Boiling Corn on the Cob (2024)

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Corn on the Cob is one of our favorite side dishes. It’s inexpensive and so tasty. Boiling Corn on the Cob is simple and tastes amazing. Learn the trick to the best fresh sweet corn on the cob ever.

We love sweet corn on the cob at my house. We have had it grilled, smoked, put in the oven with the corn husk on and boiled. My kids love it and it definitely a good side dish recipe that we have often.

I have discovered a new trick that brings out the sweetness of corn on the cob. You are going to be surprised how easy it is and you will never cook corn on the cob any other way.

If you love corn on the cob as much as my family, make Parmesan Corn on the Cob or Mexican Corn on the Cob.

Why This Recipe Works

Boiling corn on the cob recipe makes the perfect corn for any recipe. Fresh corn has the best flavor and boiling it with these easy tips makes the best corn recipe.

How to Pick the Best Corn

The best corn with the best sweetness comes from the farmers market. But we usually buy from our local grocery store. When choosing the perfect corn make sure that it is heavy and have very little give.

When picking corn at the grocery store, make sure the ears are bright green and not wilted. We recommend squeezing the corn around the tips to ensure it is full and juicy.

Ingredients

• Ears of Corn
• Salted Butter
• Milk

For the full list of ingredients and recipe, scroll to the bottom for the recipe card.

Seasoning Ideas

Salt, pepper and butter is a great way to bring out the natural sweetness of the corn, but here are more delicious seasoning ideas.

• Lime Juice
• Fresh Herbs like Fresh Parsley or Cilantro
• Chives
• Chili Powder or Paprika
• Cotija Cheese
• Garlic Butter
• Herb Butter
• Parmesan Cheese

How to Boil Corn on the Cob

• Step 1 – Fill a large pot with cold water and heat on the stove on high heat. Bring to a boil. (You can also use salted water to boil the corn)
• Step 2 – Once your water is warm add in a stick of butter and a cup of milk. You can also add in sugar, but it is not necessary.

• Step 3 – Peel the corn husks off your corn and remove the silk. Add the corn cobs to the hot water mixture once the water has return to boiling.

• Step 4 – Cook the corn cobs for 8-10 minutes, use tongs to carefully remove the corn and enjoy. Cover the pot until ready to eat.

I like to discard the water outside rather than the sink because of the butter in the water.

Add more butter and sprinkle with salt and pepper if you prefer. Serve immediately. Enjoy!

How Long to Boil Corn on the Cob

It only takes about 8-10 minutes to boil corn. As you can see, it’s an incredibly easy and quick side dish idea.

I love that I can make this at the last minute and still have a great side dish to serve. It doesn’t take a lot of thought or time. Plus, corn on the cob is not expensive at all.

How to Use Leftover Corn on the the Cob

We love leftover corn. Store your leftover corn in an airtight container. If I do have any leftover corn on the corn, I will use a sharp knife cut the kernels off the corn and make this Spicy Corn Dip or serve it in my salads.

See How to Cut Corn Off the Cob.

Leftover corn on the cob also freezes great. You can store corn in the freezer for up to 3 months. See How to Freeze Corn on the Cob.

You can also find our 7 Ways to Use Leftover Grilled Corn.

Serving Ideas

The kids love when I fixChicken on a Stickand this yummy corn on the cob. It’s also great with Grilled Mahi Mahi Recipe. That only takes 15 minutes and the corn is really quick too.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are more delicious side dish recipes

• Baked Potatoes in the Microwave – Easy to make!
• How to Microwave Corn on the Cob
• Easy Recipe on how to Grill Corn on the Cob
• Foil Pack Grilled Potatoes
• Fried Corn on the Cob

What is your favorite way to eat corn on the cob? Leave us a comment and let us know.