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Slightly charred, yet tender and juicy Grilled Corn on the Cob is the ultimate way to prepare sweet summer corn! Grilled with or without the husks, you can guarantee the results are delicious!
For a simple summer meal, you can't beat corn on the cob and BBQ chicken breasts on the grill. Really go out and round out dinner (and dessert) with a caprese pasta salad and a homemade peach crisp with oat topping.
Grilled Corn on the Cob is a Summer Must-Make Recipe
Nothing beats seasonal summer corn. It is naturally juicy, plump, and full of flavor. And while you can experience delicious results making corn on the cob in the air fryer or Instant Pot, nothing screams summer more than grilled corn on the cob!
As the corn is grilled, its natural sweetness is enhanced, while the grill imparts a smokey finish to the corn on the cob. It was delicious to start with, but grilling corn on the cob is an irresistible side dish.
∗ Start with Fresh Corn on the Cob ∗
For the best tasting corn on the cob, seasonal is the way to go! While it varies slightly based on your location, most areas will find corn in season from May to September. When selecting corn on the cob, look for husks that are green, not brown, and gently peel back the husks to ensure the corn kernels are intact and plump.
3 Methods for Grilled Corn on the Cob
I have provided three easy methods for grilling corn on the cob. As for which method you select, you can't go wrong with any of them. Pick the one that you are craving!
How to Grill Husked Corn
Removing the husk and silk from corn on the cob and then grilling the corn directly on the kernels of the 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.
- Remove the husks and corn from each corn cob.
- Rinse the corn well and pat dry.
- Grease the grill grates or brush the corn itself with oil.
- Place the husked corn directly on the heated grill grates and grill, turning frequently until the kernels are tender.
How to Grill Corn with Husks
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.
- Pulling back the husks on the corn cobs, remove the silk, and gently pull the husks back up over the corn kernels to cover.
- Place the prepared corn in large container and cover with water. Soak the corn in the water for 20 to 60 minutes prior to grilling--this will prevent your husks from burning when grilled.
- Once soaked, drain the water from the corn.
- Grill the corn with the husks for 20-25 minutes, rotating every 3-4 minutes, or until the husks have blackened and the corn kernels are tender.
- Once cool enough to handle, remove the husks from the corn, season as desired, and serve.
How to Grill Corn on the Cob Wrapped in Foil
If you would like to enjoy tender, steamed corn that still has a bit of a smokey flavor, and don't want to have to bother soaking your corn before grilling it, grilling corn on the cob wrapped in foil is the way to go.
- Fully remove the husks and silk from the corn and give it a good rinse and pat dry.
- Wrap each individual corn cob in foil, with or without seasonings.
- Grill until the corn on the cob is steamed and the kernels are tender.
Ways to Flavor Grilled Corn on the Cob
Grilled Corn on the Cob is SO delicious, that I can easily 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 finish with 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.
- Turn it into a Salsa or Salad: Use the smokey corn on the cob to make a delicious corn and tomato salad or corn salsa.
More Favorite Grilled Recipes
- Grilled Pineapple Chicken Kabobs
- Grilled Burgers
- BBQ Chicken Burger
- Easy Grilled Shrimp
- Grilled BBQ Chicken Breasts
- Grilled Vegetable Kabobs
- Grilled Peaches
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
- canola oil, for greasing the grill
- 6 ears fresh corn on the cob
Instructions
How to Grill Husked Corn on the Cob
- Lightly grease a gas or charcoal grill or grill pan with a bit of canola oil and preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
- Remove the husks and silk from the corn. Rinse well and then pat dry.
- 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.
How to Grill Corn on the Cob with Husk Intact
- 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 cobs as best as you can, 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 20-60 minutes in the water. Once soaked, drain the water from the corn.
- Preheat a gas or charcoal grill or grill pan 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 Wrapped in Foil
- Preheat a charcoal or gas grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
- Remove the husks and silk from the corn. Rinse well and then pat dry. Place each individual ear of corn onto its own 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
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
My kids don't like char on their corn, so I used the husk on method. Easy and delicious!
This tasted so amazing! Thanks a lot for sharing this super easy to make recipe! Fam really loves it! Will surely have this again! Highly recommended!
This was such a fun way to cook corn...we loved it and it turned out so delicious.
this is super useful and Im so grateful for the extra flavor combinations at the bottom, they'ren delicious and the mexican street corn is my favorite!
So easy and tastes great every time!
I agree. Grilling it makes a whole world of difference.
Loved this recipe! So glad I found it!
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
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.