Corn Recipes

Corn is a wonderful vegetable with many different possibilities. It can be versatile and used in practically any dish from homestyle casseroles and hot dishes to soups, chowders, and more. Every bite of this vibrant yellow veggie helps to add a crunch and sweetness to the meal.

Not only that but there are so many different types of corn that it makes for a really educational topic of discussion. For example, did you know that farms grow two different types of corn? One is for human consumption and the other is meant as feed for livestock. Both grow in the same way and look pretty similar but there are a few differences:

1. The feed corn is more starchy and less sweet than the corn you normally buy in grocery stores.
2. It’s also kept on the stalks to dry out and age a bit longer because it’s not meant to be eaten when fresh.

So if you see corn stalks turning a golden yellow color and still holding those ears of corn, wondering why they didn’t harvest them yet, it’s because it’s meant for cows and not people. Fun fact, right?

Another fun fact is that corn is technically a fruit, just like zucchini, tomatoes, green peppers, and some other garden “vegetables” that we grow and love.

Corn or Maize?

Corn, also known as Maize, is a cereal grain that was first domesticated over 10,000 years ago by the indigenous people of southern Mexico. This means that people have been enjoying it for a very long time. Due to this, there are so many different ways to prepare, cook and serve this starchy vegetable.

There is always some form of corn in my home whether it is canned, frozen, or fresh. Check out some of these corn recipes below and see why we can’t stop talking about it. 

Canned corn

This is one of the easiest forms to buy it in because it’s available year-round, it’s cheap, and you get to pick between a few different options including sweet whole kernel and creamed corn.

There’s nothing wrong with buying canned corn but a great tip to use when buying it is to check the added ingredients. Look for corn that has the least amount of added salt or sugars and is more “whole” and natural. You will find some that simply say corn and water and these can be the healthier choice as some cans contain a large amount of sodium.

Rinsing corn before using can also be a great way to rinse off excess salt before using and eating it. If you’re trying to reduce your family’s sodium intake or trying to make simple smart choices to adapt to a healthier lifestyle without making a huge change this is one small step that really adds up.

Canned corn recipe ideas

Once you buy that canned corn you can try wonderful recipes like this Easy Canned Corn Recipe. Using just one can of corn, a little butter, and some simple pantry seasonings like salt, pepper, and dried parsley, you get wonderful skillet-cooked corn that makes a perfect side dish to any meal.

Of course, you can also try my Canned Corn Recipe with Peppers and Bacon if you’re looking for something that packs a little more southwestern flavor. It’s so good we almost want to treat it like a main dish and make a meal out of itself. Every bite packs so much flavor that it’s hard to resist.

Other canned corn recipes include my Avocado Corn Salad and my Corn Tomato Salad. Both are wonderful summer salads that are a perfect blend of vibrant vegetables, flavors, textures, and more. 

These corn salad recipes are a perfect side dish option for your next summer barbecue or get-together but they can just as easily be a nice weekend side dish the next time you heat up the grill.

Frozen corn recipes

When you can’t get your hands on fresh corn, frozen is the next best thing. Frozen corn is exactly that and without anything added to it for shelf stability. If desired, you can learn How to Freeze Corn on the Cob, and then when it’s in season, you can make bags of frozen corn to enjoy all year long. The process is a little time-consuming but it’s fun to know you put in the effort yourself and possibly saved money, especially if you grew the corn yourself.

Whether you buy the frozen corn or bag it yourself, you’ll want a delicious recipe to use it in so I suggest my Easy Corn Chowder Soup. It’s a wonderful soup that is perfect for bringing comforting warmth to every bowl and adding a bit of fresh sweetness to every spoonful with the help of cooked corn. You can use canned corn or frozen corn for this recipe depending on what you have on hand and it turns out perfectly every time.

Once you know How to Cook Frozen Corn, you’ll find a lot of new and interesting ways to use it up in your daily life. It can be mixed into almost any main dish or make a perfect side dish. There are many possibilities.

Fresh corn recipes

If corn is in season, it means that summer is here and the sun is coming in hot, so fire up the grill and enjoy a cold drink. Iced cold lemonade anyone?

Corn on the cob recipes can vary from boiling to baking, grilling, and more but our favorite way to serve up an ear of corn is on the grill. Check out How to Grill Corn on the Cob and see just how much flavor can be added with a little flame. 

Keep in mind that any of the above recipes can be made with fresh corn if you have access to it! Canned, frozen and fresh corn can be interchanged without issue in all the recipes I have listed.

A few tips for picking out the best ears of corn

1. Look at the tassels of the corn (the yellow strings). You want them to be yellow or brown and sticky but not be dry or black in color because that indicates the corn is old.
2. The husk of the corn should also be a bright green and tightly wrapped around the corn inside as this is another great sign of freshness.
3. If the corn is starting to look yellow or feel dry it means it’s getting older and no longer fresh. 
4. Another sign of things to avoid is small brown holes in the husk because that’s usually a sign of insects.

Corn is a great vegetable (or fruit) with so many possibilities and options. Whether you buy it fresh, canned, or frozen, you’ll always have an abundance of recipes for usage.