This is how to freeze corn so your harvest (or purchase from the farmers market) will last long after peak season.
How to Freeze Corn on the Cob
Updated on Mar. 07, 2024
There’s nothing like enjoying fresh corn on the cob in summer. However, fresh corn stored in the fridge will only last for one to two days—so if you know you won’t put it to use within that timeframe, knowing how to freeze corn guarantees that none of those precious kernels go to waste. Plus, freezing corn means you can indulge in your favorite ways to eat corn on the cob and fresh corn recipes even after corn season has come and gone.
Read on for the best methods to save fresh corn!
How do you prepare fresh corn for freezing?
No matter which method you choose, you’ll need to shuck your corn before freezing—unlike storing fresh corn, which requires leaving the husks on.
You’ll also want to grab some freezer bags and a permanent marker (to write the date on the bag).
How to Freeze Corn
How to freeze fresh corn on the cob
If you want to freeze corn on the cob, you can either freeze it fresh or freeze after blanching the corn. Blanching is a traditional cooking method used to keep fresh produce for longer periods of time. Blanching vegetables also helps remove dirt and keeps them vibrant. In the case of corn, the kernels will stay bright, yellow and juicy as can be.
Follow all the steps through if you plan to blanch the corn before freezing, or skip steps 2 and 3 if you would rather freeze the corn fresh.
Step 1: Shuck the corn
Start by shucking the corn and removing its silk.
Step 2: Blanch the corn
Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Place the shucked corn cobs into the boiling water to blanch them. It should take 7 minutes for small cobs, 9 minutes for medium cobs and 11 minutes for large cobs.
Step 3: Place the corn cobs in an ice bath
After boiling them, remove the cobs from the pot and immediately place them into ice water for the same length of time. Remove the corn from the ice water and pat dry with paper towels.
Step 4: Store the corn cobs
Whether you’ve blanched the corn or not, place the corn cobs into freezer bags and push any air out. You’ll want to date the airtight freezer bags using a permanent marker before placing the bags into the freezer.
If you prefer corn off the cob, you can cut the kernels off and pour them into freezer bags instead.
How to freeze fresh corn kernels
After shucking and removing the silk from the corn, cut the kernels off of the corn cob and dump them into a bowl or container. Then, pour the corn kernels into as many freezer bags as needed and push any remaining air out. Date the airtight freezer bags with a permanent marker, then place the bags into the freezer.
Editor’s Tip: When freezing corn kernels, make sure you allow enough space for the kernels to breathe. We recommend freezing kernels in a single layer.
How long does corn last in the freezer?
Whether in cob or kernel form, corn should last about six months stored in an airtight freezer bag. If you have leftovers after employing your favorite method for how to cook corn on the cob, you can pop those in the freezer as well. Simply tuck the cooled, cooked corn into freezer bags. Just know that cooked corn may be a little mushier when you reheat it than corn that was blanched or frozen fresh.
When it’s time to enjoy the corn after storing in the freezer, there are plenty of methods for reheating corn on the cob. Depending on how much time you have, try your microwave, oven, stovetop, air fryer or even the grill.
Recipes That Start with Frozen Corn
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Church Supper Spaghetti
Because this recipe feeds so many, I often take it to church dinners and potlucks. This colorful dish also comes in handy when we have lots of help to feed on our farm. —Verlyn Wilson, Wilkinson, Indiana
Slow-Cooker Creamed Corn with BaconEvery time I take this super rich corn to a holiday potluck or work party, I leave with an empty slow cooker. It's decadent, homey and so worth the splurge. —Melissa Pelkey Hass, Waleska, Georgia
Bourbon Barbecue Chicken TacosI wanted to try a different take on taco night and decided on a barbecue theme. Even my father enjoyed this meal, and he doesn’t usually care for tacos. —LaDale Hymer, Cleveland, Oklahoma
Southwest-Style Wedding SoupI turned leftover ground chicken into meatballs and dreamed up this cozy southwestern soup. Now my Italian family asks for it over traditional wedding soup. —Teena Petrus, Johnstown, Pennsylvania
Mexican Sausage & Cornbread StrataThe beauty of my Mexican strata is that you can change it depending on the veggies you have on hand. I make mine most often with corn and pico de gallo. —Lisa Huff, Wilton, Connecticut
Jalapeno CornbreadWhip up our spicy jalapeño cornbread with ease, blending the sweetness of fresh corn with the savory sharpness of cheddar and a spicy jalapeño kick for a delectably balanced treat.
Black Bean TartThis colorful dish was a hit at a get-together I had for friends. I served the tart with sour cream on the side, a green salad and crusty bread. —Ellen Papa, Miami, Florida.
Corn and Broccoli in Cheese SauceSave room in the oven by making this savory side in your slow cooker. It is a standby in my house. My daughter likes to add leftover ham to create a hearty main course. —Joyce Johnson, Uniontown, Ohio
Cool Beans SaladThis protein-filled dish could be served as a colorful side dish or a meatless main entree. When you make it, double the recipe because it will be gone in a flash! The basmati rice adds a unique flavor and the dressing gives it a bit of a tang. —Janelle Lee, Appleton, Wisconsin
The Best Shepherd’s PieOur top-rated shepherd's pie recipe delivers a cozy, filling, homestyle dinner that never disappoints.
Slow-Cooker Beef StewThis slow-cooker beef stew recipe certainly satisfies when it's chilly outside. Each spoonful delivers tender bites of beef, creamy potatoes and chunky vegetables in a rich mustard-seasoned broth.
Chicken, Rice and BeansWith pantry spices, salsa and lean chicken breast, our flavorful chicken, rice and beans recipe simmers up on the stovetop for a quick weeknight meal.
Slow Cooker Cheesy CornThis slow cooker cheesy corn combines sweet corn with a creamy, melty cheese sauce—all made right in your slow cooker. It's the perfect comfort food for busy nights or holiday gatherings!
Black Bean Tortilla PieI found this entree a while ago and decreased the cheese and increased the herbs called for in the recipe. It’s one of my toddler’s favorite meals. She always smiles when she sees it on the table. —Wendy Kelly, Petersburg, New York
Sausage Veggie SkilletThis sausage veggie skillet recipe is a no-fuss, filling meal. Made with potatoes, onions, spinach and corn, this hearty dish is surprisingly quick to prepare and can be on the table in about 30 minutes.
Cheese Tortellini with Tomatoes and CornFresh corn and basil make this dish taste like summer. I think it's a good one for bringing to picnics or gatherings, but it's great along with any side dish for a weeknight dinner! —Sally Maloney, Dallas, Georgia
Confetti Kielbasa SkilletHere's one of my husband's favorite dishes. When it's in season, substitute fresh corn for frozen. Add a dash of cayenne pepper if you like a little heat. —Sheila Gomez, Shawnee, Kansas 
Apple Chicken QuesadillasMy sister came up with an easy recipe that can be served as a main course or an appetizer. People are surprised by the combination of chicken, apples, tomatoes and corn inside the crispy tortillas, but they love it. —Stacia Slagle of Maysville, Missouri
Southwest CornMaking southwestern sautéed corn takes less than 20 minutes from start to finish and it comes out wonderfully every time.
Turkey Dumpling SoupSimmering up a big pot of this soup is one of my favorite holiday traditions. This is a variation on a recipe my mom made while I was growing up. My husband and children can't get enough of the tender dumplings. —Debbie Wolf, Mission Viejo, California
Corn Okra CreoleThis dish is representative of my area of the country, and particularly the Texas-Louisiana border. The okra, corn and Creole seasonings are all popular here. —Ruth Aubey, San Antonio, Texas
Scalloped CornThis comforting scalloped corn casserole features sunny corn kernels blended into a creamy custard. By the time the serving dish leaves the table, it will be scraped clean!
Skillet NachosTaco-seasoned ground beef with tomatoes and rice makes a fast and easy nacho topping. Melt the cheese in the skillet in the residual heat of the beef, and then pour it onto individual plates of chips. People can customize their own toppings to their liking!
Spoon BreadSpoon bread is a centuries-old southern comfort food. Made of cornmeal and a few basic pantry ingredients, this soft, billowy classic can be prepared in just about an hour. Ready the spoons!
Edamame Corn Carrot SaladI came up with this easy salad while brainstorming light, protein-filled recipes. My vegetarian and vegan friends are especially big fans. —Maiah Miller, Monterey, California
Corn and Black Bean SaladThis colorful, crunchy black bean and corn salad is chock-full of nutrition that all ages love. Try it with a variety of summer entrees, or as a wholesome salsa! —Krista Frank, Rhododendron, Oregon
Hash Brown Maple Sausage CasseroleThis craveworthy casserole has a golden hash-brown crust that's topped with sausage and veggies. My favorite part is the surprise layer of gooey Gruyere. —Anuja Argade, Foster City, California
Stovetop ChiliThis hearty chili comes together quickly and is packed with vegetables, cheese and meat. It's an easy-to-prepare one-pan meal that you'll reach for on repeat in the fall and winter months.
Creamy CornOut of all my corn recipes, this is my favorite. You need just a few ingredients and a slow cooker to make this delicious side dish. Because it cooks on its own, you'll have extra time to prepare the main course. —Judy McCarthy, Derby, Kansas
Mexican Mac and CheeseThis Mexican macaroni and cheese is the ultimate quick-comfort recipe that will leave the entire family satisfied.
Curried Chicken Corn ChowderThis recipe is close to one my mom used to make for us kids when the weather turned cold. Hers called for heavy cream, but I came up with a slimmer version that I think is pretty true to the original! —Kendra Doss, Colorado Springs, Colorado
Chicken PotpieLearning how to make chicken potpie from scratch is 100% worth it. This chicken potpie recipe features a flaky, buttery crust packed with chicken, vegetables and a creamy sauce.
Slow-Cooker Chicken TacosThis slow-cooker chicken tacos recipe is anything but boring or bland. Fresh lime juice, chili powder, salsa and corn give the tender chicken a burst of fresh flavor.
Vegetarian Stuffed PeppersThese vegetarian stuffed peppers are a fresh, filling dinner for meatless Monday (or any other night of the week). They're endlessly adaptable and quick to mix together. Plus, they can be cooked in a slow cooker or baked in the oven to gooey perfection.
Garden Chickpea SaladLooking for a summer dish with a difference? Combine colorful crunchy veggies with soft feta cheese and good-for-you garbanzos. If you like, add sliced, cooked chicken or lamb. —Sally Sibthorpe, Shelby Township, Michigan
Pressure-Cooker Tex-Mex RisottoI love food with lots of flavor and a Mexican twist, but am too lazy to stand over a pot of risotto. This recipe gave me the opportunity to marry my love of Mexican and creamy risotto—no muss, no fuss. —Sharon Marx, Grand Blanc, Michigan 
Chicken QuesadillasThese stuffed chicken quesadillas pack impressive flavor, but they couldn't be easier to make. Finish them with sour cream and guacamole or your favorite Mexican-inspired toppings for a quesadilla feast that'll satisfy that craving.
Southwest RiceBright, colorful and chock-full of flavor, this hearty southwest rice will become a favorite side to all your Tex-Mex mains. With total prep and cook time coming in under 30 minutes, it's also ideal for busy weeknights.
Chicken Chili with Black BeansBecause it looks different than traditional chili, my family was a little hesitant to try this dish at first. Thanks to the full, hearty flavor, it's become a real favorite around our house. I like to serve it with warm cornbread. —Jeanette Urbom, Louisburg, Kansas
