How to Cut Corn Off the Cob

Here’s how to cut corn off the cob…the mess-free way! This simple trick makes it easy to use the kernels for salads and soups.

Wondering the best way to cut corn? You’re not alone. Go to cut corn for a soup or corn salad, and inevitably you’ll get the kernels all over your kitchen counter and floor. We’ve had this problem and end up finding corn kernels days later. So we were elated to find there’s a secret to getting all those kernels to collect in one place. Here’s the method that works like a charm: how to cut corn off of the cob!

Also see: Knife Skills 101: How to Cut Basic Fruits & Vegetables!

What you need to cut corn off the cob

The key to this method is in your equipment. You need two items:

• A bundt pan (or rimmed baking sheet or dish). You can also use a tube pan: otherwise known as an angel food cake pan. Don’t have one? You can use a rimmed baking sheet or baking dish, with a folded towel placed under it.
• A sharp chef’s knife. A good sharp knife is also key. Don’t try this with a paring knife or small knife.

How to cut corn off the cob…the mess-free way!

The idea behind this secret method is this: place the corn cob in the raised center of the bundt pan. When you cut the corn, the sloped sides of the pan catch all the kernels! It sounds unbelievable: until you try it. Here are the basic steps:

1. Place the tip of the corn cob into the hole in the middle of the pan. Hold the bottom of the corn cob securely with your non-cutting hand. (If using a baking sheet or dish, place a towel underneath. Hold the corn vertically and rest the bottom right on the sheet.)
2. Use a large chef’s knife to cut in a downward motion, letting the corn cobs kernels collect neatly into the bundt pan.

Recipes that use fresh corn kernels

That’s it! Now you know the secret. Let us know how it goes in the comments below! There are lots of great corn recipes where you can use this new skill. Try it in:

• Classic Corn Salad Fresh and full of tangy flavor, with bursts of bright tomato and basil! The classic summer salad for BBQs and picnics.
• Grilled Corn Salad Smoky, savory and creamy: truly out of this world! The flavors are a spin on Mexican street corn. ]
• Creamy Corn Chowder or Fresh Corn Soup A hearty way to enjoy fresh sweet corn: savory, salty, and a little sweet.
• Vegan Corn Chowder You’ll never believe this creamy soup is vegan: it has the perfect velvety texture and is full of flavor.

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More knife skills

We’ve got lots more knife skills to show you how to cut popular fruits and vegetables! Make sure to check out:

• How to Cut Broccoli
• How to Cut an Orange
• How to Cut Spaghetti Squash
• How to Cut Kale
• How to Cut Cauliflower
• See all knife skills!