Do you know anyone who actually doesn’t like corn?
I didn’t think so. Corn is hardwired into our taste buds – there’s just something about it that we absolutely crave. Whether that be the crunchy texture of the kernels, the inherent sweetness of the corn or the juicy explosion of flavor that erupts when we take that first hearty bite, fresh corn on the cob is on everyone’s top 10 list. Which is why I made a top 10 list of recipes for sweet corn on the cob that you absolutely have to make this Summer.
Selection
You don’t have to peel corn on the cob to know if it’s good or not. Simply feel the corn through the husk – does it feel plump? Good! Are the “tassels” (the stringy bits at the top that look like hair) moist or sticky? Also good! That means the corn is fresh and juicy! The husk should be bright green and may even be a bit moist to the touch if this is the case – also a very good thing.
Much easier than thumbing to peel them all, isn’t it?
If there are holes where there should be kernels, the tassels are dry and brittle or the husk is a muted color and very dry, reach for another ear.
And lastly, because corn is a member of “the dirty dozen“, look for organic corn either at your grocer or farmer’s market to avoid genetically modified or chemical laden produce.
Storing
Like most fresh produce, the sooner you eat fresh corn on the cob after buying it, the better it will taste and more nutrients it has.
Store corn in an air-tight container or tightly wrapped plastic bag in the crisper of your refrigerator if you do not intend to cook it the day you bought it. Be sure to leave its husk intact since this will protect its flavor.
Fresh corn freezes well if placed in heavy-duty freezer bags with the air squeezed out of them.
Prep.
Now comes the fun part!
Prepping fresh corn on the cob varies depending on how you’re going to cook it. So let’s get to the good stuff, shall we? While these recipes are incredible as is, feel free to revamp them, substitute an ingredient or add your own flare to the dish to make them uniquely yours.
Here are 10 delicious recipes to make with sweet corn on the cob:
1. Boil It. I love to keep things simple. And in the Summer, there’s nothing better than fresh corn on the cob, slathered in butter and seasoned generously with coarse salt and fresh cracked black pepper.
2. Grill It. You thought boiling corn was the best way to eat it? You haven’t tried the smokey, crunchy, incredible depth of flavor and seasonings that grilling brings. Plus you don’t have to turn on the oven.
3. BBQ Pizza. If your family likes pizza as much as mine does, you’ll want to put fresh corn on the cob on a pizza. Not only are we hardwired to love corn, we’re hardwired to love pizza. Put your hands together and you’ve got one stellar, crowd pleasing, insanely creative dish.
4. Pan fry fresh corn on the cob “cakes”. These bad boys come together very quickly so they make a prime appetizer or side dish to any backyard BBQ or social gathering. Topped off with lots of citrus and farm fresh tomatoes, no one can say you didn’t bring Summer to the party.
5. Shove it in pasta. You can easily crank pasta up a notch by mixing it with fresh seasonal vegetables – corn on the cob included. Simply cook, toss, enjoy.
6. Make it Mexican. I’m not entirely sure if this is a dish served in Mexico, but it’s exactly what I think of when I think “Mexican Style Street Food”. And in Mexico, there’s sun, surf and sand. What else could be more Summer that that?? Plus, evidently this is the best way to serve corn. Period.
7. Chuck it in the microwave. It’s true. If you just can’t stand the idea of bringing a giant pot of water to a boil in the hot Summer sun, you can zap those suckers to avoid it. Evidently this also makes shucking easier too.
8. Assemble fritters (and layer in fresh heirloom tomatoes). Sometimes despite the heat, I insist on turning on the stove to get the best possible dish from a particular ingredient. When it comes to corn on the cob, fried fritters stacked with vine ready tomatoes is one of those times.
9. Soup for you! Did you know it’s bacon month right now? It is. So why not toss some in with a creamy zucchini and corn on the cob soup? It’s hearty yet light and so easy to come together in a pinch. Pair with Herbed Skillet Cornbread to round out the meal.
10. Cool off with Sweet Corn Black Raspberry Ice Cream. Seriously. Need I say more?
What’s your go-to corn dish for Summer? How do you like it cooked best? What’s your favorite way to chow down on fresh corn on the cob? Share your thoughts below or on the Facebook page!
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