Corn is a delicious ingredient or stand-alone food for all seasons. It’s great in the summer when you’re grilling out and perfect in the winter for soups! Canned corn makes cooking much easier and faster which is why so many people use this instead of fresh corn.
However, on some occasions, you may not need the entire can. Can you freeze the leftovers?
You can freeze canned corn!
Freezing your leftover canned corn is a great way to keep it for later. It lasts months longer than storing it in the fridge which gives you plenty of time to plan out another meal to use it in. It’s very easy to freeze your canned corn.
Uses for canned corn
Canned corn is a quick and convenient way to cook with corn. You can use it in most recipes that call for corn. There are a few different types you can purchase such as sweet corn, white corn, creamed corn, and whole kernel corn.
Whole kernel sweet corn can be used in a variety of ways like
- Dips
- White chili
- Casseroles
- Burrito bowls
- Corn Salad
- Corn Chowder
Creamed corn is corn kernels in a creamy white liquid made from the residue of corn kernels that have been removed from the cob. It can also be used in many ways such as
- Soup
- Muffins
- Corn Fritters
- Casseroles
If you’re making a recipe that calls for corn, you can most likely just use canned corn. It’s fast and efficient and corn that’s bought in a can lasts so much longer than fresh corn.
How to freeze canned corn
Freezing leftover canned corn is a great way to reduce waste and save your leftovers for future use. It’s also very easy to store your leftover canned corn in the freezer. There are just a few simple steps to follow to do so.
- Drain the corn
First, you want to drain the excess liquid from the can of corn if you have not done so already. Use a colander or strainer to make this easier.
- Put into a freezer-safe container or bag
Next, choose how you’re going to store the canned corn. You don’t want to freeze the entire can as this won’t seal the air out and will cause your corn to spoil faster.
Freezer-safe bags or containers are ideal for storing canned corn in your freezer. If you’re using a bag, try to remove as much air as you can before storing it.
- Label and date
This step helps keep track of how long your canned corn has been in the freezer. Use a black sharpie and some masking tape to write the date on.
This will prevent the corn from being in the freezer too long and then eaten.
- Put into freezer
Finally, store your bag or container of canned corn in the freezer. If sealed correctly, canned corn will last in your freezer for 2-3 months. It will be safe to eat longer than this, but the quality of the product will be reduced the longer it remained in the freezer.
How to thaw frozen corn from the can
There are a few different ways you could thaw your canned corn once you remove it from your freezer.
- Place into the fridge
This method is very simple. All you need to do is remove your container or bag from your freezer and place it in your fridge overnight.
Once it’s completely thawed, you’re good to go and can use it for whatever you need.
- Heat on stovetop
This method is quick and easy. Simply remove your stored corn out of the freezer and empty it into a pot. Place this pot on the stovetop and cover the corn with water.
Heat over medium heat until corn is completely thawed.
- Thaw in your dish
If you’re making a dish like soup or casserole, you can always add your frozen corn into the dish directly from the freezer. Frozen corn doesn’t take long to thaw and will most likely be able to thaw while your dish warms up.
How long does frozen canned corn last once thawed?
Once you’ve frozen your can of corn and then removed it from your freezer to thaw, it can last a few more days in the fridge. This gives you time to prepare a dish within a couple of days of thawing it.
Generally, frozen corn that has been thawed is good for about 3-4 days after being removed from the freezer. Always check to make sure it’s not spoiled before consuming it.
How to store canned corn in the fridge
Another option is to store your leftover canned corn in the fridge. If you’re going to use it in the next few days, you can save yourself the hassle of freezing and thawing it. The process is similar to freezing corn.
- Drain the corn
Once again, make sure to drain the corn before storing it. Using a colander makes this easier.
- Place corn into the container
Next, place the corn into a container or air-tight bag. Make sure whatever you’re using will be able to seal air out to keep your corn from spoiling.
- Place into fridge
Finally, place your container or bag into the fridge.
This is a simple and fast way to store any leftover canned corn. Once it’s been placed into the fridge, it generally will stay good for about 2-4 days. Always check to see if the corn has spoiled before consuming it.
How to tell when your canned corn has gone bad
It’s important to check and make sure your corn is still good before you cook with it or eat it. Eating spoiled corn can lead to food poisoning and other food-borne illnesses.
There are a few things to look for when checking to see if your corn has gone bad.
- Dark kernels
- If the kernels of corn have turned a dark color, this is a good indicator that the corn has gone bad. Avoid eating the corn if the kernels are dark.
- Mold
- If there is visible mold on the kernels, absolutely do not eat it. Sometimes mold will make your corn slimy, so if this is the case do not consume the corn.
- Smell
- If the corn smells rancid, do not eat it. The smell is a great way to tell if your corn has spoiled or not.
Conclusion
Freezing your leftover canned corn is a fantastic way to keep it for later use. Whether you’re planning a soup for the next week or trying to reduce waste, it’s worth taking a few minutes during meal cleanup to store your canned corn in the freezer.
Even though it can last for months in the freezer, it’s important to make sure you know how to tell when it’s spoiled. As long as your corn is still good, there are endless options and recipes you can use it for!
