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How to Grill Corn on the Cob

5 from 2 votes
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updated: 06/30/25

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This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure policy

Learn how to grill corn on the cob with these simple steps and tips. Grilled Corn is the perfect side dish for summer dinners and is done in just 25 minutes!

close up of grilled corn with butter melting on it

Summer days with my family are my absolute favorite. Long hikes, swimming, reading on the beach, outdoor movie nights – I want summer to last forever.

The best ending to perfect summer days is dinner on the patio. Our favorite line up is hamburgers, tomato cucumber salad, and of course grilled corn.

Grilled corn is one of our favorites in the summer. Cooking corn on the grill is easy to perfect by following my step-by-step instructions.

How To Grill Corn on The Cob

This recipe could not be more simple. It’s so simple that we do it several times a week in summer. Be sure to scroll to the recipe card at the bottom of the post for the full recipe.

  1. Preheat the grill. Preheat the grill to approximately 350 to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
  2. Prep the corn. While the grill is warming up, remove the husks and silks from the corn. This step is optional, you can read more about leaving the husks on below.
  3. Grill the corn. Place corn on the hot grill grates and cover. Flip the corn every 5 minutes for 15 to 25 minutes or until the corn is bright yellow. Please note that the hotter the grill is, the less time each side needs. Enjoy!
Grilled Corn cooking on the grill

How Long to Grill Corn on the Cob

The hotter your grill is, the faster the corn will cook. Grills that are close to the 450 degrees Fahrenheit mark will need just two minutes per side. Watch your corn closely and be sure to rotate it every few minutes so it cooks evenly.

Tips and Tricks

  • Start with the Freshest Corn: The best results from this recipe come with using the freshest corn picked at the peak of the season. I like to peel a little of the husk back when purchasing to look for plump kernels. Buying from corn stands and the farmers market is a great way to ensure fresh corn.
  • Skip Soaking: Using the fresh corn is what will ensure that it is moist and plump. It can actually go right from the stalk to the grill. I find that soaking doesn’t really prevent the outer leaves from catching on fire if you leave them on either. It’s just an extra step.
  • Don’t Peel the Corn: You can grill the corn with the husks on. Simply place the whole cob on the preheated grill. You won’t get the smoky flavor or the gorgeous char marks, but my kids prefer that. Either way, the timing of the grilling is the same.

Grilled Corn Recipes

We typically just season our grilled corn with salt and butter, but here are a few other options. Experiment and see what flavor combinations you love!

  • Garlic Powder + Parmesan Cheese + Butter
  • Mayo + Chili Powder + Cotija Cheese
  • Sriracha + Cilantro
  • Honey + Lime Juice + Salt
  • Cumin + Paprika + Chili Powder + Salt + Butter
  • Lemon Pepper Seasoning
  • Cinnamon + Sugar + Butter

Reheating Leftovers

Store any leftover grilled corn in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat the corn, wrap each piece in foil. Make sure that it is wrapped tightly so that the steam cannot escape. Bake in a 350 degrees Fahrenheit oven for five to seven minutes.

Otherwise, leftover grilled corn is great in some of the following recipes:

Close up view of Grilled Corn.

What to Serve With Grilled Corn

Perfect on the side of so many things, here are a few main dish recipes to throw in the grill with your corn.

If you try this method of grilling corn or make any of my other recipes, please leave me a comment and let me know what you think!

close up of grilled corn with butter melting on it
5 from 2 votes

How to Grill Corn on the Cob

Serves: 6 servings
(tap # to scale)
Prep: 5 minutes
Cook: 20 minutes
Total: 25 minutes
Learn how to grill corn on the cob with these simple steps and tips. Grilled Corn is the perfect side dish for summer dinners and is done in just 25 minutes!

Ingredients

  • 6 ears of sweet corn
  • butter
  • kosher salt

Instructions

  • Heat the grill to 350 to 400 degrees.
  • While the grill is warming up, remove the husks and silks from the corn. This step is also optional. You can grill the corn with the husks on. You won't get the grilled taste, or the gorgeous grill marks, but my kids prefer that. Either way the timing of the grilling is the same.
  • Place the corn on the grill and cover. Flip the corn every 5 minutes for 15 to 25 minutes or until the corn is bright yellow. Please note that the hotter the grill is, the less time each side needs. Grills that are close to the 450 mark will need just 2 minutes per side.
  • Immediately after removing the corn from the grill, butter and salt it.
Author: Lisa Longley
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American
close up of grilled corn with butter melting on it

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How to Grill Corn on the Cob

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Hi! I'm Lisa Longley, and I am committed to giving you simple dinner ideas and recipes that are easy to make; recipes that will fill your home with joy. I am the owner and author of SimpleJoy.com and I'm so glad that you are here.

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    5 from 2 votes (1 rating without comment)

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  1. terri nave dishman says

    5 stars
    Sounds easy as 1.2.3….

    • Lisa Longley says

      Pretty much! :)

  2. Daphnae Bishop says

    I own a produce market and we grow acres of sweet corn. This recipe is great except for 1 thing! Please rinse the corn in clean water several times before cooking. It will remove bugs, worms, spray, bird poop and more. These things can make you sick.
    ALWAYS WASH YOUR PRODUCE. PLEASE.

  3. SuiteT says

    I love corn on the cob on the grill. No matter how I cook it I always put tarragon, soy sauce, and and a little butter spray on the finished product.
    It is a delicious combination.
    Thanks for all the great recipes!

    • Lisa Longley says

      You are welcome!

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