25 Must-Try Corn Side Dishes for Any Occasion

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Sweet summer corn is such an easy ingredient to work with in the kitchen. Fresh, frozen, or canned, it’s incredibly delicious, inviting, and just about the sunniest veggie on a plate. Whether you’re baking it into a warm and comforting corn casserole, mixing it into a refreshing salad, or grilling it to smoky perfection, it truly shines in so many delicious forms.

25 Must-Try Corn Side Dishes for Any Occasion

From easy-peasy corn side dish recipes to rich, creamy casseroles that become the star of holiday feasts, we’ve got a fantastic collection that’s perfect for every occasion. So, let’s jump right in and explore the best corn dishes you’ll fall in love with and want to make time and time again!

Corn Casserole Recipes That Steal the Show

A warm, creamy corn casserole is the ultimate comfort food—rich, cheesy, and packed with sweet corn goodness. Whether you’re looking for a simple side or a bold, flavor-packed twist, these recipes take this classic dish to the next level.

Cheesy Corn Casserole

A must-have for holidays and family gatherings, this easy corn casserole is a delicious blend of melted cheese, butter, and sweet corn baked to creamy perfection. You can pretty much guarantee that this recipe will be for all of the special occasions.

TRY IT: Cheesy Corn Casserole

cheesy cornbread casserole recipe

Ninja Foodi Corn Casserole

Short on time? Let the Ninja Foodi do the work! This pressure-cooked version delivers the same creamy, comforting texture as a baked casserole but in a fraction of the time.

TRY IT: Ninja Foodi Corn Casserole

ninja foodi corn casserole on a spoon

Mexican Cornbread Casserole

Cornbread meets hearty, Mexican-inspired flavors in this layered casserole. Ground beef, melted cheese, and corn come together for a satisfying dish that works as a side or a main course.

TRY IT: Mexican Cornbread Casserole

mexican corn casserole with a scoop out of it.

Street Corn Casserole & Caliente Corn Casserole

Inspired by elote, street corn casserole is creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor. If you prefer a little heat, caliente corn casserole takes it up a notch with bold seasonings and peppers.

TRY THEM: Street Corn Casserole | Caliente Corn Casserole

More Delicious Variations

For a traditional approach, a Classic Corn Casserole with Corn Bread delivers that familiar buttery texture.

TRY THEM: Sweet Corn Casserole | Classic Corn Casserole

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Easy Corn Side Dishes

These corn sides come together easily without sacrificing flavor. Whether you need a stovetop option or something crispy and fun, these dishes will deliver a big taste.

Microwave Corn on the Cob & Boiled Corn on the Cob

The microwave is the quickest way to cook corn—just wrap it in a damp paper towel and heat for a few minutes. Prefer boiling? Get perfectly plump, tender ears of corn with just the right cooking time. Once you have your corn ready, don’t forget to sprinkle some parmesan cheese on it.

Parmesan Mayo Corn on the Cob

This creamy, cheesy twist on grilled corn is impossible to resist. Coated in a rich mayo-Parmesan mixture and lightly charred on the grill, each bite is packed with savory buttery goodness. It’s the perfect addition to any backyard BBQ spread.

Corn Ribs

Cut corn into rib-like strips, roast until crispy, and season to perfection. This fun, shareable dish delivers smoky flavor with every bite and a great way to use up that fresh summer corn.

TRY IT: Corn Ribs

spreading elote style corn sauce on mexican corn ribs.

Corn Cheese in the Skillet & Creamy Corn and Bacon

For a rich and indulgent side, corn cheese melts gooey goodness right into sweet corn. If you love bacon, creamy corn, and bacon, take it a step further with a velvety sauce and crispy bacon pieces.

TRY THEM: Corn Cheese Recipe | Creamy Corn and Bacon

corn and bacon.

Parched Corn

An old-fashioned favorite, parched corn is roasted until golden and crunchy, making for a satisfying, snackable side.

TRY IT: Parched Corn

parched corn recipe

Vibrant & Flavorful Corn Salads & Dips

Corn adds natural sweetness and crunch to fresh salads and creamy dips. Whether you’re prepping a light summer side or a rich, satisfying appetizer, these vegetable side dish recipes let corn take center stage.

Mexican Street Corn Salad

This salad transforms elote into a creamy, tangy, and flavor-packed dish. Tossed with Cotija cheese, lime juice, and chili powder, Mexican corn is perfect with tacos, grilled steak, or BBQ chicken.

TRY IT: Mexican Street Corn Salad

corn salad

Corn and Tomato Salad & Fiesta Corn Salad with Avocado

For something light and refreshing, Corn and Tomato Salad combines sweet corn and juicy tomatoes with a bright vinaigrette. Prefer something creamy? Fiesta Corn Salad with Avocado blends crisp corn with avocado and a zesty dressing.

TRY THEM: Corn & Tomato Salad | Fiesta Corn Salad with Avocado

Black Bean & Corn Salsa

A fresh mix of corn, black beans, tomatoes, and lime, this zesty salsa doubles as a flavorful side or a dip for tortilla chips. This one is great with fresh corn kernels or canned corn, making this homemade salsa simple to whip up as needed.

TRY IT: Black Bean & Corn Salsa

Frito Corn Salad

Crispy corn chips, sweet corn, and a creamy, tangy dressing create a wildly addictive salad that’s perfect for potlucks and taco nights.

TRY IT: Frito Corn Salad

Crack Corn Dip & Crockpot Corn Dip

A must-have party appetizer, Crack Corn Dip is a creamy mix of corn, jalapeños, and shredded cheese. For a warm, melty version with cream cheese, Crockpot Corn Dip slow-cooks into cheesy perfection.

TRY THEM: Crack Corn Dip | Crockpot Corn Dip

corn dip heated up.

Corn Sides for Steak, BBQ, & More

Corn pairs beautifully with grilled meats, bringing smoky sweetness and rich, buttery textures to any meal. Whether you’re serving up juicy steaks, BBQ chicken, or smoked ribs, these corn side dishes will complement every bite.

Corn Succotash

A vibrant mix of sweet corn, lima beans, bell peppers, and onions, succotash is a classic Southern side dish that adds color and flavor to any meal. Lightly sautéed in butter with a hint of seasoning, it’s both nutritious and delicious. Serve it alongside grilled steak or roasted chicken for a fresh, vegetable-packed side.

TRY IT: Corn Succotash

scoop of corn succotash in pot

Old-Fashioned Creamed Corn

Rich, velvety, and full of buttery flavor, old-fashioned creamed corn is a timeless side dish that pairs beautifully with BBQ ribs, roasted turkey, or baked ham. Made with sweet corn and a creamy sauce, this homemade version is far better than anything from a can.

TRY IT: Old-Fashioned Creamed Corn

cheesy corn recipe in a cast iron pan being scooped.

Charred Corn

Grilling corn over high heat caramelizes the natural sugars, creating a smoky, slightly crisp bite that pairs perfectly with steak or chicken. A simple squeeze of lime and a sprinkle of salt enhance the flavor, making it a standout summer side.

TRY IT: Charred Corn

charred corn in a skillet.

Southern Skillet Cornbread

No BBQ feast is complete without cornbread. This Southern skillet cornbread is baked to perfection in a cast iron skillet, creating a golden, crispy crust with a soft, buttery center. Serve it alongside smoked meats, chili, or classic comfort food for a true Southern experience.

TRY IT: Southern Skillet Cornbread

skillet cornbread