How to Cut Corn off the Cob Without Making a Mess

Fresh corn is one of the best parts of summer. Except when it comes to cutting it off the cob. We've all been there — the kernels to jump all over the kitchen, leaving us with more corn on the floor than on the cutting board.

Turns out, with a few simple adjustments you can remove kernels from corn on the cob without wreaking havoc on your kitchen. And if you want to make the process even easier (and free of scary knives) you can always buy a corn zipper or stripper to seamlessly remove kernels. At around $10 a piece, you can't go wrong with these handy kitchen tools.

Whether or not you choose to use a fancy tool, or go in the old-fashioned way with a knife, these are four easy ways to get corn off the cob without making a huge mess. This way you can enjoy fresh corn salads, salsa, and side dishes all summer long.

How to Cut Corn off the Cob 4 Ways

1. Use Two Bowls

This method uses items you're guaranteed to already have in your kitchen: two bowls — one large, one small. You can also use a ramekin instead of a small bowl.

To start, simply place the small bowl or ramekin upside down in the large bowl. Stand the corn with the picked-side down on top of the small bowl. It helps to have a small bowl or ramekin with ridges on the bottom to keep the corn in place. Carefully slide a sharp knife down the side of the cob, and watch as the kernels neatly collect at the base of the bowl.

Slick countertop? Place a dish towel or wet paper towel under the bowl to prevent slipping.

2. Use a Bundt Pan

If you have a bundt pan or an angel food cake pan, you can use them for more than just cakes. Use them to safely cut corn off the cob too! To start, place the shucked corn on the center hole of the baking pan with the cut-side down. Hold the top of the cob and carefully slice down the sides of the cob with a sharp knife.

3. Use a Baking Sheet, Roasting Pan, or Baking Dish

Another option is to use a rimmed baking sheet, roasting pan, or baking dish. Find a cutting board that fits inside and place it in the baking sheet or dish. Stand the corn up, and place it cut-side down on the cutting board.

Listen to Allrecipes "Homemade" podcast to hear Patti LaBelle's tips for making fried corn and more!

Carefully slide a sharp knife down the side of the cob. While this method might not catch all the corn like the first two methods, it will help to corral most flyaway kernels.

4. Try Cutting It Horizontal

Last but not least, you can try cutting the corn horizontally rather than vertically. Lay the cob flat on a cutting board and cut flat along the side, rotating the corn until all the kernels are removed. Keep the flat sides against the cutting board so the cob doesn't roll around.

You may also want to tilt the corn at a 45 degree angle so it's easier to run the knife along the cob. Just make sure not to stand it up all the way.

Related:

• 5 Mistakes You're Making with Corn on the Cob
• How to Freeze Corn on the Cob
• 3 Easy Ways to Grill Corn on the Cob