Corn is a versatile and tasty vegetable that shines in many dishes.

From grilled cobs to creamy chowders, there are lots of ways to enjoy this summer staple.

You can make corn the star of your meal or use it to add sweetness and crunch to other recipes.

These 15 corn recipes will give you new ideas for using fresh, frozen, or canned corn in your cooking.

Whether you want a quick side dish or a hearty main course, you’ll find options to suit different tastes and occasions.

Get ready to discover delicious ways to prepare this popular veggie for your family and friends.

1. Grilled Mexican Street Corn

Grilled Mexican Street Corn, also known as Elote, is a tasty and easy summer treat.

To make it, grill corn on the cob until lightly charred and cooked through.

Mix mayonnaise, chili powder, and lime juice for the topping. Spread this mixture on the grilled corn.

Sprinkle with crumbled Cotija cheese and chopped cilantro.

You can customize the toppings to your liking. Try adding a dash of hot sauce or a sprinkle of tajin seasoning for extra flavor.

Serve immediately while the corn is still warm.

This dish makes a great side for barbecues or as a standalone snack. The combination of sweet corn and tangy, creamy toppings is sure to be a hit.

2. Corn and Black Bean Salad

This refreshing salad combines sweet corn with hearty black beans for a tasty side dish. You’ll love the mix of textures and flavors.

To make it, mix canned or fresh corn with black beans in a large bowl.

Add diced tomatoes, bell peppers, and red onions for color and crunch.

Whisk together a simple dressing of lime juice, olive oil, and spices. Pour it over the veggies and beans, then toss to coat everything evenly.

Chill the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving to let the flavors meld.

This easy recipe is perfect for picnics, potlucks, or quick lunches.

3. Creamy Corn Chowder

Creamy corn chowder is a comforting dish perfect for cool evenings. To make it, start by cooking bacon until crisp.

Set the bacon aside and use the fat to sauté onions, carrots, and celery.

Add potatoes, corn kernels, and broth to the pot. Simmer until the vegetables are tender.

For extra creaminess, blend a portion of the soup and return it to the pot.

Stir in heavy cream and crumbled bacon. Season with salt, pepper, and herbs like thyme.

You can add a dash of cayenne for some heat if you like.

Serve your chowder hot, garnished with extra bacon bits and fresh herbs. This hearty soup pairs well with crusty bread for a satisfying meal.

4. Sweet Corn Fritters

Sweet corn fritters are a tasty way to enjoy fresh corn. You can make them easily at home with a few simple ingredients.

Mix corn kernels, flour, sugar, and baking powder in a bowl.

Add eggs and cream to form a batter.

Heat oil in a pan over medium-high heat.

Drop spoonfuls of batter into the hot oil. Cook until golden brown on both sides. This usually takes 2-3 minutes per side.

Drain the fritters on paper towels to remove excess oil.

Serve them warm as a side dish or snack. You can add cheese or herbs to the batter for extra flavor if you like.

5. Parmesan Herb Roasted Corn

Parmesan herb roasted corn is a tasty twist on classic corn on the cob. You can make it in the oven or on the grill.

Start by brushing each ear of corn with melted butter or mayonnaise. This helps the toppings stick and adds flavor.

Next, sprinkle on grated Parmesan cheese, herbs like thyme or parsley, and seasonings like salt, pepper, and chili powder. Wrap each ear in foil.

Roast the corn in a 350°F oven for about 30-40 minutes, turning halfway through. Or grill for about 10 minutes, turning often.

When done, the kernels will be juicy and slightly browned. Unwrap and enjoy your cheesy, herb-coated corn!

6. Spicy Corn Salsa

Spicy corn salsa is a zesty and flavorful dish that’s easy to make. You can use fresh or canned corn, depending on what’s available.

To start, grill or pan-fry the corn until it’s lightly charred. This adds a smoky flavor to your salsa.

Mix the corn with diced tomatoes, onions, and jalapeños for heat.

Add chopped cilantro, lime juice, and a pinch of salt to enhance the flavors.

For extra spice, try adding diced poblano peppers or a dash of cumin.

You can also make it creamy by mixing in some diced avocado.

Serve your spicy corn salsa as a dip with chips, a topping for tacos, or a side dish for grilled meats. It’s versatile and tasty!

7. Cornbread with Honey Butter

Cornbread with honey butter is a tasty twist on classic cornbread. To make it, mix cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt in a bowl.

In another bowl, combine milk, oil, and eggs.

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ones and stir until just combined. Don’t overmix.

Pour the batter into a greased baking pan and bake at 375°F for about 20-25 minutes.

While it bakes, make the honey butter. Mix softened butter with honey until smooth.

Serve the warm cornbread with a generous spread of honey butter on top.

This sweet and savory combo is perfect for breakfast or as a side dish. You can adjust the sweetness to your liking by changing the amount of sugar in the batter or honey in the butter.

8. Corn Pudding

Corn pudding is a tasty side dish that combines sweet corn with a creamy, custard-like texture. You can make it easily at home with just a few ingredients.

To prepare corn pudding, mix eggs, milk, butter, sugar, and cornstarch in a bowl.

Add whole kernel corn and cream-style corn to the mixture.

Pour the mixture into a greased baking dish.

Bake it in a preheated oven until it turns golden brown on top.

This comforting dish pairs well with many main courses. You can serve it at family dinners or holiday meals for a crowd-pleasing addition to your table.

9. Corn and Avocado Salsa

Corn and avocado salsa is a tasty and easy dish you can whip up in just 10 minutes. It combines sweet corn kernels with creamy avocado chunks for a delightful mix of textures.

Add some red onion, bell pepper, and jalapeño for extra crunch and spice.

Cilantro, lime juice, and cumin bring fresh flavors to the mix.

You can serve this versatile salsa with tortilla chips or use it as a topping for tacos, grilled chicken, or omelets.

It’s a great way to use up fresh corn when it’s in season.

For a heartier version, try adding black beans to the mix. This will boost the protein content and make it more filling.

10. Corn and Cheese Quesadillas

Corn and cheese quesadillas are a tasty, quick meal you can make in minutes. Start with corn tortillas and melty cheese like Oaxaca or cheddar.

Add fresh or canned corn kernels for extra flavor and crunch.

Brush the tortillas with a little oil before cooking.

Cook the quesadillas in a hot pan until the cheese melts and the tortillas turn golden and crispy. Flip once to brown both sides.

Serve your quesadillas with salsa, sour cream, or guacamole on the side. These make a great snack or light lunch that both kids and adults will love.

11. Cajun Corn Maque Choux

Cajun Corn Maque Choux is a tasty Southern side dish that brings together corn and peppers. You start by cooking bell peppers and onions in butter or bacon grease.

Next, you add corn, garlic, and sometimes tomatoes. A splash of heavy cream gives it a rich, creamy texture. Cajun spices add a kick of flavor.

This dish has roots in Native American and early settler cooking.

You can make it even heartier by adding shrimp or crawfish. It’s an easy way to enjoy fresh summer corn with a Cajun twist.

12. Corn and Potato Fritters

Corn and potato fritters are a tasty way to use leftover mashed potatoes.

Mix mashed potatoes with corn kernels, cheese, and scallions in a bowl.

Add an egg, flour, and baking powder to bind the mixture.

Heat oil in a pan over medium-high heat.

Drop spoonfuls of the potato-corn mix into the oil. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown.

These fritters have a crispy outside and soft inside. The corn adds a nice crunch.

You can top them with poached eggs and sliced tomatoes for a filling meal.

13. Corn Dip with Cream Cheese

Corn dip with cream cheese is a tasty and easy appetizer. You can whip it up in just 10-15 minutes.

Start by mixing softened cream cheese, sour cream, and mayonnaise.

Add some lime juice and spices like garlic powder, salt, and pepper.

Blend these ingredients until smooth. Then stir in corn kernels. You can use fresh, canned, or frozen corn.

For extra flavor, add crispy bacon bits and chopped green onions.

Mix everything well and refrigerate for 30 minutes before serving.

Serve this creamy dip with tortilla chips or vegetable sticks. It’s perfect for parties or game day snacks.

14. BBQ Corn Ribs

BBQ corn ribs are a fun twist on traditional corn on the cob. To make them, cut corn cobs into quarters lengthwise. This creates curved “ribs” that curl up when cooked.

Toss the corn pieces in olive oil and your favorite BBQ seasonings. You can use a mix of salt, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and cayenne for extra flavor.

Grill the corn ribs over medium heat for about 10-15 minutes. Turn them occasionally until they’re tender and lightly charred. You can also bake them in the oven if you prefer.

Brush the corn ribs with BBQ sauce in the last few minutes of cooking.

Serve them hot as a tasty side dish or appetizer at your next cookout.

15. Jalapeño Cornbread

Jalapeño cornbread is a spicy twist on a classic favorite. You can make it easily at home with simple ingredients.

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F.

Mix cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt in a bowl.

In another bowl, combine eggs, milk, and melted butter.

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ones and stir until just combined.

Fold in diced jalapeños and shredded cheese for extra flavor.

Pour the batter into a greased pan and bake for about 25 minutes.

The result is a moist, slightly sweet cornbread with a spicy kick.

Serve your jalapeño cornbread warm with butter or honey for a tasty side dish. It pairs well with chili, soups, or barbecue.

Nutritional Benefits of Corn

Corn packs a nutritional punch with its vitamins, minerals, and fiber content. This versatile veggie offers several health perks that can boost your diet.

Vitamins and Minerals

Corn gives you a good dose of essential nutrients.

You’ll find vitamin C, which helps your immune system and skin health. It also contains B vitamins like thiamin and folate. These support energy production and cell function.

Corn provides minerals too. You get potassium for heart health and magnesium for bone strength. It also has small amounts of iron and zinc. These help with oxygen transport and immune function.

One cup of corn offers about 10% of your daily vitamin C needs. This antioxidant fights free radicals in your body. It also aids in collagen production for healthy skin and joints.

Dietary Fiber

Corn is a great source of fiber. This helps keep your digestive system running smoothly. A cup of corn has about 3.6 grams of fiber.

Fiber in corn is mostly insoluble. This type helps prevent constipation and keeps you feeling full. It can aid in weight management by reducing overeating.

Chewing corn well can help you digest it better. If you have a sensitive stomach, start with small amounts. You can slowly increase your intake as your body adjusts.

Fiber also feeds good gut bacteria. This supports overall digestive health. A healthy gut can boost your immune system and mood.

Varieties of Corn

Corn comes in different types suited for various uses. Two main categories are sweet corn for eating and field corn for industrial purposes.

Sweet Corn

Sweet corn is the type you’ll find on dinner tables. It’s picked when the kernels are soft and full of sweet milk. You can eat it right off the cob or use it in recipes.

There are three kinds of sweet corn:

• Standard sweet
• Sugar-enhanced
• Supersweet

Standard sweet has a classic corn flavor. Sugar-enhanced is sweeter and keeps its flavor longer after picking. Supersweet has the most sugar and stays sweet the longest.

You can buy sweet corn fresh, frozen, or canned. Fresh is best in summer when it’s in season. Look for ears with green husks and silky tassels. The kernels should be plump and milky when you press them.

Field Corn

Field corn is not for eating fresh. It’s grown for:

• Animal feed
• Corn syrup
• Ethanol fuel
• Corn starch
• Many other products

This type of corn has hard kernels when ripe. It’s left on the stalk until fully dry before harvest.

Field corn makes up most of the corn grown in the U.S.

You might see it growing in large fields, but it’s not the kind you’d buy to eat.

Some types of field corn are:

• Dent corn
• Flint corn
• Popcorn

Dent corn is used for animal feed and food products. Flint corn has hard kernels and is often used for cornmeal. Popcorn is a special type that pops when heated.