The best Corn on the Cob is sweet, delicious, and full of flavor, truly a classic summer time side dish. Nothing is more mouthwatering than a juicy piece fresh cooked corn. With four pantry staple ingredients up the ante on your corn on the cob game to get perfectly cooked pieces, every single time.
What is the best way to cook corn on the cob?
Anyone else a huge lover of all things fresh corn?! Man oh man, there are two foods that come out of these glorious summer months that I just cannot get enough of and that is fresh juicy watermelon and sweet yummy corn. I love corn cooked every which way … grilled, boiled, steamed, air fried, pressure cooked or roasted. But my go to has got to be southern style boiled corn.
Follow these simple steps for the sweetest, juiciest, most tender and delicious corn on the cob you have ever tasted. Then pair it together with something hot off the grill, right out of the oven or coupled with other killer sides, like easy mashed potatoes or savory sausage stuffing, and you are sure to have a well rounded menu.
Now, let’s master this veggie so you can be the King of everyone’s favorite summer side.
Why do you put milk in water when boiling corn?
Boiling your corn with a cup of milk instead of just water, really does help infuse every single bite with flavor and bring out it's natural sweetness. And I know the recipe says adding a little bit of sugar is optional, but truly if corn is in peak season and naturally sweet you won't even need it. Trust me. It's amazing.
Adding milk and butter to the pot while cooking corn is sure to be the game changer you have needed. So now that we know why these ingredients are important let's get cooking.
How long should you boil corn?
If you have your pot heated and your liquids boiling it really will take just a few minutes for the corn cobs to become perfectly tender and cooked. 6-8 minutes of cook time is really all you are going to need.
You will know the corn is cooked when it becomes a more vibrant and richer yellow. The kernels on the ends of each cob will also become nice and plump and even begin to pull outwards a little bit.
What should I serve corn on the cob with?
Boiled corn on the cob is the perfect side for all your summer meal favorites. While this corn can totally stand on its own, we all know there are sometimes when we want a little extra something, something. And there are so many delicious and simple ways to enjoy it.
What to Season Corn With
So first, let's talk seasonings. Once you have your corn hot and ready here are a handful of seasoning combinations waiting for you to give a try.
- Traditional, add melted butter and sprinkle with salt and pepper
- Italian twist, sprinkle with powdered parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning
- Turn up the heat, mix together paprika, garlic powder and crushed red pepper
- Sweet and spicy, heat butter, honey and cayenne
- All American style, spread with butter and a little ranch seasoning
What to Serve Corn With
Corn is one of those extremely versatile vegetables that can be paired with almost any meal. We love to enjoy it with super easy Instant Pot BBQ Chicken or our favorite French Dip Sandwiches. And if you have any leftovers have no fear, just cut those kernels off and plan to throw them in another dish later in the week like easy Chicken Pot Pie or Sweet and Spicy Chili. If you happen to find yourself often stripping kernels from your leftover corn cobs let me introduce you to this handy-dandy kitchen helper. You can thank me later.
📖 Recipe
Corn on the Cob
Sweet, delicious and full of flavor, this is a classic summer side dish. Nothing is more mouthwatering than a juicy piece of fresh cooked corn on the cob.
Ingredients
- 8 ears of corn
- water, till covered
- 1 cup milk
- 1 stick butter
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1-2 tablespoons sugar (optional)
Instructions
- Remove the husks and silks from each ear of corn. Break corn cobs in half if desired.
- Fill large pot halfway full of water and bring to a rolling boil.
- Add milk, butter, salt and sugar to water. Stir occasionally until sugar and butter are fully melted and dissolved.
- Carefully add corn to pot. Turn heat to medium-low and allow corn to simmer for 7 to 8 minutes.
- Remove corn from liquid and serve.
Notes
- Adding the sugar will help amp up the corn's natural flavor and sweetness. If corn is in peak season and naturally sweet don't worry about adding the sugar.
- You will know the corn is cooked when vibrant yellow and kernels on ends are plump and begin to pull outwards.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 8 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 205Total Fat: 13gSaturated Fat: 8gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 33mgSodium: 373mgCarbohydrates: 21gFiber: 2gSugar: 7gProtein: 4g