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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.
Table of Contents
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 fix Chicken on a Stick and 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
Yes, you can. It is best to only leave your corn in the boiling water for no longer than 10 minutes. If you do leave it in longer it can be overcooked and lose its flavor and the texture can become mush.
Your boiled corn should be done around the 5-6 minute mark. But I usually let it stay in the boiled milk and simmer for about 8-10 minutes.
After the corn has boiled for around 8 minutes, it should be ready to eat. You can stick a knife or even a fork in it and see that it is tender. We love this sweet corn.
Store the leftovers in the airtight container in the fridge. They will last about 3-4 days.
Reheat leftovers in the microwave in about 30 second intervals until heated through.
Corn kernels can make a delicious corn salad or corn salsa for a delicious side dish. We recommend cutting the kernels off the corn husk to freeze. Learn How to Freeze Corn with these easy tips.
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.
Boiling Corn on the Cob
Ingredients
- 6-8 corn on the cob
- 1 stick salted butter
- 1 cup milk
Instructions
- Fill a large pot with water and heat on the stove on high heat.
- Once your water is warm add in a stick of butter and a cup of milk.
- Peel the husk off your corn and add the corn cobs to the water mixture once the water is boiling.
- Cook the corn cobs for 8-10 minutes, carefully remove the corn and enjoy!
THanks! I’ll fix that.
Your recipe says ‘Cool’ and I think you meant ‘Cook’.
We will try this tonight!
Between living in a small town in “rural America,” with not much in the way of farm fresh produce, I was pretty skeptic when I bought the first batch of corn that appeared in our grocery store for the season. I found your recipe and gave it a try, and it turned out wonderful (considering all the above obstacles). I added a little more salt and some sugar to my water out of habit, but otherwise followed your recipe. Thank you,
Have cooked corn (on the cob) many years & many ways…I am now resigned to the microwave style…Quick, delicious & no silk picking, ever !!!
I cook it in the boiling water for 8-10 minutes prior to turning the burner off. Thank you!
So you turn the pot off once the corn is in? This sounds delicious and I will be trying tonight!