summer

10 Corn Side Dishes You Need to Bookmark

Sheela Prakash
Sheela PrakashSenior Contributing Food Editor
Sheela is the Senior Contributing Food Editor at Kitchn and the author of Mediterranean Every Day: Simple, Inspired Recipes for Feel-Good Food. She received her master's degree from the University of Gastronomic Sciences in Italy and is also a Registered Dietitian.
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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