Grilled Corn on the cob is the best part of summer when fresh produce is at its peak. And what better way to cook your cobs when they come hot off the grill grates with a sweet, smoky flavor and beautiful char. Learn how to grill corn on the cob 2 ways – with and without the husk – no aluminum foil, no soaking, and no clean up needed!
How To Grill Corn on the Cob (2 Ways)
Our guide to grilling the best BBQ Corn on the cob is easy, straightforward, and always delivers delicious results. I will teach you two methods to make corn on the cob on the grill, one with the corn husks on and the other with the corn cobs cooked directly on the grill.
If you prefer a strong smoky flavor and blackened char marks on your grilled corn, I suggest you follow my corn recipe that calls for removing the husks. But if you’d rather see bright yellow kernels and love an extra juicy crunch, then leave the husk on.
Ingredients Notes
- Fresh corn on the cob: When selecting fresh corn on the cob, try to find ears of corn whose silks still seem moist.
- Salt and butter: Feel free to use your favorite seasonings and spreads.
How to Pick Out the Best Corn on the Cob
For the sweetest and most flavorful corn on the cob, seek out ears with vibrant green husks that feel cool and damp to the touch. These signs indicate fresh harvest. Resist the urge to peek! Instead, feel for firm, plump kernels through the husk, running your fingers from base to tip.
The silky strands on the top, called tassels, should be light brown or even slightly sticky, another sign of recent picking. Avoid ears with husks that are dry, yellowing, or damaged, or have brown or black, dried-out tassels.
See the recipe card for full information on ingredients and quantities.
How to Make BBQ Corn on the Cob Without The Husk
- Get The Grill Going: Oil the cooking grates and preheating the grill to 300 to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Prepare The Produce: Husk the corn and remove the silks.
- Cook The Corn: Place the ears of corn directly on the oiled cooking grates. Cook for 14 minutes, turning every 2 to 3 minutes, and closing the lid in between.
- Season and Serve: Season with salt and melted butter and serve. Enjoy!
How To Cook Corn on the Cob On The Grill With The Husk On
If you prefer a grilled corn recipe without removing the husk, follow these simple steps instead:
- Soak the corn in water with the husks for 15 minutes.
- Peel back the husks (without removing them) to remove the silk. Brush the corn with olive oil, reposition the husks back over the corn, and grill.
Serving Suggestions
Grilling corn is essential for summer. Fortunately there is no shortage in ways to serve grilled corn, from backyard barbecues to camping trips, it makes a great gluten free side dish to pair with burgers, hotdogs, or last minute dinners.
- Serve It Elote-Style: Make this a Mexican Street Corn on the cob recipe by slathering your corn kernels with a blend of mayonnaise, cotija cheese, lime juice, cilantro, and spicy seasonings.
- Serve A Grilled Corn Salad: Remove the grilled corn kernels from the cob (I love this handy tool!) and make my Street Corn Pasta Salad, Mexican Street Corn Salad, Bacon Corn Salad, Fritos Corn Salad, or your favorite Summer Corn Salad recipes.
- Make It Into A Meal: Add your grilled corn kernels to a Burrito Bowl, Queso Chicken Tacos, Mini Enchilada Cups, Taco Bell Frito Burrito, or a Mexican Casserole.
- Pair With Protein: Grilled corn on the cob goes great with Grilled Chicken Breast, Grilled Salmon, and steak.
Tips & Variations
- Season With Other Spreads: While salt and butter are the classic corn seasonings, there are so many other ways to add flavor. You can slather your corn with flavored butter like garlic butter, herb butter, or Cajun butter, sprinkle on some chili lime seasoning, chili powder, or fresh herbs, or add a squirt of fresh lime juice.
- Ditch The Dairy: For a vegan version, use your favorite non-dairy spreads instead of butter.
- Soak Your Corn: If you are using the husk grilling method, to plump up your grilled corn and prevent the husks from burning, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours, for best results.
If you tried this xx Recipe or any other recipe on my website, please leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how it went in the 📝 comments below. Thanks for visiting!!!
How to Grill Corn on the Cob
Ingredients
- 4 ears corn on the cob
- Salt and butter to taste (or other preferred seasonings)
Instructions
- Prepare the grill by oiling the cooking grates and preheating the grill to medium high heat, approximately 300 to 350º.
- Husk the corn, removing all husks and silks.
- Place the ears of corn on the oiled cooking grates. Cook for approximately 14 minutes, turning corn every 2 to 3 minutes and closing the lid between each.
- Remove corn from the grill. Season the corn with salt and butter, or as desired.
Jenn’s Notes
Nutrition Info
POST UPDATED: Originally Post May 30, 2017
Thank you so much for sharing! We’re having corn on the cob for dinner tonight and I think I’ll be trying your recipe!
Great share! Had a great but smoky flavor. Didn’t add the butter. The burnt husks make quite a mess. Have done this recipe twice.