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Ready to ditch the boiling pot? Learn how to grill corn on the cob and unlock the unbelievably delicious charred, smoky flavor that takes this summer classic to a whole new level!
We typically boil it or microwave it if we’re in a pinch. Both are delicious, but NOTHING beats the amazing flavor and juiciness that comes from throwing them on the grill.
This grilled corn on the cob side dish is quick, easy, and SO good! We love to serve it when we host our Summer BBQs and swim parties because everyone loves it.
Why we think you’ll love it:
- Use in various recipes. Enjoy grilled corn as a BBQ side dish, or cut it off the cob and eat it in our favorite Mexican Street Corn Recipe, a grilled corn salad, or Corn Salsa.
- Classic summer side. Summer is for grilling! Serve this corn up with our favorite Grilled Dinner Ideas.
- Grill marks. Grilling the corn adds a delicious charred smoky flavor that is simply the best!
Grilled Corn on the Cob Ingredients
- 4 corn cobs – When choosing cobs, try not to peel back the husk as it dries out the cob and exposes it to fungi. Instead, look for ears that are bright green, husks that are tight, and the silk should be moist and soft. Use your fingers to feel for plump kernels through the silk covering, and the weight of the ear should match the size.
- olive oil spray – or apply olive oil with a brush.
- butter – adds a rich flavorful finish and helps seasonings stick to the cobs.
- salt and black pepper – a simple and classic seasoning. Add more or less to taste.
How to Grill Corn on the Cob
- PREP. Preheat the charcoal or gas grill to medium heat. While the grill is preheating, remove husks and silk from the ears of corn.
- There are a few different methods for how to cook corn on the cob on the grill, but we’ve found that the easiest way is to grill it without the husk, directly on the grill. Plus, it gives the corn a delicious charred flavor!
- GRILL. Spray each piece with olive oil spray and place them on the hot grill grates. Cook for 10-12 minutes making sure to rotate occasionally.
- FLAVOR. As soon as the corn cobs are removed from the grill, brush them with melted butter and sprinkle them with sea salt and black pepper.
Kristyn’s Grilling Tips
- Preheat well. Make sure your grill is hot before adding the corn. This helps it cook evenly and gives you that perfect char.
- Rotate often. Turning the corn every few minutes keeps it from burning and ensures every side is golden and tender.
- Try different grilling methods. Husk-on for juicy kernels, foil-wrapped for convenience, or directly on the grates for that smoky char.
- Finish strong. Don’t skimp on butter, salt, and pepper. For extra flavor, sprinkle on parmesan, chili powder, or a squeeze of lime juice.
Grilled Corn on the Cob Recipe
Ingredients
- 4 ears of corn
- olive oil spray
- butter
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the grill to medium heat.
- While the grill is preheating, remove husks and silk from the ears of corn.
- Spray each piece with olive oil spray and place them on the grill.
- Cook for 10-12 minutes making sure to rotate occasionally.
- As soon as the corn cobs are removed from the grill, brush with butter, salt, and pepper.
Video
Notes
- Wrapped in the husk. This method will produce a juicier ear of corn as the husk will help keep moisture in. Remove the silk strands before or after grilling. I usually remove them before grilling. Peel back the husks but leave them attached to the cob. Remove the silky strands and smooth the husks back around the cob.
- Soak the cobs: To avoid the corn husks from burning while grilling, presoak the cobs in a pot of water for at least 30 minutes to moisten them enough for them to handle the heat, and add a little extra moisture to steam the corn with.
- Wrapped in aluminum foil. Instead of wrapping the cob with the husk, wrap it with foil. This method works well for frozen corn on the cob.
- Add char. If you like a little bit of char on the cobs themselves, remove the husk or foil after the allotted cooking time and briefly char the cobs directly on the grill. This will only take 4-5 minutes. Rotate the cob so it is evenly charred
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Recipe FAQ
Fresh corn is best, but when the corn is selling at great prices, I’ll buy several ears to keep in the freezer. Season and place frozen cobs directly on the grill.
Use a knife to cut the kernels from the grilled corn recipe and keep them in an airtight container in the fridge, or wrap the cobs with foil and keep them in the fridge.
Preheat the oven to 350°F. Wrap the cobs in foil before placing them in the oven, or even place the cobs wrapped in the husks into the oven. Cook for 5-7 minutes or until warm throughout. If you cut the kernels off of the cob, you can reheat the kernels in a bowl in the microwave.
Complete The Meal
Main Dish
Best Hamburger Recipe
20 mins
Baby Back Ribs
4 hrs 40 mins
Huli Huli Chicken
1 d 21 mins
Pulled Pork Recipe
8 hrs 5 mins
BBQ Sides
Best Potato Salad Recipe
55 mins
How to Cut a Watermelon
5 mins
Easy Coleslaw
10 mins
Macaroni Salad With Ham
20 mins
Corn Recipes
Microwave Corn on the Cob
10 mins
Boiling Corn on the Cob
15 mins
Corn Salad
12 mins
Mexican Corn on the Cob
14 mins
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This recipe was originally published June 2021.
A perfect side dish for any outdoor gathering. Everyone loves corn on he grill. This recipe is so simple but really hits the spot with plenty of butter.
I love corn on the cob and this recipe for the grill looks so easy. I’m going to be making this all summer. Thank you for sharing.
Love corn on the cob! This grilled version is so tasty.
Wow! Wow! Wow! How have I never done this before. The charred spots really add a delicious element.
I sure love the smokey flavor the grill gives the corn! We made this for the Fourth of July & we will be grilling corn all summer long!