Who’s ready to raid the pantry? We’re taking that humble can of corn and making it the absolute star of the show.
I am so serious. These recipes are so incredibly good, you’ll wonder why you ever let that can just sit on the shelf.
1. Spicy Corn Carbonara
When you think of carbonara, you’re probably picturing that insanely creamy white sauce, right? While I personally have no complaints, I know some people find it a little too rich. If that’s you, then you HAVE to give this recipe a try.
This carbonara is still wonderfully rich, but not in an overwhelming way. The secret? It’s a triple threat of corn, red pepper flakes, and bacon.
Thanks to the amazing contrast in flavor and texture they bring, you’ll be going back for one bowl after another.
2. Corn Biscuits
I know that making biscuits from scratch can sometimes feel like a huge project. But when you get it right? You end up with a fluffy and cheesy treat that is so good, you’ll want to make it on repeat. It’s absolutely worth the effort.
Trust me, once you get the hang of this, you’ll be waving goodbye to boxed biscuit mix at the grocery store for good.
3. Cowboy Caviar
Cowboy Caviar is a total party for your eyes and your tastebuds.
It’s jam-packed with beans, tomatoes, jalapenos, corn, avocado, bell peppers, and spices. We’re talking a dish just bursting with color, flavor, and texture.
And yeah, you could use it for dipping, but this stuff is phenomenal all on its own. No tortilla chips needed here. Just give me a spoon!
4. Chicken Tortilla Soup
This is Mexican comfort food at its very best. Chicken breast, corn, and spices all hang out in a delicious tomato-based broth, which gets topped with tender tortilla strips.
Plus, don’t you just love a recipe where you throw everything into one pot and let it do its thing? This savory soup is exactly that. It’s a lifesaver.
5. Honey Skillet Cornbread
Cornbread is a southern classic that’s perfectly crispy on the outside while staying moist and crumbly on the inside.
What makes this one even better than a traditional cornbread? It’s all about being cooked in a cast-iron skillet. That’s the secret.
This method gives the batter an amazing crisp crust that seals in all that tender bread goodness.
It’s also flavored with honey, which goes so well with the corn kernels. It’s so good, I could easily eat the whole batch in one sitting!
6. Sloppy Joe Stew
Sloppy Joe stew is such a clever spin on the world-famous sandwich. To put it simply, it’s a Sloppy Joe, just without the sandwich part!
Perfectly seasoned ground beef swimming around in a rich tomato-based broth, with juicy yellow corn kernels added in. How epic does that sound?
7. Arroz Con Mais
Rice and corn might seem like a boring pair, but don’t let that fool you! This dish is so hearty and is literally packed with flavor.
The duo of fluffy rice and juicy sweet corn is pure genius. That textural contrast is going to blow you away.
I love to serve this as a side dish with fried chicken, and I can tell you right now, your kids will be asking for more.
8. Baked Parmesan Creamed Corn
Corn and Parmesan are a match made in food heaven. This creamy, cheesy casserole is all the proof you need.
This dish brings together corn kernels and creamed corn under a thick layer of Parmesan cheese, all baked to absolute perfection.
If I had to make a list of my favorite corn side dishes, this one would definitely be at the top!
9. Beef Tamale Casserole
This casserole is where cornbread, cheese, beef, and enchilada sauce all come together to live happily ever after.
Sweet cornbread gets combined with enchilada sauce and ground beef, and the whole thing is finished with an ooey-gooey layer of cheese on top. Oh, what a beautiful love story.
Just thinking about it makes me fall in love!
10. Corn Dip
If you’re throwing a party and want to make some kind of dip sampler, this one needs to be at the very top of your list.
I like to call this one an imposter dip because it feels more like a casserole.
With a powerhouse combination of corn, cream cheese, bacon, ranch, and jalapenos, this dip is totally loaded! It’s so addictive, it feels like it should be illegal.
11. Mexican Street Corn Burrito Bowls
I love a good tortilla-wrapped burrito, but I will absolutely never say no to a hearty burrito bowl.
This recipe is going to be a home run with vegetarians because it uses quinoa, sweet corn kernels, black beans, red bell pepper, and cilantro. It manages to be so healthy and so delicious at the same time!
And the goodness doesn’t stop there. A tangy and refreshing lime crema sauce ties everything together.
12. Trinidad Corn Pie
Coming in next is a side dish that could easily pass as a main dish. It’s just that good.
Trinidad corn pie is a lot like the traditional corn casserole we all know and love, but it’s got a fun Caribbean twist.
So what makes it extra special? Besides the corn kernels, it’s also loaded up with onions, bell peppers, and scotch bonnet peppers. It really delivers a kick!
13. Chicken Fried Rice
This recipe is a winner for those nights when you’re too busy to cook something fancy but still need to get dinner on the table for the family. It’s also perfect if you’re trying to stick to a budget!
Chicken fried rice is insanely easy to throw together.
All you really need is rice and a handful of canned goods that I bet are already sitting in your kitchen: corn, green beans, and chicken breast.
Don’t let the simple ingredient list fool you, though. When they all come together, they create a hearty and colorful side dish that is completely packed with flavor.
14. Corn Chowder
Corn chowder is a thick, creamy, chunky, and savory soup that you’ll be craving all year long. Just one spoonful is enough to make your heart do a little happy dance.
It’s absolutely perfect for warming you up on a chilly, rainy evening. Pair it with a piece or two of cornbread, and you are all set!
You’ll just need a can of corn, some heavy cream, potatoes, and cheddar cheese. And just like that, dinner is served.
15. Albondigas Soup (Mexican Meatball Soup)
This heartwarming soup isn’t just delicious, it’s also so festive!
For me, the star of the show is the spice-spiked broth that brings all the different elements together in one amazing bowl.
Every single slurp gives you a lovely bite of meatball, corn kernel, tomato, and black beans. It’s that “makes-your-heart-happy” kind of goodness.
16. Sweet Corn and Potato Gratin
Potato gratin is made with tender potatoes, crunchy corn, and a crisp breadcrumb topping, all baked to a perfect golden brown.
Each part of this dish complements the others so well that it’s guaranteed to be a new favorite in your house. It’s so good, even your pickiest eaters won’t be able to say no.
17. Corn Salad
When I think about how colorful this salad is, I just want to grab my camera and give it the full photoshoot treatment it deserves.
Besides being so pretty, this salad is also super loaded. I’m talking corn kernels, avocado, tomato, red onion, and jalapeno!
The refreshing cilantro lime dressing ties all of the ingredients together to create one incredible starter.
I love to pair this salad with chicken, beef, or seafood for a rustic, picture-perfect dinner.
18. Skillet Mexican Street Corn
If you’ve had this before, you already know what’s up. If you haven’t, you are in for such a treat!
Mexican street corn is, without a doubt, one of the best corn side dishes you will ever have in your entire life.
It’s usually served right on the cob, but if you only have canned corn, that’s no problem at all!
Just grab your skillet, toss the ingredients together, and you’ll have a deconstructed version of the beloved Mexican street food.
19. Cornbread Muffins
Cornbread, but in muffin form? Yes, please! I’ll take three.
While there’s absolutely nothing wrong with traditional cornbread, this muffin version is insanely moist. The not-so-secret ingredient that makes it all happen is creamed corn.