20+ Easy and Tasty Thanksgiving Corn Recipes - MyRecipes (2024)

Credit: Caitlin Bensel

Though we typically think of corn as a summertime staple, there's no denying that corn puddings and casseroles frequently turn up on holiday tables around the country. Whether you're looking for a healthy side (like this Black Bean and Corn Salad) or an indulgent dish (we're lookin' at you, Corn Pudding Casserole), these Thanksgiving corn recipes will become a holiday tradition.

Corn Fritter Casserole

Corn Fritter Casserole Recipe

This moist, sweet-savory side dish is a cross between corn bread and corn pudding. You can use 1 1/2 cups fresh corn kernels in place of the canned corn, if you prefer.

Corn Pudding

Corn Pudding Casserole Recipe

The Southern holiday sideboard isn’t complete without a pan of cheesy and creamy corn pudding. This version, made with fontina or Swiss cheese, is more savory than sweet. If fresh corn isn’t in season, you can use frozen corn. Drain the thawed corn well so it doesn’t make the casserole watery.

Classic Grilled Corn on the Cob

Classic Grilled Corn on the Cob Recipe

Fresh, grilled corn on the cob is a hallmark of warm and sunny summer days. Paired with grilled hamburgers, smoked pork or other grilled vegetables, grilled corn is an important part of your outdoor meals. For a pretty presentation and to make handling hot ears easier, use the husks as handles. After silking the ears of corn, pull the husks back to form a ponytail-like handle; tie together with a kitchen string or a smaller piece of torn husk. Soak the husk “pony-tails” in cold water about 10 minutes before grilling to prevent burning, or simply hang the husks over the edge of the grill. Take the sweet, smoky flavors of grilled corn on the cob to the next level with flavorful twists on butters and toppings.

Street Corn Salad

Street Corn Salad Recipe

Mexican street corn salad, also known as esquites, combines the fresh flavors of summer in a bright, citrusy and irresistible dish. This summery side gets a pop of sweetness from the fresh corn kernels and a creamy, salty component from the crumbled cotija cheese. With just a drizzle of olive oil and a squeeze of fresh lime juice, the flavorful ingredients come together in one balanced bowl. This simple salad is easyto whip up for a last-minute cookout, and itcan easily lighten up any heavy summer meal.

Corn-and-Black-Bean Salad

Black Bean and Corn Salad Recipe

Our super easy Black Bean and Corn Salad utilizes pantry and freezer staples like balsamic vinegar, canned black beans, and frozen corn into a dish that works as an appetizer or a dip. Orange bell pepper, cilantro, and jalapeño add some serious flavor to a black bean, whole kernel corn, and vinaigrette base. Best of all, it lasts in the fridge for several days and tastes better as leftovers.

Field Peas, Corn, and Okra in Country-Ham Cream

Field Peas, Corn, and Okra in Country-Ham Cream Recipe

This comforting skillet supper makes a great summertime meal, when field peas, corn, and okra are in season. While fresh veggies are the star of the dish, the country-ham cream, a light yet luxurious sauce, will have you licking your plate. Serve alongside some skillet cornbread and you’ll have a meal to remember.

mr-Farro Salad With Cherries, Corn, and Basil Image

Farro Salad With Cherries, Corn, and Basil Recipe

Meal preppers, meet your new favorite salad. It’s bright and juicy thanks to the cherries, while the farro base keeps things feeling nice and hearty. The almonds bring in a crunch and nuttiness that helps bring everything together. Since it’s super versatile, you could make a batch on Sunday and serve it with arugula and baked chicken for a healthy lunch all week long.

mr-Bacon-Wrapped Corn-on-the-Cob Image

Bacon-Wrapped Corn-on-the-Cob Recipe

This grilled corn has it all: sweetness, spice, and meat. It’s perfect for a summer cookout with friends and family and will fit right in with other grilled goodies. Thick-cut bacon won’t wrap around the corn easily, so don’t buy it. Soak the toothpicks for 10 minutes before grilling so they don’t burn up quickly.

Grilled Mexican Corn Salad

Grilled Mexican Corn Salad Recipe

This quick and easy grilled corn salad is a play on esquites, a wildly popular Mexican street food. Also known as corn in a cup, esquites are the cobless equivalent to elotes, grilled Mexican street corn topped with mayonnaise, various spices, and crumbled cojita cheese. A little brushof mayonnaise keeps the corn moist and golden, and squeezing lime juice over the final product adds a brightness that works spectacularly with the cheese and chives. If you can’t find cojita, use queso fresco, which is readily available in most supermarkets. Sprinkle on some chipotle powder for an added kick.

Elote Corn Pudding

Elote Corn Pudding Recipe

This creamy side is inspired by the iconic Mexican street corn snack. It gets lots of flavor from salty Cotija cheese; look for it with other Mexican cheeses in your grocery store. Or you can substitute queso fresco or feta cheese or grated Romano cheese.

Easy Corn Pudding

Easy Corn Pudding Recipe

We add just a touch of sugar to enhance the sweetness of the corn and onion. The texture falls somewhere between a pudding and a soufflé—rich and custardy, with bubbles of air within. It’s best served piping hot, but cold leftovers are good, too.

Creamy Corn-mushroom Risotto

Creamy Corn-Mushroom Risotto Recipe

Infused with a rich corn broth, this corn- and mushroom-studded risotto is a stellar way to celebrate the last of the season’s harvest. The pureed corn broth adds a subtle sweet creaminess that builds as the risotto cooks. Feel free to sub in your favorite mushrooms; steer clear of large portobellos—their dark gills will discolor the finished dish.

Mexican Corn Salad

Mexican Corn Salad Recipe

Mexican street corn morphs into an epic salad in this dish. Beautiful to behold, this salad shines thanks to the combination of colors and textures—crisp golden corn, juicy cherry tomatoes, peppery radishes, and creamy nuggets of cheese. This potluck-perfect side is easy to make ahead of time, and it gets even more flavorful when it sits overnight. Simply wait to stir in the cilantro until just before serving for the prettiest presentation.

Creamed Corn

Creamed Corn Recipe

Get your guilt-free creamed corn fix right here! When sweet corn is at its peak, it only takes a few tablespoons of cream to create this light and luscious take on summer’s best side dish. The secret to this recipe is the corn purée, which gives the finished dish its velvety texture. And since you just blend up half of the mixture, you still get the satisfying crunch from the crisp kernels. You’ll love the hint of flavor from the nutmeg—it’s a subtle addition that makes a surprising difference.

Creamy Street Corn Soup image

Creamy Street Corn Soup Recipe

Love elote? Of course, who doesn’t? This vibrant and creamy summer soup hits all the crave-worthy flavor notes of the classic Mexican street corn, but comes in a slightly less-messy format. Whether you serve it as an appetizer or your main dish, this street corn soup is sure to become a fast favorite.

Photographer Greg Dupree, Food Styling Catherine Steele, Prop Styling Kay Clar

Tomato, Peach, and Corn Salad Recipe

The summer's favorite produce is compiled together to create this vibrant and beautiful salad. The salad is tossed in a sweet and savory honey vinaigrette and topped with feta for a stunning finish.

Applewood-Smoked Corn on the Cob

Applewood-Smoked Corn on the Cob Recipe

We love the warm, slightly sweet smoky flavor applewood gives the corn. Hickory chips might overpower here, but cherry chips would also work.

Savory Corn Pudding

Savory Corn Pudding Recipe

Corn pudding is a staple Southern side dish at any holiday gathering. Corn pudding fits right in at Thanksgiving amongst old-school favorites like mashed potatoes and green bean casserole, and a warm dish of corn pudding is always welcome at Christmas and church potlucks.

Green Chile-Corn Pudding

Green Chile-Corn Pudding Recipe

Corn pudding has been a Southern staple for years, and it’s an especially popular addition to Thanksgiving menus. Amongst other Thanksgiving side dish favorites like green bean casserole and classic cornbread dressing, corn pudding has stood the test of time.

Three-Cheese Corn Pudding

Three-Cheese Corn Pudding Recipe

Corn pudding is a classic Southern recipe that’s often found on Thanksgiving menus. This side dish casserole is distinct because of its fluffy, almost dessert-like texture, and Southerners have been indulging in it for years.

Corn Cakes with Bacon and Turmeric Yogurt

Corn Cakes with Bacon and Turmeric Yogurt Recipe

Serve these sweet-savory cakes as a hearty side dish (they would be great with grilled shrimp) or as a lighter entrée with a side salad. Or turn them into an appetizer by making smaller cakes.

Spanish Chorizo Corn Cakes

Spanish Chorizo Corn Cakes Recipe

Is there any time of day when a pancake isn't welcome at the table? These sweet and savory cakes are a scrumptious choice for breakfast, dinner, or a quick snack on the go. Keep warm and toasty by placing them in a single layer on a baking sheet in a 200°F oven for up to 30 minutes. Reheating is as easy as popping frozen cakes in the toaster, making them ideal for quick weekday meals.