This recipe for the Best Corn on the Cob is one of the highlights of sweet summer! Fresh sweet corn is boiled to tender perfection then generously brushed with butter and sprinkled with salt and black pepper.

When I think about the simple pleasures of summer, this classic boiled corn on the cob recipe immediately comes to mind. This recipe is all about highlighting the natural, juicy sweetness of fresh sweet corn.

Growing up in the midwest, sweet corn was a staple of late summer dinners out on the deck. I remember what a big deal it was each year when the farm stand up the road started selling sweet corn.

While corn on the cob is versatile and there are so many ways to season and prepare it, there’s something about the simplicity of sweet corn with only butter, salt and pepper that I just love. Perfect as a side dish with a variety of meals, this timeless boiled corn on the cob recipe brings out the best in sweet corn and is a recipe you need to try!

This is the best corn on the cob that is juicy every time. Enjoy! ❤️-Ashley

The Best Way to Boil Corn on the Cob

While there are a variety of ways to cook corn on the cob, I always feel like the best sweet corn on the cob happens when it is boiled on the stove. Here is a brief overview on the best way to boil corn on the cob:

1. Purchase sweet corn – buy locally grown, fresh sweet corn if it is available.
2. Fill a large stock pot with water – bring to a boil.
3. Prepare the corn: cut off the stem of the corn, then remove the husk (green outer leaves) by peeling it towards the bottom. Then remove the silk – these are the thin thread-like strands. I like to use a vegetable brush to help remove the silk. You can also use your hands or a damp towel to help with this process.
4. Add sugar to the water – I like to add about 1 tablespoon of sugar to the boiling water to help enhance the sweetness. This is optional.
5. Boil the corn – when the water is boiling, add the corn to the pot. Boil for 4-6 minutes or until corn is tender.
6. Remove the corn – use tongs to remove the corn on the cob from the boiling water. Allow the corn to cool for a few minutes.
7. Butter and season – brush corn with butter, then sprinkle with salt and black pepper.

Corn on the Cob Fun Facts

Did you know?

• Each kernel of corn is attached to its own silk strand. Yes, each strand of silk that you remove belongs to a single kernel on the cob. How cool is that?
• There are several varieties of sweet corn including yellow, white and bi-color.
• Sweet corn is rich in fiber, B vitamins, and minerals like magnesium and potassium

Buttering and Seasoning Corn on the Cob

There are a couple of different ways that you can butter your corn on the cob.

1. Use a stick of cold butter from the refrigerator and roll the hot corn over the stick of butter.
2. Melt butter – melt butter in a saucepan or in the microwave, then use a pastry brush to slather the melted butter on the corn.
3. Season – I recommend using coarse black pepper and Himalayan pink salt

Storing corn on the cob in the fridge

You just visited your local farm stand and stocked up on delicious corn on the cob, and now you are wondering how long you can store it all in the refrigerator. Here are a few tips for storing corn on the cob in your refrigerator:

• Purchase corn at its peak freshness and select corn with bright green leaves.
• Leave the husks on – this will help the corn retain its moisture
• Place in an air-tight container- this will help the corn from drying out

Corn on the cob can be stored in the refrigerator for about 1-2 weeks.

Freezing corn on the cob

Did you know that corn on the cob can be frozen to use later on? Did you also know that it’s possible to freeze corn on the cob with the husks on?

1. Purchase corn at its peak freshness and select corn with bright green leaves.
2. Leave the husks on but trim the ends if needed so that the corn can fit in an air-tight container or freezer bag.
3. Blanch the corn – boil water, add the corn with the husks on and boil for 4-6 minutes. While the corn boils, prepare a large bowl with ice water. Transfer the corn to the ice bath and allow it to cool for 4-6 minutes.
4. Dry the corn – pat the corn dry with paper towels or a clean kitchen towel.
5. Individually wrap each corn on the cob – you can use plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
6. Place corn in an air-tight freezer continuer or freezer bags.
7. Corn on the cob can be frozen for 6-12 months.
8. To reheat: place frozen corn with the husks on in boiling water and cook for 6-8 minutes, or until tender.

Other Ways to Cook Corn

There are a variety of ways to cook corn on the cob including on the grill, in the slow cooker, or in the microwave. Choose the method that works best for you.

Corn on the Cob Variations

While I love the simplicity of juicy corn on the cob with butter, salt and pepper, there are a variety of ways you can season corn.

1. Classic Buttered Corn
2. Mexican Street Corn (elote) – top with mayo, sour cream, lime juice, chili powder, and top with cotija cheese.
3. Garlic Parmesan Corn – brush cooked corn with butter. then top with finely grated parmesan cheese, minced garlic and dried or fresh parsley.
4. Spicy Corn – melt butter then add sriracha or any of your favorite hot sauce and slather on the corn.

More Corn Recipes

Here are a few additional corn recipes you’ve gotta try!

• Summer Corn Salad
• Fresh Corn Salad
• Creamy Corn Casserole

I hope you enjoy this recipe for juicy boiled corn. This is the Best Corn on the Cob recipe that can be modified and adjusted with different flavor combinations to suit your tastes. Enjoy!