21 Frozen Corn Recipes For An Easy Dinner Tonight

Scalloped Corn Casserole
Photo: Caitlin Bensel, Food Styling: Karen Rankin

Corn is one vegetable that actually freezes very well. While we'd always opt for fresh corn in salsa or for a raw garnish, frozen corn certainly has a place in the culinary world. Frozen corn can be an excellent option for cooked dishes like stews or hot dips—since the kernels are frozen, they retain their shape and integrity, whereas fresh corn could quickly boil down to a mushy mess. We'd always opt for frozen corn, which is frozen-fresh, over canned corn, which can taste artificial and soggy. Plus, studies show frozen fruits and vegetables can be healthier than fresh ones. Yes, you read that right.

If you've got a bag of corn lurking in the depths of your freezer, break it out for these family-friendly recipes. Frozen corn will help add pops of freshness and dimension to your winter stews, like Smoky Mountain Brunswick Stew, or creative casseroles, like Cowboy Casserole. We can guarantee that your guests or family members will only guess that the dish started with a bag of frozen corn. Channel the feeling of summer cookouts by adding corn to your favorite dishes year-round.

01 of 21

Cowboy Casserole

Cowboy Casserole
Micah A. Leal

Stuffed with taco-flavored beef and topped with a layer of golden-brown tater tots, this Cowboy Casserole will be a new dinnertime staple. A combination of black beans, pinto beans, diced fire-roasted tomatoes, and diced green chiles add heartiness to this casserole. Hot sauce adds some spice.

02 of 21

Slow Cooker Turkey Chili

Slow Cooker Turkey Chili
Victor Protasio; Prop Styling: Kay E. Clarke; Food Styling: Torie Cox

Chili is one of our favorite fall stews, but sometimes ground beef and beans can be heavy. This white chili recipe uses turkey meat and chicken or turkey stock to make a lighter version of the classic stew. After letting this chili cook for seven hours, your house will smell great, and this dish will taste delicious.

03 of 21

Harry Young's Burgoo

Harry Young’s Burgoo
Greg DuPree; Prop Styling: Mindi Shapiro Levine; Food Styling: Torie Cox

Burgoo is a classic Southern stew made in extra-large batches, so this recipe is ideal for church potlucks or community gatherings. It incorporates a few different frozen foods—corn, lima beans, and peas—alongside fresh produce and meat to create a multi-dimensional stew.

04 of 21

Corn and Jalapeño Dip

Corn and Jalapeño Dip
Hector Manuel Sanchez

This slightly-spicy corn and jalapeño dip will be the star of any tailgate or backyard cookout. This recipe is ideal when you are short on time. Stir the first seven ingredients in a slow cooker until it's creamy and bubbling. When ready, crumble bacon slices and garnish with extra scallions if desired.

05 of 21

Chicken and Charred Succotash Salad

Chicken and Charred Succotash Salad
Hector Sanchez

Southern succotash becomes a whole meal with the simple addition of chicken. And yes—frozen corn is perfectly acceptable in this summery dish. It travels and reheats well.

06 of 21

Corn Pudding Casserole

Broccoli Cheese Casserole
Linda Pugliese; Prop Styling: Kay E. Clarke; Food Styling: Torie Cox

Do you like your corn pudding, sweet or savory? This creamy, cheesy casserole will be your new go-to if you're team savory. Fresh chives and thyme add a bit more brightness.

07 of 21

Smoky Mountain Brunswick Stew

Smoky Mountain Brunswick Stew
Southern Living

This stunning winter dish might have disputed origins, but this stick-to-your-bones-stew is delicious. The chicken, barbecued pork, and vegetables (including frozen corn) are Southern's favorite.

08 of 21

Walking Tacos

Salsa Verde Corn Chip Pie
Melina Hammer

Have some extra snack packs of corn chips? Turn them into an on-the-go meal with this inventive corn chip pie recipe. The best part about this recipe is you can be as creative as you want.

09 of 21

Parmesan Corn Pudding

Parmesan Corn Pudding
Photo: Jennifer Davick

Upgrade your corn pudding with this parmesan-flavored recipe. Test Kitchen Tip: Purée half of the frozen corn in the food processor to create a creamier texture and fresh, off-the-cob flavor.

10 of 21

Easy Taco Soup

Easy Taco Soup
Jason Donnelly

Warm up this winter with an easy taco soup. Your family will love this creative twist on taco night. Offer corn chips and shredded Cheddar cheese as toppings for this delicious soup.

11 of 21

Three-Cheese Corn Pudding

Three-Cheese Corn Pudding Recipe Image
Victor Protasio; Prop Styling: Ginny Branch Stelling; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall

With white cheddar, sharp cheddar, and Parmesan, this corn pudding is full of creamy cheeses. The fluffy, almost dessert-like texture will be an indulgent side dish for any menu. This corn pudding will quickly be a family favorite.

12 of 21

Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup

Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup
Courtesy Oxmoor House

You'll be making this creamy chicken tortilla soup all fall long. Use fresh or frozen corn and lots of toppings for this warm recipe. Make it spicier by adding more jalapeño or smokier with chipotle chili powder.

13 of 21

Cheesy Ham, Corn, and Grits Bake

Cheesy Ham, Corn, and Grits Bake
Hector Manuel Sanchez

Two types of Cheddar cheese make this casserole a creamy and cozy blend of flavors. Corn and cubed ham combine with stone-ground grits for an easy twist on a soufflé. This dish is excellent for breakfast or dinner.

14 of 21

Creamy Fried Confetti Corn

Creamy Fried Confetti Corn
Southern Living

Add bacon to this creamy casserole, which is the ideal side dish for any meal. Corn and peppers blend to make a flavorful dish that will quickly become a family favorite.

15 of 21

Zucchini, Squash, and Corn Casserole

Zucchini, Squash, and Corn Casserole
Hector Sanchez; Stylist: Buffy Hargett

Corn, zucchini, and squash pair ideally in this colorful casserole. The golden crumb topping, made from white breadcrumbs, adds a delicate crunch to each bite. Create the breadcrumbs by using a food processor.

16 of 21

Fluffy Corn Pudding

Fluffy Corn Pudding
Antonis Achilleos; Prop Styling: Kathleen Varner; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall

To help create a smooth texture, use a food processor to puree the corn kernels. This corn pudding will be a must-try because it will be a delicious cross between a custard and a souffle. Serve warm and sprinkle with scallions.

17 of 21

Okra and Rice Casserole

Okra and Rice Casserole
Hector Manuel Sanchez; Styling: Caroline M. Cunningham

This okra and rice casserole is simple to make and packs fantastic flavor—the combination of sautéed okra, sweet corn, Cajun spices, and buttery garlic breadcrumbs make this dish truly original.

18 of 21

Baked Corn Casserole

Baked Corn Casserole
Greg Dupree; Food Stylist: Emily Neighbors Hall; Prop Stylist: Audrey Davis

Enjoy a hybrid of cornbread and corn pudding. This dish will be a favorite because of its delicate, rich, and creamy flavors. Pureed corn helps lock in the moisture, providing a smooth texture.

19 of 21

Scalloped Corn Casserole

Scalloped Corn Casserole
Caitlin Bensel, Food Styling: Karen Rankin

This recipe is simple: whisk softened cream cheese, eggs, and seasonings until smooth. Stir most of the corn and the cheese and set aside. Next, add corn with half-and-half until smooth until combined, pour it into a greased baking dish, and bake. Top with a crunchy topping mixture of butter, cheese, crackers, panko, and thyme, and enjoy.

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Macaroni Corn Casserole

Macaroni Corn Casserole
Will Dickey; Prop Styling: Christina Daley; Food Styling: Rishon Hanners

This recipe is the combination we never knew we needed. Combine mac-and-cheese with corn casserole for a decadent, cheese-laden dish full of flavor. Let this macaroni corn casserole sit for 15 minutes before serving.

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Savory Corn Pudding

Savory Corn Pudding
Emily Laurae / Southern Living

Corn, onions, cream, and butter combine to create a fluffy and savory pudding. Make this savory corn pudding up to two days in advance, cover, and chill. Sprinkle with thyme before serving.

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