How To Cook Canned Corn

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.

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

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.

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.  

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…

How To Cook Canned Corn

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

  1. Open the can of corn 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.

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.  
  • 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

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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

How To Cook Canned Corn

Prep Time10 mins

Cook Time5 mins

Servings: 4

Calories: 116kcal

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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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