How To Grill Corn In The Husk

It’s very simple to grill corn in the husk. No heavy prep, just soak the corn in water for an hour, then grill to enjoy perfectly juicy, flavorful corn with the perfect char. Try ’em at your next barbecue!

Why You Should Grill Corn in the Husk

I love grilling with the corn husk on. It’s one of my favorite ways to prepare corn on the cob because, honestly, it just looks really cool! You don’t need aluminum foil, you don’t need to boil water, and you don’t need to do any heavy preparations. 

In fact, the only preparation you’ll need to do is to soak the corn in water for about an hour. That’s all it takes to make the best grilled corn recipe! Easy enough, right?

The husk keeps the corn moist while adding smoky flavor from the grill. Usually, I end up moving most of the husk out of the way and charring the corn kernels, too. What you get is a perfectly steamed and slightly charred ear of corn, with the husk as a smoky added bonus!

The summer months are the perfect time to fire up the grill and enjoy some delicious corn cobs. If you’re looking for other ideas, check out my Best Damn Air Fryer Street Corn or Instant Pot Parmesan Ranch Corn on the Cob!

Where can I get the best corn husks?

To learn how to grill corn in the husk, start by picking the best-quality husks. Summertime and early fall are peak seasons for fresh corn on the cob. Your local supermarket often offers fresh corn still in the husk at affordable prices.

However, the best place to find the freshest corn is your local farmer’s market. Not only will you enjoy produce picked at its peak, but you’ll also be supporting local farmers and merchants in your community!

All You Need is 3 Ingredients

1. Ears of corn (still in husks): Look for husks that are bright green and tightly wrapped around the corn. The corn silk should be golden brown and slightly sticky.
2. Butter: A classic. It gives your corn flavor and is just downright delicious.
3. Salt, pepper, or seasoning of choice (optional): Use whatever seasoning you’d like!

​Flavor Variations

Once you get that corn grilled, there’s really no stopping what you can do with it. I like to use cotija cheese, chili powder, lime juice, and a touch of mayo to give it an authentic Mexican street corn flavor. You can also mix together softened butter and honey, then brush it onto the corn after grilling for a delicious sweet and savory combo.

Preparation

Peel back and remove the outer 1–2 layers of husk and trim the stem, leaving most of the husk intact.

Next, soak the ears of corn in cold water. You can soak them in the sink, in a large bowl, or whatever you have. Just be sure to soak them for at least 1 hour. 

Grilling

Preheat the grill to medium heat. Then place the soaked corn directly on the hot grill grates, avoiding direct flames. Close the lid and cook for 30 minutes, turning every 10 minutes for even grilling.

Once the corn is cooked, carefully pull back the husks, keeping them attached at the base. At this point, you can place the corn directly over the flame to achieve a smoky, charred flavor. 

Serving

Carefully remove from the grill and let the corn cool slightly. Peel back any remaining husks and silk. The silk will be pretty minimal at this point and should come right off. 

Now add some fresh butter and season with a sprinkle of salt or black pepper, or any other toppings you love. Enjoy!

Delicious Ways to Enjoy Your Grilled Corn

Now that you’ve learned how to grill corn in the husk, it’s time to pair it with some delicious dishes and sides. Think summer BBQ favorites like burgers, hot dogs, and potato salad. 

Put that grill to good use and try out my Best Damn Grilled Pork Chops or ​Best Damn Grilled Chicken Legs! You can cook them up right alongside the corn. 

Looking for more options? Pair your grilled corn with my Best Damn Oven Roasted Country Style Ribs or Best Damn Oven Pulled Pork for a hearty feast. You could even get creative and cut the corn off the cob and toss it into a corn salad like my Cowboy Caviar. It’ll add a sweet and smoky twist to an already delicious dish.

Storage & Reheating

Grilled corn is best eaten fresh off the grill, but if you find yourself with leftovers, there are a few ways to store and reheat it so you can enjoy it later. Just leave the husks on to keep them from drying out!

Storage: Store leftover grilled corn in an airtight container or wrap each ear individually in plastic wrap. It should last in the fridge for 3-5 days.

Reheating: To reheat your leftover grilled corn, you have a few options:

• Grill: Put it back on the grill for about 2-5 minutes. 
• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Wrap corn in foil with a splash of water and bake for 5-7 minutes.
• Microwave: Wrap the corn in a damp or wet paper towel. Microwave for 3-5 minutes.

 

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