Nothing screams ‘summertime’ quite like corn—especially when it’s fresh corn on the cob! It can be grilled, boiled, covered in cheese, or even wrapped in bacon, but no matter how you make it, corn on the cob is a cookout classic. Yet, during other times of the year, we often miss out on our favorite corn recipes simply because corn isn’t in season. Well, those days are over because it’s easier than ever to simply freeze corn! That’s right—all you need to know are a few easy steps for how to freeze corn on the cob and you’ll be enjoying corn for days to come.
Just like you can freeze tomatoes or freeze summer squash, corn is a seasonal veggie that's easily frozen. The key is to get the freshest corn possible during the peak sunny season, so it's at its best when you freeze it. Head to the farmers' market and look for corn that’s firm with a bright green husk and silk strands that aren't dried out. Then, you'll need to know how to shuck and boil corn. But don't worry, we've broken down the method in four easy steps so anyone can do it!
The best part about freezing corn on the cob is that it will last about six to nine months in the freezer, so you won't have to be without fresh corn for long. When you're ready to use it, just give the corn a quick boil to heat it up and try Ree Drummond's tasty corn fritters!
How do you freeze corn on the cob?
Step 1: Shuck the corn.
Remove the husks and silks from the corn, then snap off any long ends for easier storage.
The Pioneer Woman Breezy Blossom 12-Quart Stock Pot
Step 2: Blanch the corn.
Bring a large pot of water to a boil; add the corn on the cob and cook 2 to 3 minutes. Remove the ears from the water, then submerge them in a bowl filled with ice water to shock them, or to stop them from cooking.
Step 3: Drain and let cool.
Lay the corn on the cob out on a paper towel–lined baking sheet to drain. It is important that your corn is dry and cooled before you freeze it so ice crystals don't form, which might make the corn soggy when you reheat it later. You can place the baking sheet in the fridge for about 30 minutes to speed up the cooling process or just let the corn cool to room temperature on the counter if you have the time.
Step 4: Wrap and freeze.
Tightly wrap the cooled corn on the cob individually in plastic wrap and place in a resealable plastic freezer bag. Be sure to squeeze out any air before sealing! Store the bags of corn in the freezer—your corn on the cob will keep for six to nine months! When you're ready to use, just boil the corn for a few minutes to heat through.
Can I freeze uncooked corn on the cob?
While it might sound easier to freeze uncooked corn on the cob, it’s not recommended. The process of boiling and blanching the corn first is the absolute best way to prepare your corn for the freezer. That's because this method will preserve the bright color and sweet flavor. It only takes a couple of minutes, but the extra steps will prevent the corn from becoming chewy or mushy when you defrost it.
If you want to freeze corn kernels instead, the same recommendation for cooking the corn first applies. Simply follow steps 1 to 3 above, then cut the corn off the cob and place the kernels in a resealable plastic freezer bag.
Do I need to blanch corn on the cob before freezing?
Yes, it's the best method. Blanch the corn (see directions above) before freezing so the corn retains its crisp texture. Most frozen veggies you buy at the grocery store have been blanched, then flash-frozen to preserve their flavor and texture.
What is the best way to put corn on the cob in the freezer?
The best way to store corn on the cob in the freezer is to wrap the blanched, cooled ears individually in plastic wrap and place in a resealable plastic freezer bag. Wrapping the corn cobs individually first will prevent them from clumping together (in case you want to just pull out one at a time). Plus, it will keep them from drying out.
Do you thaw frozen corn on the cob before cooking?
To reheat your corn on the cob, simply place it straight from the freezer into a pot of boiling water and cook until tender. There’s no need to thaw your corn before boiling it! That’s what makes frozen corn on the cob so easy to use.
FAQs
The best way to store corn on the cob in the freezer is to wrap the blanched, cooled ears individually in plastic wrap and place in a resealable plastic freezer bag. Wrapping the corn cobs individually first will prevent them from clumping together (in case you want to just pull out one at a time).
What is the best way to freeze fresh corn on the cob? ›
The best way to store corn on the cob in the freezer is to wrap the blanched, cooled ears individually in plastic wrap and place in a resealable plastic freezer bag. Wrapping the corn cobs individually first will prevent them from clumping together (in case you want to just pull out one at a time).
What happens if you don't blanch corn before freezing? ›
Blanching is a must
The natural enzymes in corn need to be inactivated before freezing to prevent both loss of color and nutrients, and flavor and texture changes. These enzymes are inactivated by a hot blanch treatment. The chilling process prevents the corn from becoming mushy due to overcooking the starch.
Is it better to freeze corn with or without husk? ›
Don't peel or remove anything. If the husk is snug against the corn then it will help prevent freezer burn. Wrap corn in plastic wrap and/or place it in a plastic bag, removing as much air as possible. Use a FoodSaver to vacuum pack it if your have one.
Do you thaw frozen corn on the cob before cooking? ›
You do not need to thaw frozen corn before cooking. In fact, the way you'll thaw it is by actually cooking it!
Can you freeze corn on the cob in aluminum foil? ›
Place the cobs onto a clean tea towel. to drain slightly. Dry the outside of each cob slightly with a clean tea towel. Wrap each cob individually in a piece of foil to prevent any freezer burn that might develop over the long freezing time. Place the foil-wrapped cobs in a large bag, then freeze.
Can you vacuum seal and freeze fresh corn? ›
Load the ears into a FoodSaver® bag or roll and vacuum seal them with your vacuum sealer. Vacuum sealed corn will stay fresh for over one year. This method will protect your cobs from freezer burn and keep them fresh for over a year - perfect for waiting out for the next harvest.
Why is my frozen corn on the cob mushy? ›
This is because the process of blanching destroys enzymes that can change the flavor, texture, and even the color of vegetables, including corn, during their time in the freezer. Corn that has not been blanched before freezing can become chewy (and sometimes downright mushy) once it's thawed.
How to cook corn on the cob that has been blanched and frozen? ›
Fill a large pot with enough water to cover the corn cobs. Bring the water to a rolling boil over high heat. Carefully add the frozen corn cobs to the boiling water. Reduce the heat to medium and cook the corn for 5-7 minutes, or until the kernels are tender.
How to store corn for a long time? ›
Corn is best eaten the same day it's purchased. If that isn't possible, store unhusked ears of corn loose in the refrigerator—don't bunch them together in a plastic bag. The cool temperature will help preserve the sweetness for longer.
As much as I love fresh corn, there is much to be said about the frozen stuff. Frozen corn, like most frozen fruits and vegetables, is actually quite nutritious. A study at the University of Cailfornia-Davis found frozen corn contains more vitamin C than fresh corn. It's also got a lot of fiber.
How long is uncooked corn on the cob good for in the fridge? ›
It's best to use your corn the day you buy or harvest it. However, you can keep it fresh longer by storing it, unwashed and unpeeled, in a sealed plastic bag in the crisper drawer of your fridge. This'll keep it usable for about five to seven days.
What is the best corn to freeze? ›
Recommended Varieties
Most sweet corn varieties are acceptable for canning and freezing. Bodacious and Incredible are good extra-sweet yellow varieties. Temptation, Delectable, and Providence are good extra-sweet bicolor varieties. Silver King, Silver Princess, and Whiteout are extra-sweet white varieties.
How many minutes should you boil frozen corn? ›
Quick reference: Boiling times for corn
| Corn type | Boil time |
|---|
| Unhusked fresh corn | 10 minutes |
| Husked fresh corn | 2–5 minutes |
| Frozen corn cobs | 5–8 minutes |
| Frozen corn kernels | 2–3 minutes |
Mar 24, 2022
Avoid cooking corn for too long. "If you have super fresh corn — which can even be eaten raw — it's a waste of time to cook for the common recommended time of 20 [or more] minutes," says Jones. Overcooking can also result in chewy and firm kernels. You can steam for 8-10 minutes or less, or even use the microwave.
What is the best way to store fresh corn on the cob? ›
Once you buy your fresh corn, it's important to keep it cool and humid—no matter if you bought it refrigerated at the grocery store or fresh from the farmers market. “Store in the fridge and in the husk until use,” says Walczak.
Can you freeze corn on the cob in the husk in a paper bag? ›
Simply place the ears of corn, still in the husk into a clean paper bag. Wrap the bag tightly, tape it shut with freezer-safe tape, and place the bag in the freezer. While this method is easier, the storage time is shorter. Corn on the cob that is not blanched is best used within 2-4 months.
Does freezing a corn work? ›
Can you freeze a corn on your foot? Some doctors may offer to use cryotherapy to freeze corns off your foot, this is not the approach we recommend as they are likely to grow back. At My FootDr we “scoop out” the corn to better ensure we get rid of all damaged tissue.
How long does corn on the cob last in the fridge? ›
If stored properly in the refrigerator, uncooked corn on the cob can last anywhere from one to three days before spoiling. To extend the life of your corn on the cob, be sure not to remove the husks before refrigerating; if you do, wrap the corn in either saran wrap or foil before putting it in the fridge.
