summer

10 Corn Side Dishes You Need to Bookmark

updated Nov 29, 2023
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Credit: Joe Lingeman

Sweet corn season is so fleeting that it’s extra important to take full advantage of it. I grew up doing this by eating my weight in corn on the cob — and while that’s still probably my favorite way to enjoy it, I quickly learned there are so many more options. Whether it’s crispy fritters, cheesy casserole, or a light salad, corn is easily one of summer’s best side dishes.

Corn Side Dishes

1 / 10
Esquites (Mexican Corn Salad)
Sweet, charred corn is partnered with a slew of ingredients for a salad that's just the right balance of smoky, spicy, tangy.
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2 / 10
Upside-Down Tomato Corn Cake

You’ve been warned: This savory cake might just steal you main dish’s thunder. It’s extra moist and buttery, and leftovers — if you have any — are wonderful enjoyed for breakfast.

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3 / 10
Bacon and Basil Wrapped Corn

Classic corn on the cob is an easy favorite, but it’s hard not to fall for this smoky bacon-wrapped version.

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4 / 10
Crispy Corn Fritters
The 4 easy steps for making delicious corn fritters at home.
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5 / 10
Potatoes, Green Beans, and Corn in Lemon-Brown Butter Sauce

This lightened-up potato salad is perfect alongside grilled chicken or fish. Any leftovers make a nice lunch, too, especially when sprinkled with some feta or goat cheese.

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6 / 10
Baked Corn Pudding Casserole
It's soft and tender on the inside with just a touch of texture from sweet corn and cornmeal, and blanketed with a delicate golden crust.
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7 / 10
Charred Corn Salsa

While this smoky corn salsa definitely plays well with chips, it’s especially nice spooned over grilled romaine hearts for a hearty side.

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8 / 10
Elote (Mexican Street Corn)
Don't let the season pass without making elote (a.k.a. Mexican street corn), a glorious mess of crema, mayonnaise, and cotija cheese.
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9 / 10
Hot Corn Casserole
Fresh summer corn is cooked into an irresistible creamy casserole that plays the role of dip, side dish, or condiment.
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10 / 10
Curried Corn and Coconut Rice

You’ll have leftovers of the aromatic Jamaican curry powder that’s made for this dish — it’s great blended in soups, stews, marinades, and other vegetable dishes.

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