fbpx

What to Serve With Corn on the Cob: 15 Best Side Dishes

Looking to complement your corn on the cob with delicious sides? Grilled chicken, with its savory flavors, pairs wonderfully. Coleslaw offers a crisp, invigorating contrast. Baked beans add a smoky, hearty touch. For those craving creamy goodness, potato salad and macaroni and cheese are perfect choices. Don't forget the fresh, juicy taste of watermelon slices. Pasta salad brings color and variety, while sautéed mushrooms add earthy richness. Grilled shrimp offers a luxurious, seafood addition to your meal. Explore these options to create an unforgettable meal combination!

Grilled Chicken

grilled chicken recipe details

Grilled chicken serves as an excellent complement to corn on the cob, enhancing the meal with its savory flavor and satisfying texture.

Various marinade options, such as lemon herb or spicy barbecue, can add delightful layers of taste.

Employing different cooking techniques, like charcoal grilling or using a grill pan, guarantees the chicken remains juicy and succulent, making the combination simply irresistible.

Coleslaw

fresh cabbage and carrots

Complementing the savory notes of grilled chicken, coleslaw offers an invigorating and crunchy contrast that enhances the overall meal experience.

There are many different coleslaws to try, each bringing a unique flavor. Some popular coleslaw variations include creamy coleslaw, tangy vinegar-based slaw, and even spicy coleslaw with a hint of jalapeño.

Each type adds a revitalizing balance to corn on the cob.

Baked Beans

family enjoyed baked beans

Baked beans, with their rich, smoky flavor and tender texture, serve as a hearty and satisfying side dish that pairs seamlessly with corn on the cob.

This classic flavor pairing enhances any meal, offering a delightful contrast to the sweetness of the corn.

For preparation tips, consider slow-cooking the beans with a touch of brown sugar and bacon for an extra depth of flavor.

Potato Salad

recipe for summer picnic

Perfectly balancing creamy and tangy flavors, potato salad is a versatile side dish that pairs wonderfully with corn on the cob.

With numerous flavor variations, from classic mustard-based to herbed vinaigrette, it's easy to customize.

Serving suggestions include adding fresh herbs or crunchy vegetables for extra texture.

This delightful dish not only complements the corn but also enhances your meal's overall enjoyment.

Macaroni and Cheese

comfort food classic delight

Macaroni and cheese, with its rich and creamy texture, serves as a comforting and satisfying side dish to corn on the cob.

By experimenting with different cheese varieties, such as sharp cheddar or Gouda, you can enhance the flavor profile.

Additionally, selecting various pasta types, like elbows or shells, adds an extra layer of interest to this beloved classic, making it a versatile favorite.

Barbecue Ribs

deliciously marinated and grilled

Complementing the creamy richness of macaroni and cheese, barbecue ribs bring a savory, smoky depth to the table, creating a dynamic pairing with corn on the cob.

Smoky marinades enhance rib flavors, providing a mouthwatering contrast to the sweet, juicy kernels.

This combination makes your meal more enjoyable, blending hearty and tender textures with a burst of flavors that can delight any palate.

Garden Salad

fresh vegetables tossed together

A garden salad guarantees an invigorating, crisp contrast to the buttery sweetness of corn on the cob. Featuring seasonal vegetables, it brings a fresh burst of flavors and textures to your meal.

Enhance this side dish with homemade dressings, which add a personal touch and elevate the overall taste experience. This combination secures a harmonious and delightful culinary pairing.

Fried Green Tomatoes

southern comfort food classic

For another delightful side dish, fried green tomatoes offer a crispy and tangy complement to the sweet corn on the cob. A staple of Southern cuisine, these tomatoes are sliced, coated in a crispy coating, and fried to perfection.

Their tart flavor and crunchy texture create a wonderful contrast, making them an excellent addition to any meal featuring fresh corn on the cob.

Deviled Eggs

easter brunch tradition recipe

Deviled eggs, with their creamy and tangy filling, offer a delightful contrast to the sweetness of corn on the cob.

For presentation tips, arrange them on a colorful platter to make them visually appealing.

Experiment with flavor variations like adding smoked paprika, fresh dill, or even a dash of hot sauce.

These little adjustments can elevate your deviled eggs, making them an irresistible side dish.

Garlic Bread

tasty garlic bread recipe

Complementing deviled eggs with another crowd-pleaser, garlic bread stands out as a flavorful and aromatic side dish that pairs wonderfully with corn on the cob.

Exploring various bread varieties, from baguettes to ciabatta, can elevate your meal. Seasoning options are plentiful—classic garlic and butter, or more adventurous additions like herbs and cheese.

This combination offers a delightful balance of flavors and textures.

Caprese Salad

fresh tomatoes mozzarella cheese

A classic Italian dish, Caprese salad provides a rejuvenating and vibrant contrast to the sweetness of corn on the cob.

The combination of ripe tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and fragrant basil, topped with a balsamic drizzle, creates a delightful medley of flavors.

This simple yet elegant side dish enhances the dining experience, making it a perfect pairing with buttery corn on the cob.

Watermelon Slices

refreshing summer fruit choice

Often served as an invigorating palate cleanser, watermelon slices bring a crisp, hydrating contrast to the rich flavors of corn on the cob.

As a quintessential summer treat, they are a revitalizing option that complements the warmth of grilled corn perfectly.

Their natural sweetness and juicy texture make them an ideal side dish, enhancing the overall dining experience with their vibrant, rejuvenating notes.

Pasta Salad

refreshing summer side dish

Pasta salad, with its invigorating blend of flavors and textures, serves as a hearty companion to the sweet and savory notes of corn on the cob.

Cold pasta mixed with fresh vegetables, cheeses, and protein options, can be enhanced by a variety of dressing options, from creamy to vinaigrette.

This dish brings a rejuvenating contrast, making it a delightful addition to any meal.

Sautéed Mushrooms

delicious saut ed mushrooms recipe

When properly cooked, sautéed mushrooms develop a rich, umami flavor that pairs exceptionally well with the natural sweetness of corn on the cob.

Using different mushroom varieties like cremini, shiitake, and portobello can add complexity to the dish.

Simple cooking techniques, such as lightly sautéing in olive oil with garlic and herbs, can elevate the mushrooms' flavor, making them a perfect accompaniment.

Are the Best Side Dishes for Corn on the Cob and Cornbread the Same?

When it comes to the best side dishes for cornbread, you’ll likely find the same ones that pair perfectly with corn on the cob. Classic options like coleslaw, mac and cheese, or a simple green salad complement the flavors and textures of both dishes. So, yes, they are the same.

Grilled Shrimp

delicious seafood on grill

For a delightful contrast to the earthiness of sautéed mushrooms, grilled shrimp offers a burst of fresh, oceanic flavor that complements corn on the cob beautifully.

Explore various marinade recipes to enhance the shrimp's taste, and master skewer techniques for even grilling.

This combination provides a harmonious balance of flavors and textures, making your meal both satisfying and memorable.