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!
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, 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!
- 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!
Grilled Corn Ingredients
What do you need to grill corn? Just 3 ingredients!
- Fresh corn on the cob
- Extra virgin olive oil
- Salt
10 Ways to Serve Grilled Corn (Seasonings & Dishes)
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 – this recipe for Corn Salsa is amazing on chips, on chicken or fish, or as a side salad.
- Mexican Street Corn
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
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.
The husks shouldn’t look dry. They should be bright green and tight around the cob. The actual corn kernels should like well-hydrated (not wrinkly and dry).
Other Corn Recipes on Tastefully Grace!
How to Grill Corn on the Cob (Easiest Way!)
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.
