What to Serve with Corn on the Cob: 53 Dinner Ideas

What to Serve with Corn on the Cob: 53 Dinner Ideas
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Summer is finally here and you know what that means – it’s time to chow down on some sweet and juicy corn on the cob.

I always get a kick out of going to the grocery store and seeing a bunch of people crowded around the corn on the cob table, eagerly pulling the husks off like it’s finally Christmas or something.

And then of course I always join them and start tearing open some corn for myself!

But of course I can’t go home and just serve corn for dinner. (Well, I guess I could … but I think I could only get away with that once.)

So what else should I make to go with all this yummy corn?

In this post you’ll discover 53 delicious recipes that perfectly complement the flavors of corn on the cob.

From Cajun honey butter salmon to watermelon basil salad … from sriracha mayo burgers to orzo pesto salad … from macaroni and cheese to homemade cornbread, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

So, whether you’re hosting a backyard BBQ or simply looking for some new meal ideas, you’ll find plenty of tasty options for what to serve with corn on the cob.

But first let’s talk about the corn itself: how to cook it and how to serve it.

 

Summer Side Dishes to bring to a cookout

 

How do you choose the best corn on the cob at the grocery store?

When choosing the best corn on the cob at the grocery store, there are a few things to look out for.

  • Husk: You want the husk to be bright green, wrapped tightly against the corn, and slightly damp. Avoid any husks that are starting to yellow or feel dry.
  • Silk: Look for silk that is pale in color, moist, and even slightly sticky. If the silk is brown or black, dried out, or matted, the corn is likely older and not as fresh.
  • Touch: You can also give the corn a gentle squeeze to see if it feels firm and plump. The kernels should be tightly packed together and feel full, not empty or mushy.

 

Should you remove corn husks ahead of time?

Hopefully all those people at the grocery store tearing off the husks are going to go home and eat their corn right away, because it’s a bad idea to remove the husks ahead of time.

The husks help to protect the corn and keep it fresh. Once the husks are removed, the corn begins to dry out and lose its sweetness.

If you’re going to remove the husks beforehand for some reason, store the corn in an airtight container in the refrigerator until it’s time to cook it.

 

Video — How to Husk Corn on the Cob

 

Summer corn on the cob side dishes

 

What are some different ways to season corn on the cob?

The classic way to season corn is with plenty of butter and salt (and maybe pepper). Here are other creative and tasty options:

  • Garlic butter: Mix softened butter with minced garlic and spread it on the corn.
  • Parmesan cheese: Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese on the corn for a savory and cheesy flavor.
  • Chili powder and lime: Combine chili powder, lime juice, and melted butter, then brush it on the corn for a spicy and tangy kick.
  • Cajun seasoning: Rub Cajun seasoning on the corn for a bold and flavorful taste.
  • Herb butter: Mix softened butter with chopped fresh herbs like parsley, thyme, and rosemary, then spread it on the corn for a fresh and fragrant flavor.
  • Bacon and cheddar: Sprinkle crumbled bacon and shredded cheddar cheese on the corn for a rich and indulgent taste.
  • Sriracha and honey: Mix Sriracha sauce and honey and brush it on the corn for a sweet and spicy flavor.

 

Don’t you hate it when you’re trying to spread butter with a knife and the butter keeps sliding off your corn?
This item making buttering your corn on the cob much easier!

 

Can you grill corn on the cob?

Yes, you can definitely can, and you should.

Start by soaking the ears of corn in cold water for about 15-20 minutes. This helps prevent the husks from burning and make the corn steam as it cooks.

Next, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Remove the corn from the water and shake off any excess water. Place the corn on the grill and cook for about 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally, until the kernels are tender and slightly charred.

You can also grill corn on the cob with the husks removed. Just remove the husks and silk from the corn and brush the ears with olive oil or melted butter. Place the corn directly on the grill and cook for about 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally, until the kernels are tender and slightly charred.

 

What are some different methods for cooking corn on the cob?

There are lots of different ways to cook corn on the cob, depending on your personal taste preferences and the equipment you have available.

Here are some popular options:

  • Boiling: Simply add the corn to a pot of boiling water (tip: add some salt and/or sugar to the water) and cook for about 8-10 minutes, or until tender.
  • Grilling: Soak the corn in cold water for about 15-20 minutes, then grill for about 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally, until the kernels are tender and slightly charred. (See above for more details.)
  • Oven-roasting: Wrap the ears in foil and bake in a preheated oven at 375°F for about 30-35 minutes, or until tender.
  • Microwaving: Place the corn in a microwave-safe dish with a little water and microwave on high for about 4-5 minutes, or until tender.
  • Steaming: Steaming is a gentle method for cooking corn on the cob that helps to retain its natural sweetness. Simply place the corn in a steamer basket over boiling water and steam for about 10-15 minutes, or until tender.

 

Family dinner recipes that go with corn on the cob

 

How do you serve corn on the cob to guests?

I was just going to say, “Set out some corn holders and a toppings bar,” but this guy shows you how to do something more interesting:

Video — How to Make & Serve Cooler Corn

 

Corn on the Cobb Dinner Ideas

 

Side Dishes That Go Great with Chicken

 

 

 

Summer chicken dinner recipes



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