17 Best Corn Side Dishes That Go Beyond Corn on the Cob
They’re a sweet taste of summer.
At the peak of summer, when it’s blisteringly hot outside, and you’re kind of wishing it were fall already, nature hands you a sweet consolation prize. It’s fresh corn season! It’s that short time of year when you could probably eat corn on the cob every single day if you wanted to. But if you want to mix things up, consider these fresh corn side dishes as well.
After you’ve chosen the right ears and shucked off the husks, sometimes all you want to do is boil them, slather them in butter, and be done with it. And that’s totally fine! But there are plenty of ways to enjoy corn on the cob on this list with just a few added ingredients (hello, bacon-jalapeño butter).
But if you do want to try something new as a BBQ side dish, there are plenty of corn recipes like casseroles and salads that make the most of fresh ears. Highlight their natural sweetness by making Mexican-style cornbread or turn some into classic creamed corn to go with that grilled steak. No matter what you decide to make, be sure to freeze corn before the season ends, so you can enjoy these corn side dishes all year long!
Grilled Corn on the Cob
Wondering what the best way to grill corn is? Look no further! This method has some husks peeled and some left on for a hybrid approach.
Get the Grilled Corn on the Cob recipe.
Corn Salad
When corn is in season, so are tomatoes and avocados. Lucky you, there’s a salad that combines all three. Even better, they are coated in a smoky, tangy chipotle-lime dressing. It’ll be a hit at the cookout!
Get the Corn Salad recipe.
Corn Fritters
It’s hard to imagine something better than a plate of fritters fresh from the fryer. But Ree has a suggestion: “For a really special treat, sprinkle them generously with sifted powdered sugar!” It’s like a side dish and dessert all in one.
Get Ree’s Corn Fritters recipe.
Esquites
Give a little extra love to your corn salad and make it Mexican inspired. It has a spicy kick from poblano peppers and a creamy, garlicky dressing packed with lime juice, cilantro, chili powder, and cotija cheese.
Get the Esquites recipe.
Corn Soufflé
A soufflé sounds intimidating, but this one is so easy! It starts with fresh corn, creamy canned corn, and a boxed muffin mix. It bakes up fluffy, sweet, and impossible to resist. Plus, you don’t have to stress about it collapsing in the oven.
Get the Corn Soufflé recipe.
Mexican Street Corn
If you’ve never tried elote (Mexican street corn), you’re really in for a treat. All you need is fresh corn on the cob, mayo, cotija cheese, chili powder, and a squeeze of fresh lime. It’s addictingly good!
Get the Mexican Street Corn recipe.
Creamed Corn
Simple ingredients like butter, onion, milk, and fresh basil leaves let the sweet corn shine in this classic dish. You can serve it with any meal from steak to chicken.
Get the Creamed Corn recipe.
Grilled Corn with Bacon-Jalapeño Butter
Honestly, who wouldn’t want bacon-jalapeño butter slathered on everything? It’s a great way to jazz up corn on the cob with just an extra step or two.
Get Ree's Grilled Corn with Bacon-Jalapeño Butter.
Pan de Elote
Upgrade your cornbread! This version uses whole fresh corn kernels, making every bite equally sweet, buttery, and bursting with fresh corn flavor. Serve it warm and it will disappear fast.
Get the Pan de Elote recipe.
Fresh Corn Casserole
Sometimes simple is best! There are only five ingredients in this dish, including fresh corn. Ree says, “It's crunchy and sweet and real. It's nothing short of heavenly.”
Get Ree's Fresh Corn Casserole recipe.
Street Corn Pasta Salad
If you love Mexican street corn, then you have to try this pasta salad version! It has pasta, charred corn, smoky peppers, zesty lime, and a touch of heat, all coated in a homemade dressing.
Get the Street Corn Pasta Salad recipe.
Grilled Corn with Hot Honey Butter
Ah, the magic of sweet honey butter! It melts into every kernel as the corn grills, and the hot sauce gives it a perfect spicy balance in every bite. You’ll be ready to serve in just 15 minutes, too!
Get Ree’s Grilled Corn with Hot Honey Butter recipe.
Southern Fried Corn
Crispy bacon adds a smoky depth to this dish. The corn is sautéed with a touch of butter and cream in its savory drippings for a silky, lightly sweet coating with just the right salty bite.
Get the Southern Fried Corn recipe.
Grilled Corn Salad with Cilantro Vinaigrette
Here’s another cookout salad to try! Grilled corn is tossed with sweet onion slices, avocados, tomatoes, pinto beans, and pimentos. Then everything is coated in zippy cilantro vinaigrette.
Get Ree's Grilled Corn Salad with Cilantro Vinaigrette recipe.
State Fair Grilled Corn on the Cob
Capture the flavors of your local fair without leaving home! The ears are grilled in their husks, brushed with melted butter, and then sprinkled with a simple spice blend featuring paprika, chili powder, and garlic.
Get Ree’s State Fair Grilled Corn on the Cob recipe.
Corn Pudding
Ree knows her way around corn pudding! It should “have a heavy texture, a moist silky bite, a rustic corn flavor, and kernels of corn speckled throughout. There should be a perfect savory-sweet balance, with a buttery aftertaste.”
Get Ree’s Corn Pudding recipe.
Bacon-Wrapped Corn on the Cob
Isn’t everything better when it’s wrapped in bacon? The saltiness and smokiness of the bacon perfectly balance the sweet corn and added honey. Then all you need is a little paprika for a kick!
Get Ree's Bacon-Wrapped Corn on the Cob recipe.
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