15 Delicious Ways to Use Leftover Corn on the Cob
Don’t let that sweet taste of summer go to waste.
Fresh corn is one of those ingredients that is totally worth the effort you put into it. You have to select the sweetest cobs and then put blood, sweat, and tears into shucking them before you can even get to the cooking part. Okay, so it’s not that bad, though it does take a little work. And boy, are you rewarded in the end! No matter how you serve corn on the cob, you get a taste of sweet summer in every bite.
But uh oh, did you accidentally make too much? It happens to the best of us. If you’ve already boiled or grilled your corn, do not let a single kernel go to waste. There are plenty of leftover corn on the cob recipes you can make. You’ll basically be one step ahead for the next day’s corn side dishes, summer appetizers, and even seasonal dinners.
The one thing to keep in mind is cooking time. If the original recipe calls for raw corn kernels, remember that your corn is already cooked, so you want to avoid overcooking it a second time. But don’t worry, there are notes listed here, and that just means that you’re even closer to savoring all those delicious corn recipes than you would be if it were raw.
Corn Soufflé
Warm, slightly sweet, light and fluffy, this corn soufflé is easy to make thanks to corn muffin mix. The only thing to adjust is the timing: When you stir in the corn, just cook until it is heated through (about one to two minutes).
Get the Corn Soufflé recipe.
Southern Fried Corn
You know how to make corn even better? Add bacon! Since your cobs may have less “corn milk” after being scraped, go ahead and add a tablespoon or two of heavy cream to help mimic the texture. You can also reduce the cooking time for the corn by a few minutes.
Get the Southern Fried Corn recipe.
Corn and Black Bean Salsa
Your tortilla chips have been begging for a flavorful salsa. This one features cherry tomatoes, red onion, corn kernels, and black beans. Since your corn is cooked, you can reduce step one to just the minute it takes to add the salt and cumin.
Get the Corn and Black Bean Salsa recipe.
Roasted Corn Dip
Good news: If you have grilled corn on hand, you can skip the entire first step in this recipe. That means you’re even closer to scooping up the cheesy goodness. Serve at room temperature or chilled.
Get Ree’s Roasted Corn Dip recipe.
Corn Salad
When corn is in season, so are avocados and tomatoes. Lucky you, they make an incredible salad when tossed in a smoky, tangy chipotle-lime dressing. If your corn is already cooked, you can skip most of step two and just slice the kernels off the cobs.
Get the Corn Salad recipe.
Corn and Zucchini Pasta
Sweet corn and tender zucchini make the perfect summer pairing, especially when they’re tossed in a cheesy sauce with pasta! Here, you’ll want to cook the zucchini first and just toss in the pre-cooked corn in the last minute or two to heat up.
Get Ree’s Corn and Zucchini Pasta recipe.
Street Corn Pasta Salad
If you love Mexican street corn, turn it into pasta salad! Reduce the cook time on the leftover corn to just a minute or two. Then combine it with smoky peppers, zesty lime, a bit of heat, and a creamy homemade dressing.
Get the Street Corn Pasta Salad recipe.
Corn Fritters
Scrape the kernels off the cobs and fry ‘em up! Making fritters is such a treat, and no one will even know the corn was leftover. Do what Ree does and serve them with powdered sugar and/or maple syrup.
Get Ree’s Corn Fritters recipe.
Cowgirl Chicken Salad
You can have this for lunch or dinner all week! This salad mixes grilled chicken, corn, black beans, cheese, peppers, onions, and cilantro together in a zesty dressing. You can skip the grilling step of the corn if you use leftovers. Just make sure to season it.
Get Ree's Cowgirl Chicken Salad recipe.
Hot Corn Dip
If you prefer a hot corn dip, Ree’s got one of those, too! If you’ve got leftover grilled corn, simply skip step two. With lots of gooey cheese and just enough heat from jalapeños and chili powder, it’ll be hard to stop yourself from gobbling it up.
Get Ree's Hot Corn Dip recipe.
Chipotle Corn Salsa
Avoid the line at your local Chipotle and make their famous corn salsa at home. You can skip step two and just move on to tossing the corn with charred poblano peppers, jalapeño, onion, cilantro, and a squeeze of citrus for brightness.
Get the Chipotle Corn Salsa recipe.
Chicken and Corn Chowder
Soup isn’t just for wintertime. Sweet corn and hearty chicken are the stars of this creamy, summer soup. To serve, sprinkle with crispy bacon and chopped green onions. It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner when you want to switch things up.
Get the Chicken and Corn Chowder recipe.
Southwestern Pasta Salad
If you’ve got pre-boiled corn, skip step one and just use the pot of boiling water for the pasta. Then toss with chipotle peppers, tomatoes, pinto beans, avocado, fresh cilantro, and a creamy, spicy dressing. This zesty side dish is perfect for any cookout.
Get the Southwestern Pasta Salad recipe.
Grilled Corn Salad with Cilantro Vinaigrette
Turn leftover grilled corn into the perfect summer side. Charred kernels are mixed with tomatoes, avocado, and pinto beans, and then coated in a cilantro vinaigrette. The only step to change is the first, since you only have to char the onions.
Get Ree's Grilled Corn Salad with Cilantro Vinaigrette recipe.
Summertime Shrimp Pizza
Make the most out of your late-summer bounty! Top pre-made pizza dough with zucchini, pre-cooked corn kernels, shrimp, and cheese. Bake until crisp and bubbly, and then sprinkle a bit of fresh basil and parsley over the top to serve.
Get the Summertime Shrimp Pizza recipe.
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