Canned corn is a practical, affordable ingredient that makes cooking easier. It’s always ready to use without peeling, shucking or cooking needed, saving you time while keeping meals fresh and delicious. Here’s how to make the most of canned corn in your daily meals.
Basics for using canned corn
Canned corn is already cooked, so it only needs to be heated briefly or simply added right into dishes. Always drain the canned corn well before using it for the best results. This helps prevent dishes from becoming watery. If you want less salt in your diet, quickly rinse the corn under running water after draining.
Breakfast
Corn isn’t just for dinner. Adding canned corn to breakfast can make your mornings more filling. Mix it into scrambled eggs or omelets with cheese, bacon or ham; the sweetness of corn pairs nicely with these savory flavors. For something heartier, canned corn is great in breakfast burritos along with eggs, sausage and salsa.
You can also stir canned corn directly into pancake or waffle batter for extra flavor and texture. Cornbread muffins made with canned corn are another easy breakfast option. They bake quickly and make breakfast portable and convenient.
Lunch
Canned corn is a great way to quickly add nutrition and texture to lunches. Salads are an easy option; just toss corn in with ingredients like black beans, avocado, tomatoes and lettuce for a quick Southwest-style salad. Pasta salads and grain bowls also benefit from a scoop of canned corn or other canned vegetables. It adds sweetness and crunch, making these meals more filling and interesting.
Canned corn also makes sandwiches and wraps better. Mix it into chicken salad, tuna salad or egg salad for extra crunch and mild sweetness. For a vegetarian option, combine corn with black beans, salsa, cheese and a squeeze of lime in wraps or burritos.
Dinner
Adding canned corn to dinner is simple and effective. Soups and stews are a natural fit. Corn adds sweetness and texture to hearty dishes like chili, vegetable soup, potato soup or chicken corn soup. Just stir it in toward the end of cooking.
Pasta dishes also work well with canned corn. Toss it into macaroni and cheese, spaghetti sauces or baked casseroles. It pairs especially well with tomato-based sauces and creamy dishes, adding a fresh and crunchy element.
Canned corn is perfect for Mexican-inspired dishes, too. Add it to taco meat, enchilada filling or fajita vegetables. It gives these dishes an extra bit of sweetness and makes them feel a little more complete.
Snack time
Canned corn is also handy for quick snacks. It pairs well with classic snack ingredients like cheese, beans, salsa and tortillas. For quick nachos, spread tortilla chips on a baking sheet, sprinkle with canned corn, black beans, cheese and salsa, then bake until the cheese melts.
Quesadillas also get an upgrade with canned corn. Combine corn, cheese and your favorite fillings inside tortillas and cook until golden and crispy. Canned corn sprinkled on mini pizzas adds a sweet crunch without any prep.
For an easy warm snack or side dish, saute canned corn briefly with a little butter, garlic and a sprinkle of chili powder. This takes just a few minutes and creates a flavorful, easy dish.
Sides and salads
Canned corn is also great as a simple side dish. Heat it with butter, salt and pepper for a quick side with grilled chicken or fish. You can also mix corn with cooked rice, beans, pasta or other canned goods to easily create side dishes that pair well with many meals.
Corn salads are easy and adaptable. Combine canned corn with diced peppers, onions, tomatoes and cilantro. Add a squeeze of lime juice or your favorite dressing. This simple salad goes great with grilled meats or can even be served with chips as a salsa.
Baking and casseroles
Corn is a practical addition to casseroles and baked dishes, making meals more filling and flavorful. Add canned corn to classic casseroles like tuna noodle, chicken and rice or shepherd’s pie. It provides texture and sweetness that complements the savory ingredients.
Cornbread casseroles are another popular way to use canned corn. Mix corn into your favorite cornbread batter along with cheese, green chilies or bacon and bake until golden. It makes a hearty side dish that pairs well with barbecue or chili.
Keeping canned corn handy
Stocking your pantry with canned corn means you always have an easy, nutritious option ready to go. Its long shelf life and versatility make it perfect for quick meals, snacks and sides without any planning or prep.
Grab a few cans of corn next time you’re at the store. You’ll find plenty of opportunities to use it throughout the week. Whether adding it to eggs at breakfast, mixing it into a quick salad for lunch or stirring it into your favorite soup at dinner, canned corn makes meals quicker and tastier with minimal effort.
Sara Nelson is the creator of Real Balanced, a food blog that showcases easy and balanced recipes. Since 2017, she has shared these recipes with thousands of blog readers and social media followers. Sara lives in Wisconsin with her family.