Thanksgiving is a time when families and friends gather to celebrate gratitude and enjoy a delicious feast together. While turkey often takes center stage, it’s essential not to overlook the side dishes that can make or break the Thanksgiving meal. Corn, a versatile and beloved ingredient, can be transformed into a wide array of mouthwatering dishes. In this article, we’ll explore 25 Thanksgiving corn recipes that will add flavor and variety to your holiday table. From creamy corn casseroles to zesty corn salads, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Classic Creamed Corn:
Let’s start with a timeless favorite. Classic creamed corn is a rich and creamy side dish that’s easy to make and pairs perfectly with turkey and gravy.
Ingredients:
4 cups of fresh or frozen corn kernels
1/2 cup heavy cream
2 tablespoons butter
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
Add the corn kernels and sauté for a few minutes.
Pour in the heavy cream and simmer until the mixture thickens.
Season with salt and pepper and serve hot.
Cornbread Stuffing:
Cornbread stuffing is a delightful twist on traditional stuffing. The sweet and savory combination of cornbread and herbs is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients:
1 batch of cornbread, crumbled
1 onion, diced
2 celery stalks, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup chicken broth
2 teaspoons dried sage
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
Sauté the onion, celery, and garlic until soft.
Mix in the crumbled cornbread and dried sage.
Add chicken broth to moisten the mixture.
Season with salt and pepper.
Bake until golden brown.
Mexican Street Corn (Elote):
Add a touch of Mexican flair to your Thanksgiving table with elote. Grilled corn on the cob is slathered with mayo, spices, and cheese for a burst of flavor.
Ingredients:
6 ears of corn, husked
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/2 cup crumbled cotija cheese
1 teaspoon chili powder
Lime wedges for serving
Instructions:
Grill the corn until slightly charred.
Spread mayonnaise on each ear of corn.
Sprinkle with cotija cheese and chili powder.
Serve with lime wedges.
Corn Pudding:
Corn pudding is a comforting and creamy side dish that’s a perfect addition to any Thanksgiving spread. It’s sweet, savory, and utterly delicious.
Ingredients:
4 cups fresh or frozen corn kernels
1/2 cup butter, melted
4 eggs
1 cup sour cream
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup cornmeal
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
Instructions:
In a blender, combine corn, melted butter, eggs, sour cream, sugar, cornmeal, salt, and pepper.
Pour the mixture into a baking dish.
Bake until set and golden brown.
Corn and Green Bean Casserole:
Give the classic green bean casserole a twist by adding corn. The combination of these two vegetables creates a colorful and flavorful dish.
Ingredients:
2 cups fresh or frozen green beans, blanched
2 cups corn kernels
1 can cream of mushroom soup
1/2 cup milk
1 cup fried onions
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
Mix green beans, corn, cream of mushroom soup, and milk in a casserole dish.
Season with salt and pepper.
Top with fried onions.
Bake until bubbly and golden.
Corn and Bacon Skillet:
Everything is better with bacon! This corn and bacon skillet is a savory delight that will have everyone coming back for seconds.
Ingredients:
4 cups corn kernels
8 slices bacon, chopped
1 onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 teaspoon paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions:
Cook bacon until crispy, then remove and drain on paper towels.
In the same skillet, sauté onions and garlic in bacon fat until translucent.
Add corn, paprika, salt, and pepper.
Cook until corn is tender.
Stir in crispy bacon.
Garnish with fresh parsley.
Corn and Cheddar Stuffed Mushrooms:
These stuffed mushrooms are a delightful appetizer or side dish. The combination of corn and cheddar cheese is pure comfort.
Ingredients:
12 large mushrooms, stems removed
1 cup corn kernels
1/2 cup grated cheddar cheese
1/4 cup breadcrumbs
2 cloves garlic, minced
Fresh thyme leaves for garnish
Olive oil for drizzling
Instructions:
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
Brush mushroom caps with olive oil and arrange them on a baking sheet.
In a bowl, combine corn, cheddar cheese, breadcrumbs, and minced garlic.
Stuff each mushroom cap with the corn mixture.
Bake for 20-25 minutes until mushrooms are tender and filling is golden.
Garnish with fresh thyme leaves.
Creamed Corn and Spinach:
This creamy side dish combines the sweetness of corn with the earthy flavors of spinach. It’s a nutritious addition to your Thanksgiving table.
Ingredients:
4 cups fresh or frozen corn kernels
4 cups fresh spinach
1/2 cup heavy cream
2 tablespoons butter
Salt and pepper to taste
Grated Parmesan cheese for garnish
Instructions:
In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
Add corn kernels and sauté for a few minutes.
Stir in heavy cream and simmer until the mixture thickens.
Add fresh spinach and cook until wilted.
Season with salt and pepper.
Garnish with grated Parmesan cheese.
Corn and Potato Chowder:
Warm up your Thanksgiving feast with a comforting bowl of corn and potato chowder. It’s hearty and satisfying, perfect for a chilly holiday.
Ingredients:
4 cups fresh or frozen corn kernels
2 cups diced potatoes
1 onion, diced
4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
1 cup milk
2 tablespoons butter
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh chives for garnish
Instructions:
In a large pot, melt butter over medium heat.
Add diced onions and sauté until translucent.
Stir in corn kernels and diced potatoes.
Pour in chicken or vegetable broth and bring to a boil.
Reduce heat and simmer until potatoes are tender.
Add milk and season with salt and pepper.
Garnish with fresh chives.
Corn Fritters:
Corn fritters are a crispy and satisfying side dish that’s perfect for Thanksgiving. They make a delightful addition to any holiday spread.
Ingredients:
2 cups fresh or frozen corn kernels
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 cup cornmeal
2 eggs
1/2 cup milk
2 tablespoons sugar
1 teaspoon baking powder
Salt and pepper to taste
Vegetable oil for frying
Instructions:
In a bowl, combine corn kernels, flour, cornmeal, eggs, milk, sugar, baking powder, salt, and pepper.
Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
Drop spoonfuls of the corn mixture into the hot oil and fry until golden brown.
Drain on paper towels and serve hot.
Corn and Cranberry Salad:
This vibrant salad combines the sweetness of corn with the tartness of cranberries. It’s a refreshing and colorful addition to your Thanksgiving table.
Ingredients:
4 cups fresh or frozen corn kernels
1 cup dried cranberries
1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
1/4 cup red onion, finely diced
1/4 cup lime juice
2 tablespoons honey
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
In a large bowl, combine corn kernels, dried cranberries, chopped cilantro, and diced red onion.
In a separate bowl, whisk together lime juice and honey.
Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to combine.
Season with salt and pepper.
Corn and Avocado Salsa:
Brighten up your Thanksgiving table with this refreshing corn and avocado salsa. It’s a perfect accompaniment to turkey or as a topping for tacos.
Ingredients:
2 cups fresh or frozen corn kernels
2 avocados, diced
1 red bell pepper, diced
1/2 red onion, finely diced
1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
Juice of 2 limes
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
In a bowl, combine corn kernels, diced avocados, diced red bell pepper, diced red onion, and chopped cilantro.
Drizzle lime juice over the mixture and toss to combine.
Season with salt and pepper.
Corn and Bacon Pasta:
Combine the richness of bacon with the sweetness of corn in this delightful pasta dish. It’s a comforting and indulgent addition to your Thanksgiving menu.
Ingredients:
8 ounces pasta of your choice
4 slices bacon, chopped
2 cups fresh or frozen corn kernels
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh basil leaves for garnish
Instructions:
Cook pasta according to package instructions.
In a skillet, cook bacon until crispy, then remove and drain on paper towels.
In the same skillet, sauté corn kernels until tender.
Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese.
Season with salt and pepper.
Toss cooked pasta in the creamy corn mixture.
Garnish with fresh basil leaves.
Corn and Butternut Squash Casserole:
Combine the sweetness of corn with the earthiness of butternut squash in this comforting casserole. It’s a flavorful and colorful addition to your Thanksgiving feast.
Ingredients:
4 cups fresh or frozen corn kernels
2 cups diced butternut squash
1 onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup sour cream
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions:
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a large skillet, sauté onions and garlic until translucent.
Add butternut squash and cook until tender.
Stir in corn kernels, sour cream, and shredded cheddar cheese.
Season with salt and pepper.
Transfer the mixture to a baking dish and bake until bubbly and golden.
Garnish with fresh parsley.
Corn and Herb Quinoa:
For a healthy and protein-packed side dish, try this corn and herb quinoa. It’s light, flavorful, and pairs well with a variety of main courses.
Ingredients:
2 cups cooked quinoa
2 cups fresh or frozen corn kernels
1/4 cup fresh herbs (such as parsley, basil, and chives), chopped
2 tablespoons olive oil
Juice of 1 lemon
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
In a bowl, combine cooked quinoa, corn kernels, chopped fresh herbs, olive oil, and lemon juice.
Season with salt and pepper.
Corn and Tomato Salad:
This corn and tomato salad is a burst of summer flavors that can brighten up your Thanksgiving table. It’s simple, fresh, and delicious.
Ingredients:
4 cups fresh or frozen corn kernels
2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
1/2 red onion, finely diced
1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, torn
2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
2 tablespoons olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
In a bowl, combine corn kernels, halved cherry tomatoes, diced red onion, and torn basil leaves.
Drizzle balsamic vinegar and olive oil over the salad.
Season with salt and pepper.
Corn and Spinach Stuffed Peppers:
Stuffed peppers are a delightful way to serve corn and spinach. They are colorful, nutritious, and make a stunning addition to your Thanksgiving spread.
Ingredients:
4 bell peppers, halved and seeds removed
2 cups fresh or frozen corn kernels
2 cups fresh spinach
1 onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions:
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a skillet, sauté onions and garlic until translucent.
Add fresh spinach and cook until wilted.
Stir in corn kernels and grated Parmesan cheese.
Season with salt and pepper.
Stuff each bell pepper half with the corn and spinach mixture.
Bake until peppers are tender.
Garnish with fresh parsley.
Corn and Asparagus Stir-Fry:
This vibrant stir-fry combines the sweetness of corn with the crunchiness of asparagus. It’s a healthy and flavorful side dish for Thanksgiving.
Ingredients:
2 cups fresh or frozen corn kernels
2 cups asparagus, cut into bite-sized pieces
1 red bell pepper, sliced
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon sesame oil
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
In a wok or large skillet, heat sesame oil over high heat.
Add sliced red bell pepper and minced garlic, and stir-fry for a minute.
Add asparagus and corn kernels, and stir-fry until tender.
Drizzle soy sauce over the stir-fry and toss to combine.
Season with salt and pepper.
Corn and Black Bean Salsa:
This corn and black bean salsa is a zesty and colorful addition to your Thanksgiving table. It’s packed with flavor and pairs well with tortilla chips or as a topping for grilled chicken.
Thanksgiving is a time for gratitude, togetherness, and, of course, indulging in delicious food. While the turkey may take center stage, Thanksgiving sides are equally important in creating a memorable meal. Among these sides, corn dishes have earned their place as classic crowd-pleasers.
Classic Cornbread:
There’s nothing like a warm slice of classic cornbread to start your Thanksgiving meal. Its slightly sweet, crumbly texture is the perfect accompaniment to turkey and gravy.
Corn Chowder:
Creamy, hearty, and filled with tender corn kernels, corn chowder is a comforting Thanksgiving soup that will keep everyone warm and satisfied.
Corn Pudding:
A sweet and savory corn pudding is a delightful side dish that combines the richness of custard with the sweetness of corn. It’s like dessert for dinner!
Roasted Corn Salad:
Fresh corn kernels, roasted to perfection, tossed with vibrant veggies and a zesty dressing make for a refreshing Thanksgiving salad.
Corn Fritters:
Crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, corn fritters are a delightful appetizer or side dish that will disappear quickly from your Thanksgiving table.
Creamed Corn:
Creamed corn is a classic side dish that brings the sweetness of corn together with creamy goodness. It’s a Thanksgiving staple for a reason.
Corn on the Cob:
Grilled or boiled, corn on the cob is a simple yet delicious side that brings a burst of freshness to your Thanksgiving spread.
Corn and Bacon Casserole:
Everything is better with bacon, and this corn and bacon casserole is no exception. A savory and smoky delight for your Thanksgiving table.
Mexican Street Corn (Elote):
Spice up your Thanksgiving with the flavors of Mexico by serving grilled corn on the cob slathered in mayonnaise, cheese, chili powder, and lime juice.
Cornbread Stuffing:
Add a twist to your Thanksgiving stuffing by incorporating crumbled cornbread for a unique and flavorful stuffing experience.
Corn and Green Bean Casserole:
Combine two Thanksgiving classics into one dish with a corn and green bean casserole that’s topped with crispy fried onions.
Corn Soufflé:
Impress your guests with an elegant corn soufflé that’s light, airy, and oh-so-delicious.
Honey Butter Skillet Corn:
Sweet, savory, and slightly spicy, this honey butter skillet corn is a taste sensation that will have everyone asking for the recipe.
Corn Pancakes:
Why limit pancakes to breakfast? Serve up savory corn pancakes as a Thanksgiving side dish that’s sure to be a hit.
Corn and Spinach Stuffed Mushrooms:
Elevate your appetizer game with these delectable stuffed mushrooms filled with a flavorful corn and spinach mixture.
Corn Pesto Pasta:
For a unique twist on Thanksgiving sides, prepare a creamy corn pesto pasta that’s both comforting and sophisticated.
Corn Salsa:
Fresh and vibrant, corn salsa is a great addition to your Thanksgiving table, whether as a side or a topping for turkey or ham.
Cheesy Corn Bake:
Cheesy, gooey, and utterly irresistible, this corn bake is a must-have for cheese lovers at your Thanksgiving feast.
Corn and Black Bean Salad:
A colorful and flavorful salad that combines corn, black beans, tomatoes, and spices for a southwestern-inspired Thanksgiving side.
Corn and Bacon Gravy:
Take your gravy to the next level by adding corn and crispy bacon bits for a rich and flavorful accompaniment to your Thanksgiving turkey.
Corn and Sweet Potato Casserole:
A sweet and savory casserole that combines the earthiness of sweet potatoes with the sweetness of corn for a satisfying side dish.
Creamy Corn and Leek Risotto:
Creamy risotto is a luxurious side dish that pairs perfectly with roasted turkey, and when you add sweet corn and leeks, it becomes a Thanksgiving favorite.
Corn and Mushroom Quiche:
Serve up a slice of this savory corn and mushroom quiche as a Thanksgiving brunch option or a side dish for the main meal.
Corn and Cheddar Biscuits:
Flaky, cheesy biscuits studded with sweet corn kernels are a delightful addition to your Thanksgiving bread basket.
Corn Ice Cream:
Finish off your Thanksgiving feast with a surprising and delightful dessert – corn ice cream! Its sweet, creamy, and slightly nutty flavor will leave your guests talking about it for years to come.
Conclusion:
Corn is a versatile and beloved ingredient that can be transformed into a wide range of delectable dishes for your Thanksgiving feast. Whether you prefer sweet, savory, creamy, or crispy, there’s a corn recipe on this list to suit your taste buds. These 25 Thanksgiving corn recipes are sure to elevate your holiday meal and make it a memorable and delicious celebration of gratitude and togetherness. So, this Thanksgiving, don’t forget to give thanks for the bounty of corn and enjoy these mouthwatering dishes with your loved ones. Happy Thanksgiving!
