11 Ways to Eat Corn Off the Cob

Think beyond the usual presentation of corn with butter and salt.
By: Foodlets
Corn Salad

How much do kids love corn? Let me put it this way: I can add corn to basically ANYTHING and get a cheer from my four rascals when dinner hits the table. And let’s not limit this to corn on the cob, because that’s always a slam dunk. Nope, even when it’s off the cob, this sweet, crunchy veg is a hit with my brood. Here are my go-to picks.

The Salads
Ina Garten’s Corn Salad (pictured above)

A handful of ingredients transforms a few simple ears of corn into a flavorful, potluck-worthy dish.

Fresh Corn Tomato Salad

Photo by: Tara Donne

Tara Donne

Take the fresh taste of Ina’s recipe above, then add creamy mozzarella cheese plus the sweet tang of grape tomatoes, and you'll have this beautiful salad.

Farro and Corn Salad

KO_FN_08FarroSalad1_012.tif

Food Stylist: Rebecca Jurkevich Prop Stylist: Pamela Duncan Silver ,Food Stylist: Rebecca Jurkevich Prop Stylist: Pamela Duncan Silver

Photo by: Kana Okada ©2012, Kana Okada

Kana Okada, 2012, Kana Okada

Hearty enough to be a tasty lunch for a mom like me, this easy salad gets a boost of freshness from lemon zest.

The Sides
Hot Corn Dip

FN_HotCornDip_TrishaYearwood_s4x3

Photo by: Brian Kennedy ©2013, Television Food Network, G.P. All Rights Reserved

Brian Kennedy, 2013, Television Food Network, G.P. All Rights Reserved

You know that creamy artichoke dip everyone goes wild for? Picture that with a Mexican spin (and definitely use fresh corn this time of year!).

Zucchini-Corn Fritters

FoodNetwork_01_026.tif

Food stylist: Maggie Ruggiero Prop Stylist: Pamela Duncan Silver ,Food stylist: Maggie Ruggiero Prop Stylist: Pamela Duncan Silver

Photo by: Anna Williams

Anna Williams

This is what happens when you combine garlic, onions and buttermilk with two of summer’s best veggies. It's magic in a pan.

Corn Mashed Potatoes
Pair this with pulled pork or burgers on buns, and dinner is served!
The Mains
Slow-Cooker Shredded Chicken & Corn Tex-Mex

Photo by: Picasa

Picasa

What happens when you combine two kid-friendly ingredients in one slow cooker? The best dinner of the summer. Just shuck two ears of corn and throw them in at the very end.

Shrimp and Corn Chowder

Bacon? Check. Fresh shrimp? Check. Fresh corn off the cob? Check! The perfect summer meal to serve your favorite guests is right here.

Taco Soup

Photo by: Picasa

Picasa

This brings together all the flavors of tacos in a make-ahead soup. Tip: To shuck a couple ears of corn in seconds, cut through the ends of the husk at one end and microwave for 2 minutes. Hold the un-cut end and shake.

Pappardelle with Corn

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Food Stylist: Karen Tack

Photo by: Kang Kim

Kang Kim

Never had fresh corn in pasta? This craveable recipe combines all the richness of butter and Parmesan with fresh flavors of corn, tomatoes and basil.

Enchilada Casserole with Corn

Photo by: Picasa

Picasa

This hearty vegetarian dinner is my go-to recipe for families with new babies. The casserole keeps beautifully in the fridge (or freezer!), and the flavors only get better the longer it sits.

Charity Curley Mathews lives in North Carolina with four small kids, two dogs, one husband and 40,000 bees. She tests recipes for busy families — making dishes healthier & simpler — and posts all the hits on foodlets.com. You can follow her on Facebook.

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