Food 40 Corn Recipes to Help You Upgrade This Versatile Produce Ear up and try dozens of different ways to enjoy corn. By Samantha Leffler Samantha Leffler Samantha is the senior food editor at RealSimple and previously launched the US Weekly food vertical, where she wrote about the intersection of food and pop culture. Real Simple's Editorial Guidelines Updated on June 19, 2024 Close Photo: Greg Dupree There’s nothing sweeter, juicer, or more delicious than fresh corn, and we offer dozens of corn recipes to prove it. In season May through September, fresh corn is packed with nutrients, easy to find at the grocery store or farmer’s market, and impressively versatile. We feature corn as a soup base, taco and burrito filling, curry ingredient, and pancake and dessert component. There is something for everyone to handle any corn cravings for summer and beyond. 01 of 40 Zesty Corn Soup With Chicken JENNIFER CAUSEY This soup is a spoonable version of elote (Mexican street corn), made with a medley of savory Cotija, spicy cayenne, tart lime, and toasted sweet corn. While the recipe calls for frozen corn, it also works with fresh corn right off the cob. GET THE RECIPE 02 of 40 Golden Corn and Tofu Curry Caitlin Bensel This delicious noodle dish is loaded with rice noodles, tender tofu cubes, and toasted corn kernels. Components mingle in a Thai-inspired coconut curry sauce—made with green curry paste, soy sauce, brown sugar, and lime juice—to deliver plenty of flavor in each bite. GET THE RECIPE 03 of 40 Spicy Street Corn Salad Jen Causey Corn is delicious when cooked, but it’s also quite tasty raw. Case in point: this elote-inspired salad. The corn recipe transforms the Mexican street snack into a meal by tossing raw corn with pinto beans, herbs, jalapeño, and heaps of arugula. GET THE RECIPE 04 of 40 Corn on the Cob With Tarragon Kana Okada If you think it's impossible to improve on fresh corn cobs that are simply boiled, buttered, and seasoned, this corn recipe may blow your mind. It swaps the butter for olive oil and adds a sprinkle of freshly chopped tarragon. The leafy herb adds aromatics and a subtle licorice flavor for a new take on an old favorite. GET THE RECIPE 05 of 40 Elote Jalapeño Poppers Victor Protasio For a summer appetizer that makes excellent use of fresh or frozen corn, consider these creamy, spicy, oven-baked poppers. Each one is filled with corn, cream cheese, Cotija, mayonnaise, and gut-friendly Greek yogurt, while lime zest, garlic, and scallions add plenty of brightness and additional flavor. GET THE RECIPE 06 of 40 Summery Corn Soup Tara Donne Corn pulls double duty in this summery soup: It uses cobs to infuse the broth with a sweet flavor and kernels for a juicy, plump body. Corn’s sweetness is balanced by leeks and scallions, aromatic thyme, and a sizable glug of dry white wine. Miso adds thickness and a boost of umami, making this soup delicious and gut-friendly. GET THE RECIPE 07 of 40 Toasted Israeli Couscous With Corn and Herbs Greg DuPree This summer salad pairs juicy corn kernels with a showering of fresh herbs—basil, chives, and dill—plus caramelized onions for good measure. The result is a mouthwatering savory-sweet combo you can serve alongside grilled fish, rotisserie chicken, or a seared steak. GET THE RECIPE 08 of 40 Corn, Leek, and Bacon Pancakes Victor Protasio Corn in pancakes? Don’t knock it 'til you try it. This innovative recipe pairs corn with leek and bacon bits to yield a savory stack of pancakes you’ll want to make again and again. Garnish with a dollop of sour cream and a generous sprinkling of chives, and breakfast (or brunch, lunch, or dinner) is served. GET THE RECIPE 09 of 40 Southwestern Pasta Salad Greg DuPree This pasta salad swaps mayo for an avocado-based dressing and is loaded with mix-ins like avocado slices, black beans, cherry tomatoes, scallions, and plenty of fresh corn kernels. For heat, add thinly sliced fresh jalapeños or a can of chopped green chilies. GET THE RECIPE 10 of 40 Pepper Jack Corn Gratin Greg DuPree This decadent corn gratin brings heat, flavor, and year-round convenience thanks to frozen vegetables like fire-roasted corn and peppers. If you’d rather use fresh corn, make sure to get a nice char on the kernels before combining them with a rich mornay sauce and spicy pepper jack cheese. GET THE RECIPE 11 of 40 Summer Nachos Greg DuPree For a lighter take on nachos that’s seasonal but doesn't skimp on flavor, give this vegetarian recipe a whirl. It tops tortilla chips with paprika-spiked corn for pops of smoky sweetness, tender bits of sautéed zucchini, and a creamy avocado-yogurt topping you’ll want to smear on everything. Serve family-style for an easy dinner or as a crowd-pleasing appetizer. GET THE RECIPE 12 of 40 Chile Corn Chowder Antonis Achilleos Green chilies bring serious heat to this corn soup, complementing fresh corn kernels, potatoes, onion, and stock. Half and half delivers a creamy texture, as does blending the soup once it’s simmered. Garnish each bowl with fresh chives and crumbled Cotija cheese, and you’re set. GET THE RECIPE 13 of 40 Pulled Pork and Poblano Bake Antonis Achilleos Charred corn adds pops of sweetness to this cheesy stuffed pepper casserole that also includes the convenience of store-bought pulled pork and canned kidney beans. The recipe uses the broiler to get that perfect char on your corn (fresh or frozen), but try grilling fresh ears for extra smokiness. GET THE RECIPE 14 of 40 Slow Cooker Chicken Taco Soup Wait for a rainy summer day to make this soup, and you won’t be disappointed. The recipe has all the taco mainstays—frozen corn (but fresh will do), black beans, fire-roasted tomatoes, a jalapeño, and plenty of spices—served up as a warm bowl of comfort. Garnish each with cheese, sour cream, and cilantro. GET THE RECIPE 15 of 40 Easy Stovetop Shrimp Boil Greg DuPree This one-pot shrimp boil recipe is foolproof. It calls for boiling onions, lemon, garlic, potatoes, sausage, artichokes, shrimp, and corn in a large stockpot with a store-bought shrimp and crab boil seasoning. After about 20 minutes, drain and dump onto a big platter to serve. Easy enough, right? GET THE RECIPE 16 of 40 End of Summer Salad Victor Protasio Mark the end of summer with this shrimp salad that also stars some of the season’s best produce: tomatoes, green beans, and corn. Cornichons and fried onions add plenty of savory crunch, while an umami-rich dressing made with miso and apple cider vinegar ties the whole dish together. GET THE RECIPE 17 of 40 Green Curry With Halibut and Corn Johnny Miller Fresh (or frozen) corn brings just the right amount of sweetness to this creamy curry. It also features halibut chunks, jalapeño slices, and a rich broth made with coconut milk and chicken broth. Serve over white rice to sop up every last spoonful. GET THE RECIPE 18 of 40 Southwestern Beef Chili With Corn Sure, chili is perfect for a cold night, but there’s no stopping you from making it in summer as well, especially when you can stir in plenty of fresh corn. Top each bowl with shredded cheese, scallions, and avocado slices, and dinner is ready. GET THE RECIPE 19 of 40 Vegetarian Tacos With Goat Cheese Con Poulos Corn adds a hint of sweetness to any recipe and works especially well in these meat-free tacos made with tofu, spinach, and crumbled goat cheese. One bite will make you a believer! GET THE RECIPE 20 of 40 Buttery Grilled Corn Christopher Baker There’s no better side than freshly grilled corn, especially smothered in butter. Serve grilled corn alongside hamburgers, hot dogs, shrimp, and anything else from the grill at your next BBQ. GET THE RECIPE 21 of 40 Grilled Chicken and Corn Salad With Avocado Con Poulos When included in a salad, fresh corn adds just the right amount of sweetness to each bite. Here, charred corn kernels are balanced out by chunks of creamy avocado and salty Parmesan shavings. A lemon vinaigrette ties the whole dish together. GET THE RECIPE 22 of 40 Corn Frittata With Bacon and Parmesan Grace Elkus Sure, frittatas make for an excellent breakfast or brunch, but this one is hearty enough for lunch or dinner, too. The recipe features a creamy egg and corn base with slices of bacon, grated Parmesan for a bit of saltiness, and plenty of fresh chives. GET THE RECIPE 23 of 40 Sweet Potato and Bean Burritos With Corn Salsa Jennifer Causey Are you intrigued by the thought of homemade burritos that freeze well? These “freezer burritos” are stuffed full of crisp-tender shoestring sweet potatoes, homemade tomato-corn salsa, beans, and, of course, cheddar cheese. Store these burritos in the freezer for up to 3 months, and then simply microwave the minute that burrito craving hits. GET THE RECIPE 24 of 40 Pork Tenderloin With Fresh Corn Polenta Caitlin Bensel What pairs well with a decadent polenta studded with corn kernels? This recipe answers with juicy pork tenderloin flavored with chili and cumin lime marinade. For a practically perfect piece of pork, don't skimp on searing the sides before popping it in the oven. GET THE RECIPE 25 of 40 Corn Salad With Feta and Walnuts Christopher Baker Salty, crumbly feta balances out fresh corn’s natural sweetness, chopped walnuts add crunch, and lime juice adds a pop of acidity to this tasty side. while thinly sliced jalapeños bring the heat. Pair this corn salad with salmon burgers fresh off the grill. GET THE RECIPE 26 of 40 Mexican Grilled Corn With Cilantro Sang An Grilled corn is delicious in its own right, but add fresh cilantro and a few squirts of fresh lime juice, and the beloved BBQ side is even tastier. If you have crumbled Cotija cheese in the fridge, feel free to sprinkle it over the corn before serving. GET THE RECIPE 27 of 40 Gnocchi With Corn & Miso Fred Hardy Refrigerated or shelf-stable gnocchi enables you to put this 20-minute dinner on the table quickly and can save the day when you're in a pinch. It tastes decadent thanks to a miso-accented sauce, while corn, a sprinkling of pecorino, and a heavy hand of pepper take it to the next level. GET THE RECIPE 28 of 40 Grilled Chipotle Steak with Okra and Corn Fred Hardy This all-grilled recipe gives your kitchen the night off. While the freshly grilled flank steak is resting, whole husked corn cobs and skewered okra take their turn on the grates. Afterward, the sliced kernels and chopped okra are tossed in an olive oil-lime juice mixture and served with thin steak slices for a scintillating summer supper. GET THE RECIPE 29 of 40 Corn Ribs Lauri Patterson/Getty Images We don't blame you if you haven't heard of this TikTok sensation that turned simple fresh corn cobs into social media stars. For these, you cut corn cobs lengthwise into quarters, resulting in long "corn ribs." Brush with olive oil, sprinkle with seasoning, and then cook (oven and air fryer directions included) for delectable, rib-shaped, dippable corn. Now you know. GET THE RECIPE 30 of 40 Scallop and Corn Chowder Frances Janisch The foundation of this one-skillet meal is bacon, which allows the seasoned scallops and onion slices to sauté in its luscious drippings. Diced potatoes and corn join in with a creamy white wine broth to create this rich yet light summer meal. Serve with crusty bread to mop up every last morsel. GET THE RECIPE 31 of 40 Creamy Chicken and Corn Potpie Tom Schierlitz This recipe calls for frozen corn—one of several recipe shortcuts that help you get this savory pie on the table in just 40 minutes—but use fresh if you have it. Top the creamy filling with a sheet of thawed puff pastry, cut to fit, for a comforting dish you can enjoy any time of year. GET THE RECIPE 32 of 40 Creamy Enchilada Soup Jennifer Causey, Food Stylist: Julian Hensarling, Prop Stylist: Christina Daley Here's a soup with the bold flavors of enchiladas without an hour of mixing, filling, rolling, and baking. Frozen corn kernels (fresh ones work, too) join other recipe shortcuts—like canned white beans and green chilies, a packet of taco seasoning, and your favorite jarred salsa—for this 30-minute, one-pot dish. GET THE RECIPE 33 of 40 Green Chile Enchiladas Caitlin Bensel For this hearty vegetarian dinner, corn tortillas are filled with corn kernels, black beans, onion, poblano, and Monterey Jack cheese. They're doused with a creamy green salsa-based sauce and oven-baked for 20 minutes, coming out rich, bubbly, and golden brown. Top with sour cream and cilantro for an authentic Tex-Mex finish. . GET THE RECIPE 34 of 40 Pulled Pork and Poblano Bake Antonis Achilleos This Tex-Mex-inspired stuffed peppers recipe calls for charring frozen corn kernels (thawed) and poblano chilies in the broiler, but a turn of fresh ears and peppers on the grill would make a worthy (if not better) substitute. Besides corn, peppers are stuffed with kidney beans, ready-made pulled pork, Monterey Jack, salsa, and cumin, and then are topped with more salsa, more cheese, and more corn! GET THE RECIPE 35 of 40 Tomato, Corn, and Red Cabbage Salad Paul Sirisalee Not everyone can handle the idea of eating raw corn, and if you're one of them, don't pass on this raw salad! If you prefer, use lightly cooked corn—the salad still tastes delightfully fresh with plenty of crunch. A simple dressing of lime juice and olive oil brings balance to the crisp veggies and creamy chunks of avocado. GET THE RECIPE 36 of 40 Spicy Corn and Chorizo Nachos Levi Brown This dish transforms an ordinary bag of tortilla chips into the base for a sensational starter. They're topped with chopped, cured chorizo, grated Cheddar, corn, and jalapeños. If it's summer, swap the recipe's frozen kernels and pickled peppers for fresh to elevate this Tex-Mex standard. GET THE RECIPE 37 of 40 Shrimp and Corn Chowder With Fennel Jonny Valiant This flavorful corn chowder is another meal that works with fresh or frozen corn. What the recipe's title doesn't tell you is it also features chunks of potatoes and a bottle of clam juice in its creamy, lemony broth. Add a loaf of crusty bread to make it a meal. GET THE RECIPE 38 of 40 Marinated Shrimp & Succotash Toasts Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall, Prop Stylist: Julia Bayless This no-cook dish—except for sourdough toast, but is that really cooking?—stars cooked, coarsely chopped shrimp mixed into a Southern-style succotash of fresh corn, edamame, roasted red peppers, and halved cherry tomatoes. Add a schmear of store-bought pesto to create the taste of summer on toast. GET THE RECIPE 39 of 40 Southwestern Chicken Soup Alexandra Rowley Here's a dish that has all the medicinal properties of chicken soup but with Tex-Mex flavors. Loaded with shortcuts—leftover cooked chicken, jarred salsa, and a can of cannellini beans—you can start the healing process in just 15 minutes. GET THE RECIPE 40 of 40 Blueberry Sweet Corn Shortcake Greg DuPree; Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer; Prop Stylist: Claire Spollen Don't let a lone ear of corn go to waste—use it for dessert! This out-of-the-ordinary layer cake alternates kernel-spiked corn cake with buttermilk whipped cream and jammy blueberry compote. The result is a sweet summer sensation guests will talk about all year. GET THE RECIPE Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit