How To Freeze Corn On The Cob

Learn How To Freeze Corn On The Cob to preserve its sweet, juicy flavor and enjoy it all year round. Follow our detailed, step-by-step guide on freezing corn on the cob to keep this summertime favorite fresh and ready for your meals anytime!

Equipment You Need For Freezing Corn

• Ziplock freezer bags or plastic wrap
• Large pot
• Tong
• Large bowl
• Paper towel

How To Freeze Corn On The Cob?

Let’s go through the step-by-step guide to freeze corn on the cob the right and easy way.

Step 1: Choose Fresh Corn

The first step is selecting fresh sweet corn. Look for one in season and free from any blemishes or bruises—the fresher the corn, the better.

Step 2: Blanch The Corn

Blanching the corn is an essential step in freezing corn on the cob. The blanching process helps stop the enzyme activity in the corn and preserves its flavor and texture.

To blanch corn, fill a large pot with clean water and bring it to a rolling boil. Once the water is boiling, add the whole corn and let it boil for 4-5 minutes. You can blanch multiple whole cobs of corn at once; make sure they are all fully submerged in the boiling water.

Step 3: Cool The Corn

After blanching, remove corn from the boiling water using a tong and place it in a large bowl filled with ice water to quickly halt the cooking process. Leave the sweet corn in the ice bath for the same amount of time it was blanched and proceed to the next step.

Step 4: Dry The Corn

Pat the cooled corn dry with a clean paper towel to remove any excess water. Ensure the corn is completely dry before moving on to the next step.

Step 5: Package The Corn

Wrap the corn cob tightly in a freezer bag, ensuring that it is completely covered and that there are no exposed areas. Freezer bags are ideal for preventing freezer burn and keeping the corn fresh.

To maximize the shelf life of frozen corn, it’s a good idea to label the package with the date it was frozen. You can also vacuum seal the bags when packaging the corn.

By removing as much air as possible, you can save space and preserve the corn’s nutrients, texture, and flavor.

Step 6: Freeze

Place the sealed freezer bag in the freezer for later use.

How Long Does Frozen Corn Last?

Frozen corn on the cob can last for about 8 to 12 months in the freezer. Make sure it’s stored in airtight containers or freezer bags to maintain its quality. Over time, the taste and texture might slightly change. For best flavor, try to use it within a year.

Is Frozen Corn As Good As Fresh?

While fresh corn is considered the ideal choice, frozen corn is a convenient and tasty alternative. Frozen corn is typically processed and packaged at its peak freshness, which helps to lock in the nutrients, texture, and flavor.

How To Cook Frozen Corn?

Boiling Method

Boiling is a classic way to cook corn. Here’s how to do it:

1. Pour the desired amount of frozen corn into an instant pot and cover it with water.
2. Heat water until it reaches boiling point and reduce the heat to a simmer.
3. Cook corn for 5-7 minutes or until it’s tender.
4. Drain the corn and serve it with butter, salt, and pepper.

Microwave Method

If you’re short on time, the microwave method is a very quick and easy way to cook frozen corn. Here’s how to do it:

1. Place the desired amount of frozen corn in a microwave-safe dish.
2. Add a tablespoon of water, then cover the dish with plastic wrap or a microwave-safe lid.
3. Microwave the corn on high for about 3-5 minutes or until it’s cooked through.
4. Drain the corn and serve it with your favorite seasonings.

Oven Roasting Method

Roasting frozen corn in the oven gives it a delicious charred flavor. Here’s how to do it:

1. Preheat your oven to a nice 450°F (230°C).
2. Spread the frozen corn in a single layer on a baking sheet.
3. Drizzle the corn with olive oil and sprinkle it with salt and pepper.
4. Roast the corn for 15-20 minutes or until it’s golden brown.
5. Serve the corn hot with a sprinkle of fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley.

Sautéing Method

Sautéing frozen corn is a quick and easy way to add it to your favorite dishes. Here’s how to do it:

1. Heat a tablespoon of oil or butter in a skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add the frozen corn to your skillet and cook it for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally.
3. Sprinkle the corn with your favorite seasonings, like cumin, chili powder, or smoked paprika.
4. Cook the corn for an additional 2-3 minutes or until it’s golden brown.
5. Serve the corn warm as a side dish or as a garnish on tacos, salads, or soups.

Delicious Sweet Corn Recipes To Try

From salads to soups, corn can add a sweet and savory flavor to any dish. Whether you’re looking for a full meal or a quick snack, sweet corn is an awesome addition!

Here are 10 sweet corn dishes that are definitely worth trying.

1. Grilled Corn On The Cob

Grilled corn is a classic summer dish that is simple to make and packed with flavor. To make grilled corn on the cob, simply brush the corn with melted butter, sprinkle with salt and pepper, and grill it over medium heat for about 10-15 minutes. You can also add some chopped herbs, like cilantro or basil, to the butter for an extra burst of flavor.

2. Corn On The Cob With Herb Butter

Corn on the cob with herb butter is a simple dish that is easy to make and never missed. To make it, boil or grill the corn and serve it with a generous dollop of herb butter made with chopped fresh herbs such as parsley, chives, and thyme.

3. Sweet Corn Fettuccine

Sweet Corn Fettuccine is a pasta dish with a creamy sauce made with sweet corn. It is typically made with fettuccine noodles, a creamy sauce, and fresh or frozen sweet corn kernels. To add more flavor and texture, the dish can be topped with additional ingredients such as bacon, garlic, and Parmesan cheese.

4. Cornbread Muffins With Honey Butter

These savory-sweet muffins are a perfect side dish for a summer barbecue or picnic. To create the dish, mix cornmeal, flour, baking powder, and salt, then stir in corn kernels, milk, and eggs. Bake in a muffin tin until golden brown, then serve with a dollop of honey butter.

5. Corn And Black Bean Salad

Corn and black bean salad is a great side dish for any summer meal. To make it, simply combine cooked corn, black beans, diced tomatoes, red onion, jalapeno, and chopped cilantro in a bowl. Drizzle with olive oil and lime juice, and season with salt and pepper to taste. 

6. Corn Chowder

Corn chowder is a comforting and satisfying soup perfect for cooler weather. To make it, sauté onions, celery, and carrots in butter until they are tender. Add flour and cook for a minute or two, then slowly whisk in chicken or vegetable broth. Add cooked corn and let the soup simmer for about 10-15 minutes. Finally, stir in cream and chopped herbs, like thyme or parsley, and serve.

7. Corn And Black Bean Quesadillas

These cheesy and satisfying quesadillas are perfect for a quick and easy dinner. Fill tortillas with corn kernels, black beans, diced tomatoes, and shredded cheese, then cook on a griddle until the cheese is melted and the tortillas are crispy.

8. Corn Fritters

Corn fritters are a tasty and easy appetizer or side dish. To make them, simply mix together corn, flour, eggs, milk, and spices, like paprika or cumin, in a bowl. Heat some oil in a pan and drop spoonful of the mixture into the hot oil. Cook the batter for a couple minutes on each side until golden brown, then drain on paper towels.

9. Sweet Corn Ice Cream

Sweet corn ice cream is a unique and delicious dessert perfect for summertime. To make it, steep cooked sweet corn in heavy cream for a few hours, then strain out the corn kernels. Add sugar, egg yolks, and a pinch of salt, then cook the mixture over low heat until it thickens. Let the mixture cool, then churn it in an ice cream maker until it is smooth and creamy.

10. Corn And Bacon Risotto

This hearty dish is perfect for a cozy dinner at home. Start by sautéing diced bacon and onions in butter, then add Arborio rice and cook until lightly toasted. Slowly add chicken broth, stirring constantly, until the rice is cooked and creamy. Stir in corn kernels and grated Parmesan cheese.