Transform Leftover Corn on the Cob: 20 Brilliant and Tasty Ideas
Got leftover corn on the cob sitting in your fridge? Don’t let it go to waste! Instead of relegating it to the leftovers bin, unleash your culinary creativity and discover delightful ways to repurpose that corn.
Whether you’re looking for kid-friendly dishes, exciting side dishes, or even unique main course ideas, we’ve got you covered. These creative ideas will transform your leftover corn on the cob into mouthwatering meals that will leave you and your family craving more. Say goodbye to food waste and get ready to savor the flavors of corn in entirely new and exciting ways!
Is corn on the cob good leftover?
Corn on the cob can still be enjoyable when eaten as leftovers, although the texture and flavor may change slightly. Here are some good ways to use it up!
1. Corn Fritters
Remove the kernels from the cob and mix them with a batter made from flour, eggs, milk, and seasoning. Drop spoonfuls of the batter into hot oil and fry until golden brown. Serve with a dipping sauce or ketchup.
2. Corn Salad
Cut the kernels off the cob and toss them with diced tomatoes, cucumbers, and bell peppers. Add a dressing made from lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper. This colorful salad is refreshing and healthy.
3. Corn Chowder
Sauté diced onions, carrots, and celery in a pot. Add diced potatoes, chicken or vegetable broth, and the leftover corn kernels. Simmer until the potatoes are tender and flavors meld together. Add milk or cream for a creamy texture.
4. Corn and Cheese Quesadillas
Spread shredded cheese and leftover corn kernels on a tortilla. Fold it in half and cook in a skillet until the cheese melts and the tortilla is crispy. Cut into wedges and serve with salsa or guacamole.
5. Corn and Black Bean Salsa
Combine leftover corn kernels with rinsed black beans, diced tomatoes, chopped red onions, lime juice, cilantro, and salt. Serve as a dip with tortilla chips or as a topping for tacos or grilled meats.
6. Corn and Chicken Tacos
Shred cooked chicken and mix it with leftover corn kernels. Warm up soft tortillas and fill them with the chicken and corn mixture. Top with shredded cheese, lettuce, and salsa for a tasty taco.
7. Corn Pancakes
Make a pancake batter by combining flour, milk, eggs, sugar, and a bit of baking powder. Stir in the leftover corn kernels and cook the pancakes on a griddle. Serve with maple syrup or honey.
8. Cheesy Corn Casserole
Mix together leftover corn kernels, shredded cheddar cheese, breadcrumbs, beaten eggs, and a touch of melted butter. Bake in a greased casserole dish until the top is golden and bubbly.
9. Corn and Ham Mini Quiches
Whisk together eggs, milk, salt, and pepper. Add diced ham and leftover corn kernels. Pour the mixture into greased muffin tins and bake until the quiches are set and lightly browned.
10. Corn and Potato Hash
Sauté diced potatoes, onions, and bell peppers until they’re cooked through and slightly crispy. Add the leftover corn kernels and cook for a few more minutes. Season with salt, pepper, and any other desired herbs or spices.
11. Corn and Veggie Stir-Fry
Stir-fry leftover corn kernels with diced vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, and snap peas. Add a simple sauce made from soy sauce, honey, garlic, and ginger. Serve over cooked rice or noodles.
12. Corn Pudding
Blend the leftover corn kernels with milk, eggs, sugar, cornmeal, and melted butter. Pour the mixture into a greased baking dish and bake until set. It’s a sweet and savory side dish that kids will love.
13. Corn and Tuna Salad
Mix leftover corn kernels with canned tuna, diced cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, and mayonnaise. Season with salt, pepper, and a squeeze of lemon juice. Serve as a sandwich filling or on top of lettuce.
14. Corn and Rice Stuffed Bell Peppers
Combine leftover corn kernels with cooked rice, diced bell peppers, grated cheese, and seasonings. Stuff the mixture into halved bell peppers, sprinkle with more cheese, and bake until tender.
15. Corn and Chicken Pasta
Cook your choice of pasta according to the package instructions. In a separate pan, sauté diced chicken, onions, and garlic until the chicken is cooked through. Add leftover corn kernels and cook for a few more minutes. Toss the cooked pasta with the chicken and corn mixture, drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle with Parmesan cheese, and season with salt, pepper, and herbs like basil or parsley.
16. Vegetable Fried Rice
Cook leftover rice in a skillet with a little oil. Add diced vegetables such as carrots, peas, bell peppers, and leftover corn kernels. Stir-fry until the vegetables are tender. Push the rice and vegetables to one side of the skillet and scramble eggs on the other side. Once the eggs are cooked, mix everything together and season with soy sauce, salt, and pepper.
17. Cornbread
To make cornbread using leftover corn on the cob, you can either use a cornbread mix or make it from scratch. With both methods, you’ll need to cut the leftover corn kernels off the cob. Incorporate the corn kernels into the cornbread batter before baking. Whether you use a mix or make it from scratch, the result will be a delicious cornbread side dish with the added flavor and texture of the leftover corn. You can also add more leftovers like chopped jalapenos, diced onion, and extra shredded cheese.
18. Corn and Bacon Pizza
Start with a pre-made pizza crust or dough. Spread a layer of tomato sauce or pesto on the crust. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the sauce. Scatter cooked bacon pieces and leftover corn kernels on top. Add additional toppings like sliced tomatoes or bell peppers if desired. Bake the pizza according to the crust instructions until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Garnish with fresh herbs like basil or cilantro before serving.
19. Succotash
Succotash is a traditional American dish made with corn, lima beans, and other vegetables. To make succotash using leftover corn on the cob, cut the corn kernels off the cob. In a skillet, sauté diced onions and bell peppers until they’re softened. Add the corn kernels and cooked lima beans to the skillet. Season with salt, pepper, and any desired herbs or spices. Cook for a few minutes until everything is heated through and well combined. Serve as a side dish alongside grilled meats or as a vegetarian main course.
20. Creamed Corn
Creamed corn is a rich and comforting side dish that showcases the natural sweetness of corn. Cut the corn kernels off the cob. In a saucepan, melt butter and add the corn kernels. Sauté for a few minutes until the corn is tender. Stir in flour to create a roux, then gradually add milk while stirring continuously. Cook until the mixture thickens. Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of sugar if desired. For added creaminess, you can also stir in a bit of heavy cream or cream cheese. Serve the creamed corn as a side dish with your favorite meals.
Leftover Fresh Corn Ideas
Leftover corn on the cob no longer needs to be an afterthought in your kitchen. By embracing creative ways to utilize those extra kernels, you can turn them into culinary masterpieces.
From succulent succotash to creamy creamed corn, and a range of other innovative recipes, you can reimagine the flavors of corn in exciting and delicious ways. Say goodbye to food waste and hello to a world of culinary possibilities.
So, the next time you have leftover corn on the cob, don’t hesitate to transform it into something extraordinary. Your taste buds will thank you, and you’ll never look at leftover corn the same way again.
