Grilled corn on the cob is the epitome of summertime. Here’s the easiest way to grill corn, without any extra equipment or fancy sauces. It’s just good, old-fashioned grilled corn on the cob – the way it should be!
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Every year, one of my absolute favorite parts of summertime in New England is picking up corn on the cob from a local farmstand, and grilling it until the sweet kernels are caramelized and tender.
You really don’t need any extra equipment to grill corn perfectly (no foil, no special attachments, etc.!). The best part of making grilled corn is deciding what to put on it. From a simple slather of butter, to a smoked paprika seasoning, to Corn Salsa or Mexican Street Corn (my favorite) learning how to make grilled corn will make your summer a little sweeter!
How to Grill Corn on the Cob
Grilling corn SHOULD be easy! And this method IS! Grill corn without the husk for best results:
- Shuck.
Remove the husk and silk from the outside of your corn cobs.
- Slather.
Use a basting brush to brush each cob with a layer of olive oil.
- Grill.
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Place corn directly on the grill using tongs and grill corn for 12-15 minutes in total, turning the cobs every 3 minutes to a new side.
- Season.
Season your corn however you’d like it (salt + whatever else). A pad of butter is my favorite!
My Pro Tip
Tips for the Best Grilled Corn on the Cob
- Use fresh corn with tight green husks and plump kernels
- Shucked corn on the cob = more char and flavor
- Turn every 2–3 minutes for even cooking
- Season after grilling to avoid flare-ups
Flavored Butters and Seasonings for Grilled Corn
Grilled corn is SUCH a blank slate! You can basically flavor corn any way you’d like! Here are some of my favorite seasonings, besides a generous sprinkle of salt:
- Butter – AKA BUTTAH! There really is no better way.
- Parmesan butter – mix some finely grated parmesan cheese into melted butter. Yes, I said it.
- Honey butter – add a squeeze of honey to melted butter for a deliciously sweet honey butter to spread on your corn.
- Olive oil & black pepper – brush on more olive oil and then a generous crack of black pepper. It’s like the Cacio e Pepe of corn on the cob! Try butter instead of olive oil, too!
- Lime & smoked paprika or Old Bay – squeeze on some fresh lime juice, a sprinkle of smoked paprika or Old Bay seasoning, and then a handful of freshly snipped chives. Simple, fresh and delicious!
- Roasted garlic – use this Roasted Garlic trick to make freshly roasted garlic! Then mash the garlic into some olive oil and brush generously on your corn.
- Chipotle mayo – slather on some chipotle mayo to your corn. It’s creamy, smoky perfection.
- Ranch or sour cream – ranch or sour cream is tangy, cutting the sweetness of the corn.
- Chipotle Corn Salsa
- Mexican Street Corn
FAQs
Add into salads like my Southwest Salad, salsa, or alone alongside other cookout favorites like Baked Beans, German Potato Salad, Vinegar Coleslaw, or Italian Pulled Pork!
No! Typically you need to soak corn when you’re grilling it in its husks. We’re grilling shucked corn, so you don’t need to soak it!
I like to place my corn right on the grill for awesome grill marks and extra caramelization.
The key is to brush your corn with olive oil before grilling and to turn your corn often so it doesn’t dry out.
More Corn Recipes YOu’ll Love!
Dinner
Best Corn Chowder Recipe
Snacks & Side Dishes
Mexican Street Corn Recipe
Snacks & Side Dishes
2-Ingredient Creamed Corn Recipe
If you’ve tried this Grilled Corn on the Cob Recipe or any other recipe on my website, please let me know in the comments below. I love hearing from you. Please consider leaving a 🌟 star rating while you are here!
Easy Grilled Corn on the Cob
Equipment
- Grill
Ingredients
- Fresh ears of corn
- Extra virgin olive oil, a few tablespoons
- Salt, plus other seasonings of choice
Instructions
- Remove the husk and silk from the outside of your corn cobs.
- Use a basting brush to brush each cob with a layer of olive oil.
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Place corn directly on the grill using tongs and grill corn for 12-15 minutes in total, turning the cobs every 3 minutes to a new side.
- Season your corn however you’d like it (salt + whatever else). A pad of butter is my favorite!
Video
Notes
- See my post above for Ways to Serve Grilled Corn (Seasonings & Dishes).
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
