Nothing gets people lingering outside like the smell of food on the grill. From quick bites to hearty mains, a good spread keeps the energy high and the crowd happy. These BBQ party recipes work for casual hangouts or bigger gatherings without making you babysit the grill all night. They’re easy to prep ahead and keep the flavors coming while everyone relaxes. Good food, good company, and just enough smoke in the air to make it feel like summer.
Street Corn
This street corn recipe layers grilled corn with a creamy mixture of mayo, butter, cheese, lime, and spices. The result is rich, tangy, and perfect for warm-weather gatherings. It’s a crowd-pleaser and an easy addition to your favorite corn side dishes.
Get the Recipe: Street Corn
Creamy Cheese Corn
Creamy cheese corn casserole combines sweet corn with a rich, cheesy sauce and a crunchy topping. It’s simple to prepare and works well for family dinners or holiday tables. This dish is comfort food in a pan and reheats nicely for leftovers.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Cheese Corn
Black Bean and Corn Salad
This black bean and corn salad mixes beans, corn, peppers, and a bright dressing for a colorful, fresh side. It’s versatile enough to pair with grilled meats, tacos, or sandwiches. If you’re looking for lighter corn side dishes, this one is a solid choice.
Get the Recipe: Black Bean and Corn Salad
Corn Fritters
These corn fritters balance sweetness from the corn with a mild kick from jalapeños and spices. Pan-frying gives them a golden, crisp exterior while keeping the inside tender. They work well as a snack, appetizer, or light side dish.
Get the Recipe: Corn Fritters
Sweet Corn Salad
Sweet corn salad blends crisp vegetables with a light dressing for a quick, refreshing option. You can prepare it in minutes, which is perfect when time is short. It’s a must-have for casual potlucks and works well with other summer corn side dishes.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Corn Salad
Zesty Corn Pasta Salad
This corn pasta salad features tender pasta, fresh vegetables, and a tangy dressing for a flavorful mix. It’s great for BBQs, picnics, or quick weeknight dinners. You can make it ahead and let the flavors develop in the fridge.
Get the Recipe: Zesty Corn Pasta Salad
Copycat Chipotle Corn Salsa
This corn salsa captures the same fresh, vibrant flavors you’d expect from your favorite burrito shop. It blends corn, peppers, onions, and cilantro for a bright, versatile topping. Use it with tacos, salads, or grilled meats for extra flavor.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Chipotle Corn Salsa
Corn Pico de Gallo
Corn pico de gallo brings together sweet corn, tomatoes, onions, and cilantro with a touch of lime. It adds freshness and crunch to tacos, burritos, or grilled fish. You can also serve it as a dip with tortilla chips.
Get the Recipe: Corn Pico de Gallo
Creamy Corn Dip
Creamy corn dip combines corn, cream cheese, and seasonings into a warm, shareable snack. It’s simple to prepare and pairs well with chips, crackers, or sliced vegetables. This recipe is a reliable choice for gatherings or casual nights in.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Corn Dip
Thai Corn Salad
Thai corn salad uses fresh corn, beans, cucumber, and herbs tossed in a sweet, sour, salty, and spicy dressing. It’s inspired by the flavors of a classic green papaya salad but swaps in crisp corn kernels. The vibrant mix works as a light side or part of a larger meal.
Get the Recipe: Thai Corn Salad
Mediterranean Corn Salad
This bright mix brings sweet corn, juicy tomatoes, and crisp cucumbers together in a quick 10-minute toss. The tangy dressing ties everything together without being heavy. It’s the kind of side that feels fresh enough for summer but still works with heartier mains.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Corn Salad
Corn Pudding
This version skips the usual boxed mixes and still turns out perfectly creamy and golden. The texture hits that sweet spot between soft and slightly firm, so it slices neatly but melts in your mouth. It’s the one dish that disappears first at any holiday spread.
Get the Recipe: Corn Pudding
Corn Chowder
Sweet corn, peppers, and a silky broth give this chowder a fresh twist that’s still cozy enough for cool nights. The flavors lean lightly toward Mexican-style seasonings without going overboard. It’s hearty without feeling too heavy, and leftovers reheat beautifully.
Get the Recipe: Corn Chowder
Creamed Corn
Slow cooking turns this simple side into something rich and silky. Whole kernels hold their pop while the sauce thickens into buttery perfection. It’s a match for roasted meats, grilled chicken, or even as a topping over baked potatoes.
Get the Recipe: Creamed Corn
Corn Salsa
Fresh corn, jalapeño, and lime make this salsa crisp and bright. It works just as well next to chips as it does spooned over tacos or grilled fish. Every bite brings a little crunch with just enough heat to keep things interesting.
Get the Recipe: Corn Salsa
Corn and Black Bean Salsa
Sweet corn and tender black beans meet tangy lime in this chunky dip. It’s quick to pull together and holds up well in the fridge, making it perfect for make-ahead snacks. A drizzle of olive oil gives it a richer feel if you want to dress it up.
Get the Recipe: Corn and Black Bean Salsa
Corn and Peas Salad
Sweet corn and green peas get a kick from simple spices in this five-minute mix. It’s cool, fresh, and works well alongside grilled meats or sandwiches. Plus, it’s one of those salads that tastes even better after a short chill in the fridge.
Get the Recipe: Corn and Peas Salad
Corn Egg Drop Soup
Light yet full of flavor, this soup blends soft ribbons of egg with tender corn in a savory broth. A touch of onion adds depth without overpowering the other ingredients. It’s quick enough for a busy weeknight but still feels homemade.
Get the Recipe: Corn Egg Drop Soup
Corn Cucumber Salad
Cool cucumber and crisp corn get coated in a creamy Southwest-style dressing that has just the right kick. Add avocado for extra richness or toss in chicken for a full meal. It’s the kind of salad that actually gets people going back for seconds.
Get the Recipe: Corn Cucumber Salad
Elote Pasta Salad
Charred corn meets tender pasta in a creamy, smoky, and lightly spicy dressing. The mix of flavors keeps every bite interesting, and it works cold or at room temp. Serve it at picnics, BBQs, or keep it in the fridge for easy lunches.
Get the Recipe: Elote Pasta Salad
