Grilled Corn on the Cob in Foil Recipe - Savory Nothings (2024)

30 minutes mins

| 7 Comments |

4.58 from 7 votes

Jump to Recipe | Updated: | by Nora

Grilled Corn on the Cob in Foil is incredibly easy to make – and such a classic side dish for the summer months! Serve it with a generous pat of butter and a sprinkling of salt for the ultimate hot weather comfort food.

Grilled Corn on the Cob in Foil Recipe - Savory Nothings (1)

My family absolutely loves fresh corn. I come from a farming family that grows corn, and I spent many summers as a child helping. Maybe that’s why I don’t like shucking corn ?

This recipe is incredibly easy – you’ll have it prepped in just 5 minutes with a handful of ingredients, and the grill does the rest. After all, those easy recipes are what summer is all about!

Ingredients you’ll need

Here is a visual overview of the ingredients in the recipe. Scroll down to the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post for quantities!

Grilled Corn on the Cob in Foil Recipe - Savory Nothings (2)

Ingredient notes

  • Corn: When you grill corn in foil, you can grill it completely shucked. I really do not like shucking corn, so I will admit to buying pre-shucked corn. Use whole ears or ears cut into thick chunks – it’s up to your family’s preference!
  • Garlic powder/pepper: If you’re a salt and butter purist when it comes to corn, feel free to leave these out. I make it both ways, and the corn comes out fabulously either way.

How to grill corn in foil

  • Grilled Corn on the Cob in Foil Recipe - Savory Nothings (3)
  • Grilled Corn on the Cob in Foil Recipe - Savory Nothings (4)
  • Grilled Corn on the Cob in Foil Recipe - Savory Nothings (5)
  • Grilled Corn on the Cob in Foil Recipe - Savory Nothings (6)

1. Make garlic butter: Mash the butter with salt (and pepper/garlic powder, if you like).

2. Spread butter all over corn and place in foil. Seal the foil packets.

3. Grill the corn. I grill it at 400°F for 20-25 minutes over direct heat, with the lid closed.

4. Flip the corn. Halfway through the grilling time, I like to carefully take the foil packets off the grill, carefully open and then flip each ear of corn. Very carefully seal the foil pack up, then return the packets to the grill to finish cooking.

Grilled Corn on the Cob in Foil Recipe - Savory Nothings (7)

Recipe tips

  • Depending on how hot your grill runs, your corn may be done sooner or later. Sometimes, mine is done in just 18 minutes and sometimes it takes 35 minutes – check on the corn a few times after about 18 minutes to catch it when it’s perfect.
  • You can also make the corn in the oven. Heat it to 400°F, then place the foil packets with the corn on a baking sheet and place them on the middle rack in the oven. Bake for 25-30 minutes, flipping the ears once halfway through as described in the instructions for the grill. You can remove the corn from the foil packets and place the ears under the broiler for 1-2 minutes at the end, to slightly char (I do not recommend simply opening the packets, the foil can stick up and touch the heat elements of the broiler – which can be a fire hazard!)
  • Leftovers: The corn tastes great served immediately, but I also really like it cold. Store cooled down leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can easily cut the corn away from the cob and use it in a salad if you don’t like eating it cold off the cob!
Grilled Corn on the Cob in Foil Recipe - Savory Nothings (8)

Serving ideas

Grilled corn on the cob is such a summer classic – it goes great with most typical summer comfort food, plus more.

Main dish ideas

  • BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwiches
  • Oven Fried Chicken (or Air Fryer Fried Chicken)
  • Air Fryer Burgers
  • Grilled Steak (or Air Fryer Steak)
  • Air Fryer Hot Dogs

Side dish ideas

  • Crockpot Baked Beans
  • Sautéed Green Beans (or Air Fried Green Beans)
  • Macaroni Salad

PSIf you try this recipe, please leavea review in the comment section and add a star rating in the recipe card – I appreciate your feedback! Follow along onPinterest,FacebookorInstagram.

Printable recipe

Printable Recipe Card

Grilled Corn on the Cob in Foil Recipe - Savory Nothings (9)

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Grilled Corn on the Cob in Foil

Grilled Corn on the Cob in Foil is incredibly easy to make – and such a classic side dish for the summer months!

made it? tap the stars to add your rating!

4.58 from 7 votes

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Recipe details

Prep 5 minutes mins

Cook 25 minutes mins

Total 30 minutes mins

Servings 6 ears of corn

Difficulty Easy

Ingredients

  • 4 tablespoons butter softened
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon dried garlic powder optional
  • teaspoon ground black pepper optional
  • 6 ears corn shucked

Instructions

  • Preheat grill to 400°F.

  • Mash butter with salt, garlic powder and pepper until smooth (works great with a small fork).

  • Rub each ear of corn with butter mixture, then place on large aluminium foil pieces (I do 2 ears of corn per foil packet, but can also do each individually). If using regular aluminium foil, use a double layer to protect corn from direct heat. Fold foil up and over ears of corn to create a foil packet, crimping to seal all edges.

  • Place corn in foil packets on grill, close lid and grill for 10 minutes.

  • Carefully remove packets from grill, very carefully open and flip each ear of corn. Carefully seal foil packets again and finish grilling corn for another 10-20 minutes, until cooked through and slightly starting to brown.

  • Carefully remove foil packets from grill, carefully open and serve corn with more butter and salt.

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Notes

Ingredient notes

  • Corn: When you grill corn in foil, you can grill it completely shucked. I really do not like shucking corn, so I will admit to buying pre-shucked corn. Use whole ears or ears cut into thick chunks – it’s up to your family’s preference!
  • Garlic powder/pepper: If you’re a salt and butter purist when it comes to corn, feel free to leave these out. I make it both ways, and the corn comes out fabulously either way.

Recipe tips

  • Depending on how hot your grill runs, your corn may be done sooner or later. Sometimes, mine is done in just 18 minutes and sometimes it takes 35 minutes – check on the corn a few times after about 18 minutes to catch it when it’s perfect.
  • You can also make the corn in the oven. Heat it to 400°F, then place the foil packets with the corn on a baking sheet and place them on the middle rack in the oven. Bake for 25-30 minutes, flipping the ears once halfway through as described in the instructions for the grill. You can remove the corn from the foil packets and place the ears under the broiler for 1-2 minutes at the end, to slightly char (I do not recommend simply opening the packets, the foil can stick up and touch the heat elements of the broiler – which can be a fire hazard!)
  • Leftovers: The corn tastes great served immediately, but I also really like it cold. Store cooled down leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can easily cut the corn away from the cob and use it in a salad if you don’t like eating it cold off the cob!

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 167kcalCarbohydrates: 22gProtein: 4gFat: 9gSaturated Fat: 5gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 20mgSodium: 165mgPotassium: 230mgFiber: 3gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 504IUVitamin C: 6mgCalcium: 6mgIron: 1mg

Nutrition is an estimate.

More recipe information

Course: Side Dish

Cuisine: American

More corn recipes

  • Air Fryer Corn on the Cob
  • Homemade Creamed Corn
  • Honey Butter Cornbread
  • Mexican Bean Salad

More easy grilling recipes

  • Garlic Butter Steak and Potato Foil Packets
  • The Best Pork Chop Marinade
  • Balsamic Chicken Marinade
  • Hobo Dinner Foil Packets

Grilled Corn on the Cob in Foil Recipe - Savory Nothings (18)
About Nora
When I got married to my professional chef husband, I realized I had to step up my game in the kitchen. Now I share my favorite foolproof family recipes here on Savory Nothings: Chef-approved, kid-vetted and easy enough for everyday home cooks like you and me! Learn more.

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Comments

  1. Donna says

    Never had corn with so much flavor. Cooked for the 4th of July. Everyone loved it!!!

    Reply

    • Nora says

      Glad the corn recipe served you well for your 4th of July celebrations – thanks for trusting my recipe for the occasion, it’s always an honor 🙂

      Reply

  2. Lauri says

    Grilled Corn on the Cob in Foil Recipe - Savory Nothings (21)
    Yummy!! Taste like summertime 😊

    Reply

  3. Kyle says

    Grilled Corn on the Cob in Foil Recipe - Savory Nothings (22)
    Opening up “foil packets” to flip it is kind of ridiculous.

    Reply

    • Nora says

      You can just skip the flipping if it’s too ridiculous for you, Kyle.

      Reply

  4. Wendy says

    Grilled Corn on the Cob in Foil Recipe - Savory Nothings (23)
    Absolutely the best corn on the cob I’ve had in a very long time!

    Reply

    • Nora says

      I’m so glad, Wendy!

      Reply

Grilled Corn on the Cob in Foil Recipe - Savory Nothings (2024)

FAQs

How long do you grill corn on the cob in aluminum foil? ›

It takes approximately 20 minutes (10 minutes per side) to grill corn on the cob when cooked in foil. After cooking for 20 minutes on the grill, remove the corn in the foil from the grill. Let the corn steam in the sealed foil for 5 minutes after removing it from the grill to soften up the kernels.

Can you overcook corn on the cob on the grill? ›

Place corn on the BBQ (no oil required). Cook for 10 minutes, turning every couple of minutes, until there's little charred bits and the kernels are tender when pierced with a knife, but still JUICY! Overcooked corn is shrivelled, dry and sad. In the last minute, brush with melted butter and roll around.

Should corn be shucked before grilling? ›

Shucking the corn before grilling imparts smoky, charred flavor to the kernels, which you don't get from grilling corn in the husk. Grilling your corn naked also helps it cook faster.

Does corn need to be wrapped in foil? ›

Some people wrap corn individually in foil before roasting it, which keeps it from drying out and saves you some clean-up time. While you can definitely take this step, we don't think it's necessary. Unwrapped, the corn still stays tender, while also browning and caramelizing a bit.

Is it better to wrap corn in foil on the grill? ›

Grilled Corn on the Cob in Foil is the best way to grill fresh corn and our favorite way to make it! Grilled corn in foil packets is an easy recipe for a delicious summer side dish that everyone loves and goes well with anything else you cook on the grill. You'll love the easy clean-up, too!

How do you grill with aluminum foil? ›

The idea is to start with a large sheet of foil. Place the food in the center of the grill, bring up the sides, then fold over — at least twice — and crimp tightly. Do the same with the edges, making sure to leave some headroom for the steam that forms during cooking. Now you're ready to grill in foil packets.

How do you know when corn on the cob is done on the grill? ›

Check for doneness: To check if the corn is done, carefully peel back a small section of the husk and check the kernels. They should be tender and cooked through. If the corn needs more time, re-wrap it in the husks and continue grilling for a few more minutes.

How long to soak corn before grilling? ›

Place corn into the pot and allow to soak for at least 30 minutes but no longer than 8 hours. Preheat an outdoor grill for high heat and lightly oil the grate. Cook corn on the preheated grill, turning every 2 to 3 minutes, until slightly charred on all sides.

What is the best way to grill corn on the cob? ›

Shuck the corn and remove the silks. Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Place the corn on the grill and cook, turning every 3 to 5 minutes, until all sides of the corn are cooked and light char marks form, about 15 minutes. Remove from the grill and serve with butter, salt, and pepper.

Do you butter corn before or after grilling? ›

Rotate the cobs every few minutes for 10-12 minutes total or until the husks are charred and the corn begins to smell fragrant. Remove the corn from the grill and use a towel to remove the husks and silk. Slather with butter and salt and pepper or your choice of flavored butters.

Should you oil corn before grilling? ›

Get the grill smoking hot, then place corn over the flames and cook the naked cobs (coated in olive oil or not) for around one minute per side—long enough to get some color, short enough to retain moisture and crunch. Remove from grill.

Can you just throw corn on the grill? ›

Yes, you can throw the whole corn cob, husks and all, directly on the grill. Some people swear by this technique, but sometimes the husk catches fire and burns the corn's tips. Instead, mindfully trim the stalk's tassels and peel back a few layers of the husk, so the grill can get to work faster on the corn.

Why not to cook with foil? ›

Small amounts of aluminum can also enter your bloodstream but will leave your body quickly through the urine. Research shows that cooking aluminum at high temperatures and the use of acidic foods, salt and spices did perpetuate a greater amount of leaching of the mineral.

How do you know when corn is done in foil? ›

Seal foil around corn, sealing the edges at the top but not making it too tight. Poke a few small holes in each packet. Place the packets on the grill grates and grill for 20 to 25 minutes, turning occasionally, until corn is bright yellow and cooked.

Does wrapping in foil speed up cooking? ›

Aluminum foil is designed to tightly wrap food, and you should be able to do it easily the first time without any practice. Also, you probably have some at home, or can easily buy it at the store. Because foil creates a very tight seal, it will speed up the cooking process.

How long to grill corn at 400 in foil? ›

How Long to Grill Corn in Foil. Preheat your grill to 400ºF. Place the foil pack corn on direct flames and grill for around 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through, at around 15 minutes.

How many minutes do you grill corn? ›

Place the corn on the grill, close the cover and grill for 15 to 20 minutes, turning every 5 minutes, or until kernels are tender when pierced with a paring knife. Remove the husks and eat on the cob or remove the kernels. Serve with the BBQ Butter and/or Herb Butter.

How do you know when corn is done on the grill? ›

The best way to tell if corn on the cob on the grill is done is to press against the kernels with your finger --if you feel safe doing so -- or with a blunt-edged object like the back of your grilling tongs. The kernels should be tender and should compress slightly. Undercooked kernels will be hard to the touch.

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