Bring the vibrant flavors of Louisiana to your table with Cajun Corn Maque Choux, a traditional Southern dish bursting with rich, buttery corn, sweet bell peppers, and a hint of spice. Whether you're celebrating Mardi Gras, hosting a Cajun-inspired feast, or just craving a comforting side, this dish is a true taste of Cajun heritage. Plus, it's quick and easy to make, making it a staple in any Southern kitchen.
Often viewed as Southern succotash, Maque Choux combines Native American and early settler influences to create an incredible corn-based dish. At its most basic level, Maque Choux includes fresh corn, onion, bell pepper, and spices. The Creole version adds tomatoes, and the dressed up version adds bacon, andouille sausage, crawfish, etc.
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Ingredients for Cajun Corn Maque Choux
At its core, Maque Choux is a fabulous a corn dish made with Cajun seasonings, onion, bell pepper and that last final touch – a bit of heavy cream. I also like to add a jalapeño pepper for extra flavor!
How to Cut the Corn off the Cob
First I shucked the corn by removing the husks and the silky tassels. Then, I sliced off the bottom, and stood the cob up on a small bowl inverted in a larger bowl.
Using a sharp knife, I sliced off the kernels (Photo 1). The reason for using the two bowls was to keep the kernels from flying everywhere when I cut them from the cob. Once I had cut the kernels from the cob, I ran my knife up and down the cob to remove the corn "milk" that had been left behind (Photo 2).
How to Make Cajun Corn Maque Choux: Step-by-Step
- I started by melting the butter in a skillet over medium heat, and sautéed the onion for about 5 minutes (Photo 3). Then, I added the bell pepper and jalapeño pepper, and continued sautéing for another 3 minutes or so (Photo 4).
- Next, I sprinkled on the Cajun/Creole seasoning and salt, and stirred to combine everything (Photo 5). After that, I added the corn, and continued cooking the mixture over medium heat until the corn was tender (Photo 6). This took about 12 minutes.
- When the corn was tender, I added the cream, and cooked the mixture for several more minutes.
Talk about good, and simple to make! The Cajun Corn Maque Choux was absolutely delicious. Laizzez les bons temps rouler - Yum!
Frequently Asked Questions
Corn Maque Choux (pronounced mock-shoo) is a classic Louisiana side dish with French and Native American influences. It typically features fresh corn, bell peppers, onions, and Cajun spices, often enriched with cream for a silky finish.
While fresh corn is preferred for its sweetness and texture, frozen corn is a great substitute. Avoid canned corn, as it lacks the fresh, crisp texture essential to this dish.
For a heartier dish, try adding crispy bacon, andouille sausage, shrimp, or crawfish to give it a true Cajun twist.
Maque Choux is just as good the next day. I reheat it in the microwave for about a minute.
Recipe Tips and Variations
- Use Fresh Corn for the Best Flavor. Test for freshness by smelling the corn. Fresh corn has an earthy smell. As it ages, the corn loses that earthy smell.
- To keep the corn from going everywhere when you cut it from the cob, place a small bowl upside down into a larger bowl. Place the corn upright onto the small bowl and cut the kernels with a sharp knife. The small bowl will elevate the cob allowing the knife to go all the way down. The cut kernels will land in the larger bowl!
- Maque Choux is just as good the next day. I reheat it in the microwave for about a minute.
- For a Creole-inspired twist, add diced tomatoes to the Corn Maque Choux.
Serving Suggestions
- Cajun Corn Maque Choux is a perfect Mardi Gras Side Dish. Serve it alongside gumbo, jambalaya, or étouffée for a complete Cajun meal.
- Pair the Maque Choux with grilled meats. It complements blackened chicken, barbecue ribs, or grilled fish beautifully.
- Use it as a filling for corn tortillas with blackened shrimp or chicken for amazing tacos.
Other Recipes Using Fresh Corn
If you'd like to try other recipes for fresh corn, you should try
- Fresh Sweet Corn Salsa - Fresh Sweet Corn Salsa is the perfect marriage of the sweetness of corn and tartness of lime juice.
- Fresh Sweet Corn Fritters with Honey Chipotle Sauce - These corn fritters are a snap to make. While they are best served when made, the leftover corn fritters can be refrigerated and reheated at a later date.
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Recipe
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Cajun Corn Maque Choux
Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh yellow corn (3 ears) (See Tip 1)
- 1 Tablespoon unsalted butter
- ½ cup chopped onion
- ¼ cup chopped green or red bell pepper
- ½ Tablespoon chopped fresh jalapeño pepper
- ½ teaspoon Cajun/Creole seasoning
- ½ teaspoon Kosher salt
- ¼ cup heavy cream
Instructions
- Shuck corn by removing the husks and silky tassels. Cut kernels from cob. Run knife up and down cob to remove any residual corn "milk". (See Tip 2)
- Melt butter in large skillet over medium heat. Add onion; sauté 5 minutes, or until onion begins to turn translucent. Add bell pepper and jalapeño pepper; continue sautéing for 3 minutes.
- Add Cajun/Creole seasoning and salt; stir to combine.
- Add corn and cook, stirring occasionally over medium heat until corn is tender, 10 to 12 minutes.
- Add cream; cook an additional 2 to 3 minutes.
- Correct seasonings.
- Yield: 4 servings.
Tips/Notes
- May use frozen corn if fresh corn is not available. Don't even think, however, about using canned corn!
- To keep the corn from going everywhere when you cut it from the cob, place a small bowl upside down into a larger bowl. Place the corn upright onto the small bowl and cut the kernels with a sharp knife. The small bowl will elevate the cob allowing the knife to go all the way down. The cut kernels will land in the larger bowl!
- Leftovers, if any can be reheated for about a minute in the microwave.
Julie Michele says
The "Talk about Good" cookbook is the authentic source for down-home Cajun food. Tomatoes are essential. This is one time that I use canned instead of fresh, because you don't want tomato peels or seeds. Add 1 large can, well-drained petite diced after yellow onion, green bell pepper and corn are nearly cooked (it will look dry.) Keep stirring as the mixtures fries. Stir tomatoes in, well. Cover and stir often, about 15 mins. I usually start with just enough bacon grease (not bacon, I think it interferes with the mouth feel), and a little grapeseed oil to make the mixture less likely to burn. The "milk" from fresh corn obviates the use of cream. You could add 1 Tbsp butter at the very end instead. Salt, fresh ground black pepper. Taste, may want 1 tsp. sugar also.
Connie says
Going to make this for Mardi Gras at our church gathering. Sounds really good! Can’t wait to make it. One question…Does the jalapeño need to be seeded?
Thanks!
Chula King says
Connie,
I always seed the jalapeños. It's too hot otherwise for me.
By the way, this recipe is really good!
Chula
Ophelia says
This corn is delicious all most ate it all up fist time making it , but not my last will add bacon and tomatoes next time Double the Recipe . Thanks
Chula King says
Ophelia,
I'd love to hear how the Maque Choux with the addition of the bacon and tomatoes. Sounds yummy!
Chula
Anita says
You said to not think about using canned corn. I disagree. Our family is pure Cajun and when we can't get fresh we use canned. By the time it all cooks together there is no difference. We make big batches and freeze for wintertime.
Jasmine says
Turned out so good. I added tomatoes. Yum. Thank you so much for the great recipe. I’ll definitely be making this again.
Chula King says
What a great idea adding tomatoes Jasmine. I'll have to try that!
Chula
Soda Q says
Can you substitute heavy cream?
Chula King says
Actually, it's heavy cream that I use - so absolutely!
Darlene Jackson says
Brings back memories...my Mom use to make this dish, back in day!!! I loved it! She is gone now, but every time I make this, I will remember my Mom in a very special way....
Eva says
Outstanding, flavorful and so easy to make. I was searching for a good recipe without bacon and this fit the bill to a tee! Thanks for the wonderful recipe. This is joining my regular rotation.
Chula King says
Excellent Eva! It's my absolute favorites for fresh corn.
Chula
Donna Augustine says
Easy and authentic.
Valerie says
Tried this recipe and it was so good and so simple.
Chula King says
So glad you liked it Valerie! With fresh corn now plentiful, it's one of my favorites.
Chula
Sarah says
I literally just finished making this to accompany red beans and rice. I loved how quickly and easily it came together. When I took that first taste, wow! Delicious! I can't wait to serve it to my partner and son. I'm sure it will be a hit. Thank you!
Chula King says
Outstanding Sarah! I agree - it'll definitely be a hit!
Chula
Amy says
Yum! Made it as a side dish for rice and red beans! Thanks!
Chula King says
Yum! The Cajun Corn Maque Choux is one of my favorite corn dishes. I bet your red beans and rice was amazing!
Jack North says
Your recipes look simple to follow and well written. Please tell me if Maque Choux is ever served cold.
PudgeFactor says
Thanks Jack! I've never served it cold. I just reheat any leftovers. Sometimes, however, I add baby lima beans to the leftovers to make succotash. I'm actually getting ready to make Maque Choux for dinner this evening. Once I've refrigerated any leftovers (there are only two of us!), I'll try it cold and let you know.
Chula
PudgeFactor says
Jack, I tried the Maque Choux cold. It was good!
Chula