Grilled Corn on the Cob in Foil is a delightful and simple side dish perfect for summer gatherings, barbecues, or any outdoor event. This recipe highlights the natural sweetness of corn while keeping it tender and juicy inside a foil packet. It’s a fantastic way to enjoy fresh corn on the cob, whether you’re serving it at a family dinner or a backyard party. The ease of preparation and rich flavors make it an essential addition to your grilling repertoire.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: In just 5 minutes, you can prepare your corn for grilling, making it an effortless addition to any meal.
- Flavorful Experience: The combination of butter, salt, and optional garlic powder enhances the natural sweetness of the corn.
- Versatile Serving: Grilled Corn on the Cob in Foil pairs well with various dishes like grilled meats, salads, or can be enjoyed on its own as a snack.
- Perfectly Cooked Every Time: The foil packets ensure even cooking while keeping the corn moist and flavorful without burning.
- Easy Cleanup: Using foil means less mess on your grill and quick cleanup after enjoying your tasty corn.
Tools and Preparation
Before you start making Grilled Corn on the Cob in Foil, gather your essential tools. Having everything ready will streamline your cooking process.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Grill
- Aluminium foil
- Small fork or masher
- Knife (for shucking corn)
- Bowl
Importance of Each Tool
- Grill: The grill provides high heat that creates those delicious char marks while cooking the corn evenly.
- Aluminium foil: This is crucial for sealing in moisture and flavor, ensuring perfectly cooked corn without direct exposure to flames.
- Small fork or masher: Helps mix butter and seasoning smoothly for even distribution over each ear of corn.
Ingredients
For the Butter Mixture
- 4 tablespoons butter (softened)
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon dried garlic powder (optional)
- ⅛ teaspoon ground black pepper (optional)
For the Corn
- 6 ears corn (shucked)
How to Make Grilled Corn on the Cob in Foil
Step 1: Preheat the Grill
Preheat your grill to 400°F. This temperature ensures that your corn cooks evenly while developing great flavor.
Step 2: Prepare the Butter Mixture
- In a bowl, mash together the softened butter with salt, garlic powder, and black pepper until smooth. A small fork works well for this task.
Step 3: Prepare the Corn
- Rub each ear of corn generously with the butter mixture.
- Place two ears of corn on large pieces of aluminium foil (or one ear per piece if preferred).
- If using regular aluminium foil, layer it double to protect against direct heat.
- Fold up the sides of the foil over each ear of corn to create a sealed packet by crimping all edges tightly.
Step 4: Grill the Corn
- Place your foil packets on the preheated grill.
- Close the lid and grill for about 10 minutes.
Step 5: Flip Corn Packets
- Carefully remove packets from grill using tongs.
- Open each packet slightly to flip each ear of corn over.
- Seal them again before returning them to the grill for another 10-20 minutes until they are fully cooked through and starting to brown.
Step 6: Serve Your Corn
- Once done grilling, carefully remove packets from grill again.
- Open them carefully to avoid steam burns.
- Serve hot with additional butter and salt if desired for extra flavor!
How to Serve Grilled Corn on the Cob in Foil
Grilled Corn on the Cob in Foil is a delightful side that pairs well with many dishes. Here are some creative serving suggestions to enhance your grilled corn experience.
With Fresh Herbs
- Chopped Cilantro: Sprinkle fresh cilantro over the corn for a burst of flavor.
- Basil Leaves: Add torn basil leaves for a fragrant touch.
With Cheese
- Feta Crumbles: Top with crumbled feta for a salty kick.
- Parmesan Shavings: Grate fresh parmesan on top for a rich, nutty flavor.
With Spicy Elements
- Chili Powder: Dust with chili powder for an extra spicy twist.
- Hot Sauce: Drizzle your favorite hot sauce to add heat.
With Creamy Enhancements
- Sour Cream: A dollop of sour cream makes it creamy and delicious.
- Creamy Dressing: Toss with ranch or a creamy vinaigrette for added zest.
With Citrus Zest
- Lime Juice: Squeeze fresh lime juice over the corn for brightness.
- Lemon Zest: Add lemon zest for a refreshing citrus note.

How to Perfect Grilled Corn on the Cob in Foil
To achieve the best flavor and texture, follow these tips for grilling corn in foil.
- Choose Fresh Corn: Select ears that are plump and green. Freshness leads to sweeter corn.
- Preheat Your Grill: Make sure your grill is at 400°F before placing the foil packets to ensure even cooking.
- Seal Tightly: Ensure the foil packets are sealed well to trap steam, which helps cook the corn thoroughly.
- Flip Carefully: When turning the corn, do it gently to keep it intact and prevent burning.
- Adjust Cooking Time: Depending on your grill, adjust cooking time between 10-20 minutes based on desired doneness.
- Serve Immediately: Enjoy the corn hot off the grill; it tastes best when served fresh!
Best Side Dishes for Grilled Corn on the Cob in Foil
Grilled Corn on the Cob in Foil complements a variety of side dishes. Here are some excellent pairings to consider.
- Coleslaw: A crunchy slaw balances out the sweetness of corn and adds freshness.
- Potato Salad: Creamy potato salad pairs wonderfully with grilled flavors and is always a hit at barbecues.
- Grilled Vegetables: Charred seasonal vegetables offer color and nutrition alongside your corn dish.
- Baked Beans: The sweetness of baked beans contrasts nicely with savory grilled corn.
- Macaroni and Cheese: Creamy mac and cheese provides comfort and richness that complements grilled sides perfectly.
- Caprese Salad: Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil create a light yet flavorful side that matches well with grilled items.
- Garlic Bread: Crunchy garlic bread adds another layer of flavor while being easy to prepare alongside grilling.
- Cheesy Quesadillas: Quick quesadillas filled with cheese can be sliced into wedges as an appealing side option.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Grilling corn on the cob in foil is simple, but common mistakes can lead to less-than-perfect results. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for:
- Skipping the seasoning: Failing to season the butter mixture can leave your corn bland. Always mix in salt and spices to enhance flavor.
- Using single-layer foil: Using just one layer of foil can expose your corn to direct heat and cause burning. Opt for a double layer to protect it while grilling.
- Overcrowding packets: Packing too many ears into one foil packet can prevent even cooking. Stick to two ears per packet for the best results.
- Not preheating the grill: Grilling without preheating can lead to unevenly cooked corn. Always ensure your grill reaches 400°F before placing your corn on it.
- Ignoring cooking times: Grilling for too little or too long can ruin your corn’s texture. Follow the recommended time and check for doneness regularly.

Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store grilled corn on the cob in an airtight container.
- It will last up to 3 days in the fridge.
Freezing Grilled Corn on the Cob in Foil
- Wrap each ear tightly in foil and place them in a freezer-safe bag.
- Frozen grilled corn will keep well for about 2-3 months.
Reheating Grilled Corn on the Cob in Foil
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F, place wrapped corn directly on a baking sheet, and heat for about 10-15 minutes.
- Microwave: Place corn in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a damp paper towel, and microwave for 2-3 minutes or until heated through.
- Stovetop: Heat a skillet over medium heat and add a little water. Cover and steam the corn for about 5-7 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do I grill Grilled Corn on the Cob in Foil?
Grill each packet for approximately 20-30 minutes total, flipping halfway through for even cooking.
Can I use frozen corn for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen corn; just increase grilling time slightly until heated through.
What should I serve with Grilled Corn on the Cob in Foil?
This dish pairs wonderfully with grilled meats, salads, or as part of a summer barbecue spread.
Can I customize my butter mixture?
Absolutely! Feel free to add herbs, cheese, or spices according to your taste preferences.
Final Thoughts
Grilled Corn on the Cob in Foil is an incredibly versatile side dish that brings joy and flavor to any summer meal. With its easy preparation and customizable options, you can make it uniquely yours. Give it a try at your next gathering!

Grilled Corn on the Cob in Foil
- Total Time: 0 hours
- Yield: Serves approximately 6 people 1x
Description
Grilled Corn on the Cob in Foil is a must-try summer side dish that combines simplicity with delightful flavor. By wrapping fresh corn in aluminum foil, you can grill it to perfection while retaining its natural sweetness and moisture. This recipe is ideal for backyard barbecues, family gatherings, or any outdoor event where delicious food takes center stage. With minimal prep time and a few flavorful ingredients, you can whip up this tasty corn dish that pairs beautifully with grilled meats or stands alone as a savory snack.
Ingredients
- 6 ears of corn (shucked)
- 4 tablespoons softened butter
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon dried garlic powder (optional)
- ⅛ teaspoon ground black pepper (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your grill to 400°F.
- In a bowl, combine softened butter, salt, garlic powder, and black pepper until smooth.
- Generously rub each ear of corn with the butter mixture.
- Wrap two ears in double-layer aluminum foil per packet, crimping edges tightly to seal.
- Grill for 20-30 minutes total, flipping halfway through for even cooking.
- Carefully unwrap and serve hot with extra butter if desired.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-30 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ear of corn
- Calories: 123
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 124mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
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