Grilled Corn on the Cob in Foil

Grilled Corn on the Cob in Foil is a delightful and effortless side dish that can elevate any summer gathering. This recipe is perfect for picnics, barbecues, or just a cozy dinner at home. The unique cooking method ensures that each cob remains juicy and flavorful, while the foil helps to lock in those delicious flavors. Whether you’re serving it alongside grilled meats or enjoying it as a standalone treat, this grilled corn on the cob in foil is sure to impress.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With just a few simple steps, you can have perfectly grilled corn without any fuss.
• Flavor Packed: The butter mixture infuses the corn with rich flavor, making every bite irresistible.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a family BBQ or a casual weeknight dinner, this dish fits right in.
• Minimal Cleanup: Cooking in foil means less mess and easy cleanup—just toss away the used foil!
• Customizable: Feel free to add your favorite spices or herbs to the butter for a personal touch.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into grilling, gather your tools. Having everything ready will make the process smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Grill
• Aluminium foil
• Fork
• Knife (for shucking corn)

Importance of Each Tool

• Grill: This essential tool provides the heat needed for perfectly cooked corn with those beautiful grill marks.
• Aluminium foil: Protects the corn from direct heat while sealing in moisture and flavors during grilling.
• Fork: A handy tool for mashing the butter and mixing in seasonings effectively.

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

1. Preheat your grill to 400°F. This high temperature will ensure your corn cooks evenly and quickly.

Step 2: Prepare the Butter Mixture

1. In a bowl, mash together butter, salt, garlic powder, and pepper until smooth. A small fork works great for this task.

Step 3: Prepare the Corn

1. Take each ear of shucked corn and rub it generously with the prepared butter mixture.
2. Cut large pieces of aluminium foil (enough to wrap around two ears if preferred).
3. Place two ears of corn per packet (or one ear per packet if you choose), ensuring they are well-covered by foil.
4. Fold up the sides of the foil over the corn to create sealed packets.

Step 4: Grill the Corn

1. Place your foil packets directly on the grill grates.
2. Close the lid and grill for about 10 minutes.

Step 5: Flip and Finish Grilling

1. Carefully remove packets from grill using tongs.
2. Open each packet carefully (watch out for steam!) and flip each ear of corn over.
3. Seal packets again tightly and return them to the grill.
4. Grill for an additional 10-20 minutes until cooked through and slightly browned.

Step 6: Serve Your Corn

1. Remove finished packets from grill once done.
2. Carefully open each packet again, taking care with steam, and serve with extra butter and salt as desired.

Enjoy your delicious Grilled Corn on the Cob in Foil! Perfectly tender, buttery, and bursting with flavor—this dish is sure to be a hit!

How to Serve Grilled Corn on the Cob in Foil

Grilled Corn on the Cob in Foil is a delightful summer treat that pairs well with various dishes. Here are some creative serving suggestions to elevate your corn experience.

Classic Toppings

• Butter and Salt: The timeless combination of melted butter and a sprinkle of salt enhances the sweet flavor of the corn.
• Herb Butter: Mix softened butter with fresh herbs like parsley or chives for a fragrant twist.
• Parmesan Cheese: Sprinkle grated Parmesan on top for a savory, cheesy finish.

Flavorful Dips

• Garlic Aioli: Serve with a side of garlic aioli for a creamy, garlicky dip that complements grilled corn perfectly.
• Chili Lime Sauce: A zesty chili lime sauce adds a spicy kick and tangy flavor to each bite.
• Sour Cream and Chives: A dollop of sour cream mixed with chives provides a cool, refreshing contrast.

Accompaniments

• Fresh Salsa: Pairing grilled corn with fresh salsa adds freshness and vibrant flavor to your plate.
• Lime Wedges: Squeeze fresh lime juice over the corn for an extra burst of citrusy goodness.

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How to Perfect Grilled Corn on the Cob in Foil

To achieve the best results with Grilled Corn on the Cob in Foil, follow these helpful tips.

• Use Fresh Corn: Select ears that are bright green with moist silk for optimal sweetness and tenderness.
• Double Wrap: For added protection against heat, wrap your corn in two layers of foil. This prevents burning.
• Preheat Your Grill: Make sure your grill reaches 400°F before placing the corn inside for even cooking.
• Rotate Regularly: Turn the foil packets halfway through grilling to ensure all sides cook evenly and achieve that perfect char.
• Don’t Rush Cooking Time: Allow enough time for the corn to cook through, as undercooked corn can be tough and chewy.
• Experiment with Flavors: Feel free to add spices or seasonings to your butter mixture for unique flavors.

Best Side Dishes for Grilled Corn on the Cob in Foil

Grilled Corn on the Cob in Foil makes an excellent side dish alongside many meals. Here are some great pairings.

1. Grilled Chicken: Juicy grilled chicken complements the sweetness of corn and adds protein to your meal.
2. BBQ Ribs: The smoky flavor of BBQ ribs contrasts beautifully with sweet grilled corn, creating a satisfying feast.
3. Potato Salad: A cool and creamy potato salad provides a nice balance to the warm, smoky corn.
4. Coleslaw: Crunchy coleslaw adds texture and freshness, making it an ideal partner for grilled dishes.
5. Baked Beans: Hearty baked beans offer rich flavors that go hand-in-hand with sweet corn.
6. Watermelon Salad: A refreshing watermelon salad brings brightness and hydration during hot summer days.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Grilling corn on the cob in foil is simple, but even small mistakes can affect your dish. Here are some common pitfalls to watch out for:

• Ignoring the Grill Temperature: Failing to preheat the grill can result in uneven cooking. Always ensure your grill reaches 400°F before placing your corn on it.
• Not Using Enough Butter: Skimping on butter may lead to dry corn. Generously coat each ear with the butter mixture for a rich flavor.
• Skipping Seasoning: Neglecting to season your corn can make it bland. Use salt and optional spices like garlic powder for added taste.
• Overcrowding the Foil Packets: Stuffing too many ears into one packet can prevent even cooking. Limit it to two ears per packet or use individual packets.
• Opening Foil Too Soon: Opening the foil too early releases steam, which helps cook the corn. Wait until halfway through cooking to check on it.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover grilled corn in an airtight container.
• It will stay fresh for up to 4 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Grilled Corn on the Cob in Foil

• Wrap cooked corn tightly in foil or plastic wrap before placing it in a freezer-safe bag.
• Frozen grilled corn is best enjoyed within 3 months for optimal flavor.

Reheating Grilled Corn on the Cob in Foil

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F, place corn in foil packets, and heat for about 10-15 minutes.
• Microwave: Place corn on a microwave-safe dish, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat for 2-3 minutes.
• Stovetop: Heat a skillet over medium heat, add a little butter, and sauté the corn for about 5-7 minutes until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some commonly asked questions about grilled corn on the cob in foil:

How long does it take to grill corn on the cob in foil?

Grilled Corn on the Cob in Foil takes about 20-30 minutes total grilling time. This includes flipping midway through cooking for even results.

Can you add toppings to grilled corn on the cob?

Absolutely! After grilling, feel free to add toppings like cheese, herbs, or spices based on your preference.

Is it necessary to soak corn before grilling?

Soaking is not necessary when using foil. The foil helps retain moisture during grilling so you get juicy kernels without soaking.

What other seasonings work well with grilled corn?

You can experiment with various seasonings such as chili powder, lime juice, or even grated parmesan cheese for a delicious twist!

Final Thoughts

Grilled Corn on the Cob in Foil is not only easy and quick but also customizable. You can adjust flavors and toppings based on your family’s preferences. Enjoy this classic side dish at your next BBQ and make lasting memories!