Fast & Fresh Corn Recipes

By Southern Living

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

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

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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Smoked Sausage, Grilled Corn, and Sweet Onion Pizza

Alison Miksch

Recipe: Smoked Sausage, Grilled Corn, and Sweet Onion Pizza

Smoky sausage, corn, and a simple kale pesto are the key elements of this summer treat.

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Summer Corn-and-Golden Potato Chowder

Alison Miksch

Recipe: Summer Corn-and-Golden Potato Chowder

This earthy, aromatic chowder is light enough for summer.

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Classic Succotash

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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Grilled Mexican Corn Salad

Photo: Iain Bagwell

Recipe: Grilled Mexican Corn Salad

These vibrant and fresh corn recipes are fantastic when paired with your favorite mains. Our first recipe is an off-the-cob play on a popular Mexican street dish.

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Creamed Corn

Photo: Hector 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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Corn Pudding

Photo: Iain Bagwell; Styling: Caroline M. Cunningham

Recipe: Corn Pudding

Corn pudding is a classic Southern side dish, and at Thanksgiving you and your family will want to have it on the table.  This easy-to-make corn pudding mixes diced corn and whole yellow corn kernels with rich goat cheese, and Cheddar cheese, to create a creamy pudding that is delicious every bite. You’ll love the flavors and aromas of the fresh basil, chopped and blended in before this fantastic dish goes in the oven. This rich corn pudding will be one of your most requested recipes in no time. After you take your first bite you will know why.

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Fresh Corn Quinoa

Photo: Melina Hammer

Recipe: Fresh Corn Quinoa

Fresh Corn Quinoa combines corn kernels, chard basil, and mint with red quinoa for a quick and tasty side dish. Try it with Rosemary Chicken.

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Summer Corn Grits

Photo: Jennifer Davick

Recipe: Summer Corn Grits

Scrape the milky liquid from the corncobs, and add it with the kernels for extra summery flavor.

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Maque Choux Soup

Photo: Hector Sanchez

Recipe: Maque Choux Soup

Run a knife along just-cut cobs to catch sweet corn milk in a bowl. It'll add flavor and creamy texture.

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Fresh Corn Spoonbread

Photo: 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. Plan to make this satisfying side dish for your next Thanksgiving meal and you’ll be settling in to spoonbread you’ll love.

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Zucchini, Squash, and Corn Casserole

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.

Step-by-Step Video: Summer Squash Casserole

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Curried Chicken Chowder

Photo: Melina Hammer

Recipe: Curried Chicken Chowder

To preserve the textures of meat and vegetables in soup, it's important to cool hot soups completely before freezing. To quickly reduce the temperature, transfer to large, shallow containers (13- × 9-inch baking dishes). Refrigerate uncovered, stirring occasionally, until cool.

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Farmers' Market Pasta Salad

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.

Video: Farmers' Market Pasta Salad

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Grilled Corn-and-Butter Bean Salad

Photo: Ian Bagwell; Prop Styling: Annette Joseph; Food Styling: Cynthia Groseclose 

Recipe: Grilled Corn-and-Butter Bean Salad

This grilled corn and bean salad is a take on traditional succotash and features fresh grilled corn, butter beans, bell pepper and tomatoes. The creaminess comes from an herbed mayonnaise mixture.

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Fried Confetti Corn

Photo: Iain Bagwell

Recipe: Fried Confetti Corn

Cream, bacon, and sweet peppers take this dish from down-home to top shelf.

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Corn-and-Zucchini Queso Chowder

Photo: Iain Bagwell

Recipe: Corn-and-Zucchini Queso Chowder

Try this filling chowder for your next dinner party. Colorful corn and zucchini, crispy bacon, and creamy cheese make for a great presentation and a delicious meal.

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Tomato-Corn Relish

Photo: Becky Luigart-Stayner

Recipe: Tomato-Corn Relish

Green tomato relish enlivens the flavor of Tomato-Corn Relish. Serve with your favorite entree or with Hoppin' John Hush Puppies.

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Country Ham Corn Cakes

Photo: Becky Luigart-Stayner

Recipe: Country Ham Corn Cakes 

Serve these corn cakes as a filling accompaniment to your favorite salad or meal.

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Summer Brunswick Stew

Photo: Hector 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 hand—some are bolder or sweeter than others, so start with the minimum amount and adjust according to taste.

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Grilled Chicken with Fresh Corn Cakes

Photo: Jennifer Davick

Recipe: Grilled Chicken with Fresh Corn Cakes

Start with a package of cornbread mix and fresh corn kernels to make these homestyle corn cakes. Top with grilled chicken, bacon, and chopped arugula for a colorful one-dish dinner.

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Curried Shrimp-and-Corn Chowder

Photo: Beth Dreiling Hontzas

Recipe: Curried Shrimp-and-Corn Chowder

Packed with corn, potatoes, and shrimp, this chowder will become a family favorite.

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Parmesan Corn Pudding

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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Tomato-and-Corn Pizza

Photo: Jennifer Davick

Recipe: Tomato-and-Corn Pizza

Spread pesto and fresh veggies and cheeses on a prebaked pizza crust for a simple, fresh meal. Tip: 1 medium-size ear of fresh corn yields about 1⁄2 cup kernels.

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Okra-and-Corn Maque Choux

Photo: Jennifer Davick

Recipe: Okra-and-Corn Maque Choux

Use fresh corn and okra in this Maque Choux dish for best results. If you don't like spicy food you can easily sub the hot sausage for a milder version to fit your tastes.

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Corn-and-Crab Chowder

Photo: Jennifer Davick

Recipe: Corn-and-Crab Chowder 

Forget the can and make of use of fresh summer corn in this soup. The lump crabmeat is worth the splurge, but you can substitute shrimp if desired. Jalapeño and green bell peppers give it a hint of spice while the creamy base creates a nice balance. Garnish with chopped, crispy bacon, corn kernels, and cilantro for a delicious meal in a bowl.

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Succotash Salad

Photo: Van Chaplin; Styling: Buffy Hargett

Recipe: Succotash Salad

Put a summertime spin on this traditional Southern dish of beans and corn by mixing with lemon juice and chives and serving cold. It’s easy to prepare in advance and pull out of the fridge to serve with meat hot off the grill.

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Corn-Avocado Salad

Photo: Brown Cannon III

Recipe: Corn-Avocado Salad

Chill salad up to 24 hours ahead before adding the avocado.

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Grilled Steak-Corn-Spinach Salad

Photo: Jennifer Davick

Recipe: Grilled Steak-Corn-Spinach Salad

This salad features creamy avocado slices, grapefruit, and garlic. Add grilled steak and corn, and it's a meal that your whole family will love.

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Old-Fashioned Succotash

Photo: Iain Bagwell

Recipe: Old-Fashioned Succotash

You can make this recipe with limas or butter beans.

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Pork Tenderloin Wraps with Grilled Corn Salsa

Photo: Iain Bagwell

Recipe: Pork Tenderloin Wraps with Grilled Corn Salsa

Look for fresh salsa in the refrigerated area of the produce section at most supermarkets, or use your favorite jarred variety.

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