Grilled Corn on the Cob in Foil
Grilled Corn on the Cob in Foil is a must-try summer side dish that elevates any cookout. This recipe combines the sweet juiciness of corn with a rich butter seasoning, all sealed in foil for easy grilling. Perfect for barbecues, picnics, or family dinners, this dish is not only delicious but also versatile and simple to prepare.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: This recipe takes just 5 minutes of prep time, making it perfect for busy summer days.
- Perfectly Grilled Flavor: The foil packets lock in moisture and enhance the corn’s natural sweetness, resulting in a mouthwatering flavor.
- Customizable Seasoning: You can easily adjust the spices and seasoning based on your preferences or experiment with new flavors.
- Minimal Cleanup Required: Cooking corn in foil means less mess and easy cleanup after your meal.
- Great for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a backyard BBQ or a cozy family dinner, grilled corn fits right in as a tasty side.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into the delicious recipe, gather your tools for an efficient grilling experience. These essentials will help ensure everything goes smoothly.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Grill
- Aluminum foil
- Small fork or masher
- Tongs
Importance of Each Tool
- Grill: A reliable grill is essential for achieving that perfect char and smoky flavor on your corn.
- Aluminum foil: Using foil helps to trap steam, ensuring that the corn cooks evenly while being protected from direct heat.
- Small fork or masher: This tool makes it easy to mix the butter and seasonings together smoothly.
Ingredients
For the Corn
- 4 tablespoons butter (softened)
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon dried garlic powder (optional)
- ⅛ teaspoon ground black pepper (optional)
- 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 high temperature will give you perfectly grilled corn with a nice char.
Step 2: Prepare the Butter Mixture
- In a bowl, mash together butter, salt, garlic powder, and black pepper until smooth.
- Use a small fork or masher to combine thoroughly.
Step 3: Prepare Corn for Grilling
- Rub each ear of corn generously with the butter mixture.
- Place two ears of corn on large pieces of aluminum foil (or one ear per piece).
- If using regular aluminum foil, double up to protect your corn from direct heat.
- Fold the foil over the corn, crimping all edges to seal tightly.
Step 4: Grill Corn in Foil Packets
- Place the foil packets on the preheated grill.
- Close the lid and grill for about 10 minutes.
Step 5: Flip and Continue Grilling
- Carefully remove the packets from the grill using tongs.
- Open each packet carefully (watch out for steam) and flip each ear of corn over.
- Seal packets again and return them to the grill.
- Grill for another 10-20 minutes until cooked through and slightly browned.
Step 6: Serve Your Delicious Corn
- Once done, carefully remove the packets from the grill again.
- Open each packet with caution and serve your grilled corn with extra butter and salt as desired.
Enjoy this delightful Grilled Corn on the Cob in Foil at your next gathering!
How to Serve Grilled Corn on the Cob in Foil
Grilled Corn on the Cob in Foil is not only delicious but also versatile. You can serve it with a variety of toppings and sides to elevate your meal experience. Here are some delightful serving suggestions to enhance your grilled corn.
Classic Butter and Salt
- Spread additional butter over the hot corn and sprinkle with sea salt for a simple yet flavorful option.
Spicy Chili Lime
- Drizzle with lime juice and sprinkle chili powder for a zesty kick that complements the sweetness of the corn.
Parmesan Cheese
- Grate Parmesan cheese over the warm corn for a rich, savory flavor that pairs perfectly with the grilled taste.
Herb Infusion
- Sprinkle chopped fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley for a fresh, aromatic touch that brightens each bite.
Garlic Aioli
- Serve with a side of garlic aioli, allowing guests to dip their corn for an added creamy texture and flavor.
BBQ Sauce Glaze
- Brush on your favorite BBQ sauce for a sweet and smoky finish that makes each ear of corn irresistible.
How to Perfect Grilled Corn on the Cob in Foil
To achieve flawless Grilled Corn on the Cob in Foil, follow these essential tips. Perfecting this recipe ensures every bite is juicy and flavorful.
- Use Fresh Corn: Choose ears that are bright green and tightly wrapped husks to get the sweetest taste possible.
- Even Butter Distribution: Ensure the butter mixture covers all areas of the corn evenly for consistent flavor throughout.
- Double Wrap in Foil: For extra protection against direct heat, use two layers of aluminum foil when wrapping your corn.
- Grill at Correct Temperature: Keep your grill around 400°F to cook the corn evenly without burning it.
- Rotate During Cooking: Flip the foil packets halfway through grilling to ensure all sides cook evenly.
- Let It Rest: Allow the corn to sit in the foil for a few minutes after grilling; this helps steam it further for tenderness.
Best Side Dishes for Grilled Corn on the Cob in Foil
Grilled Corn on the Cob in Foil pairs beautifully with various side dishes. Consider these options to round out your meal.
- Coleslaw: A crunchy, tangy slaw adds a refreshing contrast to the warm, buttery corn.
- Potato Salad: Creamy potato salad complements grilled foods well, making it an ideal partner.
- Baked Beans: Sweet and savory baked beans add heartiness and flavor balance alongside grilled corn.
- Grilled Vegetables: Seasonal veggies like zucchini and bell peppers bring color and nutrition to your plate.
- Caprese Salad: Fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil create a light, Italian-inspired side that enhances summer flavors.
- Macaroni Salad: This classic side dish offers creaminess that pairs nicely with grilled foods, providing comfort food vibes.
- Guacamole & Chips: A scoop of guacamole served with tortilla chips adds a fun Tex-Mex twist to your meal.
- Rice Pilaf: Fluffy rice flavored with herbs rounds out your meal while keeping things light and satisfying.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Grilling corn on the cob in foil is simple, but a few common mistakes can ruin your delicious dish. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for:
- Ignoring the grill temperature: If your grill isn’t preheated, the corn won’t cook evenly. Always preheat your grill to 400°F for best results.
- Using too little butter: Skimping on butter can lead to dry corn. Make sure to use enough butter to coat each ear thoroughly for a rich flavor.
- Not sealing the foil packets properly: If your packets aren’t sealed well, moisture will escape, leading to uneven cooking. Crimp all edges tightly to keep steam inside.
- Overcooking or undercooking the corn: Timing is crucial. Stick to grilling for 10 minutes per side and adjust as needed based on your grill’s heat level.
- Skipping the flipping step: Failing to flip the corn can result in some parts being overcooked while others remain underdone. Flip halfway through cooking for even results.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover grilled corn in an airtight container.
- It will last up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing Grilled Corn on the Cob in Foil
- Wrap each ear of corn tightly in plastic wrap before placing it in a freezer bag.
- Frozen corn can be kept for up to 6 months.
Reheating Grilled Corn on the Cob in Foil
- Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F and place the foil-wrapped corn directly on the rack. Heat for about 10-15 minutes.
- Microwave: Remove from foil and place on a microwave-safe plate. Heat for 2-3 minutes, checking halfway through.
- Stovetop: In a pan with a bit of water, cover with a lid and steam over medium heat for about 5-7 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about preparing grilled corn on the cob in foil.
How do you choose fresh corn?
Look for ears with bright green husks and plump kernels. The silk should be slightly sticky and brown; this indicates freshness.
Can I use frozen corn?
While you can use frozen corn, fresh is recommended for the best flavor and texture when making grilled corn on the cob in foil.
What toppings go well with grilled corn?
Many enjoy toppings like lime juice, chili powder, or grated cheese. Experimenting with different flavors can elevate your grilled corn experience!
How long does it take to grill corn on the cob in foil?
Typically, it takes about 20-30 minutes total grilling time, flipping halfway through for even cooking.
Final Thoughts
Grilled Corn on the Cob in Foil is an easy yet delightful dish that brings summer vibes right into your backyard. It’s versatile; feel free to customize it with various spices or toppings like cheese or herbs. Try this recipe at your next gathering, and watch everyone enjoy this classic side dish!
Grilled Corn on the Cob in Foil
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
Description
Grilled Corn on the Cob in Foil is a delightful summer side dish that transforms any gathering into a flavorful feast. This easy recipe combines the natural sweetness of fresh corn with a rich, buttery seasoning, all sealed in foil for effortless grilling. Perfect for barbecues, picnics, or family dinners, this dish not only bursts with flavor but also offers customization options to suit every palate. With minimal cleanup required and quick preparation, it’s an ideal addition to your outdoor cooking repertoire.
Ingredients
- 6 ears corn, shucked
- 4 tablespoons butter, softened
- 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 butter, salt, garlic powder, and black pepper until smooth.
- Rub the butter mixture generously over each ear of corn and wrap each in aluminum foil.
- Place the foil packets on the grill and cook for about 10 minutes.
- Flip the packets, seal them again, and grill for another 10-20 minutes until cooked through.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ear of corn (approximately 120g)
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 13g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
