Tired of the same old corn side dish? This easy canned corn recipe is a great way to turn a basic pantry staple into a delicious side dish the whole family will love. With just a few simple ingredients you probably already have on hand, you can take an ordinary can of corn to the next level—no fancy techniques or special equipment needed!
Now, I’m not saying there’s anything wrong with dumping regular 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 outta the can. But sometimes, I’m in the mood for something just a little fancier. That’s when I toss in some butter and a few spices. Nothing wild, just a couple of extras to give it a little boost of flavor.
This corn is the perfect side dish for a meaty main dish like meatloaf or pork chops, or a cheesy ground beef pasta dish, or slow cooker hamburger casserole.
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Ingredient Photo
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 1/8 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 is already cooked during the canning process, so you’re just heating it up. It typically takes 3 to 5 minutes over medium-high heat on the stove top. Just take some of the liquid out of the corn, add your butter and seasonings, and stir occasionally until it’s hot and ready to serve.
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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.
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Easy Canned Corn Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 can corn
- 1 tbsp margarine
- 1/2 tsp garlic
- 1/2 tsp seasoned salt
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/8 tsp black pepper
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Instructions
- Take about 1/2 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 tbsp margarine, 1/2 tsp 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, 1/2 tsp seasoned salt, 1/2 tsp salt, 1/8 tsp black pepper
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