Nothing beats the taste of fresh-picked sweet corn on the grill. It's that buttery, tender summer classic enjoyed by folks of all ages.
Grilling Corn on the Cob in Foil
Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue or seeking a quick and easy side dish, grilled corn on the cob is a crowd-pleasing choice. With just a few simple steps, you can have perfectly grilled corn on the cob that’s delicious and captures the fresh-picked taste of summer. We’ll show you how to BBQ corn on the cob in foil and share three of our top foil grilled corn on the cob recipes. So fire up the grill and get ready to savor some of the most delicious corn on the cob you’ve ever tasted!
Want to save on prep and cleanup time? Wrapping corn on the cob in foil makes it easy and mess-free while sealing in the moisture for tender, delicious corn. Best of all, grilling the corn on the cob in aluminum foil means no mess on the grill and a fast cleanup after dinner.
Grilling corn on the cob without the husk
Preheat grill: On medium heat, ensure the grill reaches 350°F to 375°F.
Grab your foil sheets: Each ear of corn will need a single Reynolds Wrap® Heavy Duty Foil Sheet. You can also tear sheets of Reynolds Wrap® Heavy Duty Foil or Reynolds Wrap® Grill Foil instead.
Wash and prep the corn: Remove all the husks, silks, and leaves from the corn until the cob is bare. Rinse under cool water and pat dry. Place an ear of corn on the double layer of foil.
Butter and season: Drizzle melted butter or oil over the corn. Season the corn with salt and pepper or your favorite spices, like chili powder, garlic powder, or paprika.
Wrap: Individually wrap each ear of corn in the foil, securing the sides and ends tightly to create a sealed package.
Grill: Place the corn packets on the grill over medium heat. Turn several times during cooking to ensure even grilling. Cook until the corn is tender and slightly charred, about 15-20 minutes.
Enjoy: Carefully remove the grilled corn in foil with tongs to a heat-safe plate or sheet pan. Let the packets rest for about 5 minutes. Carefully vent the foil to allow hot steam to release and then unwrap. Serve with additional butter, oil, seasonings, or toppings of your choice.
Grilling corn on the cob with the husk
Follow steps 1 and 2 from “Grilling corn on the cob without the husk” (above).
Prep the corn: Peel back the outer husks down the ear to the base to expose the ear, but don't tear the husks from the ear. Remove any loose husks or leaves. Strip away the silk from each ear of corn by hand or by brushing gently with a vegetable brush.
Butter and season: Drizzle melted butter or oil over the corn. Season the corn with salt and pepper or your favorite spices, like chili powder, garlic powder, or paprika.
Wrap: Close the husks. Individually wrap each ear of corn in the foil, securing the sides and ends tightly to create a sealed package.
Grill: Cook on the preheated grill, turning occasionally to ensure even cooking.Cook until the corn is tender when pierced with a paring knife or fork, about 30 minutes.
Enjoy: Carefully remove the grilled corn in foil with tongs to a heat-safe plate or pan. Let the packets rest for about 5 minutes. Be careful when opening the foil - vent the foil to allow hot steam to release. Remove the husks. Serve with additional butter, oil, seasonings, or toppings of your choice.
Flavored butter, combined with herbs and seasonings, is the perfect companion for grilled corn on the cob. Learn how to make your own seasoned butters.
Flavorful Foil Grilled Corn Recipes
Kick your corn on the cob up a notch this summer with three different foil grilled corn cob flavors, guaranteed to make you the grill master at your next cookout. Peel and wash the corn, then add the seasonings of your choice and wrap it in foil before placing it on the grill for an explosion of flavor in every bite.
ZESTY MEXICAN CORN ON THE COB
Mexican grilled corn on the cob in foil is a beloved street food that combines tangy, savory, and spicy flavors. With just a few ingredients and a bit of grilling time, you can re-create the authentic Mexican experience right in your backyard.
Ingredients:
Corn on the cob
Butter
Mayonnaise
Chili powder
Cotija cheese
Lime
Directions:
Peel and wash corn.
Smear corn in butter and mayonnaise, then sprinkle with chili powder.
Individually wrap each ear of corn in aluminum foil and cook on the grill until tender, turning occasionally to ensure even cooking.
Carefully unwrap and top with Cotija cheese and a squeeze of fresh lime juice.
CANDIED CORN ON THE COB
Treat your taste buds to a delightful twist on grilled corn with this irresistible recipe for candied corn. This sweet and savory dish will be the star of your next cookout or gathering.
Ingredients:
Corn on the cob
Butter
Honey
Cinnamon
Directions:
Peel and wash corn.
Place each ear of corn on a piece of aluminum foil.
Generously spread with butter, then drizzle with honey and sprinkle with cinnamon.
Wrap foil around corn and cook on the grill until tender, turning occasionally to ensure even cooking.
Carefully unwrap and enjoy!
ASIAN SESAME CORN ON THE COB
This Asian Sesame Corn tantalizes the taste buds with Eastern flavors. Each corn is generously coated with savory sesame oil and seeds, giving it an irresistible richness and a distinct nutty aroma and flavor.
Ingredients:
Corn on the cob
Sesame oil
Sesame seeds
Sliced green onions
Directions:
Peel and wash corn.
Place each ear of corn on a piece of aluminum foil and drizzle with sesame oil.
Wrap foil around corn and cook on the grill until tender, turning occasionally to ensure even cooking.
Carefully unwrap and sprinkle with sesame seeds and green onions before serving.
More Delicious Foil Grilled Corn on the Cob Recipes
Grilled Cheesy Corn on the Cob—Get ready to fall in love with this recipe for cheesy corn on the cob. It’s grilled with our special blend of seasonings and melted Parmesan cheese.
Grilled Mexican Street Corn—Called “Elote,” this traditional street corn is covered with a tangy and spicy crema sauce and topped with crumbled cotija cheese. One bite reveals why Mexican grilled corn on the cob is so well liked.
The grilling time for corn on the cob in foil may vary depending on the thickness of the corn and your desired level of doneness. Preheat your grill to medium heat (around 350°F-375°F).
Foil-wrapped corn on the grill without the husk takes about 15 to 20 minutes to cook.
Foil-wrapped corn on the grill with the husk takes about 30 minutes to cook.
Turn the corn occasionally to ensure even cooking. To check for doneness, pierce the corn kernels with a fork or paring knife to see if they are tender. The kernels should be soft and juicy, with a slight char on the surface.
SHOULD I WASH CORN ON THE COB BEFORE GRILLING?
Yes, it’s a good idea to wash corn on the cob thoroughly before grilling to remove any dirt, debris, or silks that may be present. Rinse the corn under cold running water, paying attention to the area between the kernels. You can also use a vegetable brush to scrub the corn and gently remove silks or stubborn dirt.
DOES CORN NEED TO BE SOAKED BEFORE GRILLING?
If you wrap your corn ears in aluminum foil, with or without the husks, you can skip soaking them before grilling. The foil acts as a steam chamber for your corn, making it tender, sweet, and extra juicy with just the right smoky flavor and char.
Direct grilling corn with husks:
Some prefer to soak the corn in salted water for 10 to 30 minutes before grilling unhusked corn on the grill grates. It’s said to help create a steaming effect and reduce the amount of char on the husks.
Direct grilling without husks:
You don’t need to soak your husked corn before grilling. This method is quick and easy but often produces a smokier flavor and char. Wrapping it in aluminum foil is your best bet if you prefer less charred corn with tons of moisture and flavor.
