54 Fast and Fresh Corn Recipes for Your Summer Haul

May 22, 2014
Credit: Photo: Victor Protasio; Food Styling: Tina Bell Stamos; Prop Styling: Christine Keely

Of all our favorite things about summer in the South, one we can always count on is a farmers’ market bursting with fresh produce. Our kitchens are joyfully overrun with colorful heirloom tomatoes, juicy peaches, and of course, sweet corn. Fresh corn is an easy, versatile ingredient to toss into salads, stir-fries, pastas, dips, and so much more. From classics like succotash and Texas caviar to new ways to use fresh corn like our Mexican Street Corn Pizza and our Corn Custards with Berry Compote. It wouldn’t be a holiday or potluck without a casserole dish of corn pudding on the sideboard, and we’ve got several fun variations of the old-school version. If you’re planning a backyard barbecue, you can never go wrong with corn on the cob as a side. With our fresh corn recipes, you can try corn on the cob on the grill, in your Air Fryer, in your Instant Pot, or in the oven. Stock up on fresh summer corn on your next trip to the farmers’ market and choose one of our favorite recipes the family will love. Make use of the summer corn harvest in salads, relishes, puddings, and more with these fresh corn recipes.

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Lady Pea-and-Corn Patties

Credit: Alison Miksch

Recipe: Lady Pea-and-Corn Patties

For a great sauce, stir together 1 cup sour cream, 2 tsp. lime zest, 3 Tbsp. lime juice, and 2 Tbsp. chopped cilantro.

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Tee's Corn Pudding

Credit: Hector M Sanchez

Recipe: Tee's Corn Pudding 

Corn pudding may seem like a simple side dish, but you might be surprised to learn it is a reader favorite. This is a dish that we recommend you always have on your Thanksgiving table. We describe Tee's Corn Pudding as our ultimate creamed corn: this in-demand recipe has run in our magazine more than 10 times after its debut in 1995. To run so often, and to seem so simple, it obviously is a recipe for corn pudding that is rich and delicious. If you'd like to dress the dish up a little, it is even more amazing with chopped fresh chives added on top.

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Classic Succotash

Credit: photo: Alison Miksch

Recipe: Classic Succotash

Succotash is hearty enough to be not only a light entrée but also a blue-ribbon accompaniment to fish, fried chicken, or grilled pork chops.

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Creamed Corn

Credit: Hector Manuel Sanchez

Recipe: Creamed Corn

Keep an eye on the corn as it simmers; it needs to cook only until it's tender. If it starts to dry out and stick to the skillet, add water a little at a time.

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Fresh Corn Spoonbread

Credit: Iain Bagwell

Recipe: Fresh Corn Spoonbread

If you are looking for an alternative to traditional cornbread, this simple recipe is just the one for you. The directions suggest that you serve this in individual ramekins, and this makes it easy to set a beautiful Thanksgiving table in advance and to be sure everyone gets the perfect serving. This recipe focuses on freshness, using fresh corn, as well as fresh herbs including chives, parsley, and thyme. You will marvel at the aromas while this is baking in the oven, and you will savor every bite when you taste it hot and ready to eat. 

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Zucchini, Squash, and Corn Casserole

Credit: Photo: Hector Sanchez

Recipe: Zucchini, Squash, and Corn Casserole

Soft, white breadcrumbs double as a feather-light binder and golden crumb topping. To make them, pulse torn slices of day-old sandwich bread in the food processor.

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Farmers' Market Pasta Salad

Credit: Photo: Hector Sanchez

Recipe: Farmers' Market Pasta Salad

Cook the pasta al dente (1 or 2 minutes shorter than package directions specify) so it holds its shape when tossed with the vegetables and vinaigrette. Ripe for riffs, this pasta salad recipe is also delicious with cheese-filled tortellini.

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Summer Brunswick Stew

Credit: Hector Manuel Sanchez

Recipe: Summer Brunswick Stew

A light, summery broth lets the flavors of fresh-picked corn and lady peas shine. Stir in whatever barbecue sauce you have on handâ€"some are bolder or sweeter than others, so start with the minimum amount and adjust according to taste.

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Parmesan Corn Pudding

Credit: Photo: Jennifer Davick

Recipe: Parmesan Corn Pudding

This tasty side dish takes a quicker approach to classic corn pudding. You'll love the cheesy Parmesan twist.

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Black Bean-Corn Tacos

Credit: Johnny Autry; Prop and Food Styling: Charlotte L. Autry

Recipe: Black Bean-Corn Tacos

You don’t need meat to make a satisfying, delicious taco, and this colorful recipe is proof.

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Sweet Corn-Bell Pepper Soup

Credit: Johnny Autry; Prop and Food Styling: Charlotte L. Autry

Recipe: Sweet Corn-Bell Pepper Soup

This chilled summer soup is a gorgeous way to cool off and start any al fresco meal.

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Crunchy Okra-and-Corn Salad with Ranch Dressing

Credit: Antonis Achilleos; Prop Styling: Kay E. Clarke; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall

Recipe: Crunchy Okra-and-Corn Salad with Ranch Dressing

If you’re not making your own ranch dressing, you’re missing out.

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Oven-Roasted Corn on the Cob

Credit: Caitlin Bensel

Recipe: Oven-Roasted Corn on the Cob

Grilled summer corn is one of our favorite barbecue sides, but you can achieve the same great flavor without fussing with the grill on a weeknight.

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Maque Choux with Sausage

Credit: Johnny Autry; Prop and Food Styling: Charlotte L. Autry

Recipe: Maque Choux with Sausage

We made this classic Louisiana side dish into a hearty main dish by adding andouille sausage.

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Black Bean and Corn Salsa

Credit: Antonis Achilleos

Recipe: Black Bean and Corn Salsa

This fresh, bright salsa recipe is the perfect companion with any summer dinner.

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Shrimp-and-Corn Succotash

Credit: Johnny Autry; Prop and Food Styling: Charlotte L. Autry

Recipe: Shrimp-and-Corn Succotash

This Southern-favorite side got a protein boost to make it a main dish in this new recipe.

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Corn-and-Bacon Fettuccine

Credit: Johnny Autry; Prop and Food Styling: Charlotte L. Autry

Recipe: Corn-and-Bacon Fettuccine

Sweet corn and smoky bacon are made even better when paired with a creamy, dreamy pasta.

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Mexican Street Corn Pizza

Credit: Johnny Autry; Prop and Food Styling: Charlotte L. Autry

Recipe: Mexican Street Corn Pizza

Add a little flare to your family pizza night with this fun spin on elote.

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Smoked Corn on the Cob

Credit: Photographer: Jennifer Causey; Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer

Recipe: Smoked Corn on the Cob

This corn on the cob recipe is going to be your go-to backyard barbecue side dish.

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Grilled Chicken and Corn with Charred Scallion-Lime Butter

Credit: Johnny Autry; Prop and Food Styling: Charlotte L. Autry

Recipe: Grilled Chicken and Corn with Charred Scallion-Lime Butter

Fire up the grill for a healthy, flavorful dinner that features a tangy herb butter that can be made a day in advance.

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Southern Fried Corn

Credit: Caitlin Bensel

Recipe: Southern Fried Corn

You only need a few ingredients and your trusty skillet to make tasty fresh corn shine.

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Grilled Corn-and-Salmon Salad with Tomatoes

Credit: Victor Protasio; Prop Styling: Audrey Davis; Food Styling: Rishon Hanners

Recipe: Grilled Corn-and-Salmon Salad with Tomatoes

This main dish salad is a healthy, easy dinner for busy weeknights.

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Fluffy Corn Pudding

Credit: Antonis Achilleos; Prop Styling: Kathleen Varner; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall

Recipe: Fluffy Corn Pudding

This new corn pudding recipe is almost like a soufflé in texture, and you’ll love every last bite.

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Edamame and Bacon Succotash

Credit: Evin Photography

Recipe: Edamame and Bacon Succotash

This fun spin on succotash is a great summer side with burgers or grilled chicken.

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Air Fryer Corn on the Cob

Credit: Photography and Styling: Caitlin Bensel

Recipe: Air Fryer Corn on the Cob

This is just the latest in a string of new recipes to use with our beloved air fryers.

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Skillet Corn with Shrimp and Sausage

Credit: Antonis Achilleos; Prop Styling: Kay E. Clarke; Food Styling: Torie Cox

Recipe: Skillet Corn with Shrimp and Sausage

Smoky sausage is a delicious complement to fresh, sweet corn.

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Field Peas, Corn, and Okra in Country-Ham Cream

Credit: Antonis Achilleos; Prop Styling: Mary Clayton Carl Jones; Food Styling: Chelsea Zimmer

Recipe: Field Peas, Corn, and Okra in Country-Ham Cream

Three of our summer farmers’ market favorites star in this homestyle skillet recipe.

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Smoked Chicken Corn Chowder

Recipe: Smoked Chicken Corn Chowder

Smoked chicken makes this creamy chowder filling enough to stand alone at dinnertime, but don’t forget a crusty loaf of bread for soaking up every last drop.

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Golden Corn Fritters

Credit: Southern Living

Recipe: Golden Corn Fritters

The recipe for these little bites of heaven were sent to us in the 1980s, and they’ve been a reader favorite ever since.

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Corn Custards with Berry Compote

Credit: Antonis Achilleos; Prop Styling: Kay E. Clarke; Food Styling: Torie Cox

Recipe: Corn Custards with Berry Compote

Corn at dessert? With this beautiful dish, absolutely.

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Classic Grilled Corn on the Cob

Credit: Hector Manuel Sanchez; Prop Styling: Christine Keely; Food Styling: Chelsea Zimmer

Recipe: Classic Grilled Corn on the Cob

You can amp up this simple recipe with our fun add-ons like Basil Butter with Parmesan, Bacon with Ranch Drizzle, and Honey-Chipotle Glaze.

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