Food 37 Corn Recipes to Enjoy All Summer Long It’s corn! By Samantha Leffler Samantha Leffler Instagram Website 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 Published on May 18, 2023 Share Tweet Pin Email Photo: Greg Dupree Come summertime, there’s nothing sweeter, juicer, or more delicious than fresh corn. In season from roughly May through September, fresh corn is easy to find at the grocery store or farmer’s market, packed with nutrients, and impressively versatile. Need proof? In this roundup of more than 30 easy yet delicious corn recipes, the vegetable (yes, it’s technically classified as a vegetable) shines as a soup base, taco and burrito filling, curry ingredient, and more.Whether you’re in the mood for Spicy Street Corn Salad or Toasted Israeli Couscous With Corn and Herbs, we’re here to handle all of your corn cravings for this summer and beyond. Keep reading for 37 corn recipes that don’t disappoint! 12 Summer Vegetables—and How to Cook With Them 01 of 37 Zesty Corn Soup With Chicken JENNIFER CAUSEY This soup is basically a spoonable version of elote, 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 that’s just been removed from the cob. get the recipe 02 of 37 Elote Jalapeño Poppers Victor Protasio For a seasonal appetizer that makes excellent use of fresh or frozen corn, consider these creamy, spicy poppers. Each one is filled with corn mixed with 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 03 of 37 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. Here, the street snack is transformed into a meal when raw corn is tossed with pinto beans, herbs, jalapeño, and heaps of arugula. get the recipe 04 of 37 Corn Frittata With Bacon and Parmesan Grace Elkus Sure, frittatas make for an excellent breakfast or brunch, but this one is hearty enough to work for lunch or dinner, too. In this frittata recipe, an egg and creamy corn base is paired with slices of bacon, grated Parmesan cheese for just the right amount of saltiness, and plenty of fresh chives. get the recipe 05 of 37 Mushroom and Corn Tacos Greg DuPree This recipe is proof that you don’t need meat to have an ace taco night. In this vegetarian recipe, wild mushrooms and fresh corn kernels are joined by an array of spices, including chile powder and ground cumin, to create a delectable taco filling. Homemade blender salsa adds even more flavor. get the recipe 06 of 37 Corn and Pepper Scramble Caitlin Bensel Got a leftover ear of corn from a backyard BBQ? Follow this recipe and add fresh corn kernels to your morning eggs. The sweet morsels mingle with juicy roasted red peppers and fluffy scrambled eggs, and a shower of fresh cilantro brings some herbaceousness to the dish. Don’t forget the sprinkling of crumbled queso fresco, which adds a touch of salty decadence. get the recipe 07 of 37 Elote With Mole Verde Victor Protasio Skip the elote-inspired dishes and go for the real thing with this recipe, which calls for grilled corn on the cob topped with crema and crumbled cheese. The real star here is a green mole made with tomatillos, spinach, jalapeños, scallions, and a combination of sesame and pumpkin seeds, which is served alongside the corn. get the recipe 08 of 37 Summery Corn Soup Tara Donne Corn pulls double duty in this summery soup, as you will use the cobs to infuse the broth with their sweet flavor, and then add the kernels for a juicy, plump body. Corn’s sweetness is balanced out by a two-allium base of leeks and scallions, aromatic thyme, and a sizable glug of dry white wine. Plus, miso adds thickness and a boost of umami to this soup, while also making it gut-friendly. get the recipe 09 of 37 Grilled Scallops With Corn Salad Greg DuPree While grilling scallops might seem intimidating, this recipe includes a game-changing hack—threading them onto side-by-side skewers so they lay flat and are easier to flip. The perfectly charred scallops are then paired with a corn and poblano pepper salad, which gets even more flavor from a cumin-spiced lime dressing. get the recipe 10 of 37 Honey-Butter Creamed Corn Antonis Achilleos This recipe calls for frozen corn, which means you can whip it up all year long. However, it also works with fresh corn. Here, creamy corn is joined by buttery onions, honey, and thyme, creating an excellent BBQ side that doesn’t lack flavor. During the cooler months, serve it with seared steak or roasted chicken instead. get the recipe 11 of 37 Pepper Jack Corn Gratin Greg DuPree This decadent corn gratin brings heat and flavor, thanks to frozen ingredients like fire-roasted corn and peppers. If you’d rather use fresh corn, make sure you get a nice char on the kernels before combining them with a rich mornay sauce and spicy Pepper Jack cheese. get the recipe 12 of 37 Summer Nachos Greg DuPree For a lighter take on nachos that’s seasonally appropriate without skimping on flavor, give this vegetarian recipe a whirl. Here, tortilla chips are topped 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 these nachos family-style for an easy dinner, or make them as an appetizer for a larger crowd. get the recipe 13 of 37 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 some caramelized onions for good measure, resulting in a mouthwatering savory-sweet combo. Serve this dish alongside grilled fish, rotisserie chicken, or a seared steak for a complete meal. get the recipe 14 of 37 Pasta With Chicken Sausage, Corn, Leeks, and Mushrooms Greg Dupree The bold flavors of store-bought Italian chicken sausage are balanced out by sweet, fresh corn kernels and meaty mushrooms in this 20-minute pasta dish. Meanwhile, lemon zest and juice add brightness, while basil brings those fresh, herby notes. get the recipe 15 of 37 Golden Corn and Tofu Curry Caitlin Bensel This delicious noodle dish is loaded with rice noodles, tender tofu cubes, and toasted corn kernels. All of the ingredients mingle in a Thai-inspired coconut curry sauce that’s made with green curry paste, soy sauce, brown sugar, and lime juice, which means there’s plenty of flavor in each bite. get the recipe 16 of 37 Vegetarian Tacos With Sweet Potatoes and Corn For this 20-minute dinner, flour tortillas are filled with a zesty vegetable-and-tofu mixture that includes plenty of corn and sweet potato cubes. Season the filling to your liking with chili powder and freshly ground black pepper, and be sure to garnish the tacos with shredded cheese, salsa, and a squeeze of fresh lime juice. get the recipe 35 Quick and Easy Dinner Ideas to Add to Your Menu 17 of 37 Southwestern Pasta Salad Greg DuPree This pasta salad swaps mayonnaise for an avocado-based dressing, and is loaded with mix-ins including avocado slices, black beans, cherry tomatoes, scallions, and plenty of fresh corn kernels. For some spice, feel free to add thinly sliced fresh jalapeños, or a can of chopped green chilies. get the recipe 18 of 37 Chile Corn Chowder Antonis Achilleos Speaking of canned green chilies, they bring some serious heat to this soup, which also includes five cups of fresh corn kernels, potatoes, onion, and stock. Half-and-half brings 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 all set. get the recipe 19 of 37 Pork Tenderloin With Fresh Corn Polenta Caitlin Bensel What pairs well with a decadent polenta that's studded with corn kernels? According to this recipe, the answer is juicy pork tenderloin flavored with a chili-and cumin-spiked lime marinade. For a practically perfect piece of pork, make sure you sear the sides before popping it in the oven. get the recipe 20 of 37 Corn, Leek, and Bacon Pancakes Victor Protasio Corn in pancakes? Don’t knock it until you try it. Here, corn kernels are paired with leek and bacon pieces to yield a savory stack of pancakes you’ll want to make again and again. Garnish each serving with a dollop of sour cream and a generous sprinkling of chives, and breakfast is served. get the recipe 21 of 37 Pulled Pork and Poblano Bake Antonis Achilleos Charred corn adds pops of sweetness to this cheesy stuffed pepper casserole that also includes store-bought pulled pork and plenty of fiber-rich kidney beans. To get that perfect char on your corn (fresh or frozen), use the broiler. get the recipe 22 of 37 Corn Spoon Bread Lynne Mitchell/Getty Images If you’re a cornbread fan, consider giving this similar recipe a try. While this dish is like cornbread, it’s actually a lighter, moister version of the classic BBQ side. Both frozen or fresh corn kernels work well here, but we recommend using the fresh stuff when corn is in season. get the recipe 23 of 37 Slow Cooker Chicken Taco Soup Wait for a rainy summer day to make this soup and you won’t be disappointed. This comforting dish has all of the taco mainstays, including corn, black beans, fire-roasted tomatoes, a jalapeño, and plenty of spices. Garnish each bowl with cheese, sour cream, and cilantro, and enjoy. get the recipe 24 of 37 Easy Stovetop Shrimp Boil Greg DuPree Yes you can make a shrimp boil using just one pot, and this recipe is proof. First, you’ll throw onions, lemon, garlic, potatoes, sausage, artichokes, shrimp, and corn into a large stockpot and bring to a boil with some dry shrimp-and-crab boil seasoning. Then, after about 20 minutes, you’ll drain and dump the goods onto a big platter to serve. Easy enough, right? get the recipe 25 of 37 Corn Relish Antonis Achilleos This corn relish is made with frozen corn, but when you can get your hands on in-season corn, it can be fresh kernels too. Here, those kernels will mingle with red onion, bell pepper, and mustard seeds for a deep savory flavor. Plus, there’s enough sugar in the mix to round out the tart apple cider vinegar. Enjoy this relish with grilled fish tacos or seared pork chops. get the recipe 26 of 37 Cowboy Caviar Rus32/Getty Images This viral TikTok dip is loaded with fresh and healthy ingredients, including corn, sliced jalapeños, a red onion, black and pinto beans, as well as a yellow, green, and orange bell pepper. Feel free to add in some of your own favorite ingredients too, including diced avocado, fresh mango, and plenty of crumbly cheese. get the recipe 27 of 37 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 meal together. get the recipe 28 of 37 Green Curry With Halibut and Corn Johnny Miller Fresh (or frozen) corn brings just the right amount of sweetness to this creamy curry that also includes pieces of halibut, jalapeño slices, and a rich broth made with coconut milk and chicken broth. Serve it over white rice to sop up every last bit. get the recipe 29 of 37 Southwestern Beef Chili With Corn Sure, chili is particularly delicious on a cold night, but there’s no stopping you from making it during the summer as well, especially when you stir in plenty of fresh corn. Top each bowl with shredded cheese, scallions, and avocado slices, and dinner is ready. get the recipe 30 of 37 Vegetarian Tacos With Goat Cheese Con Poulos Corn adds a hint of sweetness to any taco recipe, and works especially well in these meat-free tacos made with tofu, spinach, and crumbled goat cheese. One bite and you’ll see why! get the recipe 31 of 37 Buttery Grilled Corn Christopher Baker There’s no better side than freshly grilled corn in the summer, especially when you smother it in some butter. Serve grilled corn alongside hamburgers, hot dogs, shrimp, and anything else you might throw on the grill at your next BBQ. get the recipe 32 of 37 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 How to Make a Salad to Satisfy Your Hunger With 6 Simple Steps 33 of 37 Sweet Potato and Bean Burritos With Corn Salsa Jennifer Causey Burritos that freeze well? Consider us intrigued. These “freezer burritos” are stuffed full of crisp-tender shoestring sweet potatoes, fresh tomato-corn salsa, beans, and, of course, cheddar cheese. These burritos will stay fresh in the freezer for up to three months, and simply need to be microwaved whenever that burrito craving hits. get the recipe 34 of 37 Smoky Corn Chowder Con Poulos This flavorful chowder is another meal that works with fresh or frozen corn. The smokiness comes from smoked paprika, as well as onion and some other ingredients that are cooked in a bit of bacon grease. Speaking of bacon, bits of the delicious protein top each bowl of this chowder, along with a sprinkling of fresh scallions. get the recipe 35 of 37 Mexican Grilled Corn With Cilantro Sang An Grilled corn is delicious in its own right, but when you add some fresh cilantro and a few squirts of fresh lime juice, the beloved BBQ side is even tastier. If you have some crumbled Cotija cheese in the fridge, feel free to sprinkle it over the corn before serving. get the recipe 36 of 37 Fresh Corn With Shrimp and Cherry Tomatoes Susie Cushner Meant to be served chilled or at room temperature, this dish includes cooked shrimp mixed with fresh corn, sliced cherry tomatoes, scallions, and fresh cilantro leaves. A lemon juice and vinegar dressing brings out this recipe’s bright and bold flavors. get the recipe 37 of 37 Corn Salad With Feta and Walnuts Christopher Baker Salty, crumbly feta balances out fresh corn’s natural sweetness, while chopped walnuts add some much-needed crunch. And that’s not all! Lime juice adds a pop of acidity to this tasty side, while thinly sliced jalapeños bring the heat. get the recipe Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit