Sweet corn is a staple of summer and fall cooking, whether it’s grilled, roasted, or blended into something unexpected like ice cream.
At Hitchcock Farms, we grow premium sweet white corn during peak season, harvesting at just the right time to lock in maximum sweetness and a crisp texture.
In this blog, we’re sharing our favorite corn recipes that highlight just how versatile this seasonal favorite can be.
8 Great Sweet White Corn Dishes to Try
Salads & Fresh Sides
1. Grilled Corn Salad with Ricotta Salata & Hazelnuts
Grilled corn adds both sweetness and heartiness to your salad.
This fresh and flavorful dish is balanced with crunchy hazelnuts, creamy ricotta salata, and aromatic basil.
Ingredients:
4 fresh ears of corn, shucked
½ cup raw hazelnuts, coarsely chopped
2 oz ricotta salata (or cotija or aged Parmesan), thinly sliced
15 basil leaves, thinly sliced
2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
1 tbsp white or red wine vinegar
½ tsp kosher salt
Preparation:
Preheat oven to 350°F. Toast hazelnuts on a sheet pan for about 8 minutes until golden and fragrant. Let it cool.
Grill corn on high heat, rotating every 3 minutes to char each side. Alternatively, use a cast-iron pan over medium-high heat to achieve similar charring.
Let corn cool, then slice kernels off the cob.
Combine corn, hazelnuts, ricotta salata, basil, olive oil, vinegar, and salt in a medium bowl. Toss gently, keeping some large pieces intact.
Serve at room temperature or chilled.
Nutritional Facts:
Contains heart-healthy monounsaturated fats from hazelnuts
Good source of dietary fiber from corn and nuts
Provides moderate protein from ricotta salata and hazelnuts
Chef’s note: The salad even tastes better the next day as the flavors continue to mingle, so it’s perfect for meal prep.
2. Fresh Corn Salsa
This no-cook summer salsa is the ultimate warm-weather side or taco topper: zesty, crunchy, and easy to make.
Ingredients:
3 cups raw corn kernels (from 4 fresh ears)
1 cup finely chopped red onion
½ cup chopped fresh cilantro
1–2 jalapeños, chopped (adjust to heat preference)
¼ cup lime juice (2 limes)
1 tbsp white wine vinegar
¼ tsp chili powder
¼ tsp ground cumin
½ tsp fine salt
Optional: 1 ripe avocado, diced
Preparation:
Mix all ingredients in a large bowl and stir well.
Taste and adjust lime, salt, or spice as needed.
Let it marinate for 20 minutes before serving for the best flavor.
Nutritional Facts:
Good source of dietary fiber from corn and onions
Contains vitamin C from lime juice and raw corn
Naturally vegan and gluten-free
Chef’s note: Raw corn delivers max sweetness and crunch, but you can also grill it for a smoky twist.
Street‑Style
3. Mexican Street Corn
This beloved street food, known as elote, brings bold, creamy, and cheesy flavor to grilled sweet corn.
Ingredients:
6–8 ears of corn, husked
Mexican crema (or substitute with mayonnaise)
Cotija cheese (or feta if unavailable)
Chili powder or smoked paprika
2 limes, juiced
Fresh cilantro, chopped
Preparation:
Grill corn over medium-high heat until charred on all sides, about 2–3 minutes per side.
Immediately coat hot corn with Mexican crema.
Sprinkle with cotija, chili powder, or smoked paprika, and lime juice.
Top with fresh chopped cilantro and serve hot.
Nutritional Facts:
Contains vitamin C from fresh corn and lime juice
Provides calcium from cotija cheese
Gluten-free
Chef’s note: Can’t grill? Broil or pan-sear the corn for a similar smoky effect. For parties, set up a DIY elote bar with toppings.
4. Sweet Corn Masala Chaat
A tangy, spicy, and satisfying street‑style snack where sweet corn meets bold Indian spices, fresh veggies, and citrus for a flavor punch.
Ingredients:
2 fresh corn cobs, husked (or ~ 2 cups kernels)
2 teaspoons oil
½ small red onion, finely diced
1 large ripe tomato, diced
½ green chilli (or mild chilli), chopped (optional)
¼ teaspoon chilli powder
½ teaspoon chaat masala
½ teaspoon garam masala
1 teaspoon ground cumin
½ teaspoon flaky salt (or kosher salt)
1 tablespoon lemon juice
¼ cup fresh coriander leaves, chopped
Optional: 1 tablespoon tamarind-date chutney (or lemon‑tamarind sauce)
Optional: sev (crispy chickpea noodle garnish)
Preparation:
Remove husks and silk from corn. Slice kernels off the cob.
Heat oil in a wok or skillet on high. Add diced onion and sauté briefly until softened (~15–30 seconds).
Add tomato, corn kernels, and green chilli. Toss for about 1–2 minutes until heated and just cooked.
Sprinkle in chilli powder, chaat masala, garam masala, cumin, and salt. Toss well to coat all kernels. Cook another minute to infuse flavors.
Remove from heat. Stir in lemon juice and chopped coriander.
Transfer to a serving bowl, drizzle optional tamarind-date chutney, and top with sev if using. Serve immediately while still warm or at room temperature.
Nutritional Facts:
Good source of vitamin C from fresh corn, tomato, and lemon juice
Contains moderate protein and some healthy fats from corn and oil
Spices like cumin and chaat masala provide antioxidants and trace minerals
Chef’s Note: This dish is best eaten soon after making—sev gets soggy if left too long. If prepping ahead, mix up the corn and spices, but add the lemon, chutney, and sev just before serving for the best texture.
Comfort Food
5. Corn & Chicken Chowder
This creamy, comforting corn chowder is perfect for family dinners or cozy weekends.
It’s hearty, flavorful, and full of sweet corn goodness.
It is a great recipe to make in large batches, so it's perfect for large family dinners, potlucks, or meal prepping.
Ingredients:
6 ears of fresh corn, kernels sliced off (divided)
4 tbsp unsalted butter (divided)
3 celery stalks, chopped
1 medium yellow onion, chopped
1 lb Yukon gold potatoes, peeled and cubed
3 cloves garlic, minced
4 scallions (white/pale green for base, tops for garnish)
1 serrano chili, minced (optional)
6 cups low-salt chicken stock
1 whole roasted chicken, shredded
½ cup heavy cream
2½ tsp salt (divided)
½ tsp ground black pepper
Preparation:
Sauté onion, celery, and 1 tsp salt in 2 tbsp butter over medium-high heat until soft and caramelized (~8 min).
Add potatoes, chili, scallions, and garlic. Cook for 2 minutes.
Stir in chicken stock, shredded chicken, and kernels from 4 ears of corn (~3 cups). Bring to a boil.
In a separate pan, cook the remaining 2 tbsp butter with 1½ cups of corn and ½ tsp salt for 2 minutes. Add ¼ cup water, simmer until thickened, then blend.
Stir blended corn mixture into chowder. Simmer, covered, for 30 minutes.
Finish with cream, remaining salt, pepper, and scallion tops.
Nutritional Facts:
High in protein from roasted chicken and cream
Good source of potassium from potatoes
Contains vitamin B6 from corn and chicken
Chef’s note: Serve the chowder with cornbread, toasted corn tortillas, or sourdough on the side.
6. Corn & Tomato Gnocchi Foil Packets
This corn and tomato gnocchi is the perfect recipe for pasta fans.
Instead of grilling the foil packs, you could even roast them on a campfire.
Ingredients:
1 lb store-bought gnocchi
4 ears corn, kernels removed (or 3 cups frozen/thawed)
2 cups cherry tomatoes
¼ cup unsalted butter, cubed
2 cloves garlic, minced
¾ cup dry white wine (e.g., Sauvignon Blanc)
¼ cup chopped basil
Grated Parmesan, to taste
Kosher salt, red pepper flakes, and black pepper
Preparation:
Preheat grill to medium-high. Cut 4 foil sheets (~12 inches each).
Divide gnocchi, corn, tomatoes, butter, and garlic evenly among the packets.
Season each with ¼ tsp salt, red pepper flakes, and a drizzle of wine.
Seal foil tightly and grill for 15–20 minutes until gnocchi is tender and tomatoes burst.
Sprinkle with basil, Parmesan, and pepper before serving.
Nutritional Facts:
Provides fiber from corn and tomatoes
Contains vitamin A from cherry tomatoes
Vegetarian-friendly
Chef’s note: Add a protein like sausage or shrimp for a full meal.
Desserts
7. Sweet Corn Ice Cream
To truly embrace the sweetness of white corn, why not turn it into a dessert?
Making sweet corn ice cream is a somewhat time-intensive process, but it can be a fun summer project with fantastic results.
Ingredients:
2 fresh ears of corn, shucked
1 cup whole milk
2 cups heavy cream
¾ cup sugar (divided)
¼ tsp kosher salt
5 large egg yolks
Preparation:
Slice kernels off cobs and break cobs in half.
Combine kernels, cobs, milk, cream, ½ cup sugar, and salt in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, then cover and steep for 1 hour.
Discard cobs. Blend mixture until smooth but slightly chunky.
Reheat in a saucepan. In a bowl, whisk yolks with the remaining ¼ cup sugar.
Temper yolks by whisking in hot corn mixture, then return to pot. Cook until custard coats a spoon (5–10 min).
Cool in an ice bath, then chill at least 4 hours.
Churn in an ice cream maker and freeze until set.
Nutritional Facts:
Contains calcium from milk and cream
Provides B vitamins from corn and egg yolks
Made without artificial flavors
Chef’s note: Top with salted caramel or a sprinkle of chili-lime seasoning for a unique flavor twist.
8. Sweet Corn Pound Cake
A moist and buttery pound cake that bursts with fresh corn flavor, topped with a honey buttercream glaze.
Ingredients:
Fresh corn kernels
Cornmeal + masa harina
Unsalted butter
Sugar
Eggs
Buttermilk + sour cream
Baking powder & baking soda
Honey buttercream (butter, powdered sugar, honey, sour cream)
Preparation:
Roast or prepare the corn flavor base (corn kernels + butter) until tender.
Mix dry ingredients (flour, cornmeal, masa harina, leaveners).
Cream butter and sugar, and add eggs one by one.
Alternate adding dry mix and corn‑buttermilk mix, being careful not to overmix.
Pour into a prepared Bundt or loaf pan; bake until golden and a toothpick comes clean.
When cooled, apply honey buttercream glaze.
Nutritional Facts:
Contains calcium and vitamin B12 from dairy
Provides protein from eggs and butter
Chef’s Note: The cake keeps well for a few days, but wrap it tightly to retain moisture.
How to Store, Prep, and Serve Sweet White Corn
Choose Local and Seasonal
Buy in season (summer through fall) to ensure peak freshness and flavor.
Shop local when possible- corn starts losing its natural sweetness soon after it's picked, so buying from nearby farms or markets helps ensure you're getting the freshest, sweetest ears available.
Look for firm ears with bright green husks, tightly wrapped silks, and plump, milky kernels when gently pressed.
Keep It Cold
To preserve that sweet flavor:
Refrigerate corn immediately after bringing it home. Keeping corn cold slows the conversion of sugar into starch.
Don’t remove the husk until you’re ready to cook because it acts as natural protection.
Planning ahead? You can freeze corn kernels: blanch, cut from the cob, then seal in freezer-safe bags.
Note: At Hitchcock Farms, we vacuum-cool our sweet white corn immediately after harvesting to lock in peak sweetness and freshness while it travels to your table.
Maximize Flavor
Cook it as soon as possible for the best flavor, ideally the same day you buy it.
For grilling, leave some husk on to steam the corn slightly before charring.
Want to save time? Microwave corn in the husk for 3–4 minutes, then let it cool slightly before peeling and cutting.
Get Inspired With Farm-Fresh Ingredients
White corn is a nutrient-rich ingredient that brings natural sweetness, crisp texture, and culinary versatility to everything from salads and salsas to chowders and desserts.
We hope you find inspiration in these recipes and enjoy adding sweet corn to your meals.
At Hitchcock Farms, we're proud to grow premium sweet white corn that brings fresh, delicious taste to every dish you create.
FAQ
What is the difference between regular corn and sweet white corn?
Yellow corn and sweet white corn have many similar nutritional properties, but there are some key differences.
Corn is classified by how much starch it contains.
Compared to traditional yellow corn, white corn has fairly low levels of starch, but a lot of the starch it does contain has been converted into sugar.
This gives white corn its distinct sweet flavor.
Another difference between white and yellow corn is their beta-carotene content.
Regular corn has more beta-carotene, which gives it its yellow color.
Is white corn healthy for you?
White corn has lots of valuable health benefits.
It contains dietary fiber, which promotes digestion and helps regulate your blood sugar levels.
White corn is also full of potassium, iron, vitamin C, and other nutrients.
Like all foods, white corn can play an important role in your diet when combined with other nutrient-dense foods.
Is white corn a fruit or a vegetable?
Although most of us think of corn as a vegetable, you might hear different answers depending on whom you ask.
According to the USDA, fully mature corn is considered a grain. However, they consider fresh corn to be a starchy vegetable.
If you ask most botanists, though, they'll tell you that corn is a fruit because we eat the seeds derived from the flower of the plant.
Regardless of whether it's a fruit, vegetable, or grain, it's a great ingredient to include in your recipes!
