grilled corn on the cob pin.

Nothing says summer to me quite like fresh, juicy Grilled Corn on the Cob. I have great memories as a child of horseback riding along a local cornfield and trying to pick a cob as I rode by. Back then, I would peel and eat it right there on horseback. But now, I find it tastes even better cooked on the grill! I grill my corn right in the husk so it steams to juicy perfection. Daubed with a little bit of butter and a sprinkle of salt, this grilled corn tastes like summer!

overhead view of 4 ears of grilled corn on a white plate.overhead view of 4 ears of grilled corn on a white plate.

Corn is such an interesting food because when fresh, it’s considered a starchy vegetable, but once dried it becomes a grain. It’s so versatile and flavorful all on its own, and I wanted to showcase that with this grilled corn on the cob recipe. I flavored it simply with butter and salt to really let that sweet corn flavor shine!

Here’s what you’ll need to make grilled corn on the cob:

  • Corn: Sweet corn is available in yellow, white, or bicolored. Bicolored, or “butter sugar” corn has the best balance of rich corn flavor with a touch of sweetness.
  • Water: Soaking the corn in cool water hydrates the husks to help steam the corn and prevent them from catching on fire.
  • Canola Oil Spray: Helps the corn husks cook without burning.
  • Sea Salt: Enhances the natural sweet flavor of the corn.
  • Butter: Adds richness to the corn.

Is It Better To Grill Corn In Foil Or Not?

While many folks like grilling their corn in foil, I chose to use the corn’s natural husk to get a similar effect with less cost and waste. The husk protects the corn from burning and helps it steam so it stays nice and moist.

Serving Suggestions

This sweet and juicy grilled corn on the cob pairs perfectly with grilled chicken, homemade hamburgers, or turkey burgers! It’s also the perfect base for street corn topped with mayonnaise, lime crema, chili powder, and Cotija cheese!

4 peeled ears of grilled corn with butter on a white plate.4 peeled ears of grilled corn with butter on a white plate.
grilled corn on the cob pin.


Grilled Corn on the Cob

Nothing says summer to me quite like fresh, juicy Grilled Corn on the Cob. Steamed in the husk and slathered with butter and salt!

overhead view of 4 ears of grilled corn on a white plate.overhead view of 4 ears of grilled corn on a white plate.

  • 4 ears corn, husks on ($2.40)
  • Water ($0.00)
  • Canola oil spray ($0.06)
  • 1 tsp sea salt ($0.05)
  • 4 Tbsp butter ($0.64)
  • Soak 4 ears of corn in cool water for a least 10 minutes.

  • Gently peel back the green husks half way and remove the silks only, leaving the fibrous green husks intact. Cover the exposed corn with the husks. This will ultimately “steam” the corn as it grills!

  • Spray grill lightly with canola oil and grill corn cobs on high heat, turning every 2-4 minutes until all sides of the outer husks are equally charred. The corn inside should turn a more brilliant yellow and take on some extra color from the grill.

  • Enjoy with a little melted butter and a sprinkle of sea salt, using the peeled back husk as your handle.

See how we calculate recipe costs here.


Serving: 1cobCalories: 109kcalCarbohydrates: 2gProtein: 0.4gFat: 12gSodium: 672mgFiber: 0.2g

Read our full nutrition disclaimer here.

how to Grill Corn On The Cob – step by step photos

4 ears of corn soaked in water.4 ears of corn soaked in water.

Soak 4 ears of corn in cool water for a least 10 minutes.

4 peeled ears of corn with the husks pulled back over the cobs.4 peeled ears of corn with the husks pulled back over the cobs.

Gently peel back the green husks half way and remove the silks only, leaving the fibrous green husks intact. Cover the exposed corn with the husks. This will ultimately “steam” the corn as it grills!

4 ears of corn on a grill pan.4 ears of corn on a grill pan.

Spray grill lightly with canola oil and grill corn cobs on high heat, turning every 2-4 minutes until all sides of the outer husks are equally charred. The corn inside should turn a more brilliant yellow and take on some extra color from the grill.

grilled ears of corn on a grill pan.grilled ears of corn on a grill pan.

Enjoy with 1 Tbsp melted butter and 1/4 tsp sea salt, using the peeled back husk as your handle.

overhead view of 4 peeled ears of grilled corn with butter on a white plate.overhead view of 4 peeled ears of grilled corn with butter on a white plate.

This grilled corn on the cob is Summer on a plate!