What Pairs Well With Corn?

Picture of a Corn

Category: Grain

Corn, also known as maize, is a cereal grain that is widely consumed around the world. It is a staple food in many cultures and is used in a variety of dishes. Corn kernels are typically yellow or white in color and can be eaten fresh, dried, or processed into various products such as cornmeal, corn flour, corn syrup, and corn oil. Corn can be boiled, grilled, roasted, or steamed and is often used in salads, soups, stews, and as a side dish. It is a versatile and nutritious food that is high in carbohydrates, fiber, vitamins, and minerals.

Flavor Profiles:

  • Savory
  • Sweet

What goes with Corn:

  • Cheese – Creamy, melted cheese adds a rich and comforting element to corn, and it provides a good source of calcium and protein.
  • Red Onion – Red onion’s mildly sweet and tangy flavor complements the natural sweetness of corn, creating a balanced and flavorful combination in dishes.
  • Sour Cream – Sour cream’s tangy and creamy flavor complements the natural sweetness of corn, while its cool temperature provides a pleasant contrast to warm corn dishes.
  • Cheddar Cheese – Cheddar cheese pairs well with corn due to its sharp, tangy flavor profile, which complements the natural sweetness of corn.
  • Bacon – The salty and savory flavors of bacon complement the natural sweetness of corn, creating a delicious and satisfying combination that is popular in many cuisines.
  • Black Beans – Their hearty texture and rich, earthy flavor complements the sweetness of corn, and they provide a good source of protein and fiber.
  • Lime Juice – Lime juice pairs well with corn because its acidity balances the sweetness of corn, while its citrus notes enhance its natural flavor.
  • Onions – Onions’ subtle sweetness and pungency complement corn’s natural sweetness, while their textural contrast adds depth and interest to the overall dish.
  • Tomatoes – Tomatoes and corn complement each other well in dishes because the acidity of tomatoes balances the natural sweetness of corn, creating a harmonious and flavorful combination.
  • Cumin – Cumin’s earthy and warm flavor profile complements the natural sweetness of corn, creating a harmonious and delicious combination.
  • Cilantro – Cilantro’s bright, citrusy notes complement the natural sweetness of corn, creating a balanced and flavorful combination.
  • Bell Peppers – Bell peppers and corn complement each other well in dishes due to their contrasting flavors and textures, with sweet bell peppers balancing the natural sweetness of corn while providing a satisfying crunch.
  • Beans – Beans and corn complement each other nutritionally, as beans provide complete protein and corn contains essential amino acids that are not present in beans, creating a balanced meal when combined.
  • Avocado – Their creamy and mild flavor balances the sweetness of corn, and they provide a good source of healthy fats and fiber.
  • Ham – The sweetness of corn complements the savory and salty flavors of ham, creating a harmonious and satisfying combination in dishes like honey-baked ham with roasted corn or ham and corn chowder.
  • Jalapenos – The sweetness of corn complements the mild heat of jalapenos, creating a balanced and flavorful combination in dishes like elote or corn salsa.
  • Bell Pepper – Their combination creates a harmonious blend of sweet, slightly grassy, and bright, fruity flavors, with a satisfying crunch and juice that complement each other in various dishes.
  • Lime – Lime’s tangy and bright flavor complements the natural sweetness of corn, creating a balanced and refreshing combination.
  • Chili Powder – Chili powder and corn pair well together because the mild heat and smoky flavor of the chili powder complements the natural sweetness of the corn, creating a balanced and flavorful combination.
  • Grilled Chicken Or Tofu – Both provide a savory contrast to the natural sweetness of corn, and they help to make the meal more satisfying and filling.
  • Cilantro And Lime – The bright, fresh flavors of cilantro and lime help to balance the sweetness of corn, and they add a burst of color and nutrition to the dish.
  • Red Bell Peppers – Their mildly sweet and crunchy texture pairs well with corn, and they provide a good source of vitamin C and antioxidants.
  • Jalapenos Or Chili Peppers – Their spicy kick complements the sweetness of corn, and they can help to boost metabolism and improve digestion.
  • Tortilla Chips – Tortilla chips, being made from corn masa, naturally complement the sweet and subtle flavor of corn kernels, creating a harmonious texture contrast when combined in dishes like elote or esquites.
  • Cotija Cheese – Cotija cheese has a salty, crumbly texture that provides a satisfying contrast to the sweet, juicy taste and crunchy texture of corn.