How To Cook Corn On The Cob

Wondering how to cook corn on the cob? We’ve got you covered with recipes from grilled to oven roasted and with or without the husks.

Cooking fresh corn on the cob doesn’t have to be complicated! It’s summer, and we want to enjoy good food, family and friends, and nice weather. Check out all of these recipes for how to cook corn on the cob and try them out this summer to see which is your favorite!

Best Way To Cook Corn On The Cob

Since summer cookouts aren’t complete without corn on the cob, I’ve been up to my ears in corn on the cob (yes, that was a CORN-Y pun), testing recipes and methods for cooking corn on the cob to find the best one. After cooking countless ears of corn in various ways, my conclusion is that they are all delicious and they are all the BEST way.

The three main factors are as follows: available equipment, time constraints, and the number of people eating the corn on the cob. Since fresh corn on the cob can be eaten raw, the goal of cooking it is to soften it, bring out the sweetness, and warm up the corn. There’s no need to worry about the exact temperature and time. Start with the freshest corn you can find, warm it up in your favorite manner, slather it with butter, and enjoy.

How To Cook Fresh Corn On The Cob

Mexican Street Corn

August is peak season for sweet corn in Minnesota, and the local corn on the cob stands are everywhere. If you're looking for a delicious twist on traditional corn on the cob, try Mexican Street Corn. This dish is made with grilled corn that is slathered in a spicy mayo, sprinkled with cotija cheese and cilantro, and drizzled with lime juice. The combination of flavors is sure to become a favorite.

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Baked Corn On The Cob

Baked Corn On The Cob is a family-friendly side dish! When you make corn on the cob for a weeknight dinner, you can cook it in the oven alongside a main dish, such as chicken breasts or pork chops. It's an easy way to make a full meal for your family.

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Grilled Corn On The Cob In Foil

Grilled corn on the cob in foil is an easy way to cook corn for a party or backyard BBQ. The corn is wrapped in foil with butter, herbs, and spices, so it soaks up all the flavor while it cooks. This method is also mess-free since the butter and seasonings are contained in the foil.

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Tongs removing corn on the cob from an instant pot.

Instant Pot Corn On The Cob

Instant Pot Corn On The Cob is awesome because it cooks in minutes. Then, add your favorite seasonings and enjoy. You don't have the hassle of hauling out a big stock pot and waiting for water to boil or warming up the house with the oven!

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four smoked cobs of corn on a white platter

Smoked Corn On The Cob

Try making Smoked Corn on the Cob this summer for a unique flavor. Once it's done cooking, top the hot corn with seasoned butter for even more flavor! It's easy to make on the grill with wood chips in foil.

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Air Fryer Corn On The Cob

If you only need corn for a few people, try making it in the air fryer! Air fryer corn on the cob makes tender corn with toasted kernels. Plus, it frees up space on the grill, stovetop, or oven.

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Microwave Corn On The Cob

Did you know that you can make delicious, tender Microwave Corn On The Cob in just a few minutes? This is the best way to make corn for one or two people. Plus, we'll show you a trick for how to quickly shuck the corn!

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Removing corn on the cob from a crock pot.

Crock Pot Corn On The Cob

Crock Pot Corn On The Cob is a hands-off way to cook corn! It's perfect for parties and potlucks because the slow cooker keeps the corn warm. If you have a large crowd, you can use more than one crock pot.

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Oven Roasted Corn On The Cob With The Husks

Making Oven Roasted Corn On The Cob With The Husks is so easy! You don't have to shuck the corn beforehand, and it steams in the husks while cooking. Plus, it doesn't get charred like it would on the grill.

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Grilled Corn On The Cob Peeled

Grilled corn on the cob is a popular choice because it cooks quickly when peeled. Plus, the grill gives the corn a smoky flavor and some of the pieces get charred. Shucking the corn ahead of time makes things easier for your guest at dinner time.

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Oven Roasted Foil Wrapped Corn On The Cob

Oven Roasted Foil Wrapped Corn On The Cob makes cleanup a breeze since you do the work ahead of time. The corn steams inside the foil and you can even add butter and seasonings before you bake it.

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How To Boil Corn On The Cob

I've had to call my mom so many times over the years to ask her how long to boil corn on the cob! Now we are sharing our classic boiled corn on the cob recipe with you. It’s not the easiest way to make sweet corn, but we like the flavor and texture. Don't forget to serve it with lots of butter and salt.

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Three grilled cobs of corn in blackened husks with one peeled cob of corn on a pan.

How To Grill Corn On The Cob With The Husks

You can make grilled corn in the husks without any prep, soaking in advance, or peeling beforehand. This is a popular way to cook corn since you can throw some sweet corn on the grill along with the rest of your meal. And you keep the heat outside of the house!

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How To Pick Fresh Corn On The Cob

Purchase corn on the cob as close to the time that you will be making it as you can. After being picked, the corn on the cob starts to dry out, and the natural sugars start turning into starch.
The freshest corn on the cob is always the best. Try to purchase from farm stands or farmer’s markets whenever possible since they sell freshly picked corn.
Look for the ears of corn with bright green husks that are still tightly wrapped around the cob.
Check the stems. Choose the corn on the cob with stems that are still moist.
The corn tassels should be silky, sticky, and moist. Avoid the ones with black, dry silks.
Run your fingertips along the cobs to check for tightly packed rows of corn without missing kernels.
Check for wormholes, worms, and bugs.
When possible, peel back a bit of the top of the corn husk, without peeling it entirely, to check the tip of the corn cob for bright, plump, full ears of corn.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best way to cook corn on the cob?

The best way to cook corn on the cob is whatever way you have available, and it is also dependent on how much time you have! Some methods require certain equipment, such as a grill or an air fryer. Other methods take a longer time, such as a slow cooker. They are all excellent choices for making corn on the cob for various reasons.

Can you freeze corn on the cob?

Yes, you can freeze corn on the cob or cut it off the cob and use it to make freezer corn.

How can you tell when the corn is fully cooked?

It is ready to eat when the corn is hot, and the kernels are tender. You can poke them with a fork to see if they are tender. Undercooked corn will be more crunchy.

What happens if you overcook corn on the cob?

When you overcook it, the kernels can lose some of their sweetness and become tough and chewy.

More Corn Recipes

If you have extra corn on the cob, you can cut it off the cob and use it to make one of these delicious recipes.

This Corn Salad with Doritos is the perfect side dish to share with friends.
Deep-Fried Corn Fritters are soft balls of dough with corn inside!
Bacon Fried Corn is a flavorful side dish that we love making year-round!
Flavorful Corn Dip is a delicious appetizer. Serve it with corn chips or tortilla chips!
Corn Chowder is a creamy, comforting meal with potatoes, bacon, and corn.