6 Corn Recipes Begging for a Place at Your Summer Table

From simply grilled corn on the cob to a fun spin on salsa, get ready to find out why corn deserves the title of “Best Add-On” at your summer table.
Grilled Corn on the Cob

Bobby Flay's Perfectly Grilled Corn as seen on Food Network

Photo by: Stephen Johnson ©2014, Television Food Network, G.P. All Rights Reserved

Stephen Johnson, 2014, Television Food Network, G.P. All Rights Reserved

The heavyweight champion of cookout season, sweet summer corn knows how to dance with every main dish at the table and often comes out swinging against even the pickiest eaters. From simply grilled corn on the cob to a fun spin on salsa and a shortcut way to revamp a classic dessert, get ready to find out why corn deserves the title of “Best Add-On” at your summer table.

Bobby Flay keeps things simple by grilling his corn (pictured above) in the husk (sans silk) till it's tender, then slathering it with an infused butter. If you’re looking for some spice, try his BBQ Butter with paprika, chili powder and cayenne pepper, and if you’d like something a little mellower, opt for his Herb Butter with chopped fresh herbs like basil or chives.

Grilled Breakfast Tacos

Corn? For breakfast? On the grill? You’d better believe it. Make a summery salsa by grilling corn, cherry tomatoes, a jalapeno, scallions and limes on skewers, then wrap chorizo, soft-scrambled eggs, Monterey Jack cheese and a dollop of the salsa in a warm corn tortilla. Brunch never looked better.

Fresh Corn Salad

Ina Garten’s bright, beautiful corn salad requires only seven ingredients and takes less than 15 minutes to come together. Serve it alongside grilled fish, or pack it up for an easy picnic or summer party side.

Grilled Corn Salsa

Forgo jarred salsa for an all-star corn salsa that’ll win at every happy hour. Grill corn and vine-ripened tomatoes for approximately 12 and 15 minutes respectively, then combine with pickled red onion, basil and olive oil for a salsa one reviewer called “a staple for parties.” Serve the salsa with tortilla chips and a pitcher of your favorite adult beverage.

Mexican Street Corn

Photo by: Matt Armendariz ©2013, Television Food Network, G.P. All Rights Reserved.

Matt Armendariz, 2013, Television Food Network, G.P. All Rights Reserved.

Kick your corn on the cob up a notch by rubbing it with Sunny Anderson’s spicy mayo mixture and a healthy squeeze of lime once you take it off the grill (or indoor grill pan). To make the mixture, combine chili powder, garlic salt and black pepper with half a cup of mayonnaise. Consider extra toppings, like Cotija cheese and cilantro, to make it a more filling side dish, or serve it with your favorite grilled main.

Strawberry Corn Cakes

STRAWBERRY_CAKES_019.tif

Photo by: Antonis Achilleos

Antonis Achilleos

We’re cheating a bit with this one, which calls for corn muffin cake mix, but we love the idea of marrying two beautiful summer flavors: strawberry and corn. Food Network Magazine uses corn muffins as the perfect vessels for individual strawberry short cakes served with generous dollops of whipped cream.

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