14 Corn on the Cob Recipes for Fresh Summer Flavor

Oven-Roasted Chile Butter Corn

For a seriously delicious side, try this oven-roasted corn on the cob. Keep the corn in the husks while roasting, then slather with homemade chile-lime butter. Crushed cornflakes make a surprising, yet delicious crunchy topper.

Butter-Braised Corn on the Cob

One of the best ways to boil corn on the cob is by adding a generous amount of dairy to the pot. Also known as milk-boiled corn, this Midwestern cooking method braises the corn in butter and milk. Here we've upped the flavor factor by adding aromatic garlic, cumin, and chili powder to the mix.

Buy It: Lodge Enameled Cast Iron 5.5-Quart Dutch Oven ($50, Walmart)

Maple-Bacon Corn on the Cob

Maple and bacon is already a golden combo but when it's added to corn on the cob—pure magic. Simply combine maple syrup and crisp crumbled bacon to baste onto grilled corn on the cob. You'll love every sweet and salty bite.

Grilled Corn on the Cob

Cooking corn on the cob on the grill is the perfect addition to any summer barbecue. Make sure to allow the corn to soak at least an hour before grilling. This prevents the husks from burning and helps those sweet kernels retain moisture. Finish your grilled corn on the cob with a brush of melted butter.

Slow Cooker Corn on the Cob

This slow cooker side is an easy way to let everyone get creative with flavors and seasonings. Once the corn on the cob is seasoned and ready to cook, wrap in foil and label them so everyone knows which is theirs.

Buy It: Crock-Pot 6-Quart Programmable Cook and Carry Slow Cooker ($42, Target)

Grilled Corn with Smoky Lime Butter

This corn on the cob recipe is one of our (and our readers') favorties. The zesty lime-infused butter with cilantro and paprika is what sets this grilled corn apart from any other. Add some extra char on the corn by peeling back the husks and placing directly on the grill for the last 5 minutes of cooking.

Boiled-in-the-Husk Corn on the Cob

For an easy side dish to complete any meal, look no further than boiled corn on the cob. To elevate your seasoning options, opt for flavoring the butter with aleppo pepper or cayenne.

Test Kitchen Tip: When shopping for corn look for corn with golden to brown silks and healthy green husks. Once you've got the kernels off, keep the cobs to add to soups and sauces for a bit of sweetness.

Grilled Corn on the Cob with Herbs

When your herb garden produces a bounty of cilantro and/or basil, use it to make this delicious corn on the cob recipe. The grilled corn pairs beautifuly with the herb-infused butter. Add a squeeze of lemon or lime for a pop of flavor.

Buy It: Weber Jumbo Joe Premium Charcoal Grill ($80, Walmart)

Elote Asado (Grilled Corn Cob Bites with Chile and Lime)

This Mexican-inspired corn on the cob recipe will be your new favorite side for taco nights. The bite-size cuts of corn are great for the kiddos and also leaves room for all the other food on the dinner plate.

Margarita Grilled Corn

The salty-lime combo enjoyed in your favorite summer cocktail infuses amazing flavor into this corn on the cob recipe. After adding the lime butter to the corn, tie the husk tops with strips of corn husk or 100% cotton kitchen string to lock the flavor inside (instead of spilling onto the grill).

Buy It: Jacent Butcher's Kitchen Twine ($3, Walmart)

Marinated Grilled Corn with Chili-Avocado Butter

Marinades aren't just for meat. This grilled corn on the cob sits in Italian dressing for up to 24 hours for a delicious, juicy result. Adding slightly mashed avocado to the butter adds a pleasant texture to your corn on the cob topping.

Mexican-Style Air-Fryer Corn on the Cob

Air-fryer corn on the cob is here to make delicious use of your favorite countertop appliance. In just 14 minutes, the corn is perfectly crisp on the outside while still juicy on the inside. You might have to trim the cobs to fit your air fryer basket. Just save those kernels for another fresh corn recipe.

Buy It: NuWave Brio 7.25-Quart Air Fryer ($100, Bed Bath & Beyond)

Coconut Milk-Basted Corn on the Cob

Coconut and corn?! Stick with us here. Coconut milk, brown sugar, and salt are brushed onto corn on the cob then grilled. The outcome is a slightly sweet, buttery bite that gets extra texture and flavor from toasted coconut flakes.

Buy It: OXO Softworks Corn Holders ($11, Target)

Mexican-Style Street Corn

This Mexican-style corn on the cob recipe tastes just like the ones you've ordered from a street cart. Mayo, garlic, and paprika are slathered onto grilled ears of corn before a generous sprinkle of cheese. Keep the authentic taste by using cotija cheese, an aged Mexican cheese with a distinct tangy-salty flavor.