16 Showstopping Corn Recipes Perfect for a Thanksgiving Feast

Whether you prefer it creamed, baked into a savory pudding or topped with a cheesy crust in a casserole, no Thanksgiving dinner would be complete without corn — so we’ve rounded up some of the most delicious ways to enjoy this buttery, golden favorite.

August 16, 2022

By: Kristie Collado

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Make It Special

There’s no shortage of side dish options when it comes to Thanksgiving dinner — vegetable sides included. And, if you’re anything like us, your holiday table will be full of all your family’s favorites when Turkey Day rolls around. (Is it even Thanksgiving if you’re not at least a little bit concerned about having space for one more serving platter?!) But, with so many traditional dishes that need to make their way onto the table, how do you ensure that your favorites really shine? That’s a question we often ask ourselves about corn. We can’t get enough of its sweet, buttery flavor and can’t imagine a Thanksgiving dinner without it — but it can easily get lost in the sea of cranberries, sweet potatoes and stuffing. That’s where these recipes come in. Each one is extra-special and truly worthy of an elevated meal. Just take this gorgeous creamed corn, for example. By simply charring the kernels in a cast-iron skillet you’ll infuse the entire dish with wonderfully smoky flavor — and make corn the most memorable dish at your feast.

Get the Recipe: Charred Creamed Corn

The Best Corn Casserole

We added Cheddar and chives to this classic and quick side that goes from mixing bowl to oven in less than 10 minutes. It bakes up golden brown and puffy — perfect for a potluck or holiday gathering.

Get the Recipe: The Best Corn Casserole

Creamed Corn

Traditional creamed corn gets its luscious richness not from cream or milk, but from the milky juice of the corn kernels and cob. Here, frozen corn steps in during the off-season and holiday months. It's simmered until tender, partially pureed and then thickened with a slurry of flour and water. You'll be surprised at the velvety soft texture and we'll be surprised if this isn't your new go-to creamed corn recipe.

Get the Recipe: Creamed Corn

Corn Spoonbread

This savory spoonbread is like the marriage cornbread and a souffle. Although it doesn’t call for any fresh kernels (just cornmeal), it still has all the sweet-and-buttery flavor you’d expect from a side dish made with corn.

Get the Recipe: Corn Spoonbread

Corn Fritters

If you’re planning to smoke your turkey or season it with a blend of spices that includes chipotle, these corn fritters will make the perfect side. They’re studded with fresh cilantro, scallion and jalapeno.

Get the Recipe: Corn Fritters

Creamed Corn

Comforting, traditional and easy to make, this 20-minute creamed corn fits all the criteria for a successful, crowd-pleasing side. You may want to make a double (or even a triple) batch if you're hosting a large group for Thanksgiving — this dish goes quickly!

Get the Recipe: Creamed Corn

Creamed Corn Bread Pudding

Fluffy brioche bread pudding gets a savory twist! Nancy adds creamed corn for a two-in-one side dish that will be right at home alongside your Thanksgiving turkey.

Get the Recipe: Creamed Corn Bread Pudding

Scalloped Corn

White Cheddar cheese and buttery cracker crumbs top this classic side made from frozen sweet corn and creamy half-and-half.

Get the Recipe: Scalloped Corn

Grandma Moore's Creamed Corn

There are only two ingredients in this recipe: fresh corn and bacon. They come together beautifully as the starchy corn cooks up into a creamy mixture and the bacon on top adds crispy, salty bites of goodness.

Get the Recipe: Grandma Moore's Creamed Corn

Creamed Corn Cornbread

Sure, you can serve creamed corn as a Thanksgiving side dish — but you can also bake it into cornbread for an extra rich and delicious take on the classic recipe.

Get the Recipe: Creamed Corn Cornbread

Corn Pudding

You only need a few simple ingredients to make this cheesy side dish. The secret to the corn pudding’s extra creamy texture? A little bit of cream cheese.

Get the Recipe: Corn Pudding

Skillet Corn Casserole

Simplicity is the name of the game with this quick and easy side. Ree uses just five ingredients (corn, butter, heavy cream, salt and pepper) to whip up a dish that’s perfect for any Thanksgiving feast.

Get the Recipe: Skillet Corn Casserole

Dump-and-Bake Corn Casserole

This Thanksgiving side dish couldn't be easier. Part cornbread, part corn pudding, it is moist and decadent. Perfect for when you're hosting, but also travels well for when you're bringing a dish as a guest.

Get the Recipe: Dump-and-Bake Corn Casserole

Coconut Creamed Corn

If this year’s feast is all about twists on the classics, then this creamed corn is for you. It’s made extra rich with creamy coconut milk. Crushed red pepper flakes and fresh cilantro add a little spice and freshness, respectively, to round out the natural sweetness.

Get the Recipe: Coconut Creamed Corn

Sweet Corn Risotto with Herbes de Provence

This Thanksgiving-worthy recipe only relies on a few ingredients so use best-quality wherever you can. If you have homemade stock and true Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, this is the perfect time to cook with them.

Get the Recipe: Sweet Corn Risotto with Herbes de Provence

Corn and Cauliflower Sauteed in Bourbon Butter

Valerie knows that there’s no better time than Thanksgiving to take your veggie side dish to the next level. She infuses butter with bourbon and then uses it to sauté her corn and cauliflower. Talk about an easy (and delicious) upgrade!

Get the Recipe: Corn and Cauliflower Sauteed in Bourbon Butter