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Corn on The Cob

May 17, 2024

For a quick and delicious side dish, try this recipe for hot, juicy buttered corn on the cob.

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4 homemade corn on the cob on a platter topped with butter beside small bowls of salt and pepper for serving
Photography by Gayle McLeod

The Best Corn on The Cob

Boiling corn on the cob produces the brightest, freshest taste of summer: it’s the sweetest and tastiest method that brings out all the natural flavors. On warm summer days, hanging in our backyards with family and friends, we like to sink our teeth into buttery corn on the cob alongside our favorite BBQ sides recipes and picnic favorites. You can’t go wrong with this super easy corn on the cob recipe.

4 ears of corn, butter slices, salt and pepper in bowls to make homemade corn not he cob

How Long to Boil Corn on The Cob

If you’re looking for perfectly cooked, golden, and juicy corn on the cob, then you’ve come to the right place! And believe it or not, you can over or undercook it. But, we’ve tested multiple timings, just for you. And, in about 6 minutes, you’ll have crisp, bright yellow kerns awaiting butter, flakey salt, and fresh cracked pepper. While we believe the best way to cook corn on the cob – and the quickest – is boiling it in water!

corn on the cob cooked in a pot of boiling water being removed with tongs to transfer to a serving platter

What to Serve With Boiled Corn On The Cob

Sweet summer corn can and *should* be added to all your meals! It adds a veggie-forward crunch, that when eaten fresh, provides a little bit of sweetness! We like to pair this corn on the cob recipe with Pineapple Pulled Pork Sandwiches, Classic Cheeseburgers with Secret Sauce, or Spatchcocked Grilled Chicken. Corn on the cob is the ideal accompaniment to sides like Coleslaw, Summer Tortellini Pasta Salad, or Dressed Up Baked Beans. We suggest cutting any leftovers off the cob and tossing them into this Taco Salad.

How To Make Corn on The Cob

If you’re wondering how to cook corn on the cob, then you’re in the right place! We’ve got the quickest, most delicious method for you – just follow these few steps:

  1. Shuck em’! Depending on the flavor you prefer, you can choose white, yellow, or bi-color corn! Peel the husks of the corn on the cob back until the kernels are exposed, removing the leafy greens as well as the corn silks.

  2. Submerge! Place them in a pot of boiling water until completely submerged!

  3. Serve! Using tongs, transfer them to a serving platter and butter up each corn on the cob while still warm. We like to use flakey salt and fresh cracked pepper over the top. Feel free to make it your own: add smoked paprika, fresh parm, or even herbs like parsley!

corn on the cob cooked in a pot of boiling water being removed with tongs to transfer to a serving platter
homemade corn on the cob topped with a square of butter

Tools You’ll Need

More Recipes for Corn Lovers!

When corn is in season, we simply cannot get enough. It’s sweet, juicy, and pairs well with almost anything! Some of our favorite ways to use up all that fresh corn are:

4 homemade corn on the cob on a platter topped with butter beside small bowls of salt and pepper for serving

It’s Corn!

Did you make corn on the cob and slather it with butter, flakey salt and freshly cracked black pepper? Don’t forget to show us! Tag us on Instagram using @themodernproper and #themodernproper. Happy eating!

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Corn on The Cob

  • Serves:  4
  • Prep Time:  5 min
  • Cook Time:  6 min
  • Calories:  80

Ingredients

  • 4 ears fresh corn, husks and silks removed
  • 4 tablespoons salted butter, for serving
  • Sea salt, for serving
  • freshly cracked black pepper, for serving

Method

  1. Bring a large pot of water to a boil over high heat. Add the corn and cook, stirring occasionally until tender, 5-6 minutes. Drain.

    corn on the cob cooked in a pot of boiling water being removed with tongs to transfer to a serving platter
  2. Serve the corn warm with butter, salt, and pepper.

    4 homemade corn on the cob on a platter topped with butter beside small bowls of salt and pepper for serving

Nutrition Info

  • Per Serving
  • Amount
  • Calories 80
  • Protein 2 g
  • Carbohydrates 16 g
  • Total Fat 1 g
  • Dietary Fiber 1 g
  • Cholesterol 0 mg
  • sodium 0 mg
  • Total Sugars 4 g

Corn on The Cob

Questions & Reviews

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  • Jenn

    Perfectly cooked, thanks!

    Glad you enjoyed it!