How to cook sweetcorn on a budget

Make the most of sweetcorn with our budget-friendly recipes, or discover how to cook sweetcorn with tips for boiling, grilling, roasting and microwaving.

Food Editor

Olivia Ferguson

Types of sweetcorn

Frozen sweetcorn: Convenient and cost-effective, frozen sweetcorn is picked and frozen at peak freshness.
Tinned sweetcorn: Soft, sweet, and ready to eat, making it a cupboard staple. Simply drain and add to salads and sandwich fillings, or stir through rice and casseroles.
Corn on the cob: The freshest and most versatile form, with whole kernels still attached to the cob – ideal for grilling or boiling and serving with melted butter.

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How to cook sweetcorn

Discover the best ways to cook sweetcorn, whether boiling, grilling or using your air fryer. If you’re using corn on the cob, remove any husks and silks first, then cook whole or slice off the kernels if needed. Add a knob of butter or a sprinkle of seasoning for extra flavour and a delicious, glossy finish.

How to boil sweetcorn

Bring a large pot of salted water to the boil. Add sweetcorn – kernels cook in 3–5 minutes, while whole cobs take 5–8 minutes – and simmer until tender and heated through.

How to grill sweetcorn

Preheat the grill to medium-high. Place corn on the cob on a tray, brush with oil or butter, and turn occasionally. Grill for 10-15 minutes until tender and lightly charred.

How to air fry sweetcorn

Preheat your air fryer to 190°C. Place corn on the cob (or drained kernels in a tray) in a single layer. Air fry kernels for 8-10 minutes, or cobs for 10-14 minutes, turning halfway through.

How to microwave sweetcorn

Place kernels in a microwave-safe bowl with a splash of water and cover loosely. Microwave on high for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through. For corn on the cob, microwave whole for 4-6 minutes, turning halfway, until hot and tender.

Sweetcorn recipes

Budget ways to use sweetcorn

From cheesy sweetcorn cornbread to a comforting pasta bake, be inspired by our recipes that put sweetcorn front and centre.

More budget recipes

Cheesy spring onion cornbread with charred corn

Golden, juicy sweetcorn brings natural sweetness and bursts of flavour to this comforting cornbread dish. Balanced with a gentle chilli warmth, it makes a satisfying, affordable brunch or ‘brinner’. Served with zesty lime butter, jammy boiled eggs, hot sauce, and extra charred sweetcorn with spring onions, it’s full of texture and depth.

Brunch ideas

Chorizo sweetcorn frittata

Ready in just 20 minutes and with minimal prep, this one-pan frittata is a midweek winner. Juicy kernels add texture to a rich, tangy cheddar omelette, balanced with smoky chorizo and Collection Smoky Cowboy British Butter for a bold, Spanish-inspired twist.

Frittata recipes

Tuna and sweetcorn pasta bake

A comforting family favourite, this tuna pasta bake is packed with sweetcorn, tuna, melty cheddar, fresh parsley and a touch of Dijon mustard, and is ready in 30 minutes. Save any leftovers for lunch the next day.

Pasta bake recipes

Sweetcorn pancakes

Crisp and golden on the outside, these savoury sweetcorn pancakes are packed with juicy bursts of sweetness and flavour. Finished with a fiery maple drizzle and a fresh lime-dressed tomato salsa, they’re a vibrant way to shake up your weekend breakfast.

Fritter recipes