Can’t figure out what to do with that can of corn in the cupboard that keeps winking at you? No need to shun the humble ingredient—just check out our roundup of delicious canned corn recipes for meals that give shelf-stable goods a gourmet makeover.
25 Easy and Delicious Canned Corn Recipes
1. Sausage, Corn And Poblano Chowder
Full of balanced flavor—sweet and savory with an (adjustable) hint of spice—and filling to boot, this creamy soup is sure to become a staple in your weekly recipe rotation. Just one bowlful checks all the boxes (but it’s so good, you’ll still want seconds).
2. Low-carb Zucchini Enchiladas
It might sound bonkers, but zucchini takes the place of tortillas in this healthy enchilada recipe. The end result tastes every bit as decadent as the traditional dish, without weighing you down.
3. Chipotle Corn Salsa
Skip the store-bought stuff and put your can of corn to good use with this homemade salsa instead. The chipotle peppers pack a punch but the heat—nicely balanced by sweet corn—can be easily adapted to please any palate.
4. 30-minute Creamy Chicken, Corn And Tomato Skillet
Tender chicken and sweet corn are brightened up with a burst of acidity from the tomatoes in this quick-cooking and downright delicious weeknight dinner that even picky kiddos will devour. Bonus: This single-skillet meal means only one dish to wash once you’ve cleaned your plate.
5. Avocado And Black Bean Pasta Salad
Cilantro and lime perk things up in this light yet substantial bean and pasta salad. Oh, and did we mention that this family favorite can be ready and on the table in just 20 minutes?
6. Lime Chicken With Corn And Poblano Salad
Forget about the breast—chicken thighs are more flavorful and practically impossible to overcook. This pretty number features our favorite cut with swoon-worthy crispy skin, but the bird really gets a boost from the spicy, citrusy corn salad that will wake you right up. Winner winner, chicken dinner.
7. Roasted Sweet Potato Black Bean Salad With Pineapple Corn Salsa
Drop the mayo and ditch the dill—Coterie member Monique Volz has reinvented potato salad and we’re not mad about it. Gently spiced, roasted sweet potatoes and hearty black beans are a perfect union...but mix in the jalapeño-spiced salsa and the result is a tangy-spicy-sweet flavor bomb that’ll keep you coming back.
8. Peach Tomato Corn Arugula Pasta Salad
That can of corn that has waited so patiently in the pantry all this time is about to have its 15 minutes of fame. Literally, every last kernel will be gone in 15 minutes when you toss ‘em with juicy stone fruit, zippy tomatoes and spicy arugula in this inspired vegetarian pasta salad.
9. Spicy Corn Carbonara
This creamy dish calls for fresh corn but you can easily swap it for the canned stuff (you’ll need about two cups) and save yourself a trip to the farmers market. Topping your plate with copious amounts of grated Parm, on the other hand, is non-negotiable.
10. Corn Casserole
This all-American comfort food makes canned corn taste like a luxury (but you’ll be laughing all the way to the bank). Go ahead and indulge in this creamy, cheesy casserole—just be warned, you’ll want to dive into the decadent goodness before it leaves the baking dish.
11. White Zucchini Corn Pizza
We love a white ’za, and this one just might take the cake pie. Fresh, mild zucchini and sweet corn are a match made in heaven when they come together on a cheesy thin-crust slice. The result is a plate full of gooey goodness that the whole family will eat with gusto.
12. Make-ahead Corn Stuffing
Add this recipe to your list of things to be thankful for: a melt-in-the mouth stuffing you can make in advance for a more relaxing Thanksgiving. Don’t think you’re phoning it in, though—a balance of savory and sweet flavors make for a side dish that every guest at the holiday feast will gleefully gobble up. In fact, this stuffing is so good, we’ve been known to whip it up long after Turkey Day.
13. Mexican Corn Dip
Mexican street corn, grilled and coated with creamy cotija cheese, is a summer delight. But we have big news, friends: You don’t have to wait until grilling season to enjoy this tasty treat. In fact, you don’t even need the cob—just grab a can of corn and a few simple ingredients to whip up a dip that boasts street food flavor you can scoop up with a chip.
14. Slow-cooker Creamy White Chicken Chili
Chopped veggies liven up this white chicken chili, a slow-cooker sensation that’s sure to warm (and fill) you up when the temperatures drop. Plus, ‘set it and forget it’ means the cooking time can be spent lounging fireside instead of standing over the stove.
15. Sweet Corn Spoonbread
This devilishly rich and buttery cornbread pudding is a perfect blend of salty and sweet. True, it can (and should) be eaten with a spoon—but it really lives up to its name because it’s so darn hard to put the spoon down.
16. Zucchini And Corn Quesadillas
Zucchini, corn, cheese—nothing can go wrong, whether you serve these guys as a tasty snack or a quick, kid-friendly main meal.
17. Ensalada De Pollo (creamy Mexican Chicken Salad)
We know they’re good for us but salads can be, well, a little boring. Not this guy that’s made with sweet corn, sour cream, mustard, tender shredded meat and an adaptable blend of veggies. It’s like your standard chicken salad just went on vacation and came back with a new and improved outlook on life.
18. Leftover Turkey Corn Chowder
Don’t worry if you skipped the corn stuffing in favor of the classic sausage variety—there’s still a delicious way to use your canned corn post-feast. Bonus: This creamy, hearty corn chowder will help you make short work of all the extra turkey, too.
19. Slow-cooker Corn Pudding
Cornbread, corn casserole, corn pudding—whatever you wanna call this dish, it’s delicious comfort food. That said, we’re definitely suckers for this slow-cooker version that delivers all the goods with the added benefits of a low-maintenance method and a room temperature kitchen.
24. Baked Chicken Rigatoni And A Roasted Poblano Bechamel
Let’s be honest, baked pasta is always a good idea: the saucy interior, the gooey cheesy topping, the comforting carbs. Still, sometimes we need a dish that will hit the spot and isn’t lasagna. The solution is this hearty chicken and pasta casserole that’s creamy, poblano-spiked perfection on a fork.
21. Mexican Bowl With Cilantro Lime Dressing
Sweet corn sits pretty alongside an array of vibrantly-colored, healthy toppings—and it all tastes delicious thanks to a cilantro-lime dressing that’s good enough to drink. Yep, this rice bowl might just be the best lunch you’ve ever packed.
22. Honey-glazed Cornbread
Move over, breakfast muffins because this take on a southern classic is our new favorite way to start the day. Honey adds an extra touch of sweetness to this cornbread, which is addictive on its own but a perfect counterpoint to salty brunch dishes, too. (Bacon and eggs, anyone?)
23. Mexican Stuffed Peppers
The side dish boasts an elegant presentation that’s sure to impress at any dinner party, but these peppers—stuffed with juicy beef, sweet corn, cheese and seasoned rice—aren’t all looks. Yep, there’s a Tex-Mex party up in there...and it’s soon to be in your mouth.
24. Baked Corn Crab Cakes
Ample seasoning, sweet corn and fresh seafood flavor blend beautifully in these light and tasty crab cakes. Best of all, they’re baked so you can dish ’em up on the reg without worrying about your health (or making your home smell like a frying station).
25. Mexican Quinoa
Quinoa is a wholesome, gluten-free grain but so many other super healthy ingredients, it’s likely not to stick the landing (i.e., fill you up) unless you have a good recipe. Fortunately that’s not an issue with this simple, but boldly-flavored side dish that’s loaded with sweet corn, black beans, avocado, and a whole lot of Tex Mex spices.