Corn is a versatile vegetable that can be paired with a variety of different flavors. When choosing what to serve alongside corn, there are a few key factors to consider such as the variety of corn, whether it is served on or off the cob, how it is prepared, and what other ingredients will be included in the dish.
Quick answers
Some quick answers to what flavors pair well with corn include:
- Butter – A pat of butter goes well with simply boiled or grilled corn on the cob.
- Salt & Pepper – A sprinkle of salt and pepper enhances the natural sweetness of corn.
- Cheese – Sharp cheddar, Cotija, and Mexican-style cheeses complement corn’s flavor.
- Chili Powder – A dash of chili powder adds both heat and smoky flavors.
- Lime – Fresh lime juice brightens up corn’s sweetness.
- Barbecue Sauce – Sweet and tangy barbecue sauce coats grilled corn on the cob.
Next, we’ll dive deeper into popular flavor combinations that pair deliciously with corn.
Butter
One of the most classic flavor pairings with corn is butter. A pat of butter melted over hot cooked corn highlights corn’s inherent sweet, starchy flavors. The creaminess of the butter complements the texture of the corn kernels. This simple preparation works well with boiled, steamed, roasted or grilled corn on the cob. Try topping it with a sprinkle of salt and pepper as well.
Cheese
Melted cheese is another excellent pairing with corn that enhances the flavors and textures. Some cheese varieties that go particularly well with corn include:
- Sharp Cheddar – A popular topping for corn breads, muffins, chowders and baked casseroles. The sharp tang balances the sweetness.
- Cotija – A Mexican cheese that sprinkles nicely over grilled corn on the cob.
- Queso Fresco – Another Mexican cheese that softens but doesn’t fully melt into corn dishes.
- Monterey Jack – A perfect melting cheese for mixing into corn-based dishes like tamales.
The creaminess and savoriness of melted cheese makes it a surefire winner with corn’s starchiness.
Chili Powder & Cayenne
For those who like a little heat, chili powders complement corn’s natural sweetness. Ancho and chipotle chile powders have an earthy, smoky quality that pairs nicely with corn. You can dust grilled corn with these spices, add them to corn chowders and soups, mix them into corn breads, or stir them into corn salsa. Cayenne pepper powder is also a good way to add some spiciness and bold flavor to corn dishes.
Lime
Bright, fresh lime juice squeezes new life into corn dishes. The acidity of lime balances the starchiness of corn and enhances its sweetness. Lime adds delicious flavor to staples like grilled corn on the cob, corn salsa, corn tortillas, and corn-based soups or chowders. Pair lime with some salt and chili powder on grilled corn for a perfect flavor combination.
Coconut Milk
Corn combined with coconut milk is a staple in many Southeast Asian and Indian cuisines. The rich creaminess of coconut milk tempers the starchiness of corn kernels. Coconut milk-based corn chowders and curries pair wonderfully with the corn’s natural sweetness. Other flavorings like ginger, onion, garlic, chiles, and cilantro are often added to these dishes to round out the flavors.
Barbecue Sauce
What better topping for grilled corn on the cob than sweet and tangy barbecue sauce? The tomato base, blend of spices, sweeteners, and vinegar lend delicious complementary flavors to simply grilled corn. Brush on your favorite barbecue sauce at the end of grilling or serve it alongside for dipping to add messy, finger-licking goodness.
Corn Salsa
One of the most popular ways to showcase corn’sflavor is in fresh corn salsa. The corn kernels are combined with complementary ingredients like tomatoes, onion, cilantro, lime juice, chili powder, and avocado. The blend of sweet corn, cooling tomato and creamy avocado is hard to beat. Scoop up corn salsa with tortilla chips or add it to tacos, fajitas, chicken, and fish.
Pairings for Cornbread
Cornbread is a beloved side dish in many cuisines. Its natural sweetness pairs well with chili, stews, barbecue pulled pork or chicken. Some classic flavor combinations for cornbread include:
- Honey butter – Slather sweet honey butter over warm cornbread right out of the oven.
- Maple syrup – Drizzle maple syrup over cornbread wedges for added sweetness.
- Whipped cream and berries – For a fresh dessert version, top cornbread with lightly sweetened whipped cream and fresh berries.
- Bacon – Crispy cooked bacon bits lend savory crunch and smokiness.
- Cheese – Mix shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese into the cornbread batter before baking.
Corn Off the Cob
When fresh corn kernels are cut off the cob, they can be mixed into a variety of dishes. Here are some flavor pairings that work well with corn kernels:
- Zucchini and bell peppers – Sauté corn kernels with these summer vegetables for succotash.
- Poblano and onion – Mix roasted poblano peppers and caramelized onions with corn for tacos or quesadillas.
- Bacon and parsley – Crisp-cooked diced bacon and fresh parsley add savory depth.
- Cherry tomatoes and basil – Combine with halved cherry tomatoes and torn basil leaves for a fresh salad.
Prepared vs. On the Cob
The way corn is prepared and served also makes a difference in optimal flavor pairings. Here’s a comparison:
| Prepared/Served | Best Flavor Pairings |
|---|---|
| Grilled corn on the cob | Butter, cheese, chili powder, lime, barbecue sauce |
| Boiled/steamed corn on the cob | Butter, salt, pepper, parsley |
| Roasted/grilled corn kernels | Smoky seasonings, lime, chili powder, onions, peppers |
| Sautéed corn kernels | Bacon, cream, herbs |
| Cornbread | Honey butter, maple syrup, berries, cheese, bacon |
| Corn chowder/soup | Bacon, cream, potato, spice blend |
Sweet Corn vs. Field Corn
The variety of corn also makes a difference in optimal flavor pairings. Here’s an overview:
- Sweet corn – The corn most often eaten fresh or cooked. Sweet corn pairs well with butter, cream, spices, herbs, bacon, cheeses, lime, etc.
- Field corn/dent corn – Mostly used for processed foods or animal feed. Field corn is starchier and less sweet. Often used dried in cornbread. Pairs well with honey, chiles, bacon, maple syrup.
Conclusion
Corn is one of the most versatile vegetables in the kitchen. Its sweet flavor pairs wonderfully with basics like butter, salt, and pepper. It also complements richer flavors like cream, cheese, coconut milk, and barbecue sauce. Tangy, bright ingredients like lime juice and tomato balance corn’s starchiness. Spicy seasonings like chili powder, cayenne, barbecue rubs, and Cajun seasoning give corn a kick. Herbs like parsley, cilantro and basil add freshness.
The possibilities for flavorful corn dishes are endless. Whether enjoyed simply boiled on the cob, slathered inspice mixes, drenched in creamy sauces, or combined with fresh seasonal produce, corn is a culinary staple that makes an excellentaddition to any meal.