Grilling Corn on the Cob 4 Ways

Grilling corn on the cob is a summer staple, and honestly, it should be a grill party MVP. It pretty much goes with almost everything. Burgers, ribs, or just eating it straight off the cob, corn is ridiculously versatile. But did you know there are four different ways you can grill it? Yep, that’s right my dear reader! From leaving the husk on to going fully naked (the corn, not you), we’ll show you how to master each grilling method.

Once you’ve got the perfectly grilled cob, we’ll also give you four amazing flavor ideas to make it extra special. Ready to level up your corn game?

GRILLING CORN ON THE COB 4 DIFFERENT WAYS

I admit that sometimes, once in a blue moon, a simple good cob of corn must be appreciated for what Mother Nature created, but I also think there’s nothing wrong with enhancing her efforts.

The classic way of lightly rubbing a pat of butter over the corn with a tiny sprinkle of salt is ok, but come on, there are SO many other ways to dress up your corn. We need to flavor our corn people!

How to Grill Corn on the Cob: 4 Methods

Grilling corn might seem simple, but the method you choose can totally change the flavor and texture. Here are four ways to grill your corn:

1. Grilling Corn in the Husk

This is the easiest, most foolproof way to grill corn because the husk acts as a natural steamer.

1. Pull back the outer husk layers without removing them and remove the silk. Smooth the husks back over the corn.
2. Soak the corn in water for about 15 minutes to prevent the husks from burning.
3. Grill over medium heat (350°F) for 15-20 minutes, turning occasionally.
4. Peel back the husks and enjoy smoky, tender kernels.

SaltyPot Tip: If you want a smokier flavor, skip the soaking step and let the husks char slightly on the grill!

2. Grilling Corn Without the Husk

No husk? No problem. This method gets you the classic grill marks everyone loves.

1. Shuck the corn completely, removing the husk and silk.
2. Brush the corn with olive oil or melted butter to prevent sticking.
3. Place the corn directly on the grill grates and cook for 8-10 minutes, turning every 2 minutes for even char.

SaltyPot Tip: Brush the corn with a garlic butter mixture as it grills for added flavor while it cooks!

3. Foil-Wrapped Grilled Corn

Foil is your best friend if you’re worried about the corn drying out.

1. Shuck the corn and season it with your favorite spices or butter.
2. Wrap each ear tightly in aluminum foil.
3. Grill for 10-12 minutes, turning halfway through.

SaltyPot Tip: Foil-wrapped corn locks in moisture and makes cleanup a breeze—perfect for camping or lazy BBQ days!

4. Pre-Cooked Grilled Corn

Want to save time? Start with pre-cooked (boiled or steamed) corn and finish it on the grill for a quick char.

1. Boil or steam the corn until tender, about 5-7 minutes.
2. Transfer the corn to a hot grill and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, just enough to get grill marks.

SaltyPot Tip: It’s Fast and Flexible: This method is ideal for large parties when you need to prep ahead of time.”

4 Flavor Ideas to Take Your Grilled Corn to the Next Level

Now that you’ve mastered the grilling techniques, it’s time to talk flavor. These four seasoning ideas will elevate your corn to star status.

1. Mexican Elote (Street Corn)

Sweet, smoky, and creamy—this flavor combo is a fan favorite for a reason!

• Ingredients:
  • 1/4 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/4 cup cotija cheese, grated
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 lime, cut into wedges
  • Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)
• How to Make It:
  1. Grill the corn (use any method above).
  2. Slather it with mayo, then sprinkle on cotija cheese and chili powder.
  3. Squeeze lime over the top and garnish with cilantro if desired.

SaltyPot Tip: No cotija? Crumbled feta or Parmesan works too!

2. Garlic Butter and Parsley

This simple yet indulgent combination is comfort food at its best.

• Ingredients Per Cob:
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 teaspoon minced garlic
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
  • Salt and pepper to taste
• How to Make It:
  1. Brush the grilled corn with the garlic butter mixture while it’s still warm.
  2. Sprinkle parsley, salt, and pepper over the top.

SaltyPot Tip: For serving, pair with Marinated Grilled Steak recipe or roasted veggies for a hearty meal!

3. Bacon and Parmesan

Because everything’s better with bacon and cheese, right?

• Ingredients Per Cob:
  • 2 tablespoons butter, softened
  • 2 strips cooked bacon, crumbled
  • 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon chives or green onion, chopped
• How to Make It:
  1. Spread the butter over hot grilled corn.
  2. Sprinkle the bacon, Parmesan, and chives evenly over the top.

SaltyPot Tip: Any leftover bacon butter can be stored in the fridge for up to a week.

4. Sweet and Spicy Cinnamon Sugar

This unexpected flavor combo is perfect for a dessert-style corn. If you like cinnamon sugar anything (with a kick), this seasoned corn is for you!

• Ingredients Per Cob:
  • 2 tablespoons butter, melted
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • A pinch of chili powder or cayenne (optional)
• How to Make It:
  1. Brush the grilled corn with the butter mixture.
  2. Sprinkle with extra cinnamon sugar for good measure.

SaltyPot Tip: This one is usually a hit at any gathering I made it at!

More Grilled Corn Variations to Try

• Cajun-Spiced Corn: Dust your corn with Cajun seasoning for a smoky, spicy twist.
• Herbed Feta Corn: Top your corn with feta and fresh herbs like basil for a Mediterranean spin.
• Sriracha Mayo Corn: Drizzle with spicy Sriracha mayo for a zesty kick

Serving With Other Dishes

If you’re serving this seasoned and grilled corn on the cob for a cookout/crowd of people, other appetizers, salads and desserts are fun to serve as well. Try this fresh tasting but hearty Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Mini Pepper Appetizer, this Sweet and Spicy Skewered Chicken Wings, and a really fun salad to serve is this Dill Pickle Vegetable Pasta Salad. It’s one of my faves!

So my lovelies, make the most of summer! I hope you try grilling corn on the cob with some of these flavors that I’ve talked about!!

One big word of caution though. If you’re going to make a huge mess of corn for ANY occasion, stop by the store and buy a few packs of tooth floss. With these flavors, EVERYONE at the party is going to need it!!!

Thanks for stopping by The Salty Pot, have an awesome day!