Every August my mom would start looking around the kitchen wondering what she was going to do with all the zucchini coming out of the garden. There were only so many loaves of zucchini bread we could eat, so she’d pull out this creamy zucchini corn chowder recipe instead.

Our Summer Zucchini Corn Chowder is loaded with sweet fresh corn, tender zucchini, potatoes, smoky bacon, and herbs, and it’s become one of those end-of-summer dinners I look forward to every year. If you’re swimming in zucchini and fresh corn, this is the recipe you need.

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the best things about this soup is that it uses so many fresh summer ingredients. Sweet corn, zucchini, yellow squash, fresh herbs, and smoky bacon all come together to create a fresh corn chowder with zucchini that’s hearty enough for dinner but still tastes bright and fresh.

• Bacon: Adds smoky, savory flavor throughout the chowder, plus a crispy topping for serving.
• Yellow Onion: Builds the aromatic base of the chowder as it softens in the bacon grease.
• Celery: Adds a subtle, savory depth and a bit of texture to the base.
• Garlic: Brings warm, aromatic flavor that rounds out the onion and celery.
• Zucchini: The star of the show and the whole reason for this recipe. It softens beautifully into the chowder while adding fresh, garden flavor.
• Yellow Squash: Adds even more of that fresh summer squash flavor and a pop of color alongside the zucchini.
• Smoked Paprika: Reinforces the smoky flavor from the bacon.
• Ground Nutmeg: Just a touch adds warmth and depth to the creamy broth.
• Cayenne Pepper: Adds a subtle background heat that balances the sweetness of the corn.
• Fresh Thyme: Brings an earthy, herby note that pairs perfectly with the vegetables.
• Fresh Parsley: Adds fresh, bright flavor to round everything out.
• Russet Potatoes: Add heartiness and help thicken the chowder as they cook.
• Corn on the Cob: Fresh corn kernels (and the cobs themselves!) bring natural sweetness and the best flavor. Using the c

Satisfy your craving for crispy, cheesy goodness with this delicious corn fritters recipe. Perfect as a side dish or appetizer, these fritters have a crispy exterior and a gooey, flavorful center. Perfect for any occasion!

I love summer! Being warm in the sun and sitting by the pool while the kids play is my happy place (I’m writing this post in the middle of winter so it sounds especially lovely right now!)! I love busting out the grill to make our grilled flank steak or mango salsa grilled chicken. And I love allllllll the summer produce. Fresh tomatoes from the garden (hello, tomato cucumber salad!!) or raspberries straight from the raspberry bush…there’s just nothing better!

All that being said, I’m always trying to find new ways to use that tasty summer harvest. These cheesy corn fritters are my latest obsession for using fresh corn on the cob. Extra bonus…Cade and kids gobbled them up too! We have been eating them as a side dish with all our summer dinner recipes.

Ingredients for Cheesy Corn Fritters

You only need a few household ingredients to make these tasty corn fritters! You won’t believe how quickly they come together. Here is everything you will need:

• Eggs: bind all the ingredients together
• Milk: adds richness and helps form the batter
• Salt: adds flavor
• Cayenne Powder: adds heat and flavor
• Flour: just regular all purpose flour
• Cornmeal: adds corn flavor and helps bind everything together
• Sugar: adds flavor
• Baking Powder: gives the fritters a little fluffiness
• Corn Kernels: adds texture and real corn flavor to the fritters
• Scallions: adds flavor and freshness
• Triple Cheddar Cheese Blend: You could honestly use any cheese you want, but Tillamook’s cheddar cheese blend is our favorite. It adds flavor and that melty gooiness.
• Oil: used for frying the fritters – canola oil or vegetable oil

The measurements for each ingredient can be found in the recipe card at the end of the post.

How to Make Corn Fritters with Cheese

Now that you’ve watched how this corn fritter recipe is made, let me write out the steps for you. These step-by-step instructions will walk you through how to make these tasty fritters that are perfect for an appetizer or as a side dish. Here are the basic steps:

1. Whisk: Combine the eggs, milk, salt and ground cayenne powder in a large bowl and whisk everything together.
2. Combine: Add the flour, c

This Mexican street corn pasta salad takes everything you love about elote—sweet corn, creamy dressing, tangy cheese, and bold spices—and turns it into an easy, crowd-pleasing pasta salad.

This easy Mexican street corn pasta salad recipe is perfect for summer BBQs, potlucks, or an easy make-ahead side dish.

What is Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad?

Mexican street corn pasta salad is inspired by elote, a popular Mexican street food made with grilled corn, creamy sauce, cheese, lime, and spices. You all loved our Mexican street grilled corn salad so we added some pasta for a hearty, flavorful side dish.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Packed with bold Mexican street corn flavor
• Creamy, tangy, and slightly smoky
• Perfect for BBQs and potlucks
• Easy to make ahead
• Great as a side or a light main dish

Ingredients for Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad

• Corn (grilled or roasted): sweet, smoky flavor (the star!)
  • TIP: Most grocery stores sell roasted corn in the freezer section which is a great shortcut!
• Butter: adds richness and helps bring out the natural sweetness of the corn
• Salt: enhances the flavor of the corn and the overall dish
• Pasta (ditalini or similar): hearty base that holds the dressing well
• Cotija Cheese: adds a salty, crumbly bite that’s classic for elote
• Avocados: add a creamy texture and fresh flavor
• Cilantro: adds a bright, herby finish
• Red Onion: adds a sharp bite and a little crunch

For the Dressing:

• Mayonnaise or Mexican Crema: adds a creamy base that coats everything evenly
• Sour Cream: adds tanginess and balances the richness
• Chili Powder: adds a mild smoky flavor and a hint of spice
• Cumin: adds warm, earthy flavor
• Lime Zest & Juice: adds brightness and a fresh citrusy kick
• Garlic: adds bold, savory depth
• Salt + Pepper: enhances and balances all the flavors

If you’ve been boiling corn the same way forever, this simple trick will change everything. This is the best method for how to cook corn on the cob! The best way to boil corn is to not boil it at all. The corn ends up tender, bright yellow, and still hot when you are ready to eat it.

So, I started cooking corn on the stove top and then realized the meat was too far out from being done. So I turned off the corn, put a lid on it and then like many moms, I forgot that I hadn’t finished cooking it. I opened the lid, and lo and behold, it was so hot, the kernels bright yellow, I decided to go with it and IT WAS AMAZING!! Two years later I’m still doing it and Serious Eats put out an Instagram reel validating me!

How to Cook Corn on the Cob

1. Put the husked ears of corn in a large pot of cold water. Start heating the water with medium-high heat.
2. Check the temperature of the water with a thermometer. Once the temperature reaches 180-185℉, place a lid on the pot and turn off the heat.
3. Let it sit for 15-20 minutes. Serve while it’s hot with butter and salt and pepper.

How Long to Cook Corn on the Cob

This will be a little misleading but I always plan on 30 minutes for the corn, but hands-on time is only about 5 minutes. I start it first and then let it cook while I work on the rest of dinner.

Why This Method Works

• Prevents overcooking
• Keeps kernels juicy and tender
• Allows flexibility if you’re cooking other dishes
• Works perfectly for feeding a crowd

Ingredients You’ll Need

• Corn: Fresh ears of corn on the cob are the star here—look for bright green husks and plump kernels for the best flavor.
• Water: Just enough to fully submerge the corn so it cooks evenly.
• Butter: Melts beautifully over the hot corn and adds rich, classic flavor.
• Salt and Pepper: Simple seasoning that enhances the natural sweetness of the corn.

Tips for the Best Boiled Corn

• Don’t let it boil – The magic of this method is stopping before a full boil to prevent tough, overcooked kernels.
• Use a thermometer if you can – Hitting that 180–185°F range makes all the difference.
• Keep the lid on – This traps heat and gently finishes cooking the corn.
• Start it first – This method is super forgiving, so it can sit while you finish the rest of dinner.
• Use fresh corn when possible – The sweeter and fresher the corn, the better the final result.

Do You Add Sugar or Salt to the Water?

I don’t add anything to the water, and honestly, you don’t need it. Fresh corn is naturally sweet, and this gentle cooking method helps preserve that flavor without any extras.

5 Minute One Skillet Honey Lime Corn Side Dish

This deliciously buttery corn side dish is our FAVORITE! This 5 Minute Buttery Honey Lime Corn recipe is perfectly seasoned, and it’s the perfect side for any meal – Mexican, Southern or just All-American!

This honey butter skillet corn is fast, flexible, and works with frozen or fresh corn – whatever you’ve got on hand. It’s rich, cozy, and just fancy enough to feel special without making dinnertime any harder.

Our savory corn side pairs perfectly with our Beef Tacos! But don’t stop there, it would also go great with our VIRAL Pulled Pork, or this mouth-watering Slow Cooker Whole Chicken.

You’ll Make Buttery Honey Lime Corn On Repeat Because…

• This one skillet corn recipe needs just 5 minutes and a few staple ingredients that you likely already have on hand.
• Frozen or fresh corn work the same!
• It’s a flavorfully delicious one-pot side dish.
• It’s quick to make, about 5 minutes from start to finish.

Ingredients for Honey Butter Skillet Corn

Corn may not be glamorous, but melt it into honey and butter and suddenly it’s stealing the spotlight from the steak. This recipe’s so simple, even your toddler could stir (though you might find corn in places corn should never be).

• Unsalted Butter: The rich, creamy base. Salted butter works too – just ease up on the added salt.
• Frozen Corn: Quick and easy, but fresh tastes great too. See tip below for using canned corn.
• Kosher Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances flavor. Halve the amount if using fine salt.
• Chili Powder: A smoky, subtle kick. Swap in paprika or a pinch of cayenne if preferred.
• Lime Juice: Adds brightness and cuts the richness.
• Honey: Sweetens everything up and makes the dish shine. Maple syrup or agave can pinch-hit.
• Cilantro: Brings a fresh finish. Try green onions or chives if cilantro’s not your thing.

The measurements needed for each ingredient can be found in the recipe card at the end of the post.

How to Make Skillet Lime & Honey Butter Corn Side Dish

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