This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.

Boiling corn on the cob is a cinch! You will love this juicy corn on the cob to put on the side of any summer meal.

Corn is the ultimate side dish at BBQ’s and boiling corn on the cob is so simple, as is heating it in the microwave! Pair it with some Grilled Steak, Macaroni Salad, and fresh fruit for a full spread!

Boiled corn on the cob on white serving platter.

A Classic Side Dish!

Corn on the cob is classic! It goes with almost any meal and is so easy to make – especially when you boil it.

We love eating corn on the cob during these hot summer months. It’s juicy, crisp, and always hits the spot. Spread butter over the kernels and sprinkle with salt and pepper! YUM.

Boiling corn on the cob is also great for salads and other dishes. Just slice off the corn from the cob and mix it in with your favorite salads or eat it as is. Perfect for Corn Salsa or this Summer Corn Salad.

Choosing the Best Corn

The best corn on the cob starts with fresh corn.

  1. Try not to open the husk to look at the corn.
  2. Probe the ear of corn with your fingers. If you feel soft spots or missing kernels leave it behind.
  3. Look for a bright green and tightly wrapped husk.
  4. The tassels should be silky and a bit sticky. 
Corn cobs on white plate.

How Long to Boil Corn on the Cob

Follow these easy steps on how to boil corn on the cob for a quick and tasty side!

BOIL. Fill a large pot with water.  Pour 1 quart of water per ear into your largest pot, add kosher salt, then bring the water to a boil. Once the water is boiling add the corn. Be sure you do not overcrowd the pot.

As soon as the water returns to a boil, the corn is done. This should only take 4-5 minutes. Remove from the heat and cover the pot with a lid. The corn can stay in the hot water for up to 30 minutes. 

Recipe Tips

Boiling corn on the cob is crazy easy, these tips will help!

How much for a crowd. Boiling corn is a great way to cook a large amount. If I’m having a party where the corn on the cob is a main side dish, then I plan one whole cob per adult and half a cob per child. If I have a lot of other side dishes, then I plan for half of a cob for children and adults.

Cutting the cobs in half. The easiest way I have found to break the cob is by hand. Once the cob has been shucked firmly grip the cob with both hands and bend at the center. It should break with a nice snap. 

No need to presoak. When boiling corn on the cob there is no need to presoak it. Some people choose to presoak their unhusked corn cobs before placing them on the grill, but not when you are going to use the boil-only method to cook them. 

Boiling frozen cobs. You can boil frozen corn on the cob. It will only take 2-3 minutes longer for the water to come to a boil signaling that the corn is done.

How to boil corn image with cobs on white platter.

Flavoring Your Corn

Once you’ve mastered the best way to boil corn on the cob it’s time to decide how to season it!

  • Sweeten it up. Some people really like sweet corn on the cob. To help sweeten this dish up you can add ¼ cup – ½ cup granulated sugar to the boiling water. Then, immediately add the corn cobs to boil. 
  • Rich flavor. Using milk along with water to boil your corn cobs can add extra flavor and richness. Add 1 cup of whole milk to the water. Bring to a boil and cook according to the recipe.
  • Season it. Once the cobs are cooked, add a layer of butter and sprinkle on delicious seasonings such as salt, pepper, paprika, parmesan cheese, cotija cheese, lemon juice, or lime juice. Depending on the flavor profile you are going for you can add fresh herbs like parsley, basil, or cilantro.
  • Butter it. You can also whip up some garlic butter or herbed butter to slather on the cobs.
  • Spicy. Add a coat of wasabi sauce over the cooked cobs, sprinkle on red chili flakes, chili powder, or drizzle on hot sauce.
Fresh summer corn salad served in a bowl.

Storing + Serving Tips

Store uncooked corn. The sweetest corn is freshly picked so buy local corn from the side of the road farm stand or your local farmers market when it’s in season. You can store fresh sweet corn in the fridge, with the husks on, for 2-4 days.

Store cooked corn. Cooked corn on the cob can last in the fridge for up to 5 days in an airtight container or stored in the freezer for up to 6 months in a freezer-safe container.

You can also remove the kernels from the cob and store them in a Ziploc bag in the fridge or freezer.

Use Cooked Corn in These Recipes:

Boiling corn on the cob then seasoning with butter, salt and pepper.

Recipe FAQ

How much corn on the cob do I need for a party?

If I’m hosting a party where corn on the cob is a main side dish, then I plan one whole cob per adult and half a cob per child. If I have a lot of other side dishes, then I plan for half of a cob per child and adult.

Can I overboil corn on the cob?

Do not add the corn until the water reaches a full boil. Bring to a boil a second time and cook the cobs until the kernels are golden yellow. The exact length of time will depend on how tender you like the kernels, but generally about 4-5 minutes. Boiling it for too long will cause the kernels to absorb too much water and become soggy.

Can I boil frozen corn on the cob?

You can boil frozen corn on the cob. It will only take 2-3 minutes longer for the water to come to a boil signaling that the corn is done.

For More Summer Sides, Try:

5 from 10 votes

How to Boil Corn on the Cob Recipe

By: Lil’ Luna
Boiling corn on the cob is a cinch! You will love this juicy corn on the cob to put on the side of any summer meal.
Servings: 4
Prep: 10 minutes
Cook: 5 minutes
Total: 15 minutes

Ingredients 

  • 3-4 quarts water
  • 1 tablespoon salt
  • 3-4 cobs of corn

Instructions 

  • Fill a large pot with water.  Pour 1 quart of water per ear into your largest pot, add kosher salt, then bring the water to a boil. Once the water is boiling add the corn. Be sure you do not overcrowd the pot.
  • As soon as the water returns to a boil, the corn is done. This should only take 4-5 minutes. Remove from the heat and cover the pot with a lid. The corn can stay in the hot water for up to 30 minutes. 

Video

Nutrition

Calories: 58kcal, Carbohydrates: 13g, Protein: 2g, Fat: 1g, Saturated Fat: 1g, Sodium: 1766mg, Potassium: 182mg, Fiber: 1g, Sugar: 4g, Vitamin A: 126IU, Vitamin C: 5mg, Calcium: 7mg, Iron: 1mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Additional Info

Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Making this recipe? Tag us!
Share it with us on Instagram using the hashtag #lilluna, so we can see what you’re creating in the kitchen!

About Kristyn

My name is Kristyn and I’m the mom of SIX stinkin’ cute kids and the wife to my smokin’ hot hubby, Lo. My mom’s maiden name is Luna, and I’m one of the many crafty “Lil’ Lunas” in the fam. On this site I like to share all things creative - from recipes to home decor to gifts and home decor ideas. Welcome!

So Easy & So Yummy

Get my cookbook!

My new cookbook is the ultimate resource for feeding your friends and family with 200+ simple recipes including videos, tips & more!

Leave a comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




27 Comments

  1. 5 stars
    Perfect. Just love the super easy recipes with fresh veggies when cooking out. Made this in a snap. Thanks!

  2. Why is the sodium content so high in the boiled corn on the cob? I am on a low sodium diet and that blows it out of the water. I’m still going to have to try it though!

  3. Your serving raw corn. No way it’s done in five minutes. Takes at least 9 to 13. Cut tops with silks off and take the butt off the other end. Now pull a few layers of husk off not a lot just outside 2 or 3. Drop into boiling water when it returns to a boil cook for 9 to 13 depending on corn. Remove from water and place in a ice chest without ice. They will stay hot for a long while. Set up your table with a roll of paper towels squeeze butter and salt . Grab a ear pull husk to butt end and wrap with a paper towel. This makes your Handel. Apply squeeze butter and salt enjoy. Limit kids to about 7 ears.

    1. Thanks for sharing how you cook corn on the cob. Sounds like a great method as well.

  4. 1766 sodium for corn on the cob. For a renal diet isn’t that a bit HIgh for the sodium for a kidney diet.

    Or have the sodium count gone up recently and not been published to let us all know

    1. The salt will be mostly drained off with the water but I would be careful about adding salt to the cooked ears. 1500 mg is the maximum for the day for foods with sodium cooked in them.