Grilled Corn on the Cob
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Easy Grilled Corn on the Cob – A delicious summer side dish that’s quick and simple to make! Fresh corn is grilled directly on the grates until tender and lightly charred, bringing out its natural sweetness and smoky flavor. It’s ready in just 10 minutes and pairs perfectly with any of these three flavorful homemade butters!
Grilled Corn on the Cob
Grilling corn directly on the grates is my favorite method because it gives the corn a delicious charred flavor while keeping the kernels tender and juicy. Plus, you can cook it right alongside your favorite grilled meats for an easy summer meal.
Grilled corn is delicious served simply with butter and salt, but for something extra special, try one of these three flavored butters: Garlic Parmesan Butter, Herb Butter, or Chili Lime Butter. My personal favorite is garlic parmesan, but you really can’t go wrong with any of them!
Grilled Corn on the Cob Ingredients
You only need a few simple ingredients to make delicious grilled corn on the cob:
- Fresh sweet corn: Choose ears of corn with plump, juicy kernels for the best flavor and texture.
- Butter: Use plain butter or one of the three flavored butters listed below.
- Salt and pepper: Season to taste.
For extra flavor, try serving your grilled corn with Garlic Parmesan Butter, Herb Butter, or Chili Lime Butter. Each one adds a delicious finishing touch!
How to Grill Corn on the Cob
Here’s my favorite way to grill corn on the cob for tender, juicy kernels with delicious charred flavor.
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Preheat the grill: Heat the grill to 450°F (medium-high heat) for about 10 minutes. Make sure the grill is fully preheated before adding the corn so it cooks quickly and develops a nice char without drying out.
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Husk the corn. Pull off all outer leaves, stringy silks and break the bottom stalk. Or buy it pre-shucked and skip this step.
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Grill the corn: Place the corn directly on the grill grates with space between ears of corn for heat to circulate. Close the grill lid and cook for 8–12 minutes, turning every 2-3 minutes, until the kernels are tender and lightly charred.
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Season and serve: Remove the corn from the grill and serve warm with butter, salt, and pepper, or one of the three flavored butters.
How Long to Grill Corn on the Cob
Corn on the cob should take about 8–12 minutes to grill at 450°F. The kernels should be tender with lightly charred spots on all sides. Cooking time may vary depending on the grill’s temperature, how close the corn is to the heat, and the starting temperature of the corn.
Can I Grill Corn in the Husk?
Yes, corn on the cob can also be grilled with the husks on, although I prefer grilling it without them for a more browned, charred flavor.
To grill corn in the husks, soak the ears in water for about 10 minutes to help prevent the husks from burning. Place the corn on the grill over medium-high heat and cook for approximately 15 minutes, turning occasionally, until the kernels are tender.
Can I Grill Corn in Foil?
Yes, corn on the cob can also be grilled in foil. This method works well if you want to add butter, herbs, or seasonings before cooking, allowing the flavors to blend as the corn cooks. Keep in mind that foil-wrapped corn won’t develop the same charred flavor as corn grilled directly on the grates.
To grill corn in foil, remove the husks and silk, then wrap each ear securely in aluminum foil with a little butter and your desired seasonings. Place on a preheated grill over medium-high heat (about 450°F), close the lid, and cook for approximately 15–20 minutes, turning occasionally, until the kernels are tender. Carefully unwrap the foil, watching out for hot steam.
What Should I Serve with Grilled Corn?
- Pulled Pork
- Slow Cooker Ribs
- French Dip Sandwiches
- Grilled Greek Lemon Chicken
- Turkey Burgers or Hamburgers
- Chicken Salad Sandwiches
Tips for the Best Corn on the Cob
- Choose fresh sweet corn: Look for ears with bright green husks, moist silk, and plump kernels. The silk should be pale and not look dried out. Fresh corn will have the best sweetness and texture when grilled.
- Use your favorite butter: Salted or unsalted butter works well. If using salted butter, adjust the additional salt to taste. For extra flavor, try one of the three flavored butters included with the recipe.
- Put leftover corn to good use: Cut the kernels off the cob and add them to salads, soups, or other dishes. Grilled corn is especially good in Mexican Street Corn Salad or Black Bean and Corn Salad.
More Summer Side Dish Recipes You’ll Love:
- Macaroni Salad
- Coleslaw (only 4 ingredients!)
- Potato Salad
- Fruit Salad
- Pasta Salad
- The Best Potato Salad
- Broccoli Cauliflower Salad
- Grilled Mexican Street Corn (Elotes)
Follow Cooking Classy
Grilled Corn on the Cob
Ingredients
Grilled Corn
- 8 ears corn, husked (or desired amount)
- 8 Tbsp plain butter or seasoned butter for serving, recipes follow
- Salt and pepper
Garlic Parmesan Butter
- 8 Tbsp butter, divided
- 2 garlic cloves, minced (2 tsp)
- 1/2 cup finely freshly grated parmesan cheese
- 1/2 tsp dried Italian seasoning
Herb Butter
- 8 Tbsp butter, softened
- 2 1/2 Tbsp finely minced fresh parsley
- 1 Tbsp minced fresh chives
- 1/8 tsp garlic powder
Chili Lime Butter
- 8 Tbsp butter, softened
- 1 1/2 tsp chili powder
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
- 1 tsp lime zest
- 2 tsp lime juice
- 1 tsp honey
- 1 Tbsp finely minced fresh cilantro
Instructions
Grilled Corn on the Cob
- Preheat a gas grill over medium high heat to about 450 degrees. Brush grill grates clean.
- Once grill is preheated, place corn on grill, leaving space between them. Let grill (with lid closed) until charred on all sides, turning every few minutes, about 8 - 12 minutes total.
- Roll in butter or spread butter over hot corn, if using unflavored butters season corn with salt.
Garlic Parmesan Butter
- Place 7 Tbsp slightly softened butter in a small mixing bowl. Melt 1 Tbsp butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add garlic and saute until just barely becoming golden brown, about 30 - 60 seconds.
- Pour mixture over butter in dish along with parmesan and Italian seasoning. Mix while seasoning with salt to taste as needed.
Herb Butter
- In a small mixing bowl stir together butter, parsley, chives, garlic powder and season with salt and pepper to taste.
Chili Lime Butter
- In a small mixing bowl stir together butter, chili powder, cayenne pepper, lime zest, lime juice, honey, cilantro and season with salt and pepper to taste.
Notes
- Salted or unsalted butter will work for the flavored butters.
- If you wind up with leftover grilled corn, I recommend making this Mexican Street Corn Salad or this Black Bean and Corn Salad with it.
- Nutrition is for corn and 1 Tbsp plain butter per ear. Butter mix-ins will add a few additional calories.