A corn roast is a classic summertime event where friends and family gather together to enjoy the sweet taste of fresh corn on the cob. While corn is undoubtedly the star of the show, it’s always nice to have a variety of side dishes and appetizers to complement the main course. So what else should you serve besides corn at your next corn roast? Here are some delicious ideas.
Dips and Spreads
Having an assortment of dips and spreads is a great way to start off your corn roast. These appetizers are easy to make ahead of time and provide your guests with something to snack on while the corn is roasting. Some tasty options include:
- Guacamole – Mash up some ripe avocados with lime juice, diced onions, tomatoes, cilantro and seasonings for a fresh and flavorful dip.
- Artichoke spinach dip – This creamy, cheesy blend of artichoke hearts, spinach, and Parmesan is a classic crowd-pleaser.
- Corn salsa – Make a chunky salsa with corn, tomatoes, jalapeños, cilantro and lime juice.
- Pimento cheese spread – Mix together shredded cheese, mayo, diced pimentos and green onions. Serve with crackers or celery sticks.
- Hummus – Purée chickpeas, tahini, olive oil, garlic and lemon juice for a protein-packed dip.
- Crab or spinach artichoke dip – Hot, cheesy dips are always a hit at parties.
Set out your dips in small bowls surrounded by crunchy vegetables, pita chips, crackers or tortilla chips. Provide an array of dippers so guests can scoop and enjoy.
Salads
Salads are another great option for rounding out your corn roast spread. The vegetables, leafy greens and vinaigrettes add freshness and contrast nicely with the hot, juicy corn on the cob. Some easy salad ideas include:
- Garden salad – Mix together lettuce, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, carrots and dressing.
- Cole slaw – Toss thinly sliced cabbage with shredded carrots, mayo, vinegar and seasonings.
- Potato salad – Boil potatoes, then mix with mayo, mustard, onions, celery, hard boiled eggs and pickles.
- Pasta salad – Toss penne or rotini with chopped vegetables and Italian dressing.
- Corn and black bean salad – A fun twist using corn, black beans, peppers and onion.
- Watermelon feta salad – Cubes of watermelon, feta cheese, mint and balsamic.
Set out your salad in a large bowl with a serving spoon and tongs. Provide little side plates so guests can take individual portions.
Grilled Vegetables
In addition to corn, throw some vegetables right on the grill to roast up some veggie skewers or foil packets. Delicious grilled veggies to try:
- Zucchini or yellow squash slices
- Mushrooms
- Bell peppers
- Onions
- Eggplant
- Asparagus spears
- Carrots
- Cherry tomatoes
Slice larger vegetables into chunks. Toss them with olive oil, seasoning and a splash of balsamic vinegar. Thread onto skewers or seal in foil packets. Grill until tender.
Baked Beans
No summer cookout is complete without baked beans! These savory, sweet and smoky staples pair perfectly with grilled corn on the cob. You can jazz up canned beans or make homemade baked beans from scratch. Some ways to flavor baked beans:
- Bacon – Chopped bacon adds a smoky depth.
- Onions and bell peppers – Sautéed veggies lend flavor.
- Brown sugar or maple syrup – Add sweetness and tang.
- Mustard and vinegar – Spicy and acidic accents.
- Chili powder or cayenne – For a touch of heat.
- Ground beef – Use beef as your bean base for a hearty twist.
Simmer baked beans with your flavor additions on the stovetop or bake them in the oven. Transfer to a slow cooker to keep warm throughout your event.
Buttery Cornbread
A skillet of freshly baked cornbread is the perfect complement to all your corn roast fare. The sweet corn flavor pairs flawlessly with the grilled and boiled corn on the cob. Make cornbread from scratch or use a cornbread mix for easy prep. Bake it plain, or add in extras like:
- Shredded cheese – Cheddar, Monterey Jack or pepper jack.
- Diced jalapeños – For a kick of heat.
- Crumbled bacon – Savory crunch.
- Chopped green onion – Scallions add freshness.
- Kernels of corn – Straight from the cob!
Bake your cornbread in a greased cast iron skillet or baking dish. Cut into wedges for serving.
Fruit Salad
Fresh fruit makes a nice light and refreshing counterpoint to the traditional summer cookout fare. Mix together an array of bite-sized fruit like:
- Watermelon
- Honeydew
- Cantaloupe
- Pineapple
- Strawberries
- Blueberries
- Grapes
Toss the fruit with a bit of lemon or lime juice to keep it from browning. Sprinkle in some mint or basil for extra flavor. Let guests scoop their own fruit salad into bowls or serve fruit kebabs or skewers.
S’mores Bar
No campfire-inspired cookout is complete without s’mores! Set up a DIY s’mores bar so guests can roast their own marshmallows and assemble their own gooey treats. Provide:
- Marshmallows
- Chocolate bars – Milk, dark and white chocolate
- Graham crackers – Plain or flavored like cinnamon or honey
- Sturdy skewers for roasting
Let guests get creative with their s’mores combos! You can also offer fun s’mores toppings like peanut butter, caramel sauce, nuts and fruit.
Non-Alcoholic Beverages
Keep your guests refreshed and hydrated with plenty of non-alcoholic beverages. Great options include:
- Iced tea or lemonade – Sweet, fruity flavors
- Fruit juice spritzers – Mix juices with club soda or seltzer
- Cucumber or mint infused water – So refreshing!
- Smoothies – Make them corn-themed with corn, berries and honey
- Agua fresca – Sweetened fruit juices like watermelon or strawberry
- Arnold Palmers – Half iced tea, half lemonade
Set out pitchers of beverages along with ice, cups and fun garnishes like fruit slices or herbs. Keep drinks flowing so everyone stays hydrated.
Adult Beverages
For adults 21 and over, offer some fun alcoholic beverages to complement the food. Great drink options include:
- Beer – Light lagers, IPAs, summer ales
- Wine – Rosé, Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc, chilled reds
- Sangria – Red or white wine mixed with fruit juices
- Moscow mules – Ginger beer, lime juice and vodka
- Margaritas – Classic lime or fun fruity flavors
- Mojitos – Rum, mint, lime and club soda
Provide a variety of beer, wine and cocktail options so your guests can find the perfect libation to pair with corn on the cob and all your tasty sides.
Conclusion
A corn roast is a chance to share in the iconic taste of summer with corn on the cob dripping with butter. But why stop there? Round out the menu with dips and spreads, vibrant salads, grilled veggies, savory baked beans, warm cornbread and sweet treats. Offer an array of refreshing non-alcoholic drinks and libations for the adults. With delicious food, festive drinks and good company, your corn roast will keep guests coming back ear after ear!