When sweet corn finally hits the farmers market, it truly feels like summer to me. All the stuff before — strawberries, snap peas, zucchini — seems like the buildup to this main attraction. It's hard not to want to simply eat it on the cob, slathered with butter from now through Labor Day. But there are countless ways to prepare fresh corn beyond its most classic form, all of which taste equally as celebratory.

Here are 20 dishes, from sides like slow-cooker corn pudding and sweet corn and tomato salad to main dishes like creamy corn mac and cheese and spaghetti with corn and parsley pesto.

Corn as a Side Dish

When sweet corn is in season, it's hard not to want to squeeze it onto your plate each and every night. There are so many ways to prepare it as a side dish, all of which are a perfect match for whatever you may have tossed on the grill.

Corn as a Main Course

The best in-season corn deserves to shine in the spotlight, too. Carry it from the side of the plate to the center in everything from crispy fritters, grilled pizza, and creamy risotto.