Ina Garten Confetti Corn

Looking for a bright and delicious vegetable side that’s both simple and stunning? Ina Garten’s Confetti Corn is just what your table needs. This colorful dish combines sweet corn with red bell peppers, scallions, and butter, delivering layers of flavor and texture in every bite. It’s perfect for weeknight dinners, summer cookouts, or holiday spreads—easy enough for every day, yet elegant enough for guests.

What is Ina Garten’s Confetti Corn?

Ina Garten’s Confetti Corn is a sautéed vegetable side dish made with fresh or frozen sweet corn, diced red bell peppers, and scallions, cooked gently in butter and olive oil. The name “confetti” comes from the mix of vibrant colors and textures, making it as visually appealing as it is tasty. This dish is a perfect blend of sweet, savory, and fresh, ready in under 20 minutes and great with nearly any main course.

Other Ina Garten Recipes

• Ina Garten’s French Potato Salad
• Ina Garten Farro Salad
• Ina Garten’s Garlic Bread
• Ina Garten Hard-Boiled Eggs

Reasons to Try Ina Garten’s Confetti Corn

• Quick and easy – On the table in under 20 minutes.
• Naturally sweet and savory – A well-balanced mix of flavors.
• Uses simple, everyday ingredients – No special trips to the store needed.
• Great for all seasons – Works with fresh corn in summer or frozen corn year-round.
• Kid-friendly and colorful – A fun way to enjoy veggies.
• Pairs with any main – From grilled chicken to roast beef.
• Elegant presentation – Bright, fresh, and beautiful.

Ingredients Needed to Make Ina Garten’s Confetti Corn

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
• ½ cup chopped red bell pepper (about 1 medium)
• 2 scallions, white and green parts, chopped
• 5 cups fresh corn kernels (from 5–6 ears) or 1½ pounds frozen corn, thawed
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt
• ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Optional Garnishes:

• Fresh basil or parsley, chopped
• A sprinkle of parmesan or crumbled feta

Instructions to Prepare Ina Garten Confetti Corn

Heat the oil and butter

In a large sauté pan or skillet, heat olive oil and butter over medium heat until melted and shimmering.

Sauté the red pepper

Add the chopped red bell pepper to the pan. Cook for 2–3 minutes, stirring often, until it begins to soften.

Add scallions and corn

Stir in the chopped scallions and corn. Cook for another 4–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the corn is tender but still crisp.

Season and finish

Sprinkle in the salt and pepper. Stir well to combine and taste for seasoning. Cook for another minute, then remove from the heat.

Serve warm

Transfer to a serving bowl and garnish with chopped herbs or cheese if desired. Serve immediately.

What Goes Well With Ina Garten’s Confetti Corn

• Serve with grilled meats – Chicken, steak, or pork chops all pair beautifully.
• Pair with seafood – Especially shrimp, salmon, or crab cakes.
• Add to taco night – Use it as a taco or burrito filling topper.
• Include with BBQ ribs – A fresh contrast to smoky, saucy mains.
• Serve alongside sandwiches – Great with pulled pork or panini.
• Toss into grain bowls – Mix with rice, quinoa, or couscous.
• Use in omelets or frittatas – A tasty veggie addition to breakfast.

Key Tips for Making Ina Garten’s Confetti Corn

• Use fresh corn when in season – It adds sweetness and crunch.
• Don’t overcook the veggies – Keep them crisp-tender for the best texture.
• Cut corn kernels cleanly – A sharp knife helps avoid excess cob juice.
• Use a wide skillet – Ensures even sautéing and caramelization.
• Add herbs at the end – Keeps them vibrant and fresh.
• Try frozen corn when out of season – Just thaw and drain well first.
• Taste before serving – Adjust salt and pepper to bring out natural sweetness.

Creative Variations of Ina Garten’s Confetti Corn

• Add diced zucchini or yellow squash – Boosts color and volume.
• Mix in jalapeños for heat – A little spice adds depth.
• Top with crispy bacon crumbles – Adds saltiness and crunch.
• Use garlic or shallots – For extra savory flavor.
• Add black beans and lime – Turns it into a Southwestern-style salad.
• Stir in fresh basil and cherry tomatoes – A perfect summer combo.
• Use smoked paprika or cumin – Adds a warm, earthy note.

Storage Guidelines for Ina Garten’s Confetti Corn

• Store in an airtight container – Keeps in the fridge for 3–4 days.
• Let cool before storing – Prevents condensation and sogginess.
• Don’t freeze after cooking – Texture may become watery.
• Reheat gently – Warm in a skillet with a splash of olive oil or butter.
• Use leftovers in other meals – Add to tacos, wraps, or mixed grain bowls.

Reheating Tips for Ina Garten’s Confetti Corn

• Stovetop is best – Sauté over medium-low heat until warmed through.
• Microwave in short bursts – Cover and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between.
• Avoid overheating – Helps retain texture and moisture.
• Add a touch of butter when reheating – Restores gloss and flavor.
• Serve warm or at room temperature – Great both ways.

Nutrition Value (per serving – based on 6 servings)

• Calories: 160 kcal
• Protein: 3g
• Fat: 9g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Carbohydrates: 20g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 220mg
• Cholesterol: 5mg

FAQs

Can I make Ina Garten Confetti Corn ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare Confetti Corn a few hours in advance. Cook the dish as directed, then let it cool and store it in the refrigerator. Before serving, reheat gently in a skillet with a small amount of butter or olive oil to restore flavor and freshness.

Can I use frozen corn instead of fresh corn?

Absolutely. Ina Garten’s recipe works well with frozen corn, especially when fresh corn is out of season. Just thaw the corn completely and drain any excess water before sautéing to avoid sogginess.

What herbs go best in Confetti Corn?

Fresh parsley and basil are great choices. You can also try fresh dill, chives, or even cilantro depending on the main course you’re pairing it with. Add the herbs just before serving to keep their flavor and color vibrant.

Can I make this dish dairy-free?

Yes, simply replace the butter with more olive oil or a plant-based butter substitute. The dish will still be flavorful and maintain its texture without the dairy.

Wrapping Up

Ina Garten’s Confetti Corn is a perfect example of how a few simple ingredients can come together to create something colorful, flavorful, and memorable.

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