Prepare Grilled Corn on the Cob with one of three easy methods and enjoy an irresistible summer side dish.

Platter of Grilled Corn on the Cob with cilantro lime butter.

Grilled Corn on the Cob is one of my favorite summertime staples. By grilling sweet summer corn, the natural sweetness of the corn is enhanced, while the grill imparts a smokey finish. Corn on the Cob prepared on the grill is absolutely divine!

There are many methods for grilling corn on the cob and they are all nearly as easy as preparing boiled corn on the cob, 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.

If you follow my tips, you can guarantee that your grilled corn will turn out sweet, juicy, smokey, and delicious! Not at all dried out or charred beyond recognition.

How to Grill Corn on the Cob

When it comes to grilling corn on the cob, you have three options.

Grilled Corn on the Cob in the husk
Husked Grilled Corn on the Cob
Grilled Corn wrapped in foil

Each of these methods for preparing grilled corn is delicious and has a distinctive result. As for how you grill your corn on the cob, select the method that will yield the results YOU are in the mood for!

How to Grill Husked Corn on the Cob

Grilling corn directly on the grill, allows the kernels of corn to char slightly and become irresistibly sweet and smokey. This happens to be my personal favorite way to enjoy grilled corn on the cob. Keep in mind that this method does not dry out the corn, but it is not as juicy as the other two options.

Lightly grease a grill or grill pan and preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Don't be tempted to heat your grill to high heat. That would result in the corn burning and/or drying out before the corn kernels are tender.
While the grill is preheating, remove the husk and silk from the fresh corn on the cob.
Place the husked corn directly on the grill grates.
Grill the corn for 8-10 minutes, turning frequently, until the kernels are tender.
You can continue to grill for 2-3 minutes for additional char on the corn if desired. Just don't take it too far, or you will have bitter, dried-out corn.

How to Grill Corn on the Cob 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, 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 SUPER juicy and tender.

Pull back the husks on the corn on the cob and then remove the silk of the corn. Once the silk has been fully removed, pull the husks back up around the cob, to keep the kernels from being exposed to direct heat.
Place the corn into a large pot or deep container and cover with cold water.
Soak the corn for 20 minutes in the water, which will prevent the husks from catching fire when grilled.
Once the corn has been soaked, preheat the grill to medium-high heat and remove the corn from the water.
Place the corn on the preheated grill and grill for 20-25 minutes, turning every 3-4 minutes, to ensure the corn cooks evenly.
Once the husks are blackened and the corn kernels are tender, remove the corn on the cob from the grill.
Let cool and then remove the corn cobs and season as desired.

How To Grill Corn in Foil

If you would like to enjoy tender, steamed corn that still has a bit of a smokey flavor, grilling your corn on the cob wrapped in foil is the way to go.

Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
Remove the husks and silk from the corn.
Place the corn cobs on a piece of foil. If desired, rub the corn with oil, or top with a few bats of butter and season with salt. Alternatively, you can season AFTER you grill the corn so that each person can season as desired.
Wrap the corn in foil and poke the foil a few times with a fork. This will allow steam to escape the corn kernels to perfectly cook.
Place the foil-wrapped corn onto the preheated grill and grill for 22-25 minutes, turning occasionally.
Remove the corn from the grill and let cool for 5-10 minutes, and then unwrap the corn and season as desired (if not already seasoned.)

Flavor Options for Corn on the Cob

Grilled Corn on the Cob is SO delicious, that I can enjoy it even without salt! However, if you really want to amp up the flavor, try out one of the following options.

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.

Grilled Corn topped with queso fresco and fresh lime juice.

More Favorite Grilled Recipes

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.

Corn on the cob with husks pulled back and seasoned with cilantro and queso fresco

Grilled Corn on the Cob

Prepare perfectly grilled corn on the cob using one of three methods, for a side dish that is smokey, sweet, and absolutely IRRESISTIBLE!

5 from 11 votes

Print Pin Rate

Course: Side Dish

Cuisine: American

Prep Time: 10

Cook Time: 10

Total Time: 20

Servings:

Calories: 1kcal

Author: Kristen Chidsey

Ingredients

▢ canola oil for greasing the grill
▢ 6 fresh ears of corn

Instructions

Grilled Corn on the Cob without the Husk

Lightly grease a gas or charcoal grill or grill pan with a bit of canola oil and preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
Place the husked corn directly on the heated grill grates. Grill the corn for 8-10 minutes, turning frequently, until the kernels are tender. Continue to grill for 2-3 minutes for additional char on the corn if desired.
Remove the corn from the grill, allow to cool slightly, season as desired, and serve.

Grilled Corn on the Cob in the Husk

Pull back the husks on the corn on the cob, leaving them attached to the stem of the cob. Remove the silk from the corn and then pull the husks back up around the cob, to keep the kernels from being exposed to direct heat.
Place the corn into a large pot or deep container and cover them with cold water and soak the corn for 20-30 minutes in the water. Once soaked, drain the water from the corn.
Preheat a gas or charcoal grill to medium-high heat. Once heated, place the corn directly onto the grates and grill for 20-25 minutes, rotating every 3-4 minutes. Once the husks are blacked and the corn kernels are tender, remove the corn on the cob from the grill.
Once cool enough to handle, remove the husks from the corn, season as desired, and serve.

Grilled Corn on the Cob in Foil

Preheat a charcoal or gas grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
Remove the husks and silk from the corn and place each individual ear of corn onto a piece of heavy-duty aluminum foil. Wrap the corn loosely in foil and use a fork to poke a couple of holes into the foil to allow steam to escape.
Place the foil-wrapped corn onto the preheated grill and grill for 22-25 minutes, turning occasionally.
Remove the corn from the grill and let cool for 5-10 minutes. Unwrap the foil and season as desired before serving.

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.

Note on Corn: Any variety of corn on the cob--yellow, white, or bi-corn works for this grilled corn recipe. 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 it if at all possible.

Nutrition

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