Grilled Corn on the Cob is the best way to enjoy fresh summer corn! Grilling corn brings out the natural flavor and sweetness of this vegetable and transforms this summer staple into an irresistible side dish.
Grilling sweet summer corn is almost as easy as preparing Instant Pot Corn on the Cob or Air Fryer Corn on the Cob, but the smokey flavor and the little bit of char that the grill imparts to the corn are absolutely magical.
One of the things I love most about summertime is firing up the grill. Not only does grilling keep the heat out of the kitchen, but it also brings smokiness and sweetness to dishes like BBQ Chicken Burgers, Grilled Jalapeno Poppers, and of course corn on the cob.
Grilled Corn on the Cob is divine--when done correctly!
There are many methods for preparing grilled corn, and if you follow my tips, you can guarantee that your corn will turn out sweet, juicy, smokey, and delicious! Not dried out or charred beyond recognition.
How to Grill Corn on the Cob
There a couple of options when it comes to grilling corn on the cob. All three of these methods for grilling corn are delicious, it is really a personal preference.
Grill Corn Directly on the Grill
Grilling corn directly on the grill, allows the kernels of corn to char slightly--which personally in my opinion is the ultimate way to enjoy corn.
- Husk your fresh corn on the cob and preheat grill to medium-high heat.
- Once the grill is heated, add your corn directly on the grates of the grill.
- Grill for 8-10 minutes, turning frequently to evenly cook the corn on the cob.
How to Grill Corn in the Husk
Grilling corn on the cob without shucking it first, is not only an EASY way to prepare corn on the cob, but this method also allows the corn to steam perfectly in the husk, keeping the corn juicy.
- Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
- Once the grill is heated, place corn in the husk on the grill.
- Close the lid on the grill and turn every 5 minutes.
- Cook until cooked through--about 15 minutes. The husk will turn black, but that is okay.
- The interior should be steamed perfectly.
- Let the corn cool slightly and then easily pull back the husk and silk.
How To Grill Corn in Foil
If your corn is purchased pre-husked or you are having a party and want to deal with all the husks PRE serving food, grilling corn in foil is a great method.
- Remove husk and silk from corn on the cob and wrap each piece of corn in foil.
- Preheat grill to medium-high heat and grill wrapped corn for about 10-15 minutes, turning frequently.
How to Flavor Corn on the Cob
Once the corn is grilled, add any flavor your heart desires.
- Mexican Street Corn Style: Spread mayonnaise on corn, sprinkle with chili powder, and a drizzle of Mexican crema.
- Cilantro Lime Corn: Roll the corn in butter that has been seasoned with fresh lime zest and juice and then sprinkle with cilantro and queso fresco. This is my favorite way to enjoy grilled corn on the cob.
- Butter and Salt: Stick to the classic and season the grilled corn with butter and salt.
- Fresh Herbs: Brush the corn on the cob with yogurt, butter, or mayonnaise and sprinkle with chopped parsley, chopped chives, or chopped fresh dill.
- Parmesan: Spread the corn with butter or brush with extra virgin olive oil and grate fresh Parmesan cheese over the corn.
More Grilled Favorites
When you plan to fire up the grill, be sure to add grilled corn on the cob to the menu. It is one of the best ways to prepare corn on the cob. If you gave this recipe a try, I would love for you to leave a comment and review below.
Grilled Corn on the Cob
Ingredients
- 6 fresh ears of corn
Instructions
- Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
- For husked corn: Grill for 10 minutes, turning every few minutes. For corn wrapped in foil: Grill for 12-15 minutes, turning every few minutes.For corn in it's husk: Grill for 15 minutes, flipping every 5 minutes. Allow to cool slightly and then remove husk and silk from corn.
- Season as desired (see notes for options.)
Notes
- Seasoning Options for Grilled Corn:
- Mexican Street Corn Style: Spread mayonnaise on corn, sprinkle with chili powder, and a drizzle of Mexican crema.
- Cilantro Lime Corn: Combine 3 tablespoons of melted butter with zest and juice of one lime with 1 teaspoon salt. Brush on grilled corn and then sprinkle with chopped cilantro and crumbled queso fresco.
- Butter and Salt: Stick to the classic and season the grilled corn with butter and salt.
- Fresh Herbs: Brush the corn on the cob with yogurt, butter, or mayonnaise and sprinkle with chopped parsley, chopped chives, or chopped fresh dill.
- Parmesan: Spread the corn with butter or brush with extra virgin olive oil and grate fresh Parmesan cheese over the corn.
- The most important thing to remember when enjoying summer corn is to prepare it as fresh as possible. The fresher the corn, the more flavorful, sweet, and juicy it will be. I suggest purchasing corn no more than 3 days before planning to use if at all possible.
- Any variety of corn on the cob--yellow, white, or bi-corn works for this grilled corn recipe.
AShley
So easy and tastes great every time!
Kristen Chidsey
I agree. Grilling it makes a whole world of difference.
Sophie Heath
Loved this recipe! So glad I found it!
james
I like to keep the husks on my corn. I soak them in water, brush melted buterr on them an srinkle garlic powder on them. throw them on the top rack of the grill at 300 and cook 15 mins per side about an hour. sweet steamsd moist corn after the tin foil is removed
Kristen Chidsey
Oh that sounds like a fabulous way to eat corn! I personally like the char on the actual kernels, but this would be a perfect method for my husband.
Liz
We get the best sweet corn here in Indiana. This sounds like the perfect way to add a delicious twist to our buttered ears!
Kristen Chidsey
Oh yes you do get good corn Liz. I grew up in Ohio where the same was true--miss that! Hope you enjoy this version!
Lauren Gaskill | Making Life Sweet
One can never have too much corn or butter in the summer! Looks lovely Kristen!
Kristen Chidsey
NEVER too much!
Kelly
We can't get enough of corn during the summer and I can't wait to add this one to our list to try! Looks amazing!!
Kristen Chidsey
Enjoy Kelly!
Courtney
Love grilled corn, we actually grill it when in season and freeze for later!
Kristen Chidsey
Courtney---that is so smart and I am SO doing that this year!