5 Delicious Corn on the Cob Recipes to Try Now

Summer is the perfect time to enjoy the sweet, juicy taste of corn on the cob. Corn on the cob is not only a delightful treat but also versatile, allowing for a variety of delicious recipes that can cater to different palates and culinary styles. Whether you're hosting a barbecue, looking for a side dish, or just want to enjoy something special, here are five corn on the cob recipes that you simply must try.

1. Grilled Chili Lime Corn

Grilling corn on the cob brings out its natural sweetness and adds a smoky flavor. Here’s how to make a spicy and zesty version:

• Ingredients:
  • 6 ears of corn
  • ¹⁄₄ cup of mayonnaise
  • ¹⁄₄ cup of sour cream or Greek yogurt
  • ¹⁄₂ cup of cotija cheese, crumbled
  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • Zest and juice from 2 limes
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • Cilantro for garnish
• Steps:
  1. Preheat your grill to medium heat.
  2. Peel back the husks of each ear of corn, remove the silk, but keep the husks attached at the base.
  3. Soak the corn in water for about 10 minutes to prevent burning on the grill.
  4. Grill the corn for 15 minutes, turning occasionally, until nicely charred.
  5. In a small bowl, mix mayonnaise, sour cream, minced garlic, chili powder, lime zest, and half the lime juice.
  6. Spread the mixture over the hot corn, then sprinkle with cotija cheese.
  7. Squeeze the remaining lime juice over the corn and garnish with cilantro.

🌟 Note: For a lighter version, you can use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise and sour cream to reduce the fat content.

2. Corn and Basil Butter

Looking for something more delicate? Try this recipe featuring the aromatic combination of basil and butter:

• Ingredients:
  • 6 ears of corn
  • 1 stick of unsalted butter at room temperature
  • 1 cup of fresh basil leaves, finely chopped
  • 1 garlic clove, minced
  • Salt and pepper to taste
• Steps:
  1. Preheat your grill or prepare to boil water for cooking corn.
  2. While the corn is cooking, mix the butter with basil, garlic, salt, and pepper.
  3. Once cooked, slather each ear with the basil butter mixture.
  4. Serve immediately while still warm to maximize flavor.

3. Honey Butter Skillet Corn

For a comforting indoor option, this skillet corn recipe is both sweet and savory:

• Ingredients:
  • 6 ears of corn, kernels removed
  • ¹⁄₂ stick of unsalted butter
  • ¹⁄₄ cup of honey
  • ¹⁄₄ tsp paprika
  • Salt to taste
• Steps:
  1. Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
  2. Add corn kernels, stir to coat in butter.
  3. Stir in honey and paprika, cook until the corn is tender, about 10-15 minutes.
  4. Season with salt before serving.

4. Mexican Street Corn (Elotes)

This recipe transforms corn into a street food favorite:

• Ingredients:
  • 6 ears of corn
  • ¹⁄₂ cup of mayonnaise
  • ¹⁄₂ cup of sour cream
  • ¹⁄₂ cup of crumbled cotija cheese
  • ¹⁄₂ tsp chili powder
  • Lime wedges
  • Cilantro for garnish
• Steps:
  1. Grill the corn until nicely charred.
  2. Mix mayonnaise and sour cream; spread it over the corn.
  3. Sprinkle cotija cheese, chili powder, and cilantro on top.
  4. Serve with lime wedges for an authentic touch.

🌮 Note: Elotes can be served on or off the cob; cutting kernels off the cob after grilling makes for an easier to share, but still delicious option.

5. Corn Casserole

A cozy, comforting dish perfect for gatherings:

• Ingredients:
  • 6 ears of corn, kernels removed
  • 1 can of creamed corn
  • ¹⁄₂ cup of milk
  • 1 egg, beaten
  • ¹⁄₄ cup of melted butter
  • 1 box of corn muffin mix
  • Salt and pepper to taste
• Steps:
  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Mix all ingredients in a large bowl until well combined.
  3. Pour into a greased 9x9 inch baking dish.
  4. Bake for 45-50 minutes or until the top is golden and the center is set.

These recipes provide a delightful spectrum of flavors from the classic and comforting to the vibrant and zesty. Whether you’re grilling out on a sunny day or looking to impress at a dinner party, these corn on the cob dishes are sure to satisfy your taste buds. With their ease of preparation and wide appeal, you'll find yourself returning to these recipes time and again to enjoy the sweet, succulent taste of summer corn.

Can I use frozen corn for these recipes?

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Yes, you can use frozen corn for many of these recipes, though the texture might differ slightly from fresh corn. Just ensure it’s properly defrosted and drained of excess moisture before cooking.

What can I use instead of cotija cheese?

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If cotija cheese isn’t available, feta or parmesan can be used as a good substitute due to their similar crumbly texture and salty flavor.

How can I make these recipes vegan?

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To make these recipes vegan, replace dairy products like butter, mayonnaise, sour cream, and cheese with plant-based alternatives. For example, use vegan butter, avocado mayo, and nutritional yeast or vegan cheese for the creamy and cheesy elements.