This may be the most midwest post I ever do… and it’s probably corny, but if you are from the midwest, you know that this time of year is corn season. You can find the sweetest, freshest, most delicious corn this time of year just about anywhere.
Corn is up there with some of my favorite vegetables (yes I know it doesn’t really count as one, but I still do). We probably eat way to much corn on the cob this time of year, but when it is this fresh and this good you just can’t help yourself! Corn on the cob and summer just go hand in hand.
Whether you get your corn from the farmer’s market, vegetable stand, or the grocery store, I can guarantee it is going to be good. The easiest way to pick fresh corn is to NOT completely shuck on the spot (I know crazy). Unless you are going straight home to cook your corn, it is best to keep it as is until you are ready to use it. You should feel the little hairs on the top to make sure they are slightly damp, you do not want them to be dry. Then you will slightly peel back a little bit of the shuck to take a peep at the cob. Make sure it is light yellow. If there is any rotting on the top put back and grab another.
I wanted to share a few of my favorite ways to eat corn during this time of year! Normally we just prepare corn on the cob because the corn is that good by itself. To find out how I prepare corn on the cob the easiest way without making your corn mushy – read my corn on the cob hack here!
How To Shuck Corn Like a Midwesterner
- Peel away the outer leaves until you only have one thin layer of inner leaves remaining around the corn.
- Peel back the leaves at the tip of the cob just until you can see the top few rows of kernels. This is the start of your “zipper.”
- Grasp the tops of the leaves and the tassel. Grasp the tops of the leaves and the tassel together in one hand. Grip the bottom of the ear of corn with your opposite hand.
- Pull down in one firm tug. Pull the leaves and tassels straight down in one firm tug.
- Break off the leaves and the silks. Gather the leaves and silks in one hand and snap them off at the base of the ear of corn.
- Tidy up the cob, pick away any remaining silks. You probably won’t get every single one — that’s part of the corn-on-the-cob experience — but you can get most of them.
14 summer corn recipes to try
Classic Grilled Corn On The Cob
If you are not throwing your corn on the cob on the grill in the summer, then you need to listen up. This is so simple, but the pair just go together. The grill marks on the cob, the smokiness, it is just a summer staple. In case you haven’t grilled corn, the above recipe will teach you everything you need to know!
Elote (Mexican Street Corn)
Elote is my FAVORITE! Elote is cooked sweet corn slathered in a spicy mixture of mayonnaise, crema, and chili powder and then sprinkled with cheese. You can make it directly on the cob (recipe above!), or you can make it in a as a salad, elote dip, or really anything.
Summer Corn Salad
Skip the lettuce and try this summer corn salad. With a zesty olive oil and apple cider vinegar dressing and feta cheese, you’ll be the hero of your next cookout! This bright and fresh dish is great for a hot summer night!
Garlic Herb Grilled Corn
Want to take your grilled corn up a notch? Fresh corn on the cob lathered in a garlic herb butter, wrapped in foil and grilled to perfection. A simple, delicious side dish for any summer occasion.
Corn Empanadas (Humitas)
I will 100% be making these soon, they look delicious! A buttery flakey empanada crust with a sweet and savory corn filling – can you get anymore delicious than that? I have made homemade empanadas before and they are quite simple, so if this seems daunting to you, I believe in you!
Creamy Corn Bucatini with Burrata
I think I will be making this for dinner this week, it looks THAT good! This one-pot pasta is pure summer sweetness. It’s got sweet corn and creamy burrata. It is also so easy with just 5 ingredients. Talk about an easy weeknight dinner!
Corn and Avocado Pasta Salad
This unconventional pasta salad does just that, combining all your summer favorites into a bright and tangy side. It’s fresh and flavorful yet creamy, too, thanks to buttery ripe avocado in every bite. There is so much good produce this time of year, might as well take advantage of it!
Bacon and Basil Wrapped Corn
Yeah, you read that correctly. Corn and basil already are great together, but throw in the smokiness of the bacon and you have yourself a triple threat!
Fresh Corn Risotto
I am a big risotto fan, and this one looks like the perfect summer dish. The corn kernels are not only throughout the risotto but also puréed, creating a “liquid gold” base that bursts with flavor. It has such a smooth texture. Where do I sign up?
Cheesy Corn and Basil Muffins
I saw this recipe and knew I needed to include it. Not only do I love corn, but basil is my favorite herb. I have so much basil in my garden I am trying to use it as much as possible. Cheesy corn muffins that are loaded with fresh basil and fresh kernel corn. Yum!
Corn Salsa
This corn salsa recipe is a rainbow of bright flavors and textures in every bite! It’s tangy, salty, sweet, spicy, smoky, fresh, juicy, and crunchy all at the same time. Talk about a fiesta in your mouth!
Creamy Corn and Basil Orzotto
It’s creamy, cheesy, and full with summer sweetness in the form of corn kernels and chopped basil. It’s also incredibly easy to throw together, thanks to the quick-cooking pasta. This is comfort food that’s dressed for summer.
Hot Corn Dip
This recipe is a tailgate classic, but thought I would include it here too! But take it up a notch by using fresh corn instead of canned, and you will never go back! Each can has approximately 2 ears of corn in it. This dip is cheesy, creamy and just so delicious.
Crispy Corn Fritters
Making fresh summer corn into crisp corn fritters is one of the fastest ways to turn corn on the cob into a hearty dinner (or breakfast or a snack, really). Corn fritters are essentially a quick corn cake batter studded with fresh corn and a kick of jalapeños.
I want to know which recipe are you going to try first!?
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