipes with you.
With sweet corn, zucchini, basil, and goat cheese. This creamy fettuccine dish will become your regular, too.
It goes without saying that you can use any pasta here. Linguine and tagliatelle both work great.
45. Elote Mexican Street Corn Nachos
Source: xoxobella.com
Nachos for dinner is the ultimate comfort dish! And this corn dish is so smothered in cheese sauce that you will feel almost guilty indulging. But you won’t be able to stop!
The cheese sauce is made from scratch, and it uses a ton of seasonings to give it flavor.
The nachos also use cotija cheese, Mexican cream, limes, cilantro, and jalapeno. And every crunchy and cheesy bite is an explosion of flavors to savor.
These nachos are one of these best carnival food recipes for a party!
Corn Bread Recipes
If chili’s on the menu, you know you have to make cornbread as well. Here are the tastiest cornbread recipes you definitely have to give a try.
46. Cornbread
Source: joyfoodsunshine.com
Cornbread from scratch, with an extra portion of corn folded into the batter. You can never have too much corn, right?
A traditional recipe for a vintage side dish that will complement many of your dishes. Or you can just enjoy it plain for breakfast.
You can also portion it out and freeze it, which makes this recipe a true keeper. Give this a try!
47. Skillet Cornbread with Pan-Fried Maple Corn
Source: thegoodheartedwoman.com
Wait before skipping this recipe. Because this is not your regular skillet cornbread. This goodness gets the extra oomph from the maple corn topping.
Pan-fried sweet corn gives this traditional cornbread an exciting bite. It also allows for a layered texture, so even those who don’t like cornbread will find it satisfying.
48. Cornbread Salad
Source: recipesfromapantry.com
I admit! This has to be one of the most genius ways to use leftover cornbread. Seriously, if you haven’t turned your two-day cornbread into a salad before, this is your chance to try.
The results? Similar to using croutons. Only softer!
This salad is loaded with corn, beans, tomatoes, bacon, and cheese. Plus, there is plenty of mayo sour cream and Ranch dressing to make it satisfyingly creamy.
49. Gluten Free Cornbread
Source: thissimplekitchen.com
Crumbly, buttery, soft, and sweet! This gluten-free cornbread is the perfect match for your stews and soups.
This recipe uses maple syrup for sweetness, but honey can also be a decent substitute.
It is made in just 30 minutes from start to finish, and even complete beginners can master this filling side dish.
50. Cheesy Sweet Corn Muffins with Basil
Source: marginmakingmom.com
These corn muffins make a great dinner. But they are really, really good in the morning, alongside some crispy bacon. Yum!
They are loaded with cheese, sour cream, and basil. And they are on your table in just half an hour.
If you don’t like basil, feel free to swap it with another herb. Or opt for some baby spinach instead.
51. Jalapeno Corn Bread
Source: plantbasedonabudget.com
This cornbread is made without any eggs or dairy. But you’d be surprised to know just how fluffy and moist it really is.
This Vegan version of the Southwestern classic is also loaded with corn and jalapenos. And it also uses apple sauce for sweetness, and you cannot believe how tasty the result is.
Make this the next time you’re serving chili or stew, and see for yourself.