Grilled Corn on the Cob

There’s nothing like Grilled Corn on the Cob during the summer! That little char and smoke brings out the sweetness and flavor of the corn. Learn how to grill corn on the cob three different ways!

Each method is easy and makes the best grilled corn! No matter which way you cook it, you will love this easy side dish – we love it with our Southwest chicken drumsticks and shrimp and steak kabobs! Enjoy a salty, buttery piece of corn on the cob all summer long.

A question I get a lot is, what’s the best way to grill corn on the cob? With the husks, without, or in foil? Well, the answer is all three! I’ve made this delicious grilled side dish so many times and so many ways, I’ve got all the inside tips for you.

If you’re hosting a BBQ or just want some juicy corn for a weeknight dinner, you are going to love this post. I’m showing you three different ways to cook it, plus all the tips so it comes out perfectly every time.

Everyone will love this juicy, buttery, amazing grilled corn – I can’t wait for you to try it!

How to Pick the Best Corn

We’re keeping things really simple for the ingredients: fresh corn on the cob, salt, pepper, and oil. That’s it!

When you pick out your sweet corn whether it’s at the grocery store or farmer’s market, here are a few tips so you get the freshest cobs:

• The husks should be nice and green – not yellowed or browned.
• The husks shouldn’t be dried out.
• The husks should also be wrapped snuggly around the corn on the cob – not loose and falling away from it.

Corn is in season during the summer months, so when you see the big displays at the store that’s the time to grab some!

Can you use frozen corn on the cob for grilling?

Yes, if fresh corn is out of season you can use frozen corn on the cob! It works great in foil or grilled directly on the grates.

What temperature should you grill corn?

For all three methods I’m sharing, you’ll want to preheat your grill to 350 to 375°.

How to Grill Corn on the Cob in Foil

Grilling corn in foil is a great option because it keeps the moisture locked in so the kernels are nice and juicy.

It’s also a great way to keep the corn warm for parties. You can grill a big batch and leave them in the foil so they stay warm.

1. Clean: Remove the husks and silk from the corn.
2. Season: Brush them with the oil and seasonings.
3. Wrap: Place each cob on a sheet of foil. Roll it up and twist the ends to secure it.
4. Grill: Place the wrapped corn on the grill and cook them for about 15 minutes or so. Turn them frequently so they cook evenly.
5. Serve: Keep them wrapped for serving and let everyone open them up and add their favorite toppings.

How to Grill Corn on the Cob with Husk

You can also grill corn with the husks – this also keeps the corn juicy and delicious as it cooks but you’ll get some char from the grill, too!

1. Clean: Pull the husks back and remove the silk. Wrap the husks back around the corn.
2. Soak: Place the corn in a large tub of water and soak them for at least 30 minutes. This will moisten the husks so they don’t burn up when you place the corn on the grill.
3. Season: Once the corn has soaked, peel back the husks and brush the kernels with olive oil and sprinkle salt and pepper over the top. Wrap the husks around the corn.
4. Grill: Cook the corn in the husks for about 30 minutes and turn them frequently so they don’t burn.
5. Serve: Pile the corn on a platter and let everyone grab one and peel back the husks for serving.

How to Grill Corn on the Cob without Husks

You can also grill it without the husks! You can peel off the husks and discard them or keep them attached and secure them with twine for a fun presentation. What I love about this method is that you get a lot of char on the kernels!

1. Clean: You can remove the husks and discard them or pull them back and secure them with kitchen twine. Remove all of the silk, too.
2. Season: Brush the corn with the oil and add the seasonings.
3. Grill: Place the corn on the grates and cook it for about 15 minutes, turning the cobs frequently.
4. Serve: Stack the grilled corn on a plate with your favorite toppings on the side.

Topping Ideas for Grilled Corn on the Cob!

Now that you know how to grill corn three ways, we need to talk about the toppings!

• Butter – This is a no-brainer! Spreading butter over warm corn on the cob is about the best thing ever.
• Mayonnaise – Or, try slathering on some creamy mayo instead of butter.
• Herbs – Chop up some fresh herbs for garnishing the corn. I love chopped parsley, cilantro, chives, or basil.
• Cheese – How about some grated Parmesan cheese? We also love some crumbled cojita, which is a Mexican crumbling cheese similar to feta cheese. We use it in our Mexican Street Corn, too!
• Bacon – Very finely chopped bacon would be so delicious sprinkled over the top. Take it up a notch and grill the bacon.

Other Ways to Serve Grilled Corn!

Turn plain corn on the cob into Mexican street corn! The cooked corn is topped with a creamy sauce, cheese, and some chili powder. It’s so good!

Slice the cooked kernels off the cob and use them to make corn salsa, corn salad, or guacamole.

Whichever way you make your grilled corn on the cob, I know it will be a hit! It’s a summer staple at our house and it will be at yours, too. I can’t wait for you to fire up the grill so you can make it!

More Grilled Vegetables

• Grilled Asparagus is a super simple and super quick side dish!
• If you have lots of zucchini on hand during the summer, you need to give my Grilled Zucchini recipe a try!
• For a healthy, delicious side dish try Grilled Cauliflower. It’s so delicious.