Rosemary Ricotta Corn is a quick and easy side dish made with sweet corn, creamy ricotta cheese, butter, garlic, and fresh rosemary, ready in under 10 minutes. This simple yet elegant corn recipe is perfect for busy weeknights but also special enough for holiday dinners and entertaining.

Rosemary Ricotta Corn is one of those side dishes that surprises you in the best way. It’s incredibly simple, but the combination of creamy ricotta, fragrant rosemary, and sweet corn feels elevated and comforting at the same time. This recipe is perfect when you need something fast, flavorful, and a little different from basic buttered corn.

Thanks to canned or cooked corn and a quick microwave method, this dish comes together with almost no effort and minimal cleanup. It’s an easy weeknight side, but it also fits right in on a holiday table alongside roasted meats, chicken, or vegetarian mains.
Whether you’re cooking for family dinner or putting together a last-minute side for guests, this Rosemary Ricotta Corn will be on the table in minutes and disappear just as fast.
What I Love About This Recipe
- It comes together in less than 10 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute sides.
- The ricotta cheese makes the corn extra creamy without being heavy or overly rich.
- Fresh rosemary adds so much flavor with very little effort and makes the dish feel special.
- There’s minimal cleanup since everything can be mixed and heated in one bowl.
- It works just as well for casual dinners as it does for holidays and entertaining.
Equipment You May Need
- Microwave-safe bowl – Used to heat and mix the ricotta mixture without extra dishes.
- Spoon or spatula – For stirring everything together until smooth and combined.
- Microwave – The fastest way to heat both the corn and ricotta mixture.
Ingredients
- Whole kernel sweet corn – Provides sweetness and texture; canned, frozen, or cooked fresh corn all work.
- Ricotta cheese – Adds creaminess and a mild, slightly sweet flavor.
- Unsalted butter – Helps melt everything together and adds richness.
- Fresh rosemary – Brings an earthy, aromatic flavor that pairs perfectly with corn.
- Garlic – Adds depth and savory balance to the dish.
- Salt – Enhances all of the flavors.
- Black pepper – Adds a subtle kick and seasoning balance

How to Make Rosemary Ricotta Corn
Step One: Heat the Corn
Heat the corn according to the can directions, either in the microwave or using your preferred method, then set aside briefly while you prepare the ricotta mixture.
Step Two: Make the Ricotta Mixture
In a small microwave-safe bowl, mix together the ricotta cheese, butter, rosemary, garlic, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
Step Three: Warm the Ricotta Mixture
Place the ricotta mixture in the microwave and heat for about 30–45 seconds, or until warmed through and the butter has melted.
Step Four: Combine and Serve
Stir the warm corn into the ricotta mixture until fully combined, then serve immediately while warm.
(Full printable recipe card with full details is at bottom of post.)
Serving Suggestions
- Serve alongside roasted chicken, turkey, pork, or steak for an easy side dish.
- Pair with holiday mains like ham or roast beef for Thanksgiving or Christmas.
- Spoon leftovers over baked potatoes or grilled vegetables for a quick upgrade.
- Use as a warm topping for grain bowls or rice dishes.
Quick Tips for Best Results
- Warm the ricotta mixture just until heated, not boiling, to keep it creamy and smooth.
- Finely chop the rosemary so it distributes evenly throughout the dish.
- Taste and adjust salt after mixing, especially if using salted butter.
- Serve right away for the best texture and flavor.

Rosemary Ricotta Corn FAQ
How should I store Rosemary Ricotta Corn?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Can I freeze Rosemary Ricotta Corn?
Freezing is not recommended since ricotta can change texture once thawed.
How long will Rosemary Ricotta Corn last?
It will stay fresh for about 3 days when stored properly in the refrigerator.
Substitutions?
You can substitute other fresh herbs like thyme or parsley for rosemary, and frozen or fresh cooked corn works just as well as canned.
Can I use low-fat ingredients?
Low-fat ricotta and reduced-fat butter can be used, but the dish may be slightly less creamy.
What else can I add to this recipe?
A sprinkle of Parmesan cheese, a squeeze of lemon juice, or a pinch of red pepper flakes are all great additions.
Can I make this vegan/vegetarian/low carb/gluten-free?
Here are some suggestions, but I can’t guarantee results. Be sure as always to check particular brands and ingredients if you’re following a specific diet or have diet restrictions or allergies.
Vegan – You can try a vegan cheese and butter substitute.
Vegetarian – This recipe is vegetarian.
Low-Carb – Since corn is the main ingredient and nothing else has a lot of carbs, it would be tough to reduce the carbs further.
Gluten-Free -The recipe is gluten-free.

Hope you enjoy this Rosemary Ricotta Corn! You may also like these quick and easy Ricotta Herb Mashed Potatoes and Roasted Brussels Sprouts!
Rosemary Ricotta Corn Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 (15 oz.) can whole kernel sweet corn
- 1/3 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter cubed
- 2 teaspoons fresh rosemary chopped
- 1 garlic clove minced
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Heat corn according to can directions.
- Meanwhile, in a small microwave safe bowl, mix together ricotta, butter, rosemary, garlic, salt, and pepper until well combined. When corn is done, place bowl in microwave and microwave ricotta mixture for about 30-45 seconds or until heated through and butter is melted.
- Stir corn into ricotta mixture and mix to combine. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Use a (microwave-safe) serving bowl if you can, for your ricotta mixture, then you don’t have to dirty another bowl.
- Canned corn comes in different sizes, so you can use a slightly bigger or smaller can.
- Instead of rosemary, you could use your favorite fresh herb.
- Instead of canned corn, you could use cooked fresh corn or frozen corn.
Nutrition:
(Nutrition data is provided when available for informational purposes only and calculated using an online nutritional calculator. For the most accurate information please calculate based on specific ingredients and brands you use as well as any changes you made to the recipe. I am not a certified nutritionist or registered dietician and any nutritional information provided should only be used as a general guideline and estimate.)






Jewls says
Creamy and delicious
Lisa Huff says
Thank you! :)
Tracy says
Whoa, I’d never thought of putting ricotta and corn together but this recipe makes it make sense! Love the addition of rosemary too for an extra added savory touch. And in only 10 minutes? Perfect.
Julie says
Sounds delicious. I learned how to make ricotta a few years ago.
Sharee Hill says
Ricotta is my favorite! This sounds like a really good combination with the rosemary. Beautiful side dish for the holidays.
Tara says
Yum! I definitely need to check out those vegetable pouches. Such a great easy side for the holiday table. I bet my kids would love it.
Allison - Celebrating Sweets says
I happen to have all these ingredients in my kitchen right now. Can’t wait to try this!