How to Cut Corn Off the Cob

It’s super easy to cut fresh summer corn off the cob (and no special tools required)!

Corn is one of our favorite summer foods! We love to process and freeze corn to add to so many delicious recipes.

corn on the cob and knife to show How to Cut Corn Off the Cob

Best Corn to Use

Most store-bought or farmer’s market ears of corn are yellow or white in color. There are many varieties of sweet corn that are delicious.

Sweet Yellow is delish because the kernels are large, firm, and sweet.
Fresh Butter & Sugar corn is deliciously savory-sweet.
Peaches & Cream is another summer favorite that tastes amazing fresh off the cob.

Raw or cooked corn can be cut off the cob and either served now or frozen for later.

Below are methods to cook corn on the cob before removing the kernels. Keep in mind, you can cook the corn AFTER removing the kernels if you prefer.

It’s super easy to remove kernels from a raw or cooked cob. While you can buy corn kernel tools, I honestly find it easier with a knife.

Fold a paper towel in half & place it on the bottom of a medium-sized bowl.
Hold an ear of raw or cooked (& cooled) corn vertically with the smaller end on the paper towel.
Using a small sharp paring knife, slice long rows of kernels from the top to the bottom.
Rotate the ear of corn & slice off kernels until the cob is clean.
Separate the kernels, rinse in cold water, & use or freeze for future use.

You can refrigerate or freeze the corn.

The best way to retain the sweet flavor and plumpness of corn cut from the cob is to cook it quickly.

Boil in a pot of water & blanch corn kernels for 3 to 5 minutes.
Pan Fry Heat in a frying pan with butter, salt & pepper.
Roast Toss the corn in oil or butter and season. Roast at 425°F for about 10-12 minutes.

Here are some fresh corn recipes we know you’ll love!

Fresh corn tastes amazing as an addition to a cobb salad.
Try making some tasty corn fritters to serve up as a delicious summer side or breakfast treat.
Tasty black bean and corn salsa is a yummy alternative to restaurant-style salsa.
A summer corn salad is the perfect way to use the bounty of corn in a dish that everyone is sure to love.
Corn chowder is a soup that isn’t to be missed!