Sweet Summer Corn

Sweet corn on the cob is an amazingly simple and classic summer treat. The sweet crunch of every bite, the salty mix of juice and butter running down your arms, it just does not get much better than that on a hot summer night.

As we come into August, corn on the cob is in its prime, with the kernels as ripe and tender as ever. Available at groceries and local farmer's markets alike, there is no excuse not to snatch these delicious ears up while you can. Though corn may be available year-round, the fresh seasonal variety far exceeds the flavor of those shipped to the store off-season.

Perfect just off the grill as a side with burgers or mashed and boiled as chowder, there is something for everyone in each sunny cob. Here are some recipes that are sure to have you coming back for more.

Photo courtesy roboppy via Flickr/CC

Grilled Corn with Roasted Garlic Butter

For truly delicious corn, all you need is a little butter, some salt, a few ears and a grill. Add some garlic and you have this delicious Grilled Corn with Roasted Garlic Butter recipe. Make sure you have plenty of napkins when eating this; that garlic butter is sure to make more than a bit of a mess when slathered on some hot cobs.

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Red Apple Inn Corn Pudding

Corn pudding is a warm and hearty comfort food that, though great on chilly fall nights, is also delicious and fulfilling on a cooler summer day. Creamy and souffle-light, this fresh Corn Pudding recipe is made with kernels straight off the cob rather than the canned corn that most recipes ask for. To save some time, this pudding can be baked ahead and reheated.

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Amagansett Corn Salad

Corn off the cob is a great base to any crunchy summer salad and this Amagansett Corn Salad is the perfect testament. Crunchy corn, sweet tomatoes and the kick of some chopped red onion are balanced with a splash of tangy balsamic dressing for a refreshing dish perfect on a hot and humid evening.

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Smoky Ham-and Corn Chowder

A hearty chowder is a sure crowd-pleaser, no matter the weather. The sweetness of fresh corn and richness of cream are countered with smoky chunks of ham in this recipe from Food & Wine. Cook some up to serve with dinner and reheat the next day for a warming lunch. Delicious.

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Grilled Mexican Street Corn from Cafe Habana

The Grilled Mexican Street Corn from Cafe Habana is an incredible remix of classic grilled corn on the cob and has been described as "insanity" by those here in the Snooth family. Big on flavor from a combination of chili powder, Cotija cheese and lime, these mouthwatering cobs will have you coming back for seconds, or thirds. And amazingly for us, the recipe is incredibly simple and easy to follow.

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Want to Learn More?

For a delicious main course to serve along your fabulous corn dishes, check out our Guide to Grilling Pork.

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Comments

gastrotrav-
eling

425561 50

Some great alternatives to corn on the cob....although I'm still biased toward this method of serving

Aug 08, 2011 at 7:07 PM
Rich Tomko

Hand of Snooth

103444 2,761

agreed - love corn on the cob the best; something about getting the butter and cheese all over your face.

Actually have been trying to make the Grilled Mexican Street Corn at home but i can't find the Cotija cheese. It's not the same without it. Anybody know where i can find Cotija?

Aug 09, 2011 at 8:46 AM
Hana Choi

Hand of Snooth

803609 935

@rtomko - If you don't have access to a Latin market (or a fancy one that would stock all types of cheeses!), let me know. There are tons of places I can pick up Cotija for you in my neighborhood - happy to pick up a block for you!

Aug 09, 2011 at 9:48 AM
Kate-
Statton

Hand of Snooth

853836 1,078

So glad you both liked the recipes.

Rich, I made the Grilled Mexican Street Corn just this weekend at home and was able to find Cotija at our nearest Kings. Most larger groceries like this, or a Whole Foods, should hopefully have the cheese - I found it w/in the cheese department next to other similar cheeses (feta, parmesan).

Aug 09, 2011 at 10:02 AM
Leah-
Mansback

Hand of Snooth

555565 1,286

The Amagansett Corn Salad look so light and refreshing. I can make that for lunch and have it as a side for dinner. I can't wait to try it out, thanks for the meal idea!

Aug 09, 2011 at 10:17 AM
Rich Tomko

Hand of Snooth

103444 2,761

great, thanks for the suggestions (and offer Hana); i have a Kings near me

Aug 09, 2011 at 11:27 AM
madeablog

603567 2

Very inspiring! I'm definitely picking up some corn this weekend. For those of us who do not have the luxury of a CSA, it's nice to have a reminder of what's in season -- and how to enjoy it!

Aug 10, 2011 at 12:23 AM
davidschel-
l

523320 1

please can you make it easy to print the recipes? Thanks Ruth

Aug 10, 2011 at 12:28 AM