While you can buy corn all year round, fresh corn is so much better – and sweeter – in the summertime. I love to eat it plain, smothered in butter, deep fried, grilled, and cooked in salads – it is such a delicious summer treat!

Jiffy Corn Pudding

This is the corn pudding I make for every holiday table, sweet corn and cornbread baked together until it’s moist and just barely set. It comes together fast enough that I never dread making it.

A Facebook image of a slice of jiffy corn pudding on a white place with corn kernels, cheddar cheese, and peppers.
Corn Pudding
Creamed corn, corn niblets, and sour cream baked into sweet, moist cornbread, this Corn Pudding Recipe is delicious enough for any holiday dinner. Not only does it bring you back to your southern roots, but it’s so quick and easy to whip up!
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Fried Corn on the Cob

I love finding new ways to eat corn on the cob, and this one is a favorite. The Cajun cornmeal batter turns into a crisp, golden shell around every kernel.

Fried Corn on the Cob
Deep-Fried Corn on the Cob is a delicious twist on a classic summer favorite. This Southern-style dish is made by coating fresh summer corn on the cob in a Cajun-seasoned cornmeal batter and then deep-frying it to golden perfection.
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Cajun Corn Maque Choux

This is the side dish I make when I want real Cajun flavor with a little heat. The bacon grease and Cajun spices soak right into the corn as it cooks.

Cajun Corn Maque Choux
Corn Maque Choux is a classic Cajun side dish that is creamy, flavorful, and has just a little bit of heat. The smoky bacon grease softens the corn as it mixes with the Cajun spices, and the end result is a delicious Southern side dish.
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Instant Pot Creamed Corn

This is my shortcut creamed corn, everything dumped in the Instant Pot and left to do its thing. It comes out just sweet enough with a little kick at the end.

Instant Pot Creamed Corn
Instant Pot Creamed Corn is so creamy, delicious, and comforting. This easy-to-make creamed corn is just a little sweet, with a touch of spice to round it out. You just dump a bunch of things in an Instant Pot, mix it up, and cook.
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Cowboy Caviar

This is my go-to dip for any cookout, black-eyed peas, corn, and fresh veggies in a tangy lime dressing. It comes together in about ten minutes and only gets better as it sits in the fridge.

Cowboy Caviar
Cowboy Caviar is a Southern Dip and Side Dish made with fresh vegetables, flavorful beans, & a delicious vinegar dressing. It’s the perfect dish to bring to a party because it can sit out at room temperature (at least for a little while) without spoiling.
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Instant Pot Corn on the Cob

This is the easiest way I’ve found to cook corn on the cob, no boiling water to babysit. It comes out tender and juicy every single time.

Corn on the Cob
There is no easier way to make Corn on the Cob than in an Instant Pot. It is quick, easy, and so reliable, and the corn always comes out so tender, juicy, and delicious.
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Homemade Cornmeal

This is the project I take on when I want to feel like a real homesteader for a day. It takes all day to make, but homemade cornmeal tastes sweeter and richer than anything from the store.

Homemade Cornmeal
Homemade Cornmeal is such a fun way to embrace your inner homesteader. It is an all-day project to make, but it is so worth it in the end. Homemade cornmeal is sweeter, richer, and heartier than any cornmeal that you can buy in the store. Plus, it really is FUN to make.
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Corn Pico de Gallo

This is the salsa I bring when I want something a little different than the usual pico. Grilling or roasting the corn first gives it a smoky sweetness that’s hard to beat.

Corn Pico de Gallo
This Sweet Corn Pico de Gallo Recipe is the perfect dip to bring to a party. Grilled or roasted corn adds a tasty twist to this corn salsa!
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Cold Corn Dip

This is the dip that disappears first at every cookout, canned corn and Rotel doing all the heavy lifting. Ten minutes of stirring and it’s ready to go.

Creamy Corn Dip
This easy and Creamy Corn Dip is the perfect appetizer for your next game day or party. With little effort and basic ingredients, you’ll have a fan-favorite dip ready in no time. Using canned corn and canned rotel tomatoes and chilies for ease, this cold corn dip takes just 10 minutes to toss together!
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Slow Cooker Creamed Corn Recipe

This is the creamed corn I let the slow cooker handle while I deal with everything else on the holiday menu. The cream cheese and butter melt into a sauce that the corn soaks up as it cooks.

Close-up image of a creamy corn casserole with visible kernels and a spoon.
Slow Cooker Creamed Corn
Slow Cooker Creamed Corn features sweet corn simmered in the crock pot for hours with cream cheese and butter for a creamy side dish everyone will love. The cream cheese and butter melt into a delicious sauce that thickens up and gets absorbed by the corn as it cooks. The slow cooker does all the work, and it’s so delicious!
Get the Slow Cooker Corn Recipe

Shrimp Pasta Salad

This is my favorite pasta salad for summer, shrimp and corn and tomatoes tossed in a creamy, spicy avocado dressing. It eats like a meal on its own.

Shrimp Pasta Salad
This Shrimp Pasta Salad is absolutely delicious with corn, tomatoes, cilantro, and a creamy and spicy avocado dressing. It’s a delicious Mexican pasta salad for summer meals or parties.
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Pasta Salad with Corn and Tomatoes

This is the pasta salad I make when the garden is overflowing with cherry tomatoes and corn. A fresh lemon dressing keeps it light enough for a hot summer day.

Pasta Salad with Corn and Tomatoes
This easy Pasta Salad with Corn and Tomatoes is perfect for summer! Fresh cherry tomatoes, sweet corn, and cilantro are mixed with cavatappi and a fresh lemon dressing.
Get the Corn Tomato Salad Recipe

Cajun Seafood Boil

This is the seafood boil I make when I want to bring a little taste of the bayou home. Homemade Cajun seasoning and a butter sauce make it feel like a proper gathering.

Cajun Seafood Boil
Grab a large pot and your favorite seafood to make the ultimate Cajun Seafood Boil at home. This recipe features homemade Cajun seasoning and Cajun butter sauce, along with fresh seafood for a taste of the bayou that is perfect for gatherings.
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Mexican Orzo Pasta Salad

This is the pasta salad I bring to a summer BBQ when I want something a little different from the usual. Corn, tomatoes, and avocado keep it fresh and full of flavor.

Mexican Orzo Pasta Salad
This Mexican Orzo Pasta Salad makes an amazing cold pasta side dish recipe, perfect for a summer BBQ or grilling dinner! Full of fresh flavors from tomatoes, corn, avocado, and herbs.
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Mexican Street Corn Deviled Eggs

This is the deviled egg recipe I make when I want people to actually stop and ask for it. All the street corn toppings turn a classic appetizer into something special.

Mexican Street Corn Deviled Eggs
These Mexican Street Corn Deviled Eggs are guaranteed to be the talk of your next gathering. All of the toppings create one amazing bite-size appetizer!
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Grilled Corn in Husk with a BBQ Coffee Rub

This is the corn I grill when I want to show off a little. The coffee rub adds a smoky depth you don’t get from butter and salt alone.

Grilled Corn in Husk with a BBQ Coffee Rub
Nothing says summer like grilling and corn on the cob, so this Grilled Corn in Husk with a BBQ Coffee Rub is the essence of summer flavors all combined with the punch of coffee, grilled bbq flavors, and a pinch of heat.
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Mexican Street Corn – Elote in a Cup

This is my favorite way to eat elote once fresh corn is in season, creamy, smoky, and served up in a cup for easy eating. It’s the first thing I make for a backyard get-together.

Elote in a Cup
You’ll want to add this Mexican Street Corn Recipe to your summer menu rotation when fresh corn is in season. It’s creamy and savory and has the perfect smoky spice blend! Elote in a Cup is the perfect side dish or appetizer to take along to barbeques, picnics, and family gatherings.
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Zucchini and Corn Fritters

This is what I make when the garden hands me too much zucchini and corn at the same time. The fritters are cheesy, crispy, and come together fast in a skillet.

Zucchini and Corn Fritters
If you’re looking for a dish that combines two summer classics, zucchini and fresh summer corn, these Zucchini and Corn Fritters are the perfect fit. These cheesy, crispy fritters are pan-fried and super easy to mix together.
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Peach, Corn, and Tomato Salsa

This is the salsa I make when peaches are at their best, a little sweet and a little spicy all at once. It’s just as good on tacos as it is scooped up with a chip.

Peach and Tomato Salsa
Try an easy-to-make Peach and Tomato Salsa with a spicy twist of sriracha! Perfect as a refreshing dip, or as a topping for tacos or quesadillas. It showcases the balance between sweet and spicy flavors that the South is known for.
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Tex Mex Stuffed Zucchini

This is how I turn a big garden zucchini into dinner, stuffed with rice, black beans, corn, and cheese. It works just as well as a side if you want to keep it smaller.

Tex-Mex Stuffed Zucchini
Filled with rice, cheese, black beans, corn, and spices, this flavorful Tex-Mex Stuffed Zucchini Recipe is great as a vegetarian, gluten-free main dish or a colorful side.
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Grilled Mexican Corn Dip

This is what I grill up alongside burgers when corn season hits. It tastes rich enough to serve on its own.

Grilled Mexican Corn
A Grilled Mexican Corn Recipe for your next cookout! It tastes luxurious and is a great complement to any grilled meal. Heck, it can be served by itself.
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Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad

This is the pasta salad I make when I want street corn flavor without the mess of eating it off the cob. Charred corn and cotija cheese make it worth the trip to the store.

Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad
This Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad is a delicious fusion of flavors featuring charred corn, cotija cheese, and a creamy chili lime dressing, all tossed together with tender pasta.
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Black Bean and Corn Salsa

This is the salsa I make in fifteen minutes flat when I need something to bring to a potluck. The black beans make it hearty enough to serve as a side dish too.

Black Bean and Corn Salsa
This simple Black Bean and Corn Salsa is packed with flavor, and thanks to the beans it also brings plant-based protein to the party. Made in just 15 minutes, this is the perfect appetizer, side dish, or double the recipe and serve it as a salad. You can use fresh summer corn, canned corn, or frozen corn.
Get the Black Bean Corn Salsa Recipe (Hey Nutrition Lady)

Low-Country Seafood Boil (Instant Pot)

This is the low-country boil I make when I’m craving crab legs and corn but don’t have all day. The Instant Pot gets it on the table in a fraction of the usual time.

Low-Country Seafood Boil
Hungry for a flavor-filled Low-Country Seafood Boil but find yourself short on time? This Instant Pot recipe for Southern-style low-country boil needs only 10 minutes of prep time! Loaded with snow crab legs, fresh corn on the cob, and fork-tender potatoes, it’s impressive but terrifically easy to make.
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Black Bean and Corn Salsa

This is my other go-to black bean and corn salsa, just as good with fresh corn in summer as it is with frozen corn the rest of the year. It’s the first thing I reach for with a bag of tortilla chips.

Black Bean and Corn Salsa
Black Bean and Corn Salsa gives fresh color and flavor to tacos, nachos, or as a dip for tortilla chips. With fresh ingredients, this is a great recipe for summer but works just as well with frozen corn in the cooler months.
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Corn Ribs Recipe

This is the recipe I can’t stop making once corn season hits. The corn riblets come out slightly charred with a smoky dry rub, and I always make extra of the chili dipping sauce.

Corn Ribs
I am obsessed with this Corn Ribs Recipe, and you will be too. Slightly charred with a smoky, not spicy, dry rub. Dip these corn riblets in a sweet and spicy chili sauce for one incredible bite. This delicious recipe can make a great side dish or summer appetizer.
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Creamy Corn and Shrimp Bisque

This is the soup I make when I want something warm and a little special. Sweet corn and tender shrimp turn into a rich, comforting bowl I could eat all week.

Corn and Shrimp Bisque
Get ready to cozy up with a bowl of Creamy Corn and Shrimp Bisque, because I’ve got the perfect recipe to warm your soul. This rich and flavorful soup is the ultimate comfort food, with tender shrimp and sweet corn creating a heavenly combination. So grab your spoon and get ready to slurp your way to bliss.
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Trader Joe’s Copycat Sweet and Spicy Corn Salsa

This is the salsa I make when I’m craving that Trader Joe’s version but don’t want to make a store run. A few ears of corn and a handful of spices are really all it takes.

Sweet and Spicy Corn Salsa
All you need to make this Sweet and Spicy Corn Salsa are a few ears of corn, a bell pepper, and a handful of spices. This Trader Joe’s Copycat Recipe is perfect with chips, but you can also spoon it over salads, marinated chicken, and tacos.
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Hi, I'm Kari!

I’m the home cook and photographer at Southern Bytes. My love of cooking started in my mom’s kitchen more than 30 years ago and grew even stronger after I married into a Louisiana family that lives and breathes Southern food. These are the recipes that capture the heart of Southern tradition, from collard greens and gumbo to cornbread and red beans and rice.

Featured in Women’s Day and Mashed, my recipes have been rated 5 stars by thousands of readers who cook them for their families year after year.

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