How To Cook Canned Corn

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Canned corn is not only inexpensive, but it’s also good for you. This post will show you everything you need to know about how to cook canned sweet corn so it’s tender-crisp and delicious. 

Suitable for vegetarian and gluten free diets. Post includes Weight Watchers points.

a serving dish filled with cooked canned corn

Canned vegetables are convenient because they keep for a long time and can be quickly heated on the stove or in a microwave.

Having canned vegetable options such as green beans or canned corn on hand can be convenient for meal planning and making a quick side dish

Cooking canned corn is simple and can be cooked on the stovetop in just a few minutes. Season with butter and salt or your favorite blend of seasoning.

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    This easy canned corn recipe is especially perfect for busy nights when getting something healthy on the table can be a struggle. 

    Just like my How To Cook Canned Pinto Beans, and this How To Cook Canned Black Beans.

    Canned goods are convenient, and learning how to cook canned corn is a simple way to serve healthy food to your family.

    Canned corn can be used in various delicious recipes such as soups, salads, pasta sauces, and corn fritters. Please check out this How To Cook Canned Green Beans post.

    top down view of a saucepan filled with canned corn for the how to cook canned corn recipe

    I’m here to show you how to cook canned corn as an easy and tasty side that’s ready in just minutes.

    It’s certainly one of my family’s favorite corn side dishes, and I think it will become one of yours too. 

    Why Make This Recipe

    • Canned Corn Is Healthy – Corn is loaded with vitamins, including vitamin C and vitamin B. 
    • Quick – It’s so easy to get hot corn in just a few minutes. 
    • Affordable – Canned corn is inexpensive, and you can cook it without adding a lot of extra ingredients.  
    • Adaptable – Use canned corn in various recipes or season it with herbs and spices to bring out different flavors. It’s so versatile.  
    • Versatile – Use this to make recipes like this Scalloped Corn Recipe.

    Ingredient Notes

    • Canned Corn – When buying canned corn, look for canned sweet corn. Unsalted is my preference because I can season it to taste, but salted corn will be tasty. 
    • Butter – Select unsalted butter whenever possible. 
    • Salt – Kosher salt is a great option. 
    the ingredients for how to cook canned corn

    Ready to learn how to cook canned corn? Gather your ingredients and I will show you…

    Handy Tip: Use Good Kitchen Tools!

    For the best tools to help make your recipe even easier and more successful, check out my collection of the Best Kitchen Tools on Amazon.

    How To Cook Canned Corn

    Get the complete ingredients list and instructions from the recipe card below.

    1. Open the can of corn (using this awesome can opener) and drain out the liquid.
    2. Pour the corn kernels into a skillet or saucepan along with water, butter, and salt then bring to a simmer over medium heat.
    3. Reduce the heat to low and simmer the corn for a couple of minutes until warmed through.
    4. Taste for seasoning, adding more salt or sprinkling with salt and pepper as desired before serving.
    image collage showing the steps for how to cook canned corn

    Pro Tips 

    • Look for the words sweet corn on the can when purchasing canned corn. 
    • Frozen corn can be cooked the same way as canned corn. Frozen corn may take a few more minutes to become hot. 
    • Use chicken broth instead of water for even more flavor.
    • Season this easy canned corn recipe with salt and pepper
    • When cooking corn, do not allow the water to boil off. Cook corn until it is just warmed through so you don’t have chewy, overcooked corn. 
    • Drain the excess water from the corn before serving.
    • Use this really great can opener to easily and smoothly open canned food. 

    Delicious Variations

    • Make It Spicy – Add chopped jalapeno, red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper for spicy canned corn. 
    • Make It Cheesy – Sprinkle cooked canned corn with parmesan cheese or stir in some cream cheese for cheesy corn. 
    • Add More Seasonings – Salt and pepper and a little butter are perfect for tasty corn, but you can take it to the next level by adding other herbs and seasonings. Try adding red pepper flakes, smoked paprika, fresh parsley, lemon juice, red onion, or even a bit of sugar. 

    Prep And Storage

    • Prep Ahead – No prep needed! Just grab a can of sweet corn kernels for a tasty side. 
    • Store – Store leftover corn in the fridge for up to 4 days. Use these awesome containers.
    • Freeze – Do not freeze corn that has been thoroughly cooked as it may become mushy. 
    • Reheat – Reheat corn in a small saucepan on the stove top or in a microwave using a microwave-safe container. 
    close up view of the finished how to cook canned corn recipe

    FAQs

    How To Cook Canned Cream Corn?

    Canned creamed corn contains a mixture of whole corn kernels and kernels that have been pureed. To cook, do not drain the liquid from the can or add water to the saucepan.

    Simply use a can opener to open the can, pour it into a saucepan, and heat over medium-high heat until warmed through. Stir occasionally to prevent the corn from sticking to the pan. Season to taste.

    Is Canned Corn Cooked?

    Canned corn is already cooked and can be eaten straight out of the can without reheating.

    The liquid in the can is also safe to consume, but I prefer to add fresh water when I make canned corn. 

    How To Cook Canned Corn In The Microwave?

    To cook in the microwave, follow the recipe below but place the corn and other ingredients in a microwave safe dish.

    Cover with plastic wrap, leaving a space for steam to vent, and cook for 1-2 minutes or until warmed through. 

    top down view of a bowl filled with cooked canned corn

    More Recipes You May Like

    Feel Free To Check Out All My Canned Food Recipes.

    Canned Food Recipe Collections

    Serving Suggestions

    Weight Watchers Points

    There are 2 Blue Plan SmartPoints in one serving of this.

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    a serving dish filled with cooked canned corn
    Print Recipe
    5 from 2 votes

    How To Cook Canned Corn

    Prep Time10 minutes
    Cook Time5 minutes
    Course: Side Dish
    Servings: 4
    Calories: 116kcal
    Author: Bintu Hardy

    Ingredients

    • 15 ounces (425g) canned corn unsalted
    • ½ cup (236ml) water
    • 1 ½ tablespoons unsalted butter optional
    • salt to taste

    Instructions

    • Open the can of corn and drain out the liquid.
    • Pour the corn kernels into a skillet or saucepan along with water, butter, and salt. Bring to a simmer over medium heat.
    • Reduce the heat to low and simmer the canned corn for a couple of minutes until warmed through.
    • Taste for seasoning, adding more salt or sprinkling with salt and pepper before serving.
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    Video

    Notes

    • Look for the words ‘sweet corn’ on the can when purchasing canned corn. 
    • Frozen corn can be cooked the same way as canned corn. Frozen corn may take a few more minutes to become hot. 
    • Use chicken broth instead of water for even more flavor.
    • Season this easy canned corn recipe with salt and pepper. 
    • When cooking corn, do not allow the water to boil off. Cook corn until it is just warmed through so you don’t have chewy, overcooked corn. 
    • Drain the excess water from the corn before serving.
    • Storage – keep cooked canned corn in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
    • There are 2 WW Blue Plan SmartPoints in one serving of this.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 116kcal | Carbohydrates: 14g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 6g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 11mg | Sodium: 175mg | Potassium: 125mg | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 131IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 4mg | Iron: 1mg

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    Recipe Rating




    One Comment

    1. 5 stars
      Greetings! My lovely significant other, whom I love, asked me about the process in which corn meal was made and unfortunately I did not have an answer for her because I did not know that answer for myself! After a brief google search on ‘how to corn a meal’ did not turn up the answers in which I was so desperate for, I did however notice this article. I feel like it was very well written and not only teaches the reader how to cook a can of canned corn, but also provides the health benefits of doing so, the very definition of going above and beyond, in my most humblest of opinions:)

      The inclusion of salt in the recipe was a bit confusing since there was no measurements listed in the recipe for how much salt should be used for a can of canned corn, but I will still give this recipe for canned corn cook 5 stars due to its informative nature and the obvious care that the article writer has put in to preparing a classic staple that no meatloaf dinner should be without. We have meatloaf six days a week. THANK YOU AND GOD BLESS AMERICA!