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It doesn't need to be the first day of summer to love the flavor of sweet corn. There are tons of frozen corn recipes and canned corn recipes to get us through the off-season months. But once those ears of fresh corn start popping up at the farmers' market, we can't help but enjoy corn every which way! And that’s where this list of best corn recipes will come in handy. Whether you're looking for different variations of corn on the cob (the one wrapped in bacon is an all-time favorite!) or seasonal salsas featuring juicy corn kernels, these corn recipes will get you excited about shucking.
Many of these ideas are great for BBQ sides (like the corn soufflé or Mexican esquites), but you’ll also find ways to use corn in your weekday dinner recipes, too. Try a creamy chowder recipe packed with corn and chicken or opt for a pasta recipe featuring corn and tomatoes. There are also tons of summer sides, party dips, and recipes for a 4th of July menu. And once you try Ree Drummond's sweet corn fritters, you’ll want to put them on repeat again and again. So, go ahead and shuck some corn, we promise it'll be worth it.
1
Esquites
Charred corn and poblano peppers make up the base for this tasty Mexican side dish. The key is tossing it all together with a garlicky dressing made with sour cream, mayonnaise, Cotija cheese, cilantro, green onion, lime, and chili powder.
Get the Esquites recipe.
2
Corn Soufflé
Not only is this fluffy side dish made with fresh corn kernels, but it's also made with canned cream corn and corn muffin mix to really enhance that sweet corn flavor.
Get the Corn Soufflé recipe.
3
Southwestern Salad
The classic Southwestern flavors of corn, beans, avocado, and pepper jack cheese all make an appearance in this refreshing salad. There's even tortilla chips for crunch!
Get the Southwestern Salad recipe.
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4
Corn and Black Bean Salsa
This hearty salsa combines black beans, sweet corn kernels, and juicy cherry tomatoes in one scoop-able dish. You can enjoy it with tortilla chips or even serve it as a side along with grilled chicken or tacos.
Get the Corn and Black Bean Salsa recipe.
5
Taco Pasta Salad
Charred corn brings a smoky flavor to this fun pasta salad. There's also chorizo, pickled jalapeño, and cotija cheese. Not to mention a chili-lime dressing that's both creamy and zesty.
Get the Taco Pasta Salad recipe.
6
Pan de Elote
A cornbread that's made with whole corn kernels? Count us in! This variation on the classic BBQ side is a bit sweeter, but just as delicious with plenty of butter.
Get the Pan de Elote recipe.
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7
Hot Corn Dip
Between the melty cheese and the pops of fresh corn kernels, this dip is the ultimate crowd-pleaser. It's not super spicy but it does have a jalapeño and chili powder for some heat.
Get Ree's Hot Corn Dip recipe.
8
Chipotle Corn Salsa
You can make this popular restaurant chain's corn salsa right at home. It has all the same bright and zesty flavors that you'll want to scoop up with tortilla chips.
Get the Chipotle Corn Salsa recipe.
9
Corn Salad
This summery salad makes corn the star of any cookout! The supporting ingredients like tomatoes, avocado, and chipotle-lime dressing, all enhance that sweet corn flavor.
Get the Corn Salad recipe.
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10
Grilled Corn on the Cob
Looking for the best way to grill corn? Here you have it! This method has some husks peeled and some left on for a best of both worlds approach.
Get the Grilled Corn on the Cob recipe.
11
Corn Salsa
This summer salsa is like an explosion of color thanks to the corn, bell peppers, red onion, and jalapeño. It would also make a fun addition to taco night.
Get the Corn Salsa recipe.
12
Mexican Street Corn
Yes, you can make this popular street food right in your own backyard. All you need is fresh corn on the cob, mayo, cheese, and spices and herbs.
Get the Mexican Street Corn recipe.
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13
Southwestern Pasta Salad
Tender-crisp corn adds a pop of summer flavor to this Southwestern-inspired pasta salad. But you can also use thawed frozen corn if needed.
Get the Southwestern Pasta Salad recipe.
14
Corn Fritters
When you have loads of extra corn, these corn fritters are just the thing to make. Take Ree’s advice and serve them up sweet with powdered sugar and maple syrup.
Get Ree’s Corn Fritters recipe.
15
Chicken and Corn Chowder
Soup isn’t just for winter! This creamy, summer soup is loaded with sweet corn, bell peppers, green onions, and hearty chicken for a weeknight dinner that you’ll crave any time of year.
Get the Chicken and Corn Chowder recipe.
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16
Creamed Corn
This creamy side dish celebrates the sweet flavor of summer corn by letting it shine with simple ingredients like butter, onion, milk, and fresh basil leaves.
Get the Creamed Corn recipe.
17
Bacon-Wrapped Corn on the Cob
Crispy pieces of bacon wrapped around fresh corn will be the highlight of your summer barbecue.
Get Ree's Bacon-Wrapped Corn on the Cob recipe.
18
Rigatoni with Creamy Corn
Pick up a few fresh ears of corn and make this delicious summer pasta.
Get Ree's Rigatoni with Creamy Corn recipe.
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19
Fresh Corn Casserole
There are only five ingredients in this dish, including a few ears of fresh corn. It'll be an instant hit at any barbecue or holiday.
Get Ree's Fresh Corn Casserole recipe.
20
Grilled Corn Salad with Cilantro Vinaigrette
For the perfect picnic side, use grilled corn as the main ingredient! It adds instant summertime flavor.
Get Ree's Grilled Corn Salad with Cilantro Vinaigrette recipe.