Get ready to take your grilled corn on the cob to the next level. With a few simple tips and tricks, you can achieve perfectly charred and juicy corn that bursts with flavor. Whether you’re hosting a backyard BBQ or enjoying a casual family dinner, this recipe is a must-try.

Grilled corn on a platter for serving with charred kernels and a dusting of salt, pepper, spices  and grated parmesan cheese.

Introducing Grilled Corn on the Cob – a delicious side dish featuring summers best fresh corn cobs grilled to perfection and topped with butter, parmesan cheese, and other tasty toppings. 

Time to fire up that grill and dive into those delicious grilling recipes! Take this Grilled Corn on the Cob, for example. It’s such a great summer staple and the perfect side dish to complete any meal, from burgers to a juicy rack of hickory smoked pork ribs. This recipe jazzes up an old familiar favorite, traditional corn on the cob. But this isn’t your typical bland grilled corn. This smoked Corn on the Cob is the more sophisticated modern version. Once you dig your teeth into this easy grilled corn, you’ll never go back to bland old cobs again. 

What Is Grilled Corn on the Cob?

These Grilled Corn Cobs are thrust from their outer husks and slapped onto a nice hot grill for perfect charring. We love making corn this way because it gives the corn a nice smoky flavor that pairs perfectly with other smoker recipes, like smoked cabbage and smoked potato salad. Each bite offers a seductively spicy, savory flavor profile that you won’t be able to get enough of. 

Smoked Corn on the Cob Ingredients

  • Ears of Corn on the Cob
  • Oil (any neutral cooking oil will work)

For Serving:

  • Butter – Salted or unsalted butter, depending on your preference. If you use salted, omit the salt from the recipe.
  • Salt
  • Parmesan Cheese
  • Black Pepper
  • Chives, Scallions, or Freshly Minced Parsley – Or any other combination of your favorite herbs.
  • Hatch Chile Flakes – You can omit if you’re not a fan of spice.
  • Girl Carnivore Over Easy

How to Make Grilled Corn on the Cob

Preparing the Corn

Start by removing the corn husks and silks from the corn. Give them a good peel and clean. 

GET THE GRILL READY

Prep your grill for indirect heat by building a 2-zone fire. You want to create a hot side and a cooler side on the grill.

Adjust the air vents for searing, allowing the grill to heat up to around 400-450 degrees F.

Hand with tongs placing corn on the grill.

Grilling the corn

When the grill has preheated, place corn over the hot grill grates to embrace the direct heat. 

Grill the corn, rotating every 2 to 3 minutes, until the corn kernels have all taken on a golden brown hue or a little char. This will add some delicious smoky flavor.

Transfer the corn to the cooler side of the grill, cover, and let the corn cook for another 15-20 minutes until you have deliciously tender kernels.

Time to Season

Remove the corn from the grill and get ready to make them even more delectable. Slather them with butter and sprinkle on some salt.

Top the Grilled Corn on the Cob with a sprinkle of parmesan cheese, freshly ground black pepper, minced herbs like chives or scallions, chili flakes, and a dash of the Girl Carnivore Over Easy spice blend for an extra kick of flavor.

Serve the Grilled Corn on the Cob immediately while it’s still hot and juicy.

Corn with charred kernels on the grill grates over charcoal.

Girl Carnivore Expert Recipe Tips

  • Slap some homemade compound butter on top for the ultimate indulgence.
  • Make Mexican Street Corn by adding cotija cheese, chili powder, garlic, cilantro, mayonnaise, and sour cream!
  • Add a squeeze of lime juice for an extra tangy twist!
  • Take things to a whole new level and make smoked corn on the cob.

For a gas grill:

To grill corn on a gas grill, follow the recipe as directed. Create a 2-zone fire in your gas grill by turning 1 of 3 or 2 of 4 burners on for a cool side and a hot side. Consider using wood chips on your gas grill for added smoky flavor.

What to Serve With This Perfect Juicy Corn

This succulent corn on the cob recipe is perfect for a backyard BBQ or cookout paired with juicy Smoked Burgers with Caramelized Onions or New Orleans BBQ Shrimp! Serve up your corn with other smoked sides such as Smoked Sausage Stuffed Artichokes and BBQ Glazed Smoked Brussels Sprouts

Ribeye steaks and corn on a charcoal grill.

Leftovers & Reheating

  • Store any leftovers in an airtight container for 3-5 days.
  • To reheat, remove the kernels from the cob and place them on a baking sheet lined with foil or a skillet in an oven preheated to 325 degrees F. Throw the roasted kernels onto a bed of lettuce and make a grilled corn salad!

Recipe FAQs

CAN I GRILL CORN ON A GAS GRILL OR A CHARCOAL GRILL?

Absolutely! You can grill corn on the cob on both gas and charcoal grills. Simply preheat the grill to medium heat and follow the grilling instructions. Gas grills offer more precise temperature control, while charcoal grills impart a smoky flavor. Choose the grill that suits your preference and enjoy delicious grilled corn.

IS IT BETTER TO GRILL CORN IN ALUMINUM FOIL OR NOT?

For this recipe, we’re not grilling the corn in foil, as we want those nice grill marks and smoky flavor!

TO HUSK OR NOT TO HUSK?

We’re husking these bad boys for this recipe, but we also have a Grilled Corn in the Husks recipe if you want to check that out!

WHAT’S THE BEST CORN TO USE FOR THIS RECIPE?

You can use sweet corn or yellow corn for this recipe!

Grilled corn on the cob on a platter for serving garnished with herbs and spices.

MORE GRILLING Side RECIPES

This Grilled Corn on the Cob is a great way to enjoy one of your favorite side dishes! Bursting with flavor from the butter and spices, this easy recipe is a foolproof way to get perfect corn every time. Also, please rate the recipe card and leave a comment below to help out the next reader!

Grilled Corn on the Cobb

5 from 19 votes
Prep: 5 minutes
Cook: 30 minutes
Total: 35 minutes
Servings: 4
Corn on the grill grate over lit coals.
Grilled corn on the cob is a summertime classic that never fails to impress. Brushed with melted butter and sprinkled with a hint of salt and pepper, each bite is a delightful balance of sweetness and smokiness. Get ready to savor the taste of summer! 🌽🔥

Ingredients  

For the corn:

  • 4 Corn on the cob fresh corn
  • 1 tbsp oil any neutral cooking oil will work

For serving:

  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 1 tsp Salt
  • Parmesan cheese
  • Black pepper
  • Chives green onions, or freshly minced parsley
  • Hatch chile flakes
  • Girl Carnivore Over Easy Spice Blend

Instructions 

Prep the corn

  • Start by removing the husks and silks from the corn. Brush the corn on all sides with oil.

Prep the grill

  • Prep your grill for indirect heat by building a 2-zone fire.
  • Adjust the air vents for searing, allowing the grill to heat to around 400 – 450 degrees F

Grill the corn

  • When the grill has preheated, arrange the corn over the hot side of the grill, the direct heat.
  • Grill the corn, rotating every 2 to 3 minutes, until the kernels have all taken on a golden hue or a little char.
  • Transfer the corn to the cooler side of the grill, cover, and allow the corn to cook for another 15 – 20 minutes until softened.

Serve

  • Remove the corn from the grill and slather with butter and salt.
  • Top the grilled corn on the cob with a sprinkle of parmesan cheese, freshly ground black pepper, minced herbs, and a dash of Girl Carnivore Over Easy spice blend for even more flavor.
  • Serve immediately.

Notes

  • Slap some homemade compound butter on top for the ultimate indulgence.
  • Make Mexican Street Corn (aka, elotes) by adding cotija cheese, chili powder, garlic, cilantro, mayonnaise, and sour cream!
  • Add a squeeze of lime juice for an extra tangy twist!

For a gas grill:

To grill corn on a gas grill, follow the recipe as directed. Create a 2-zone fire in your gas grill by turning 1 of 3 or 2 of 4 burners on for a cool side and a hot side. Consider using wood chips on your gas grill for added smoky flavor.

Nutrition

Serving: 1g | Calories: 163kcal | Carbohydrates: 17g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 11g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 4g | Trans Fat: 0.3g | Cholesterol: 16mg | Sodium: 660mg | Potassium: 246mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 6g | Vitamin A: 353IU | Vitamin C: 6mg | Calcium: 19mg | Iron: 0.5mg
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Author: Kita Roberts

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Well, Hey, Y’all.

Kita is a multi-talented individual, boasting numerous accomplishments such as being an award-winning recipe developer, world-traveled professional photographer, and journalist. As the lead creative force behind Girl Carnivore®, she is widely recognized as an authority on all things meat.

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5 from 19 votes (19 ratings without comment)

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