Corn on the cob is a delicious summer treat that goes great with a variety of toppings besides just butter. While butter is the classic topping, there are many other options that can add flavor, texture, and even nutritional value to this tasty vegetable.
Quick Answer
Some quick and easy alternatives to butter that go well on corn on the cob include:
- Olive oil, coconut oil, or avocado oil
- Mayonnaise
- Sour cream
- Cheese – grated parmesan, feta, cotija
- Spices – chili powder, paprika, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder
- Herbs – basil, cilantro, parsley, chives
- Salsa
- BBQ sauce
- Honey, agave nectar, or maple syrup
Healthier Fats and Oils
Using olive, coconut, or avocado oil in place of butter is an easy way to add flavor while choosing a healthier fat. These plant-based oils contain beneficial nutrients and antioxidants.
| Oil | Benefits |
|---|---|
| Olive oil | High in monounsaturated fats and antioxidants that can reduce inflammation and lower heart disease risk |
| Coconut oil | Contains MCTs (medium chain triglycerides) that may aid weight loss and brain health |
| Avocado oil | Loaded with monounsaturated fats, vitamin E, and lutein which supports eye and skin health |
Start by brushing freshly steamed corn with one of these oils. You can also mix in spices, herbs, garlic, lime juice or zest to boost the flavor.
Mayonnaise
Slathering corn on the cob with mayo might sound strange, but it provides a creamy texture and flavor that complements the natural sweetness of corn. Mayonnaise contains eggs, oil, vinegar, and lemon which adds tanginess. To make it healthier, look for brands made with olive or avocado oil instead of soybean oil.
Some ways to jazz up mayo for corn on the cob:
- Mix in grated parmesan, garlic powder, paprika, lime zest, or cayenne pepper
- Blend in pesto, tapenade, salsa, or hummus
- Stir in chopped herbs like dill, basil, cilantro or parsley
Creams and Cheeses
In addition to mayonnaise, other high-fat creams and soft cheeses complement corn’s texture beautifully. Try dolloping on sour cream, plain Greek yogurt, ricotta, or cottage cheese. Sprinkle with spices and herbs to give it a flavor boost.
Aged and hard cheeses also work well grated or shaved over hot corn on the cob. The salty, sharp flavors enhance the natural sweetness of the corn. Some cheese varieties to try:
- Parmesan
- Romano
- Cotija
- Feta
- Goat cheese
- Queso fresco
Spices and Herbs
One of the easiest ways to season corn is with spices and fresh herbs. Using dry and fresh herbs can add big pops of flavor without adding calories or fat. Some combinations to try:
| Spice Mix | Flavor Profile |
|---|---|
| Chili powder, cumin, lime juice, cilantro | Tex-Mex |
| Smoked paprika, garlic powder, parsley | Smoky and savory |
| Curry powder, garam masala, coriander | Indian-inspired |
| Old Bay seasoning | Tangy and seafood-seasoned |
The options are endless when combining different dried spices and fresh herbs. Stick to 1-2 spices and 1-2 fresh herbs at a time to let the corn flavor shine through.
Sauces and Spreads
Drizzling or dolloping sauces and condiments on corn adds moisture and dynamic flavor combinations. Anything from savory to sweet to spicy — use your imagination with mix-and-match toppings!
Some sauce ideas:
- Salsa – Try mild, medium or hot salsa for a fresh Mexican-style corn.
- Hummus – Chickpea hummus adds creaminess and nutrition.
- BBQ sauce – Sweet and tangy, choose your favorite regional style.
- Harissa – For spicy North African flavor.
- Chimichurri – Bright herby Argentinean sauce.
- Pesto – Nutty basil or spinach pesto.
On the sweeter side, maple syrup, honey, jams, and nut butters like peanut or almond butter make tasty toppings. You could also use chocolate hazelnut spread or dulce de leche for a dessert-inspired corn cob.
Crunchy Toppings
Adding a sprinkle of crunchy, textured toppings contrasts nicely with the soft kernels of corn. Not only do these add-ons provide taste and texture, but they also boost the nutrition.
Some crispy toppers to try:
- Nuts – Chopped peanuts, almonds, walnuts, pistachios, etc.
- Seeds – Pepitas, sunflower seeds, sesame seeds.
- Crumbled bacon – A little goes a long way for a smoky flavor.
- Breadcrumbs – Panko or seasoned breadcrumbs.
- Chips – Crushed tortilla chips, potato chips.
You can also use crunchy vegetables instead of greasy fried toppings. Try grated carrots, sliced radishes, diced bell peppers, or thinly sliced cabbage.
Seasonal Produce
When corn is fresh and in season during summer, pairing it with other peak produce makes for tasty meals. Sprinkle corn with diced tomatoes, stone fruits, chopped sweet peppers, shredded zucchini or yellow squash.
Some late summer flavor combinations:
- Corn, cherry tomatoes, basil.
- Corn, diced peaches, feta crumbles.
- Corn, shredded zucchini, cotija cheese.
- Corn, chopped bell peppers, cilantro.
Mixing in seasonal ingredients adds freshness and highlights corn’s natural sweetness.
Creative Combinations
Once you’re comfortable with the basics, get creative mixing and matching toppings to invent your own signature corn cob flavors. A few ideas to inspire you:
| Combination | Ingredients |
|---|---|
| Mexican Street Corn | Cotija cheese, chili powder, cilantro, lime |
| Caprese Corn | Cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, basil, balsamic glaze |
| Thai Coconut Corn | Coconut flakes, chopped peanuts, lime, red pepper flakes |
| Breakfast Corn | Cheddar cheese, bacon, green onion, fried egg |
The possibilities are endless for customizing corn on the cob with flavorful toppings. Try out different ethnic flavor profiles or make up your own crazy combinations!
Making it Work
Now that you have plenty of ideas for alternatives to butter, here are some tips for executing corn cob toppings successfully:
- Brush corn with oil or cream-based topping first to help other ingredients adhere.
- Spread thicker sauces on gently to keep corn from getting soggy.
- Add finer or liquid toppings like spices and cheese last so they stick.
- chop firm toppings like nuts and bacon into small pieces so they don’t fall off.
- Season simply with just 1-3 ingredients for best flavor balance.
Grill or roast corn cobs first before adding toppings for deeper charred flavor. Or go for raw corn brushed with olive oil and lemon juice. Store any leftovers in the fridge and reheat gently to keep cob toppings in place.
Healthy Corn Options
While butter, cheese, and mayo taste great on corn, going heavy on these fatty toppings can make for a heavy side dish. Here are some tips for healthier corn cob preparations:
- Use small amounts of high quality, organic fats like olive oil or avocado oil.
- Load up on fresh herbs, spices, aromatics like garlic and onion.
- Stick to lighter spreads like hummus, salsa, pesto.
- Skip creamy cheeses and use just a sprinkle of hard, aged cheeses.
- Use just enough mayo to coat, or thin it with milk or yogurt.
- Stay low on salty, processed meats like bacon.
Make corn the star by complementing its natural sweetness with produce like peppers, tomatoes, and stone fruits. Grilling corn also caramelizes the sugars for sweeter flavor without needing as much added fat or cheese.
Kid-Friendly Options
Corn on the cob makes the perfect fun finger food for kids. Keep kids engaged by letting them customize their own cobs with creative toppings set out in small bowls.
Some fun, kid-approved toppings:
- Melted butter – Classic!
- Shredded cheese – Cheddar, jack.
- Salsa – Mild or medium.
- BBQ sauce – Sweet and tangy.
- Chopped bell peppers – For crunch.
- Bacon bits – A little salty treat.
- Chili powder – For excited spice lovers.
Let kids get creative mixing and matching their favorite flavors. Make it easy by leaving toppings in small individual bowls for dipping or drizzling on their corn cobs.
Conclusion
Butter might be the default topping, but corn on the cob welcomes all kinds of delicious flavor combinations beyond the classic pat of butter. Oils, cheeses, fresh herbs, sauces, nuts and seeds can all add their own taste, texture and nutrition. Simple spices and seasonal produce bring out corn’s natural sweetness.
So next time you fire up a pot of corn, think outside the butter box. Creamy, crunchy, spicy or tangy – the possibilities for cob toppings are endless. Creating your own signature corn flavor is a fun way to savor this summer treat.