Six sweet corn dishes to try in North Jersey this summer

A-maize-ing seasonal dishes await Garden Staters each summer, as Jersey farms produce (literal) tons of high-quality sweet corn, and ambitious local chefs delight in finding innovative ways to use it.

In years past, we've seen it swirled into ice cream, puréed into pudding and piped into tortelloni. At one point, the state's top cinnamon roll bakery infused it into sticky buns (and I raved about it), while, almost regularly, it's served on some trendy menu alongside burrata (try that pairing this month at Stirling Tavern).

This corn season, though, the eats are reaching new heights, as returning favorites and ear-resistible novel creations are joining forces to make Jersey's restaurant scene the ultimate cob zone.

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Curious where to find those farm-fresh bites near you?

Here are six stellar corn dishes to try ASAP in North Jersey.

Sweet Corn & Mascarpone Ravioli, The Pasta Shop

If you only have the time to try one corn dish this season, let it be The Pasta Shop's hand-folded, iconic Sweet Corn Ravioli. Probably my favorite summer meal in existence, I — alongside thousands of others — await its return each July like kids counting the months to the revival of the Shamrock Shake.

Every al dente piece nearly makes me cry.

At the core of the pasta pouches lies a dreamy corn and cheese purée that eats like a drinkable cornbread. Above them is a river of truffle butter, and shaved truffle is available upon request.

Finished with torn basil and generous handfuls of juicy corn, the luxurious Denville entrée is a regional delicacy too good to be skipped.

Go: 13 1st Ave.; 973-253-4143, thepastashopdenville.com.

Corn Pizza, Artie's

Corn pizza isn't a new idea; it was once a special at Jersey City's acclaimed Razza, Essex County's celebrated Corner Slice, and numerous Garden State farms (using their own produce to top the wood-fired pies). Finding it in one place, for a reliable amount of time, however, is a challenge — as most of those who offer the treat do it on sporadic occasions for short-lived, spontaneous stints.

Not at Artie's.

This beloved Maplewood hangout trades the elusive nature of the corn pie for a refreshing dose of dependability, serving its irresistible sweet and savory harvest pizza for an extended period each summer.

Popping up in July, and lasting until it lasts (but, thankfully, longer than a weekend), the artisan pie is topped with Jersey corn, shishitos and a melty a blend of fresh mozzarella and fontina.

Go: 15 Newark Way, Maplewood; 973-378-5800, artiesnj.com.

Handmade Corn Gnocchi, Fiorentini

Any time a produce-forward dish hits the menu at Fiorentini, you should order it, because the authentic Italian kitchen is known for turning out some of the freshest farm-to-table eats around. Offering seasonally-driven pastas, proteins and more, the critically-lauded restaurant has a reputation for top-notch, clean fare, and this summer bite only bolsters its status.

Visit during the early hours of service, and see chef Antonio De Ieso and team hand-rolling each delicate gnocchi (as they do all pastas on the menu) behind a wall of observatory glass.

Spring for a batch, and they'll come tossed in house truffle sauce and vibrant kernels of charred Jersey corn.

Go: 98 Park Ave., Rutherford; 973-721-3404, fiorentinirest.com.

Corn and Blueberry Shortcake, Saddle River Inn

When I was a kid, I was smitten by Ample Hills "Corn to Run" ice cream.

A sweet corn-flavored scoop infused with cornbread crumbles and a tart blueberry swirl (and inspired by Bruce Springsteen's "Born to Run"), the decadent flavor was as New Jersey as frozen treats come, and totally delicious.

For some reason, I guess, I wasn't appalled by the idea of vegetables in dessert.

Today, I'm unsure if Ample Hills still makes the flavor; the Brooklyn-based creamery is out of the way, and I don't like paying tolls each time I want a waffle cone.

The indulgent combination is available at the Saddle River Inn, though, whose dedicated pastry team serves it as a buttery sweet corn biscuit smothered in drippy corn gelato and gobs of blueberry compote.

Go: 2 Barnstable Court, Saddle River; 201-825-4016, saddleriverinn.com.

Cast Iron Cornbread, The Saint Clair

I've only ever found one other corn bread that could compete with the honey-drizzled, salt-dusted one from The Saint Clair.

I can't tell you where it is, however, because I fear for my job, safety and editor's inbox.

(No, it isn't Boston Market. You'll have to DM me @northjerseyeats to find out.)

Go: 32 Church St., Montclair; 973-867-8387, thesaintclairnj.com.

Corn Soup, Cotto

Three bases, two corn preparations, buffalo caprino foam, umami mushrooms and aged meats come together to create the most complex "simple" dish on the Jersey summer corn scene.

Modestly titled Corn Soup, this Morris County standout's straightforward name downplays the amount of work that goes into crafting it, and makes it easy for a diner to overlook.

Don't.

Should you order it, you'll be met with a rich, creamy bowl of liquid gold that'll have you torn between wishing July would never end and missing the restaurant's equivalently fantastic Sunchoke Soup (that's only months away).

Go: 90 South St., Morristown; 973-206-1200, dinecotto.com.

Kara VanDooijeweert is a food writer for NorthJersey.com and The Record. If you can't find her in Jersey's best restaurants, she's probably off running a race course in the mountains. Catch her on Instagram: @karanicolev & @northjerseyeats, and sign up for her North Jersey Eats newsletter.

This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: Six sweet corn dishes to try in North Jersey this summer