The Taste Recipes Test Kitchen shares a grilled corn recipe and answers every question you've ever had about grilling corn on the cob.
How to Grill Corn (and Make It Taste Delicious)
Updated on Oct. 03, 2024
Grilling corn is simple and easy. Learn how to grill corn with our step-by-step guide, developed by our expert Test Kitchen team.
How to Grill Corn in the Husk
Tools You’ll Need
- Stockpot: Soak the corn in a large stockpot before it goes on the grill.
- Tongs: Use a long set of tongs to turn the corn while it’s grilling.
- Grill: Our favorite charcoal grill is Weber’s Original Kettle Charcoal Grill.
Ingredients
- Corn on the cob (unshucked)
- Water
- Butter
Directions
Step 1: Soak the Ears
Place whole unshucked ears of corn in a stockpot and cover with cold water. Soak for 30 minutes, then drain.
Test Kitchen Tip: When cooking corn in the husk, presoaking the ears is always a good idea because it helps keep the kernels moist while grilling.
Step 2: Grill the Corn![]()
Place the ears directly over hot coals. Grill for 15-20 minutes, turning every 4-5 minutes, or until husks are completely charred black.
Since the corn is done when the kernels are tender, test the corn by giving it a light squeeze with the tongs. If you can’t tell with the tongs, you can even peek at the kernels by peeling back the husk a little bit (but be careful; it will be hot!). The kernels should look moist but crisp and shiny.
Step 3: Peel the Husks
Remove from the grill, peel back the husks and remove the silk. Butter and season to taste. A few great choices include garlic basil butter, herbed basil butter, lemon-tarragon butter and garlic lemon butter.
If you’ve got leftovers (even after you’ve gone back for seconds), keep cooked sweet corn in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, wrap each ear in a damp paper towel and microwave for 90 seconds to 2 minutes, turning every 20 seconds.
Tips for Grilling Corn on the Cob
How to buy the best corn
There are several indicators for picking a sweet, juicy ear of corn. When you’re at the grocery store or farmers market, make sure to look for a slightly damp, bright green husk that’s wrapped tightly against the corn. Pay attention to the fluff of corn silks that stick out at the top of the ear (otherwise known as the tassel). It should be light brown or gold, and should smell sweet. Finally, squeeze the ear of corn to make sure it feels plump, and like no kernels of corn are missing.
Avoid small brown holes in the husk (this could mean bugs!), and look out for pink and red corn mold. Learn more about how to pick corn.
How to store corn on the cob before cooking
If you’re not going to be cooking the sweet corn the same day you pick it up, make sure to store it in the refrigerator or in a cooler to guarantee perfect corn on the cob each time. When you leave it out at room temperature, the sugar starts to break down and turn into starch. After all, it is called sweet corn—so you want to preserve its sweetness as best you can. Learn more about how to store corn and how to freeze corn after you bring it home from the store.
How to grill corn in foil
If you prefer, you can also grill corn in foil instead of the husk. Place each ear of husked corn on a 12-inch square piece of heavy-duty foil (no need to soak it ahead of time). Top with a pat of butter and a standard-size ice cube. Wrap each ear tightly and grill over hot coals for 15-20 minutes. Try this spiced grilled corn recipe if you want a recipe that adds some flavor.
How to grill corn without the husk
You can grill fresh corn without the husk, but you have to be careful because the husks (or foil) aren’t there to protect it from overcooking and drying out. If you want to grill corn this way, keep it on the grill for only about 10 minutes, since it’s over direct heat, as compared to grilling 15 or 20 minutes with husks or foil. But, if you’re making a dish that calls for individual kernels, you can follow this hack to cut corn off the cob.
How to make flavored grilled corn
After soaking the corn, peel the husks to one inch above the bottom and remove the silk. Spread herbed or seasoned butter of choice over each ear. Rewrap with husks and secure with kitchen twine. Grill according to the directions above.
If you prefer to follow a specific recipe, herbed grilled corn on the cob and grilled corn with chipotle lime butter are two great options.
How to grill frozen corn on the cob
If you know you want sweet corn in the dead of winter, tucking some corn away in the freezer is a good way to bring back memories of warmer weather. Thaw the shucked ears of corn in the fridge overnight, placed on a tea towel to absorb excess moisture. When you’re ready to cook the next day, make sure the kernels are dry before you wrap them up in foil and get grilling.
Another way to prepare corn on the cob that’s been frozen is the in the air fryer. Pull the shucked corn straight from the freezer, spritz it with some cooking spray, pop it in an air fryer set to 400°F and you’ll have hot corn cobs in 12 minutes flat. Get more tips on how to make air-fryer corn on the cob.
Try These Grilled Corn Recipes
Easy Grilled Corn with Chipotle-Lime ButterGrilling corn in the husks is so easy. There's no need to remove the silk and tie the husk closed before grilling. Just soak, grill and add your favorite flavored butter. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
German Brat Seafood BoilGrilled bratwurst and onion add a smoky flavor to corn, potatoes and fish for a hearty meal that's always a hit with my family. —Trisha Kruse, Eagle, Idaho
Maryland Corn PopsFresh-picked sweet corn is a big thing in Maryland. Here’s my homespun version of Mexican street corn that brings in local bay flavors. —Kristie Schley, Severna Park, Maryland
Grilled Sweet CornSince we have plenty of fresh sweet corn available in our area, we use this recipe often in summer. Parsley, chili powder and cumin accent the corn's just-picked flavor. —Connie Lou Hollister, Lake Odessa, Michigan
Slow-Cooker Sriracha CornA restaurant here advertised Sriracha corn on the cob, but I knew I could make my own. The golden ears cooked up a little sweet, a little smoky and a little hot—perfect if you ask my three teenage boys! —Julie Peterson, Crofton, Maryland
Mexican Street CornThis creamy, cheesy Mexican street corn recipe will be your favorite way to enjoy grilled corn on the cob. Elote is customizable and perfect for summer cookouts.
Grilled Spicy Corn on the CobDuring a family picnic, we added jalapenos and hot pepper sauce to our homegrown corn. Now we spice up the ears every chance we get. —Bernadette Walker, Waco, Texas
Slow-Cooked Corn on the CobI like to eat corn all year long, so I came up with this recipe. It's my favorite side to serve when I make sloppy joes. You can use a butter substitute for a skinny version of this corn. —Teresa Flowers, Sacramento, California
Lowcountry Boil (Frogmore Stew)This crowd-pleasing Lowcountry boil starring shrimp, corn and potatoes is perfection in a pot.
Baked Chili-Lime CornTart lime and spicy chili powder offer vibrant flavor contrasts in this easy baked corn dish. —Lawrence Davis, Saint Louis, Missouri
Grilled Corn with DillI like to peel the husks back and rub ears of sweet corn with delicious dill butter before putting them on the grill. The butter melts over the golden kernels as the corn steams inside the husk. —Jeannie Klugh, Lancaster, Pennsylvania
Corn with Cilantro-Lime ButterI like to use fresh cilantro from my garden in this lime butter I created especially for grilled corn. —Andrea Reynolds, Westlake, Ohio
Bacon-Wrapped CornAfter one bite of this grilled corn on the cob, you'll never go back to your old way of preparing it. The incredible flavor of roasted corn combined with bacon and chili powder is sure to please your palate and bring rave reviews at your next backyard barbecue. —Lori Bramble, Omaha, Nebraska
Herbed Grilled Corn on the CobI'd never had grilled corn until last summer when my sister-in-law served it for us. What a treat! So simple, yet delicious, grilled corn is now a must on my summer menu. —Angela Leinenbach, Mechanicsville, Virginia
Kathy's Herbed CornMy husband and I agreed that the original recipe for this corn needed a little jazzing up, so I added the thyme and cayenne pepper to suit our tastes. Now fresh summer corn makes a regular appearance on our grill.
—Kathy VonKorff, North College Hill, Ohio
Chipotle Lime Corn CobsIn Mexico, grilled corn sometimes comes slathered in mayonnaise, rolled in grated cheese, and served with lime and chili powder. This is my family’s take on the dish, with our own flavor enhancements. —Carolyn Kumpe, El Dorado, California
CazuelaThis cazuela recipe brings the warmth and comfort of Chilean cuisine to your table in just under an hour. Packed with chicken, squash and potatoes, it's the perfect hearty stew to enjoy over rice.
Buttery Horseradish Corn on the CobFor a July Fourth barbecue, I whipped up a butter and horseradish topping for grilled corn. People actually formed a line to get seconds. —Trish Loewen, Bakersfield, California
Garlic Pepper CornI've loved corn served with this simple seasoning since I was a child. It makes corn on the cob extra special. —Anna Minegar, Zolfo Springs, Florida
Corn on the Cob with Lemon-Pepper ButterRoasting fresh-picked corn is as old as the Ozark hills where I was raised. My Grandpa Mitchell always salted and peppered his butter on the edge of his plate before spreading it on his corn, and I did the same as a kid. Today, I continue the tradition by serving lemon-pepper butter with roasted corn—it's a favorite! —Allene Bary-Cooper, Wichita Falls, Texas
Basil Grilled Corn on the CobCorn on the cob is a comforting and cherished Midwest dish. It's amazing when grilled, and my recipe adds a few unexpected ingredients to make it taste even more like summertime. —Caitlin Dawson, Monroe, Ohio
Cajun Boil on the GrillI came up with these everything-in-one seafood packets for a family reunion, since the recipe can be increased to feed a bunch. The foil steams up inside, so open carefully. —Allison Brooks, Fort Collins, Colorado
Spiced Grilled CornThe wonderful spice mixture doesn't add heat, only great flavor. This just may be the best corn you've ever had! —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen
Fiesta Grilled CornWe love Mexican food and corn on the cob. So I combined them into something fresh and spicy. For Italian flair, I make this corn with basil and oregano butter and Parmesan cheese.—MacKenzie Severson, Germantown, Maryland
