15 Corn Side Dishes So Good They Might Steal the Show at Dinner

Corn might be the most loved vegetable in America, and for good reason. It is sweet, cheap, easy to find all year, and kids actually eat it. These corn side dishes go from grilled cobs and Mexican street corn to creamy casseroles and golden cornbread, so you can find one for a weeknight, a cookout or the holiday table. Planning a big feast? Pair them with these make ahead Thanksgiving sides. Frozen, canned or fresh, any corn works for most of them..

Honey Butter Skillet Corn, the Easiest of All Corn Side Dishes

Golden kernels sizzle in butter until a few of them turn brown and toasty, then a spoonful of honey and a pinch of salt make them shine. It takes ten minutes and works with frozen corn, so you can make it any time of year. This is one of those corn side dishes that goes with everything, from fried chicken to tacos to a holiday ham.

You will need: You will need: 4 cups corn kernels (fresh or frozen), 3 tablespoons butter, 2 tablespoons honey, 1/2 teaspoon salt, black pepper, chopped chives or parsley.

How to make it: 1. Melt butter in a large skillet over medium high heat. 2. Add the corn and spread it out. 3. Cook 6 to 8 minutes without stirring too often so it browns. 4. Stir in honey, salt and pepper. 5. Top with chives and serve hot.

Smoky Grilled Corn on the Cob, a Classic Among Corn Side Dishes

Nothing says cookout like corn charred on the grill. The heat turns the sugars in the kernels smoky and sweet, and a swipe of butter at the end melts into every row. You can grill it in the husk for a softer, steamed result or right on the grates for more char. Which way do you grill it: in the husk or naked on the grill?

You will need: You will need: 6 ears of corn, 4 tablespoons soft butter, salt, pepper, optional smoked paprika.

How to make it: 1. Heat the grill to medium high. 2. Remove the husks and silk. 3. Brush the corn with a little oil. 4. Grill 10 to 12 minutes, turning every few minutes. 5. Brush with butter and season.

Mexican Street Corn (Elote), the Party Star of Corn Side Dishes

Elote is one of the most famous street foods in Mexico, and once you taste it you understand why. Grilled corn gets slathered in creamy sauce, rolled in salty cotija cheese, then dusted with chili and finished with lime. It is messy in the best way. Among corn side dishes, this one is the life of the party. Poll: A) Extra cheese B) Extra chili C) Extra lime D) All of it!

You will need: You will need: 4 ears grilled corn, 1/4 cup mayonnaise, 1/4 cup sour cream or Mexican crema, 1/2 cup crumbled cotija, 1 teaspoon chili powder, 1 lime, cilantro.

How to make it: 1. Grill the corn until charred. 2. Mix mayo and crema. 3. Brush it all over the hot corn. 4. Roll in cotija and sprinkle with chili. 5. Add cilantro and serve with lime wedges.

Crispy Corn Ribs

Corn ribs went viral for a reason. When you cut a cob into long strips and roast or air fry them, they curl up like little ribs and get crispy edges. Toss them in garlic butter and spices, then squeeze lime on top. They are fun to eat with your hands and perfect for game day. Have you seen corn ribs online yet, or is this your first time?

You will need: You will need: 4 ears of corn, 3 tablespoons melted butter, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1 lime.

How to make it: 1. Carefully cut each cob in half, then into quarters lengthwise. 2. Mix butter, garlic, paprika and salt. 3. Brush over the corn. 4. Air fry at 400F for 12 minutes or roast at 425F for 20 minutes. 5. Finish with lime.

Black Bean and Corn Salad

This bright salad is a potluck superstar. Sweet corn, black beans, peppers and red onion get tossed in a zesty lime dressing. It holds up well for hours, so it is great for picnics, tailgates and meal prep. Scoop it with chips as a salsa, or pile it on grilled chicken. It is full of fiber and plant protein, and it costs very little to make. It is one of the most budget friendly corn side dishes you can make.

You will need: You will need: 2 cups corn, 1 can black beans (rinsed), 1 red pepper, 1/2 red onion, 1 cup cherry tomatoes, cilantro, 3 tablespoons olive oil, juice of 2 limes, 1/2 teaspoon cumin, salt.

How to make it: 1. Chop the pepper, onion and tomatoes. 2. Add corn and beans to a large bowl. 3. Whisk oil, lime juice, cumin and salt. 4. Pour over and toss. 5. Chill 30 minutes and stir in cilantro.

Old Fashioned Creamed Corn, One of the Coziest Corn Side Dishes

Forget the canned stuff. Real creamed corn is rich, sweet and comforting, and it is one of the most requested corn side dishes at holiday dinners. A little butter, cream and parmesan make it silky. Some families add a pinch of sugar, others a little cayenne. How does your family make creamed corn, sweet or savory?

You will need: You will need: 5 cups corn, 2 tablespoons butter, 1 cup heavy cream, 1/4 cup milk, 1 tablespoon flour, 1 tablespoon sugar, 1/4 cup parmesan, salt, pepper.

How to make it: 1. Melt butter in a pan and whisk in flour. 2. Add cream and milk and stir until thick. 3. Stir in corn, sugar, salt and pepper. 4. Simmer 10 minutes. 5. Stir in parmesan and serve.

Golden Skillet Cornbread

Is it really a Southern dinner without cornbread? Baked in a hot cast iron skillet, it gets crispy edges and a tender middle. Some people like it sweet like cake, others like it savory with no sugar at all. Serve it warm with butter and honey, next to chili, beans or greens. Big question: sweet cornbread or savory cornbread?

You will need: You will need: 1 cup cornmeal, 1 cup flour, 1/4 cup sugar (optional), 1 tablespoon baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1 cup buttermilk, 2 eggs, 1/3 cup melted butter.

How to make it: 1. Heat a greased cast iron skillet in a 425F oven. 2. Mix the dry ingredients. 3. Whisk buttermilk, eggs and butter and stir into the dry mix. 4. Pour into the hot skillet. 5. Bake 20 to 22 minutes until golden.

Sweet Corn Casserole, the Holiday Favorite of Corn Side Dishes

This casserole is a holiday classic that sits somewhere between cornbread and pudding. It is soft, sweet and buttery with golden edges. Most versions use a box of corn muffin mix, which makes it almost foolproof. It is easy to double for a crowd. Of all the corn side dishes in this list, this is the one people ask you to bring every Thanksgiving.

You will need: You will need: 1 can corn (drained), 1 can creamed corn, 1 box corn muffin mix, 1 cup sour cream, 1/2 cup melted butter, 1 egg.

How to make it: 1. Heat the oven to 350F and grease a baking dish. 2. Mix all the ingredients in a bowl. 3. Pour into the dish. 4. Bake 45 to 50 minutes until set and golden. 5. Rest 10 minutes and top with parsley.

Creamy Corn Chowder

When the weather turns cold, a big pot of corn chowder warms everyone up. Potatoes make it hearty, a little bacon adds smoky flavor, and sweet corn makes every spoonful taste like summer. Serve a small cup as a side or a big bowl for dinner. It also reheats well for lunch the next day. Would you add bacon or keep it vegetarian?

You will need: You will need: 4 slices bacon, 1 onion, 2 potatoes (diced), 4 cups corn, 3 cups broth, 1 cup milk, 1/2 cup cream, salt, pepper, chives.

How to make it: 1. Cook the bacon and set it aside. 2. Soften the onion in the drippings. 3. Add potatoes and broth and simmer 12 minutes. 4. Add corn, milk and cream and simmer 5 minutes. 5. Blend a little for thickness and top with bacon and chives.

Crispy Corn Fritters

Crunchy outside, soft and sweet inside, corn fritters are a fun way to use leftover corn. The batter comes together in minutes, and you can add cheese, scallions or a little jalapeno. Serve them with sour cream or a spicy mayo dip. They are great for brunch, as a side, or as a snack at a party. Kids put these at the top of their list of corn side dishes.

You will need: You will need: 2 cups corn, 3/4 cup flour, 1 teaspoon baking powder, 1 egg, 1/3 cup milk, 2 scallions, 1/2 cup shredded cheddar, salt, oil for frying.

How to make it: 1. Mix flour, baking powder and salt. 2. Whisk in the egg and milk. 3. Fold in corn, scallions and cheese. 4. Fry spoonfuls in hot oil 2 to 3 minutes per side. 5. Drain on paper towels and serve with a dip.

Buttery Boiled Corn on the Cob

Sometimes simple is best. A quick boil keeps corn crisp and juicy, and a little milk and sugar in the water makes it taste extra sweet. Roll each cob in butter right before serving. This is the classic for summer barbecues and family dinners, and it takes under ten minutes. How do you eat your corn: around in circles or straight across like a typewriter?

You will need: You will need: 6 ears of corn, 1 cup milk, 1 tablespoon sugar, water, butter, salt.

How to make it: 1. Bring a large pot of water to a boil. 2. Add the milk and sugar. 3. Add the husked corn. 4. Boil 5 to 7 minutes until tender. 5. Drain, roll in butter and sprinkle with salt.

Corn Skewers with Herb Butter

Cutting corn into small rounds and putting them on skewers makes them easy for kids and guests to eat. Grill or roast them, then brush with a quick herb butter made with parsley, garlic and lemon. They look great on a party platter next to grilled meat or veggie kebabs. These little corn side dishes are always the first to go.

You will need: You will need: 4 ears of corn cut into 2 inch rounds, 4 tablespoons soft butter, 2 tablespoons chopped parsley, 1 clove garlic, zest of 1 lemon, salt, wooden skewers.

How to make it: 1. Soak skewers in water for 20 minutes. 2. Thread the corn rounds onto the skewers. 3. Grill or roast at 425F for 15 minutes, turning once. 4. Mix butter, parsley, garlic, lemon zest and salt. 5. Brush over the hot corn.

Southern Corn Pudding, One of the Richest Corn Side Dishes

Corn pudding is soft, custardy and lightly sweet, a true Southern comfort side. It is baked in a dish or little ramekins until the top turns golden. Eggs and milk give it that silky texture, and fresh corn adds little pops of sweetness. It is wonderful next to ham or turkey. Did your grandma make corn pudding for the holidays?

You will need: You will need: 3 cups corn, 3 eggs, 1 1/2 cups milk, 1/2 cup cream, 3 tablespoons flour, 2 tablespoons sugar, 3 tablespoons melted butter, 1/2 teaspoon salt.

How to make it: 1. Heat the oven to 350F and butter a baking dish. 2. Whisk eggs, milk, cream, flour, sugar, butter and salt. 3. Stir in the corn. 4. Pour into the dish. 5. Bake 40 to 45 minutes until set and golden.

Sauteed Corn with Bacon and Peppers

Crispy bacon, sweet bell peppers and corn cooked in the same pan make a side dish that feels like a hug. It is colorful, quick and works with frozen corn. Serve it next to pork chops or scrambled eggs, or spoon it into tacos. Leftovers are great stirred into rice. Would you add a little jalapeno for heat?

You will need: You will need: 4 slices bacon, 4 cups corn, 1 red bell pepper, 1/2 onion, 1 clove garlic, salt, pepper, green onions.

How to make it: 1. Cook the bacon until crisp and crumble it. 2. Cook onion and pepper in the drippings for 4 minutes. 3. Add garlic and corn and cook 6 minutes. 4. Season with salt and pepper. 5. Stir in bacon and green onions.

Cheesy Corn Mac and Cheese

Mac and cheese is already a favorite side, and sweet corn makes it even better. The kernels add little bursts of sweetness against the creamy cheddar sauce. Bake it with breadcrumbs on top or serve it straight from the pot. It is a great way to finish this list of corn side dishes. Poll: A) Stovetop creamy B) Baked with a crunchy top. Which do you choose?

You will need: You will need: 12 ounces elbow pasta, 2 cups corn, 3 tablespoons butter, 3 tablespoons flour, 2 1/2 cups milk, 2 cups shredded cheddar, salt, pepper, pinch of paprika.

How to make it: 1. Cook the pasta and drain. 2. Melt butter, whisk in flour, then add milk and stir until thick. 3. Stir in cheese until melted. 4. Fold in pasta and corn. 5. Season and serve, or bake at 375F for 20 minutes.