Our Best Corn Side Dish Recipes

Southern Fried Corn
Photo: Caitlin Bensel

We don't think anyone will complain when there's fresh corn on the menu, and these easy corn side dish recipes will allow you to serve it for every occasion. Whether you'll be cooking for a casual weeknight family dinner, a summer cookout, or a special holiday celebration, there's sure to be a recipe in our collection that will be a fit for your next gathering. Most of these corn side dishes are easy to make and don't require too many ingredients, because corn is already delicious and flavorful on its own.

While many of these recipes call for fresh corn, there are also options for using frozen corn as well so you can enjoy this crowd-pleasing ingredient year-round. From creamed corn to corn fritters to succotash and more, here are our favorite ways to serve corn as a side dish.

01 of 24

Whipped-Cream Corn Salad

Whipped-Cream Corn Salad
Southern Living

Recipe: Whipped-Cream Corn Salad

If you've never had corn cooked in heavy cream with a little salt and pepper, we guarantee it will become your new favorite way to enjoy fresh corn.

02 of 24

Classic Grilled Corn on the Cob

Classic Grilled Corn on the Cob
Hector Manuel Sanchez; Prop Styling: Christine Keely; Food Styling: Chelsea Zimmer

Recipe: Classic Grilled Corn on the Cob

When you're firing up the grill for summer dinner, you'll want to toss some fresh corn on the cob on as well.

03 of 24

Best-Ever Succotash

Best-Ever Succotash
Photo: Victor Protasio; Food Styling: Tina Bell Stamos; Prop Styling: Christine Keely

Recipe: Best-Ever Succotash

If you prefer a little bit of spice, you can finish your succotash with a few dashes of smoked paprika.

04 of 24

Southern Fried Corn

Southern Fried Corn
Caitlin Bensel

Recipe: Southern Fried Corn

With the help of butter and your cast-iron skillet, this corn gets plenty of flavor in just 15 minutes.

05 of 24

One-Pot Fresh Corn Mac and Cheese

One-Pot Fresh Corn Mac and Cheese
Antonis Achilleos; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall; Prop Styling: Heather Chadduck Hillegas

Recipe: One-Pot Fresh Corn Mac and Cheese

Make sure to shred the cheese for this recipe yourself. This will help it melt evenly for a creamy finish.

06 of 24

Creamed-Corn Grits

Creamed-Corn Grits
Victor Protasio; Food Styling: Chelsea Zimmer; Prop Styling: Christine Keely

Recipe: Creamed-Corn Grits

This side dish will be a welcome addition to the menu at any time of the day.

07 of 24

Baked Corn Casserole

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

Recipe: Baked Corn Casserole

Think of this casserole as the best parts of cornbread and corn pudding combined into one flavorful dish.

08 of 24

Black Bean and Corn Salsa

black bean and corn salsa in a bowl with a bowl of chips and some beer
Photographer: Jen Causey, Prop Stylist: Christine Keely, Food Stylist: Ana Kelly

Recipe: Black Bean and Corn Salsa

Fresh corn adds a fresh, sweet flavor to this big bowl of homemade salsa.

09 of 24

Oven-Roasted Corn on the Cob

Oven Roasted Corn on the Cob
Photographer: Fred Hardy II, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall, Props Stylist: Christina Brockman

Recipe: Oven-Roasted Corn on the Cob

Your favorite fresh herbs help make a flavored butter to add just the right amount of flavor to oven-roasted corn.

10 of 24

Spicy Grilled Corn Salad

Spicy Grilled Corn Salad
Photo: Hector Manuel Sanchez; Prop Styling: Lydia Pursell; Food Styling: Toni Brogan

Recipe: Spicy Grilled Corn Salad

Three jalapeños give this corn side dish plenty of spice, but you can substitute for sweet peppers if you prefer less heat.

11 of 24

Fluffy Corn Pudding

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

Recipe: Fluffy Corn Pudding

This corn pudding is best described as a cross between a custard and a souffle. The texture comes from pureeing some of the corn kernels.

12 of 24

Air Fryer Corn on the Cob

Air Fryer Corn on the Cob
Photography and Styling: Caitlin Bensel

Recipe: Air Fryer Corn on the Cob

Yes, your air fryer really can cook almost anything including corn on the cob.

13 of 24

Macaroni Corn Casserole

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

Recipe: Macaroni Corn Casserole

This recipe allows you to serve up the flavors of two classic casseroles in one dish.

14 of 24

Instant Pot Corn On The Cob

Instant Pot Corn On The Cob
Photography: Caitlin Bensel, Food Styling: Margaret Dickey, Prop Styling: Kay E Clarke

Recipe: Instant Pot Corn On The Cob

Your favorite multicooker will help you make tender, delicious corn easily and quickly.

15 of 24

Scalloped Corn Casserole

scalloped corn casserole
Photography: Caitlin Bensel, Food Styling: Karen Rankin

Recipe: Scalloped Corn Casserole

Wait until the topping is a golden brown before removing this casserole from the oven.

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Tee's Corn Pudding

50 Best Thanksgiving Tee's Corn Pudding
Jennifer Davick

Recipe: Tee's Corn Pudding

This classic side dish requires just eight ingredients, most of which you probably already have on hand in your kitchen. It's great for special occasions or weeknight dinners.

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Grilled Jalapeño-Lime Corn on the Cob

Grilled Jalapeño-Lime Corn on the Cob Recipe
Photo: Jennifer Davick; Styling: Amy Burke

Recipe: Grilled Jalapeño-Lime Corn on the Cob

Add some extra flavor to corn on the cob with the addition of jalapeños, limes, and cilantro.

18 of 24

Savory Corn Pudding

Savory Corn Pudding
Photo: Victor Protasio; Prop Styling: Ginny Branch Stelling; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall

Recipe: Savory Corn Pudding

Corn pudding is a great make-ahead option for any potluck or dinner. Simply cook, let cool, cover, and chill up to 2 days.

19 of 24

Tomato, Peach, and Corn Salad

Tomato, Peach, and Corn Salad
Photo: Greg DuPree; Prop Styling: Kay E. Clarke; Food Styling: Cat Steele

Recipe: Tomato, Peach, and Corn Salad

Just a little chopping and stirring are needed to create this quick salad that brings three of summer's best ingredients together.

20 of 24

Zucchini, Squash, and Corn Casserole

Zucchini, Squash, and Corn Casserole
Hector Sanchez

Recipe: Zucchini, Squash, and Corn Casserole

To make the fresh breadcrumbs for the topping, pulse torn slices of day-old sandwich bread in a food processor.

21 of 24

Smoked Corn on the Cob

Smoked Corn on the Cob
Photographer: Jennifer Causey; Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer

Recipe: Smoked Corn on the Cob

Make sure to leave the husks attached to the corn while it's smoking. They'll serve as a handle for the cob.

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Lady Pea-and-Corn Patties

Lady Pea and Corn Patties
Alison Miksch

Recipe: Lady Pea-and-Corn Patties

We suggest serving these patties alongside an easy dipping sauce made with 1 cup of sour cream, 2 teaspoons of lime zest, 3 tablespoons of lime juice, and 2 tablespoons of chopped cilantro.

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Golden Corn Fritters

Golden Corn Fritters
Southern Living

Recipe: Golden Corn Fritters

Classic corn fritters are surprisingly easy to make and will please any crowd.

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Corn Pudding Casserole

Corn Pudding Casserole, 9x13 casseroles
Linda Pugliese; Prop Styling: Kay E. Clarke; Food Styling: Torie Cox

Recipe: Corn Pudding Casserole

You can make this savory corn casserole with either fresh or frozen corn. If using frozen corn, make sure to drain any excess liquid so it doesn't make the dish watery.

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