50+ Ways to Jazz up a Can of Corn
Canned corn – a pantry staple that’s as affordable as it is accessible. Inexpensive, easy to find, and with a shelf life that lasts super long, it’s no wonder canned corn often graces the shelves of kitchens everywhere.
But while it may be a humble addition to your pantry, there’s no reason for it to be boring. In fact, canned corn can be transformed into a star ingredient that elevates your meals to a whole new level of flavor and creativity.
How do you make store bought canned corn taste better?
Not just adding butter or basic seasonings, canned corn has untapped potential waiting to be explored. We have a list of inventive ways to transform canned corn into captivating side dishes and even hearty meals.
Get ready to reimagine this humble pantry item into a whole new culinary adventure!
1. Cheesy Corn Casserole
Mix canned corn with shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, and crushed crackers. Bake until golden brown for a creamy and cheesy side dish.
2. Tex-Mex Corn Salad
Combine canned corn with diced tomatoes, black beans, chopped red onion, cilantro, and a zesty lime vinaigrette. Serve as a refreshing salad or salsa with tortilla chips.
3. Garlic Parmesan Corn
Sauté canned corn in a pan with minced garlic, butter, and grated Parmesan cheese. Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of parsley for a savory side.
4. Corn Fritters
Create corn fritters by mixing canned corn with flour, eggs, baking powder, and spices. Fry spoonfuls of the mixture until golden brown and crispy.
5. Sweet and Spicy Corn
Toss canned corn with a mixture of honey, Sriracha sauce, and a squeeze of lime juice. Roast in the oven until caramelized and slightly spicy.
6. Bacon and Corn Saute
Start by sautéing bacon in a pan until it’s crispy and releases its delicious flavor. Then, add canned corn to the pan, allowing it to soak up that savory bacon goodness.
7. Creamed Corn with Jalapeños
Add diced jalapeños to canned creamed corn for a spicy kick. Simmer until heated through, and serve as a creamy side dish.
8. Corn and Spinach Quesadillas
Mix canned corn with sautéed spinach and shredded Monterey Jack cheese. Use the mixture as a filling for quesadillas for a wholesome and cheesy meal.
9. Corn Chowder
Create a hearty corn chowder by blending canned corn with chicken or vegetable broth, diced potatoes, onions, and cream. Season with herbs like thyme and bay leaves for extra flavor.
10. Corn and Avocado Salsa
Combine canned corn with diced avocado, red bell pepper, red onion, lime juice, and cilantro. Use this salsa as a topping for grilled chicken or fish.
11. Corn and Broccoli Bake
Mix canned corn with steamed broccoli florets and a creamy cheese sauce. Top with breadcrumbs and bake until bubbly and golden for a comforting side dish.
12. Corn and Tomato Pizza
Spread canned corn on a pizza crust, add sliced tomatoes, mozzarella cheese, and a sprinkle of basil. Bake until the cheese is bubbly and the crust is golden.
13. Corn and Bacon Mac ‘n’ Cheese
Incorporate canned corn and crispy bacon bits into your favorite macaroni and cheese recipe for a rich and indulgent dish.
14. Corn and Potato Hash
Sauté canned corn with diced potatoes, bell peppers, and onions. Season with paprika and serve as a savory breakfast hash with fried eggs.
15. Corn and Pimento Cheese Dip
Mix canned corn with pimento cheese, mayonnaise, and a dash of hot sauce. Heat it in the oven until bubbly, and serve as a warm dip with crackers or tortilla chips.
16. Corn and Ham Soup
Combine canned corn with diced ham, potatoes, carrots, and chicken broth. Simmer until the vegetables are tender for a comforting corn and ham soup.
17. Corn-Stuffed Bell Peppers
Fill hollowed-out bell peppers with a mixture of canned corn, cooked ground beef, rice, diced tomatoes, and cheese. Bake until the peppers are tender and the filling is hot and bubbly.
18. Corn and Green Bean Medley
Mix canned corn with canned green beans and sauté with garlic and butter. Season with lemon zest and fresh herbs for a flavorful side dish.
19. Corn and Cilantro Rice
Stir canned corn into cooked rice along with chopped fresh cilantro, lime juice, and a touch of cumin for a vibrant and fragrant side dish.
20. Corn and Crab Cakes
Add canned corn to your crab cake mixture for a sweet and savory twist on this classic seafood dish. Serve with a lemon aioli or tartar sauce.
21. Corn and Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breast
Make a pocket in chicken breasts and stuff them with a mixture of canned corn, sautéed spinach, and cream cheese. Bake until the chicken is cooked through.
22. BBQ Corn
Simply add your favorite barbecue sauce to canned corn for a smoky and sweet flavor infusion.
23. Corn and Tater Tot Casserole
Layer canned corn, cooked ground beef, tater tots, and cheese in a casserole dish. Bake until the tater tots are crispy and the cheese is bubbly.
24. Corn and Cheddar Waffles
Incorporate canned corn and shredded cheddar cheese into your waffle batter. Serve these savory waffles with maple syrup for a unique breakfast or brunch option.
25. Creamy Corn and Peas
Combine canned corn with cooked peas and a creamy sauce made from butter, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese. Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg.
26. Corn and Red Potato Salad
Mix canned corn with boiled and diced red potatoes, red onion, and a Dijon mustard vinaigrette. Garnish with fresh dill for a refreshing potato salad.
27. Corn and Rice Pilaf
Cook rice and mix it with canned corn, toasted almonds, and dried cranberries. Drizzle with a simple lemon and olive oil dressing for a colorful pilaf.
28. Corn and Green Chili Dip
Blend canned corn with diced green chilies, cream cheese, and shredded Monterey Jack cheese. Heat in the oven until bubbly, and serve as a warm dip with tortilla chips.
29. Southwest Corn and Black Bean Salad
Combine canned corn with black beans, diced red pepper, red onion, and a lime-cumin vinaigrette. Top with fresh cilantro and serve as a zesty salad.
30. Corn and Asparagus Saute
Sauté canned corn with fresh asparagus spears, garlic, and a squeeze of lemon juice for a bright and seasonal side dish.
31. Cheesy Corn and Broccoli Bake
Mix canned corn with steamed broccoli florets and a creamy cheese sauce. Top with breadcrumbs and bake until golden brown and bubbling.
32. Corn and Mushroom Risotto
Add canned corn to a creamy mushroom risotto for extra texture and sweetness. Finish with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley.
33. Corn and Coleslaw
Combine canned corn with store-bought coleslaw mix and toss with a tangy coleslaw dressing for a quick and crunchy side.
34. Corn and Zucchini Fritters
Grate zucchini, mix it with canned corn, breadcrumbs, and beaten eggs to create savory fritters. Fry until golden brown and serve with a dipping sauce.
35. Corn and Bacon-Stuffed Mushrooms
Fill mushroom caps with a mixture of canned corn, cooked bacon bits, cream cheese, and chives. Bake until the mushrooms are tender and the filling is hot.
36. Corn and Tomato Stuffed Bell Peppers
Hollow out bell peppers and stuff them with a mixture of canned corn, diced tomatoes, cooked ground beef, and rice. Bake until the peppers are tender.
37. Corn and Avocado Rice Bowl
Toss canned corn with diced avocado, cooked rice, cherry tomatoes, and a lime-cilantro dressing. Serve as a refreshing rice bowl.
38. Corn and Spinach Queso Dip
Blend canned corn with sautéed spinach and creamy queso cheese. Heat until bubbly, and serve as a gooey dip with tortilla chips.
39. Corn and Green Bean Almondine
Sauté canned corn and blanched green beans with sliced almonds in butter. Season with lemon zest and fresh thyme for an elegant side dish.
40. Corn and Sweet Potato Hash
Sauté canned corn with diced sweet potatoes, red onion, and bell peppers. Season with cumin and paprika for a flavorful hash.
41. Corn and Spinach Stuffed Mushrooms
Fill mushroom caps with a mixture of canned corn, sautéed spinach, breadcrumbs, and feta cheese. Bake until the mushrooms are tender and the filling is golden.
42. Corn and Chickpea Salad
Combine canned corn with cooked chickpeas, diced cucumber, red onion, and a lemon-tahini dressing for a hearty salad.
43. Corn and Broccoli Slaw
Mix canned corn with broccoli slaw, dried cranberries, and a honey mustard dressing for a sweet and crunchy side salad.
44. Corn and Sausage Jambalaya
Prepare a jambalaya by combining canned corn with cooked andouille sausage, diced tomatoes, bell peppers, and Cajun spices. Serve over rice.
45. Corn and Cucumber Salsa
Dice cucumbers and mix them with canned corn, red onion, cilantro, and a lime-chili vinaigrette. Serve as a refreshing salsa.
46. Corn and Ham-Stuffed Biscuits
Fill biscuit dough with a mixture of canned corn, diced ham, and shredded Swiss cheese. Bake until the biscuits are golden and the filling is hot.
47. Corn and Caprese Salad
Combine canned corn with cherry tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, basil leaves, and a balsamic glaze for a twist on the classic Caprese salad.
48. Corn and Sweet Pepper Sauté
Sauté canned corn with diced sweet peppers, red onion, and garlic in olive oil. Season with a dash of smoked paprika for a colorful side dish.
49. Corn and Tuna Pasta Salad
Mix canned corn with flaked canned tuna, cooked pasta, diced red bell pepper, and a lemon-mayo dressing for a hearty pasta salad.
50. Corn and Mango Salsa
Combine canned corn with diced mango, red onion, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime juice for a fruity salsa that pairs well with grilled chicken or fish.
51. Corn and Pesto Pasta
Combine canned corn with cooked pasta and a dollop of homemade or store-bought basil pesto. Top with grated Parmesan cheese for a creamy, herbaceous dish.
52. Corn and Apple Slaw
Mix canned corn with shredded apples, red cabbage, and a yogurt-based dressing. This slaw offers a sweet and crunchy side to complement grilled meats.
53. Corn and Dill Potato Salad
Combine canned corn with diced boiled potatoes, fresh dill, and a tangy mustard-mayo dressing. Serve as a creamy and herby potato salad.
54. Corn and Sweet Onion Quiche
Add canned corn and caramelized sweet onions to your favorite quiche recipe for a savory, custardy side.
55. Corn and Poblano Rice
Mix canned corn with cooked rice, roasted poblano peppers, and a squeeze of lime juice for a smoky and zesty side dish.
56. Corn and Lemon Garlic Green Beans
Sauté canned corn and blanched green beans in a lemon garlic butter sauce. Season with fresh parsley for a bright and flavorful side.
How to Make Canned Corn be Less Boring?
In conclusion, we’ve uncovered a treasure trove of 56 imaginative ways to elevate canned corn from a simple pantry staple to a culinary superstar.
From savory sautés to zesty salsas, and everything in between, these recipes demonstrate that canned corn is so much more than just a convenient standby. With its affordability and accessibility, there’s no reason not to embrace the boundless possibilities of canned corn.
So, the next time you stock your pantry, remember that you’re not just buying a can of corn—you’re unlocking a world of flavor waiting to enhance your meals. Let your creativity run wild and savor the delicious results of your culinary experiments with canned corn.
