What to Serve With Corn on the Cob (65 main dish and side dish recipes!)

What to serve with corn on the cob for dinner! Here are the perfect meals that pair well with corn on the cob – including meats, vegetables, and other delicious side dishes.

What to serve with corn on the cob for dinner! Here are the perfect meals that pair well with corn on the cob - including meats, vegetables, and other delicious side dishes.

There’s nothing better than some fresh corn on the cob in the summer.

It’s an inexpensive side dish that’s easy to cook and always a crowd pleaser.

Once you’ve gone to the store and stocked up on all those ears of corn, you may be left wondering what to serve with them.

What is corn a good side dish for?

There are so many foods that taste good with sweet corn!

Grilled meats or fried chicken are ideal as main dishes, but there are lots of veggie options for when you’re serving vegetarians.

Plus there are TONS of other side dishes that pair well to complete your summer dinner menu.

Let’s check out what goes best with corn on the cob…

… and start with the best meats to serve with it.

What to serve with corn on the cob for dinner! Here are the perfect meals and side dishes that pair well with corn on the cob.

What meat to serve with corn on the cob

1. Grilled chicken

Chicken breasts or thighs on the grill are both easy to prepare, inexpensive, and universally loved. 

And best of all, they’re customizable for different flavor profiles.

Depending on what marinade or seasoning you use, or dipping sauces you serve, you can make plain ol’ chicken seem special AND different from last week.

2. Fried chicken

Whether you pick up a bucket of Kentucky Fried Chicken or fry your own, fried chicken pairs extremely well with corn on the cob.

You can even bring it to a picnic because it’s even good cold!

3. Hamburgers

Nothing screams summer like hamburgers on the grill.

You could serve beef burgers, turkey burgers, chicken burgers, or even veggie burgers.

Customize them with different flavor profiles, toppings, and buns.

What to serve with corn on the cob for dinner! Here are the perfect meals and side dishes that pair well with corn on the cob.

4. Steak

Elevate your corn on the cob by pairing it with a nice steak dinner.

Sirloin steaks or ribeye would go especially well, but any of your favorite steak cuts would work well.

5. Hot dogs

Kids and adults alike enjoy a grilled hot dog in the summer.

They smell incredible while they’re on the BBQ, and they don’t require to to set out silverware!

 

6. Sausage

Kielbasa, bratwurst, or a spicy sausage like andouille or chorizo would all be great options to serve with sweet corn on the cob.

7. Pork chops

You could bake pork chops in the oven, barbecue them on the grill, or even prepare them in the slow cooker or Instant Pot.

They’re very adaptable to any fresh flavor profile when you use different marinades, spices, and sauces.

8. Ribs

The savory and smoky flavor of ribs goes so well with sweet corn. Especially if you slather them with BBQ sauce.

Just be sure to have lots of extra napkins on hand!

What to serve with corn on the cob for dinner! Here are the perfect meals and side dishes that pair well with corn on the cob.

9. Seafood  

There are SO many tasty seafood options that pair with corn for a light summer dinner.

Salmon, shrimp, tilapia, swordfish, or even lobster are all fantastic options.

Your guests will be so impressed with your elevated meal.

10. Crawfish boil

Every crawfish boil basically requires corn on the cob.

You can cook it right along with the crawfish, sausage, potatoes and any other veggies you’d like to include.

11. Sloppy joes

Mmm…sloppy joes are such a crowd pleaser.

They’re super easy to make, and you can whip them up in about 10 minutes on the stovetop. 

No need for perfect grilling weather!

12. BBQ pulled pork or chicken

Another really easy dinner idea is pulled pork or chicken.

You can slow cook it all day in the crockpot with just a few ingredients. 

13. Steak or chicken kabobs

Kabobs are such an easy summer dinner, and they’re totally customizable with marinades and different veggies.

What to serve with corn on the cob for dinner! Here are the perfect meals and side dishes that pair well with corn on the cob.

14. Tacos

You may not have considered tacos as a meal that goes with corn on the cob, but Mexican street corn, also known as elote, is commonly served with all different kinds of foods.

Switch up your corn on the cob this time, and consider serving it elote-style!

What to serve with corn on the cob for vegetarians

If you don’t want to make meat the main dish, there are lots of vegetarian options that you can serve with corn too.

15. Rice and beans

Since the combination of rice and beans together makes a complete protein, it’s the perfect main dish option for a meatless meal.

16. Vegetable stir fry

Whether you slice the corn off the cob, or just serve it alongside the stir fry, it does work as a side dish even for an Asian-style dinner.

17. Lentil salad

Lentil salad is so fresh and light – perfect for a summer meal!

Serving corn on the cob alongside it will give you something to sink your teeth into.

What to serve with corn on the cob for dinner! Here are the perfect meals and side dishes that pair well with corn on the cob.

18. Veggie tostadas

Tostadas are customizable with your favorite toppings. Beans, veggies, and cheese are the most popular ways to top a tostada.

Try making Mexican-style street corn with it!

19. Bean and cheese enchiladas

Black bean enchiladas are delicious, and easier than you’d think. You can use store bought enchilada sauce, and streamline the process by layering it lasagna-style.

20. Vegetarian or vegan fajitas

Bell peppers, onions, portobello mushrooms, and zucchini together make excellent fajitas.

And it’s another great main dish to accompany elote-style corn.

21. Pasta salad

Believe it or not, pasta salad can be an entree. A whole wheat or whole grain pasta will be more filling, as will adding in some protein with cheese, beans, or chickpeas.

You can make it right on the stovetop, just like corn, so you won’t heat up the kitchen.

Read Next: 27 Healthy Pasta Salad Recipes to Try This Summer

What to serve with corn on the cob for dinner! Here are the perfect meals and side dishes that pair well with corn on the cob.

 

22. Egg salad on croissants

This no-cook meal is perfect for lunch or dinner, and is surprisingly good when served with corn on the cob.

23. Zucchini fritters

If you’ve never had zucchini fritters, you’re seriously missing out! Similar to potato pancakes, they eat like a meal.

24. Mediterranean Chickpea salad

This is another fresh salad that’s perfect for warm weather dinners!

25. Falafel

Falafel, aka chickpea patties, is basically Middle Eastern comfort food. They can be eaten on their own, or inside pita bread to make a sandwich.

If you don’t want to have to worry about silverware, or keeping food hot or cold, this is a great idea.

Perfect for a picnic!

26. Flatbread grilled pizza

Grab some naan bread (or other pita or flatbread), add some sauce, and your favorite toppings, and throw it on the grill.

Grilled pizza has a unique flavor, and the addition of corn on the cob as a side dish would make it feel especially summer-y!

 

What to serve with corn on the cob for dinner! Here are the perfect meals and side dishes that pair well with corn on the cob.

27. Baked potato bar

You can easily bake up a bunch of potatoes in the oven or air fryer, and set out a variety of toppings.

With enough toppings, baked potatoes become an entree, especially for vegetarians.

28. Black bean burgers

Black beans and corn are naturally very good together, so corn on the cob would make an excellent side dish for black bean burgers.

You can make the burgers homemade, or buy some in the frozen section of your grocery store.

29. Quinoa salad

This is another fresh, protein rich salad to serve vegetarians for dinner.

30. Quesadillas

You can tailor quesadillas to any flavor profile by changing up what you put inside.

Serve corn on the side, and you won’t even need to set out silverware.

What to serve with corn on the cob for dinner! Here are the perfect meals and side dishes that pair well with corn on the cob.

31. Veggie shish kabobs

Kabobs are always a crowd favorite, and corn on the cob would finish off this perfect summer dinner.

Other Side Dishes to Serve with Corn on the Cob

Now that you have lots of meals to pair with sweet corn, let’s dive into what other side dishes you can serve alongside it.

32. Potato salad

There are lots of varieties of potato salad out there, and they all work well with corn.

33. Pasta salad

Pasta salads are also very versatile and a great addition to a picnic or summer meal.

34. Fruit salad

Keep it fresh by serving a fruit platter or fruit salad.

35. Leafy green salad

Help everyone reach their daily quota of leafy greens by serving a green salad.

36. Caesar salad

A caesar salad is always a crowd favorite. It contains only a few simple ingredients, and there’s no need to lay out a bunch of dressings.

What to serve with corn on the cob for dinner! Here are the perfect meals and side dishes that pair well with corn on the cob.

37. Cucumber salad

Cucumber is so light and fresh, making it the perfect side dish to accompany something starchy like corn.

38. Coleslaw

Coleslaw goes well with SO many different dinners, especially grilled meats.

39. Baked beans

Whether you doctor up a can of baked beans, or make your own from scratch, they’re also a crowd favorite.

40. Rice  

There are so many varieties of rice to choose from, such a plain brown or rice, rice pilaf, cilantro lime rice, or spanish rice.

41. Baked potatoes

You can even make baked potatoes in the slow cooker, or at least keep them warm as you prepare the rest of the meal.

42. Sweet potatoes

Baked whole sweet potatoes would be a twist on a traditional Russet, or you can dice them up and bake and serve them that way.

What to serve with corn on the cob for dinner! Here are the perfect meals and side dishes that pair well with corn on the cob.

43. Red potatoes

Roasted red potatoes with a little olive oil, garlic, and salt and pepper make a really easy and delicious side dish.

44. Potato wedges, french fries, tater tots

More uses for the humble and inexpensive potato!

45. Chips and salsa

It doesn’t get any easier than setting out some store bought salsa and chips.

46. Potato chips and dip

Whether you buy some good ol’ fashioned french onion dip, or make your own from sour cream or greek yogurt, chips and dip are a great addition to any picnic or summer meal.

47. Grilled veggies

Toss your favorite veggies in some olive oil and salt and pepper and throw them on the grill or in the oven.

What to serve with corn on the cob for dinner! Here are the perfect meals and side dishes that pair well with corn on the cob.

48. Vegetable platter

You can purchase a store-bought veggie tray, or assemble your own platter, and set out some ranch dressing in a bowl.

49. Zucchini fries

A lower calorie version of french fries are zucchini fries. They can be baked in the oven or air fryer.

50. Cornbread

If you think cornbread is only for chili, think again! It pairs well with corn on the cob and other BBQ or summer meals.

51. Macaroni and cheese

Most guests will love piling some mac and cheese on their plate!

52. Cheesy potatoes

You can easily make cheesy potatoes in the slow cooker and keep them warm until ready to serve.

Best toppings for corn on the cob

If you’ve ever wondered what to put on corn besides butter, here are the best corn toppings, seasonings, and sauces.

Ears of corn are the perfect vehicles for incorporating other flavors.

Here are some delicious flavors that go well with corn.

Try some of these corn on the cob toppings and change things up tonight.

You could even set up a corn on the cob toppings bar!

What to serve with corn on the cob for dinner! Here are the perfect meals and side dishes that pair well with corn on the cob.

53. Butter or olive oil

Melted butter is the obvious choice for corn, as it adds a great salty flavor. 

Consider swapping it out for olive oil for a dairy-free, hearty healthy option.

54. Salt and pepper

Since corn can be a bit bland on its own, be sure to set out kosher salt and pepper shakers.

55. Seasoned salt

If you’ve never tried seasoned salt on your corn, it adds a whole new dimension since it incorporates other spices and flavors.

56. Garlic powder

A sprinkle of garlic powder makes any savory dish more flavorful, and it’s an inexpensive way to doctor up corn on the cob.

57. Chili powder

For a more zesty, Tex-Mex vibe, chili powder really spices up corn. Try not to be too heavy handed with it though, because a little goes a long way.

58. Parmesan cheese

Parmesan isn’t just for Italian food. It also adds a great depth of flavor to corn.

59. Lime or lemon juice or zest

For a refreshing twist, squeeze on some fresh lemon or lime juice.

60. Cheese  

The thought of cheese on your corn on the cob may surprise you.

But goat cheese, feta, quest fresco, or cotija cheese are savory options that will compliment the sweetness very well.

61. Mayo

In some areas, it’s completely normal to spread mayo on corn on the cob.

Spread it on before throwing your corn on the grill, then top with seasoning or a sprinkle of parmesan cheese.

62. Pico de gallo or salsa

Corn goes really well with tomatoes, onion, and cilantro, which is why it’s a common ingredient in salsa.

If you’re guests like things spicy, you can set out some hot sauce as well.

63. Bacon

Cooked and crumbled bacon will accent the sweet flavor of corn so well!

64. Garlic or herbed butter

Instead of plain butter, pick up or make a butter flavored with garlic or fresh herbs, such as fresh basil.

What to serve with corn on the cob for dinner! Here are the perfect meals and side dishes that pair well with corn on the cob.

Ways to cook corn on the cob

There are so many ways you can prepare corn on the cob!

Fresh corn can technically can be eaten raw in many cases, but heat brings out the sweetness and makes it more tender.

Here are the best corn on the cob recipes:

Corn on the cob FAQ:

Should I soak corn before cooking?

Corn does not need to be soaked first. If you’re grilling it with husk however, it is best to soak it so the husk doesn’t burn.

How can you tell if corn is done?

You’ll know corn on the cob is done when the yellow color intensifies, and the kernels plump up.

How much time do you boil corn?

Submerge corn in boiling water and cook for 3 to 5 minutes, or until the color is a brighter yellow.

Can you overcook corn?

Boiling corn for too long can make the kernels mushy or chewy.

Fresh corn only needs to cook for a few minutes, so avoid overcooking it.

Can corn on the cob be frozen?

You can freeze corn on the cob if you plan to eat it on the cob once thawed. You can even freeze it right in the husk.

Otherwise, scrape the kernels off the cob and freeze that way.

Is corn on the cob healthy?

Corn is rich in the antioxidant vitamin C, and is a good source of dietary fiber, lutein, and zeaxanthin, which support eye health.

It does contain starch and sugar however, so it is more calorie dense than green vegetables.

Ready to make some meals with sweet corn?

I hope these side dishes have given you lots of ideas of what to serve with corn on the cob.

You can really switch up your summer dinners with this wide variety of main dishes and sides.

What to serve with corn on the cob for dinner! Here are the perfect meals and side dishes that pair well with corn on the cob.

What to Eat With Corn on the Cob

Yield: 4-6

What to serve with corn on the cob for dinner! Here are the perfect meals that pair well with corn on the cob.

Ingredients

  • Grilled chicken
  • Fried chicken
  • Hamburgers
  • Steak
  • Hot dogs
  • Sausage
  • Pork chops
  • Ribs
  • Seafood
  • Crawfish boil
  • Sloppy joes
  • BBQ pulled pork
  • Chicken or steak kabobs
  • Tacos
  • Rice and beans
  • Vegetable stir fry
  • Lentil salad
  • Veggie tostadas
  • Bean and cheese enchiladas
  • Vegetarian fajitas
  • Pasta salad
  • Egg salad croissants
  • Zucchini fritters
  • Mediterranean chickpea salad
  • Falafel
  • Flatbread grilled pizza
  • Baked potato bar
  • Black bean burgers
  • Quinoa salad
  • Quesadillas
  • Veggie shish kabobs
  • Potato salad
  • Pasta salad
  • Fruit salad
  • Caesar salad
  • Cucumber salad
  • Coleslaw
  • Baked beans
  • Rice
  • Baked potatoes
  • Sweet potatoes
  • Red potatoes
  • Potato wedges or fries
  • Chips and salsa
  • Potato chips and dip
  • Grilled veggies
  • Fresh vegetable platter
  • Zucchini fries
  • Cornbread
  • Macaroni and cheese
  • Cheesy potatoes
  • Butter or olive oil
  • Salt and pepper
  • Seasoned salt
  • Garlic powder
  • Chili powder
  • Parmesan cheese
  • Lime or lemon juice
  • Cheese
  • Mayo
  • Pico de Gallo
  • Garlic herbed butter

Instructions

    1. Choose 1-3 side dishes from this list
    2. Gather the ingredients to prepare the sides
    3. Serve a delicious, creative summer meal with corn on the cob

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