Grilled Corn on the Cob Recipe (With Husks)

Summer is the season of abundance for farm-fresh sweet corn perfect for summer dinners with grilled corn on the cob. Filled with juicy-sweet tender kernels, nothing compares to locally grown corn on the cob!

The best corn on the cob is in season from late May to September during the summer months. To find the freshest corn cobs, begin by locating your local farmer’s market or a roadside farm stand filled with a morning harvest from the garden.

Childhood memories take me back to days spent on the porch steps, shucking sack fulls of corn, which I never found to be the fun part of the summertime garden chores.

However, once cooked for dinner, I would grab a juicy cob with my bare hands, roll it over a stick of butter, dash on a bit of salt, and munch away, eating the sweet kernels in a typewriter row style.

And, while Laura Ingalls Wilder said, “some old-fashioned things like fresh air and sunshine are hard to beat,” I might like to add so is farm-fresh grilled sweet corn.

Take a trip to your local farmers’ market or visit the country farm stand for your delicious sweet corn.

Farm-fresh corn picked from the garden near mealtime is the best corn. The freshest corn with the sweetest taste is grilled just after harvesting. A few hours off the stalk brings about changes that lessen the flavor.

How to Buy the Best Sweet Corn

The faster corn travels from the farm to the dinner table, the better and sweeter it is.

The freshest corn for grilling is the best corn, so I suggest only purchasing sweet corn from a local farmers’ market or countryside farm stand.

Select ears with fresh green husks and goldish-brown, sticky tassels The cobs of corn should be filled with kernels—the kernels of fresh corn spurt a thin milky juice when punctured with a thumbnail.

The corn is too old if the milk is thick or the kernel’s skin is tough or rubbery.

How to Shuck Corn on the Cob for Grilling

Since this recipe is for grilling sweet corn with the husks, there is no need to shuck the corn thoroughly.

The best way to grill corn on the cob is to remove three or four outer husks. Then, leave some of the remaining husks to protect the corn while grilling.

In one hand, grasp the tops of the outer husk and tassels together. Grab the bottom of the ear of corn with your opposing hand.

Pull straight down to the bottom. Discard the silk and any damaged portion of the ear.

Grilling Essentials you may need

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• Grill
• Charcoal
• Lighter
• Tongs
• Serving Platter

How to Make Grilled Corn on the Cob

Grilling corn with the husks on steams the corn in its moisture which results in tender kernels that are deliciously sweet and juicy. The best-grilled corn has an infused light smoky flavor from the charred husks.

Step 1: Preheat Your Grill

Prepare your outdoor charcoal grill and have ready a good hotbed of coals of medium-high heat.

Step 2: Shuck the Corn (partially)

Pull the main three or four husks off the corn. Then, peel back the rest of the corn husks but do not remove them altogether. Remove silk hairs and pull husks back up over the corn.

Step 3: Grill Corn

Place each ear of corn on a rack over hot coals. Close the grill lid and cook for 15-20 minutes. Use long-handled tongs to give the ears of corn a quarter turn every 5 minutes.

Step 4: Serve

Pull the husks away from corn to reveal the kernels and serve on the cob. The most delicious corn is served alongside a stick of butter and a dash or two of salt.

What to Serve with Sweet Corn on the Cob

Summertime beckons for outside backyard bbq recipes and outdoor dining at the picnic table. Serve grilled corn on the cob alongside a juicy cheeseburger, old-fashioned potato salad, or steak hot off the grill.

Grilled corn on the cob also makes a deliciously easy side dish to Homemade Meatloaf or Simple Oven Baked Chicken.

The Best Tips for Making Grilled Sweet Corn

How do you tell if corn on the cob is done on the grill? You can know that the corn is ready to remove from the grill when the husk darkens and the kernels turn a brilliant bright yellow color and look plump. Carefully pierce a kernel with a paring knife; finished corn should be tender and pierce easily.

Do you have to soak corn on the cob in cold water before grilling? Many recipes call for soaking corn on the cob in cold water before grilling. There is no need for this added step when using just-picked fresh sweet corn.

How do you get grill marks on the ears of corn? To get grill marks, remove a few more outer husks on the corn and place corn on hot grill grates. Removing more husks creates less of a barrier between the corn and the coals.

Is it better to grill corn in the husk? Leaving the husks of the corn on the cobs protects the corn from the grill’s heat and helps to steam the corn to juicy tenderness. 

Can you grill corn with silk on? Yes, you can grill corn with the silk on. I find it easier to remove the silks before grilling, but you can remove them after grilling if one chooses to leave them on.

Savory Herb Butter Recipes

Spread a mixture of savory butter on grilled ears of corn for different flavors using your favorite seasonings.

In a small bowl, combine 3/4 cup soft butter with 2 1/2 tsp salt. Season with one of the following:
Oregano – Add 1 1/2 tsp dried oregano leaves and 1/2 tsp garlic salt
Chives – Add 2 tsp dried chopped chives
Onion – Add 2 tsp minced green onion

Now that you know the easiest method for serving the best-grilled corn on the cob with husks, you can enjoy this recipe all summer long!

grilled corn on the cob Printable Recipe card