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Corn on the Cob on the Grill is a favorite summer side dish, that is simple and a go-to for any gathering or BBQ!
New Favorite Cooking Method
Have you ever had corn on the cob on the grill before?!
We typically boil it or microwave it if we’re in a pinch. Both are delicious, but NOTHING beats the amazing charred smoky flavor 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 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 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!
Ingredients
PREP TIME: 5 minutes
COOK TIME: 12 minutes
- 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 Cook corn on the cob on the grill
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!
- PREP. Preheat the charcoal or gas grill to medium heat. While the grill is preheating, remove husks and silk from the ears of corn.
- 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 corn cobs are removed from the grill, brush them with melted butter, and sprinkle them with sea salt and black pepper.
Alternate Grilling methods
- 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
Complete the Meal
- Main dishes: Cilantro Lime Chicken, Dr. Pepper Ribs, Pulled Pork, Best Hamburger
- Desserts: Ice Cream Sandwich Cake, Fruit Pizza, Easy Peach Cobbler
- More corn recipes: Mexican Corn Salad, Summer Corn Salad, Fried Corn
More collections: Summer Side Dishes, Vegetable Side Dishes, BBQ Side Dishes
Corn on the Cob on the Grill
Corn on the cob on the grill has become our new favorite summer side dish, and we can't get enough of that smoky char!
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 corn cobs are removed from the grill, brush with butter, salt, and pepper.
Video
Notes
STORE. 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.
To reheat the cobs. 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. If you cut the kernels off of the cob, you can reheat the kernels in a bowl in the microwave.
Nutrition
Calories: 179kcal, Carbohydrates: 17g, Protein: 3g, Fat: 13g, Saturated Fat: 8g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g, Monounsaturated Fat: 3g, Trans Fat: 1g, Cholesterol: 31mg, Sodium: 115mg, Potassium: 246mg, Fiber: 2g, Sugar: 6g, Vitamin A: 523IU, Vitamin C: 6mg, Calcium: 5mg, Iron: 1mg
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
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Recipe FAQ
How can I season corn on the cob?
- Butter, salt, and pepper are a delicious classic
- garlic butter with parmesan cheese
- chili powder, lime juice, cilantro, mayo, and Cotija cheese
- cinnamon and sugar
- lemon and dill butter
- red pepper flakes
- paprika
Do I brine corn on the cob before grilling it?
- Brining is another way to infuse flavor. This can be done no matter what method is used to grill the corn cobs.
- Fill a pot with 1 gallon of water and ¼ teaspoon salt. Place the shucked cobs into the water to soak.
- They’ll need at least 30 minutes for the brine to be effective.
- Soak them for up to an hour, but not longer. After an hour the salt water will begin to have a negative impact on the corn kernels.
Can I grill frozen corn cobs?
- 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.
How to store grilled corn on the cob?
- 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.
How to reheat leftover corn on the cob?
- 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.
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!