Tired of plain canned corn? This easy canned corn recipe shows you exactly how to cook canned corn on the stove in just a few minutes using butter and simple seasonings. It’s a quick, flavorful side dish made from pantry staples.
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How to Cook Canned Corn on the Stove
Cooking canned corn is quick and simple, but a few small steps can make it taste much better than straight from the can.
Do you have to cook canned corn?
Canned corn is already cooked during the canning process, so you’re really just heating it up. You can eat it straight from the can, but it tastes much better warmed with butter and simple seasonings.
Do you drain canned corn before cooking?
For the best flavor, drain most of the liquid before heating. You can leave a small amount if you prefer a softer texture.
Now, I’m not saying there’s anything wrong with heating up canned corn in a saucepan for a quick side dish—I do it all the time. In fact, Lee always wants me to scoop some out before I jazz mine up because he prefers his straight from the can. But sometimes I want something just a little fancier. That’s when I add butter and a few spices—nothing wild, just enough to give it a boost of flavor.
This corn is the perfect side dish for a meaty main dish like chicken tenders, meatloaf, or pork chops, or a cheesy ground beef pasta dish or slow cooker hamburger casserole.
It’s also perfect when paired with mac and cheese and is included in my What to Serve with Mac and Cheese collection.
Ingredients
See recipe card for exact amounts.
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions
- Sweet Corn: You can use canned or frozen corn, whatever you have on hand. I have not made this recipe using fresh corn.
- Margarine: I use Parkay, but your favorite brand will work just fine. Plant-based or real butter is also great—basically, whatever you’d use to butter your toast. The key is that you like the flavor.
- Garlic: I use the kind that comes in a jar because it’s quick and convenient, even if it’s not exactly chef-approved. If you want to use garlic powder instead, just a pinch (about ⅛ teaspoon) will do.
- Seasoned Salt: This is a great one-and-done ingredient because it adds a blend of spices all in one shake. If you don’t have seasoned salt, you can use a mix of garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and a little salt. Want to switch things up? Cajun seasoning is a tasty alternative that brings a little extra zing. You could also use a dash of chili powder or even a pinch of red pepper flakes if you like a little heat.
- Salt: Any kind works—regular table salt, kosher, or sea salt. Use what you like.
- Pepper: I just use a small amount of black pepper for a little kick.
Step-By-Step Instructions (with photos)
See recipe card below for complete directions with amounts.
Step 1: Melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat, add garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes. Don’t brown the garlic.
Step 2: Add the remaining ingredients and cook over medium-high heat until heated though 3-5 minutes.
How Long to Cook Canned Corn?
Canned corn only needs 3 to 5 minutes to heat on the stove. Since it’s already cooked, you’re just warming it through with butter and seasonings until hot and ready to serve.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Just mix the drained corn with seasonings and a bit of butter, cover, and heat in the microwave for 2–3 minutes or until warm.
If you’ve already seasoned and cooked it, leftovers will stay good in the refrigerator for up to 4 days in an airtight container.
More Corn Dishes You’ll Love
Try These Side Dish Recipes Too
- Pan Fried Green Beans – This dish only requires a few ingredients, is inexpensive, healthy, and quick and easy.
- Roasted Zucchini & Summer Squash – An easy, delicious, and healthy five ingredient side dish that can be on the table in no time.
- Italian Roasted Broccoli – A simple and healthy 3 ingredient recipe.
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Easy Canned Corn Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 can corn
- 1 tablespoon margarine
- ½ teaspoon garlic
- ½ teaspoon seasoned salt
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ⅛ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Take about ½ cup of the corn juice out of the can.
- Melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat, after the butter melts add the garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes.1 tablespoon margarine, ½ teaspoon garlic
- Add the corn with remaining juice, butter, seasoned salt, salt and pepper. Stir and cook over medium heat until heated through, about 3-5 minutes.1 can corn, ½ teaspoon seasoned salt, ½ teaspoon salt, ⅛ teaspoon black pepper
About Mindy
Mindy has been cooking for over 30 years, starting as a young mother who learned how to create delicious meals on a budget. Today, she shares approachable recipes made with everyday ingredients that are easy, affordable, and family-friendly. Her goal is to show that great food doesn’t need to be complicated or expensive.