As they say, variety is the spice of life! And when it comes to canned corn, there’s no shortage of ways to make it taste better.
In this article, I’ll share with you 10 different seasonings that will take your canned corn from ordinary to extraordinary.
From tangy lime and zesty garlic to smoky paprika and savory herbs, these simple additions will elevate your corn to a whole new level of deliciousness.
So let’s dive in and discover how to transform that can of corn into a culinary masterpiece!

10 Ways To Make Canned Corn Taste Better
When it comes to making canned corn taste better, there are a few key ingredients and techniques that I always turn to.
First, spices are a great way to add an extra burst of flavor to the corn. Whether it’s paprika, cumin, or chili powder, spices can elevate the taste and make it more exciting.
Second, herbs like parsley or cilantro can bring a freshness to the corn that makes it feel lighter and more vibrant.
Lastly, adding a touch of citrus zest can really brighten up the flavors and add a refreshing kick.
And of course, you can never go wrong with a pat of butter and some garlic for that rich and savory taste.
Spices for Added Flavor
To enhance the flavor of your canned corn, try adding a pinch of your favorite spices. Spices can really elevate the taste of this simple dish and take it to a whole new level.
Personally, I love adding a combination of garlic powder, paprika, and a dash of cayenne pepper for a little kick. The garlic powder gives it a savory depth, while the paprika adds a subtle smokiness.
If you prefer something milder, you can try adding a pinch of cumin or Italian seasoning. It’s all about experimenting and finding the flavors that you enjoy the most.
So next time you reach for that can of corn, don’t forget to spice it up and make it truly delicious.
Herbs for Freshness
If you’re looking for a way to add a burst of freshness to your dish, consider using a variety of herbs.
Herbs are a fantastic way to elevate the flavors in your food and bring a touch of vibrancy to your plate.
Whether you’re cooking up a hearty soup, a zesty pasta dish, or a refreshing salad, there’s an herb out there that can take your meal to the next level.
From the earthy aroma of rosemary to the bright, citrusy notes of cilantro, herbs offer a wide range of flavors to explore.
I personally love adding a sprinkle of basil to my tomato-based dishes or tossing in some mint leaves to give my desserts a refreshing twist.
So why not give herbs a try and see how they can transform your culinary creations?
Citrus Zest for Brightness
Adding a dash of citrus zest to your dishes can bring a burst of brightness and enhance the flavors in your food. I love using citrus zest in my cooking because it adds a refreshing and vibrant touch. Whether it’s a sprinkle of lemon zest on roasted vegetables or a hint of orange zest in a salad dressing, the citrusy aroma and tangy taste can really elevate a dish.
The zest contains essential oils that give it a strong, fragrant flavor. It’s important to use a fine grater or zester to get just the colored part of the peel, avoiding the bitter white pith.
Butter for Richness
Butter adds a creamy and indulgent richness to dishes that can take them to the next level. When it comes to making canned corn taste better, butter is a game-changer.
I love adding a pat of butter to a steaming hot bowl of corn kernels. As it melts, it coats each kernel, creating a luscious and velvety texture. The buttery flavor enhances the natural sweetness of the corn, making it even more irresistible.
Sometimes, I like to take it up a notch by adding a sprinkle of salt and a dash of black pepper. This simple addition elevates the taste of the corn, giving it a savory and decadent twist.
Garlic for Savory Taste
Now that we’ve covered using butter to enhance the richness of canned corn, let’s move on to another tasty option: garlic for a savory taste.
Adding garlic to canned corn can elevate its flavor and give it a delicious kick. To make this simple yet flavorful upgrade, start by sautéing some minced garlic in a bit of olive oil until it becomes fragrant. Then, add the canned corn and cook it for a few minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
The garlic will infuse the corn with its distinct taste, adding depth and complexity to each bite. This savory twist is perfect for those who enjoy bold flavors and want to take their canned corn to the next level.
Onion for Depth
To deepen the flavor of your canned corn, try sautéing some diced onions in olive oil until they turn golden brown. This simple step adds a depth of flavor that takes your corn to a whole new level.
The onions become sweet and caramelized, infusing the corn with their rich and savory taste. As the onions cook, their aroma fills the kitchen, creating an irresistible scent that will have everyone eagerly awaiting dinner.
The combination of the sweet corn and the savory onions creates a beautiful balance of flavors that is sure to impress. So next time you open a can of corn, don’t settle for plain. Elevate your dish by adding sautéed onions and enjoy the delicious transformation it brings.
Cheese for Creaminess
Adding melted cheese to your canned corn creates a creamy and indulgent side dish that is sure to be a hit. I love how the melted cheese coats each kernel, adding a rich and gooey texture to the dish.
To make this cheesy corn, simply heat your canned corn in a saucepan over medium heat until it’s warmed through. Then, sprinkle in your favorite shredded cheese and stir until it’s fully melted and incorporated. I like to use cheddar or Monterey Jack for their bold flavors.
The cheese not only adds creaminess but also enhances the sweetness of the corn. It’s a simple and delicious way to elevate your canned corn into something truly special.
Bacon for Smokiness
If you’re looking for a way to enhance the flavor of your creamy corn dish, try adding crispy bacon for a smoky twist.
I absolutely love the combination of sweet corn and savory bacon. It adds a depth of flavor that takes the dish to a whole new level.
The crispy texture of the bacon complements the creaminess of the corn, creating a delightful contrast.
To incorporate bacon into your corn dish, simply cook it until it’s crispy and then crumble it on top of your creamy corn.
The smoky aroma will fill your kitchen, and the taste will leave you wanting more.
So next time you’re making creamy corn, don’t forget to add some crispy bacon for that extra smokiness that will surely impress your taste buds.
Hot Sauce for Heat
For an extra kick of heat, try drizzling hot sauce over your creamy corn dish. I absolutely love adding hot sauce to my canned corn. It takes the flavor to a whole new level.
The heat from the sauce complements the creamy sweetness of the corn perfectly. Whenever I make a batch of creamy corn, I always reach for my favorite bottle of hot sauce. Whether it’s a tangy sriracha or a fiery habanero sauce, the choice is up to you.
Just a few drops of hot sauce can transform a simple corn dish into a spicy sensation. So next time you’re looking to add some heat to your canned corn, don’t forget to grab that bottle of hot sauce and give it a drizzle. You won’t be disappointed!
Honey for Sweetness
When it comes to sweetening up your creamy corn dish, try drizzling some honey over it for a touch of natural sweetness. I love using honey as a sweetener because it adds a unique flavor that complements the corn perfectly.
Simply heat up your canned corn in a saucepan and then remove it from the heat. Take a tablespoon of honey and slowly drizzle it over the corn, making sure to evenly distribute it. Stir gently to combine the honey with the corn.
The honey will infuse the corn with its natural sweetness, elevating the dish to a whole new level. The result is a creamy and slightly sweet corn that will have your taste buds dancing with delight.
Give it a try, and you’ll never go back to plain canned corn again.
Conclusion
In conclusion, adding seasonings to canned corn can greatly enhance its flavor and make it more enjoyable to eat. For instance, I recently tried sprinkling some chili powder and lime juice on a can of corn, and it transformed the dish into a zesty and tangy side that perfectly complemented my grilled chicken.
The combination of spices and citrus infused the corn with a burst of flavors, elevating it from a basic side dish to a delicious and memorable addition to the meal.
So, don’t be afraid to experiment with different seasonings and make your canned corn truly taste exceptional.
Ben, a culinary enthusiast and owner of RelishedRecipes.com, shares his passion for food and cooking through delectable recipes and valuable tips. Ben delights in exploring international cuisines and inspiring home cooks on their culinary journeys.