Grilled Corn on the Cob
You’ll love this easy and delicious Grilled Corn on the Cob recipe. Cooked on the BBQ in parmesan, butter and wrapped in foil. Full flavour in every bite, and the best easy summer side dish!
Call me a creature of habit (or just stubborn), yet I’ve always just boiled corn on the cob. It’s how I’ve always cooked corn on the con, and never considered that it could be cooked differently. After all, it always tasted good so why change it? Does this sound familiar?
While at the farmers market a couple weekends ago, I bought some fresh corn on the cob. While waiting in line, a couple next to me were talking about grilling the corn they just paid for. As I walked away I started thinking about why I hadn’t tried grilling corn before.
When I got home, I called a couple friends and brought up this ever-pressing issue. Turns out I wasn’t alone – none of them have tried grilling corn on the cob either. Perhaps many of us are stuck in our (culinary) ways somewhat. Well, I vowed to change that!
So for the first time I grilled corn on the cob and it make me sit back and think, ‘WOW’. A few days later, I had to go back for more. Color me excited, I overcame my culinary stubbornness and found a new recipe.
Barbecue corn on the cob results in the best corn with some great options for variations. That grilled summer taste is great for at home or when out camping.
You might also like our Air Fryer Corn on the Cob, it’s super easy!
Speaking of changing habits, I finally ditched canned and made my own Homemade Roasted Tomato Soup. Life changing!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Total Time: 30 Minutes
- Serves: 4
Ingredients and Notes
As always, the full ingredients and recipe is on the printable recipe card at the end of this post.
Recipe Variations
- Spices & Herbs – Feel free to use smoked paprika, garlic powder, and chili powder to bring warmth and depth that complement the natural sweetness of the corn. Fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley add brightness; if fresh isn’t on hand, dried versions will do.
- Lime Juice – A splash of lime juice brightens everything up with its sharp tang and balances the smoky richness.
Tips for Success
How to Make Barbecue Corn on the Cob
- Heat barbecue to medium-high heat.
- Husk each cob and rinse corn cob under cold water; gently shake off excess water. Wrap ears individually in foil.
- Grill 15 to 20 min. or until corn is tender, turning occasionally. Meanwhile, mix remaining ingredients until blended.
- Spread grilled sweet corn with flavoured butter just before serving.
You can also butter and season the corn before wrapping in foil, to hold in and allow flavors to soak into the corn kernels.
What To Serve With Barbecue Corn on the Cob
Grilled Meats – Barbecue corn is a classic side for burgers, grilled chicken like our Honey Sriracha Grilled Chicken Skewers, ribs, or steaks, complementing hearty smoky flavors with its sweet, charred contrast. Our Margarita Grilled Chicken, is one example.
Salads such as our BLT Pasta Salad and Classic Potato Salad are a great side dish choice. They add a crunchy, tangy element that contrasts well with the warmth and texture of grilled corn.
Dessert Pairing Suggestions
Key Lime Cake or our Margarita Key Lime Pie offers a refreshing citrus counterpoint that cleanses the palate after a smoky, rich meal.
A delicious Blackberry Cobbler with a buttery crust adds cozy sweetness and a homestyle touch to a summer barbecue.
Storing Leftovers & Freezing
Storage: Wrap leftover grilled corn in damp paper towels and place in an airtight container or ziplock bag in the refrigerator. Eat within 2-3 days for the best texture and flavor.
Freezing: Barbecue corn is best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers, let the cobs cool completely before wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to one month. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating on the grill or in the oven.
How To Reheat Grilled Corn on the Cob
Oven Method
- Best for: Maintaining a warm, slightly crispy texture without drying out the corn.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Wrap the corn cobs in aluminum foil to lock in moisture and heat for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
Microwave Method
- Best for: Quick reheating when time is short.
- Place the corn on a microwave-safe plate and cover with a damp paper towel to maintain moisture. Heat on high for 1-2 minutes, checking for warmth, but expect softer kernels and less smoky aroma.
Grill Method
- Best for: Revitalizing the smoky flavor and adding a fresh char.
- Place the leftover corn directly on the grill over medium heat, rotating frequently for 5-7 minutes. This method refreshes the smoky notes and crisps the husk lightly.
Stovetop Method
- Best for: A gentle warming option.
- Cook corn in a pan with a lid and a splash of water. Cover and steam over medium heat for 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally to warm evenly without drying out.
Ways to Use Leftover Grilled Corn
Of course you can store and reheat grilled corn as per the directions above, and have it as an easy side dish the next day.
Or you can use leftover corn to make a Corn Salad, in Mexican Street Corn, use in our Easy Southwest Chicken Skillet, or add into our Mexican Fiesta Rice as a new side dish.
Recipe FAQ
Yes, you can grill corn without the husks for a more direct char, but be sure to brush the corn with oil or butter and turn frequently to prevent burning, or wrap in foil to prevent burning and drying out.
Look for a mix of golden-brown char marks and softened, juicy kernels. Typically, it takes about 15-20 minutes over medium heat with frequent turning.
More Barbecue recipes
If you’ve tried this Barbecue Corn on the Cob or any other recipe on my blog please let me know how it went in the comments below. I love hearing from you. Finally, consider leaving a 🌟 star rating while you’re here. Thanks!
Grilled Corn on the Cob
Ingredients
- 4 ears corn on the cob (husks and silk removed)
- 1/4 cup butter (softened)
- 2 Tbsp Parmesan Grated Cheese
- 1 tsp fresh parsley (chopped)
Instructions
- Heat barbecue to medium-high heat.
- Rinse corn under cold water; gently shake off excess water. Wrap ears individually in foil.
- Grill 15 to 20 min. or until corn is tender, turning occasionally. Meanwhile, mix remaining ingredients until blended.
- Spread corn with flavoured butter just before serving.
LOVE corn on the cob, perfect for this time of the year – wish I was not on low carb!
Oh no! I used to low-carb it, I always missed corn too!
I absolutely adore grilled corn on the cob! I need to try your version and see if it’s better than what I usually do!
How do you usually make it Amber?
I love the idea of grilling corn… it sounds like a great idea and sounds amazing… YUMMY! Thanks for sharing
Thanks Shauna!
I love corn grilled!!
We need to make t-shirts. 😉
We normally boil our corn too, but usually because our grill is packed full with burger and hot dogs! Grilled corn has a great flavor to it though, and it is super fast and easy!
Very true, yet last time we did the corn first and then took it off and cooked everything else. Since it’s wrapped in foil, it kept nice and warm for when dinner was ready!
We kind of went through the same thing at our house. I hadn’t grilled corn on the cob before, but my sister-in-law has. I was at her house once when she did. I really loved it. Now I grill corn every time I b-b-q.
Nice!!
I totally want to make this for my fourth of July! I’ve never grilled corn before, looks fantastic!
Great idea! I’m making it on Canada Day!
I have always wanted to try to grill corn on the cobb, I am sure this will be the most amazingly good corn.
It is! I’m so happy I finally tried it!
Yum! I’ve seen a few chicken recipes with Parmesan cheese as a batter and was intrigued. I think this would go perfect with that recipe. I love cheese in case it isn’t obvious 😉 Can’t wait to find some parmesan now!
Mmm, cheese!!!
I love corn on the cob, especially when it’s grilled. I love that charred, smoky flavor that comes with grilling them.
Mmmm, and now I need to make some tonight!
Parmesan cheese! Brilliiant! I’m definitely up for testing that out next time the BBQ is going. Thanks for sharing 🙂
It’s sooo good!
You’re braver than I but, you make this look simple. I usually leave the BBQ’ing to my Hubs but, I may just try this on my own.
Oh, I am no grill master. I have been trying for years! Now, I can BBQ hot dogs and corn, and everything else is a gamble. lol
That looks amazing. Corn on the cob is one of my favorite summer dishes.
Thanks Ellen, and me too. I love the sweet taste!
We love grilling corn on the cob. It completely changes the flavor, doesn’t it? Yum!
It sure does!
My family and I do this all the time when we go camping. Super easy. No need to wait hours for the water to boil on the little camp stoves.
Yes, I need to try this out camping, I don’t have a very big pot out there to boil them. Plus, it just tastes better to me!