Catch a whiff of that smoky aroma as you bite into a perfectly grilled ear of corn. The sweet kernels burst with flavor in every juicy nibble, making it an all-time favorite at summer gatherings. Now imagine serving this delicious Memorial Day Grilled Corn on the Cob at your next backyard bash—your friends will be begging for seconds faster than you can say “pass the butter.”

Memorial Day is not just about honoring our heroes; it’s also about celebrating those heavenly flavors that come alive when you fire up the grill. Picture yourself outdoors, laughter filling the air as you slather that golden corn with butter and sprinkle it with spices. It’s a moment etched in time—sunshine above, good company around, and oh boy, that glorious corn!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This grilled corn is incredibly easy to prepare and packed with flavor that everyone adores.
- Your guests will be drawn to its vibrant appearance and mouthwatering aroma.
- It’s versatile enough to serve as a side or snack, so be ready to wow your friends during any summer gathering.
When I first made this grilled corn recipe for my family barbecue last year, their delighted faces were priceless—everyone agreed it was a showstopper!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Fresh Corn on the Cob: Look for bright green husks and plump kernels for maximum sweetness.
- Butter: Use unsalted butter for a rich flavor; add salt later if needed.
- Salt: Sea salt enhances the sweetness of the corn beautifully.
- Pepper: Freshly ground black pepper adds a kick; feel free to adjust according to taste.
- Optional Toppings: Consider cheese or herbs like cilantro for an extra flavor boost.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it together
Prep Your Grill: Start by preheating your grill to medium-high heat. This will give you those beautiful charred marks we all love.
Select Your Corn: Choose fresh ears of corn with bright husks. Peel back a few layers to check for plump kernels; freshness matters!
Prepare The Corn: Remove excess silk from each ear of corn. Some people prefer soaking the ears in water beforehand—this helps steam them while grilling.
Grill Away!: Place each ear directly on the grill grates and cook for about 10-15 minutes. Rotate occasionally until all sides are nicely charred.
Add Butter & Seasoning: Once off the grill, spread butter generously over each ear while it’s still hot. Sprinkle with salt and pepper before serving.
Serve & Enjoy!: Present your grilled corn alongside other barbecue favorites. Watch as friends dive in eagerly; you’ll be proud of your creation!
Now you’re ready to embark on this flavorful journey! Grab some fresh ears of corn and let’s get grilling!
You Must Know
- Grilling corn on the cob is an art!
- Soak it first for juicy results, and don’t forget to play around with seasonings for that perfect burst of flavor.
- The smell of grilling corn will have everyone flocking to your BBQ.
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Soak your corn in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling. While it soaks, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Grill the corn in husks for about 15-20 minutes, turning occasionally.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to experiment with toppings! Try chili powder and lime, or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese and garlic for extra zing. These little touches can make all the difference.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover grilled corn in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, wrap in aluminum foil and place on a hot grill or in an oven for about 10 minutes.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Grill corn with the husk on for maximum moisture retention, creating that mouthwatering bite.
- Don’t rush; letting it soak ensures tenderness.
- Always check for doneness by feeling if it’s tender through the husk.
When I first grilled corn on Memorial Day, my family couldn’t stop raving about how juicy and flavorful it was! They now demand it every summer barbecue.
FAQ
How long should I soak my corn before grilling?
Soak your corn for at least 30 minutes to ensure juicy kernels when grilled.
Can I use frozen corn instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Just thaw and grill it in a grill basket to keep those flavors intact.
What’s the best way to season grilled corn?
Try butter, salt, and lime for classic flavor or experiment with spices like smoked paprika or cayenne pepper!
Memorial Day Grilled Corn on the Cob
Savor the taste of summer with this easy, flavorful grilled corn on the cob recipe. Perfect for your Memorial Day BBQ and sure to impress!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 4 ears fresh corn on the cob
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 tsp sea salt
- ½ tsp freshly ground black pepper
- Optional toppings: chili powder, lime juice, or grated cheese
Instructions
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
- Peel back the husks of the corn and remove excess silk. Optionally soak the corn in water for about 30 minutes.
- Grill the corn directly on the grates for 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally until all sides are charred.
- Remove from grill and brush each ear with butter while still hot. Sprinkle with salt and pepper before serving.
- Serve immediately alongside your favorite BBQ dishes.
Notes
- For added flavor, experiment with toppings such as chili powder and lime or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.
- To store leftovers, place them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ear of grilled corn (100g)
- Calories: 140
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 160mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 15mg