How to BBQ corn on the cob in foil is a must-know skill for anyone looking to elevate their grilling game. Corn on the cob is a beloved summer staple, and grilling it in foil ensures that it retains its natural sweetness while becoming perfectly tender and slightly charred.

This method is not only easy but also incredibly versatile, allowing you to infuse the corn with a variety of flavors. Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue or simply enjoying a family meal, grilled corn on the cob in foil is sure to be a hit.

This guide will provide you with all the steps and tips you need to BBQ corn on the cob in foil to perfection.

Why Grill Corn on the Cob in Foil?

Grilling corn on the cob in foil has several advantages:

1. Moisture Retention: Wrapping the corn in foil helps retain moisture, ensuring that the kernels are juicy and tender.
2. Flavor Infusion: The foil packet can be customized with butter, herbs, and spices, allowing you to infuse the corn with delicious flavors.
3. Easy Clean-Up: Using foil makes for an easy clean-up, as it contains the mess and prevents corn from sticking to the grill grates.
4. Versatility: Foil packets can be cooked on a gas or charcoal grill, and they are also suitable for campfires.

Preparing the Corn

Before you start grilling, it’s essential to prepare the corn properly:

1. Selecting the Corn: Choose fresh corn with bright green husks and moist silk. The kernels should be plump and tightly packed.
2. Shucking the Corn: Remove the husks and silk from the corn. Rinse the ears under cold water to remove any remaining silk strands.
3. Seasoning Options: Decide on the seasoning you want to use. Classic options include butter, salt, and pepper, but you can also experiment with herbs, spices, and flavored butters.

Basic Ingredients

For a basic and delicious grilled corn on the cob in foil, you will need:

• 4 ears of corn, shucked
• 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter, softened
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Aluminum foil

Optional add-ins for extra flavor:

• Chopped fresh herbs (such as parsley, cilantro, or chives)
• Garlic powder or minced garlic
• Paprika or chili powder
• Grated Parmesan cheese
• Lime or lemon juice

How to BBQ Corn on the Cob in Foil

Follow these steps to BBQ corn on the cob in foil:

1. Preheat the Grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat, approximately 375°F to 400°F. This temperature is ideal for cooking the corn evenly without burning it.
2. Prepare the Foil Packets: Tear off four large sheets of aluminum foil, each about 12–15 inches long. Place an ear of corn in the center of each sheet.
3. Season the Corn: Spread 1 tablespoon of softened butter over each ear of corn. Sprinkle with salt and pepper, to taste. If using additional seasonings or herbs, sprinkle them evenly over the corn.
4. Wrap the Corn: Wrap the foil tightly around each ear of corn, ensuring that it is completely sealed. This helps to trap the steam and cook the corn evenly. Twist the ends of the foil to secure the packet.
5. Grill the Corn: Place the foil-wrapped corn on the grill. Close the lid and cook for 15-20 minutes, turning the packets occasionally to ensure even cooking. The corn is done when it is tender and easily pierced with a fork.
6. Unwrap and Serve: Carefully remove the foil packets from the grill using tongs. Allow the corn to cool slightly before unwrapping. Be cautious of the hot steam when opening the foil. Serve the corn hot, with additional butter and seasoning if desired.

Flavor Variations

Grilling corn on the cob in foil offers endless possibilities for flavor variations. Here are some ideas to try:

1. Herb and Garlic Butter: Mix softened butter with minced garlic and chopped fresh herbs (such as parsley, basil, or thyme). Spread the herb garlic butter over the corn before wrapping it in foil.
2. Spicy Chili-Lime: Sprinkle the corn with chili powder, paprika, and a squeeze of fresh lime juice before wrapping it in foil. Add a bit of cayenne pepper for extra heat.
3. Parmesan and Basil: Spread the corn with butter and sprinkle generously with grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh basil. This gives the corn a savory, cheesy flavor.
4. Mexican Street Corn Style: After grilling, unwrap the corn and spread it with mayonnaise. Sprinkle with crumbled cotija cheese, chili powder, and chopped cilantro. Serve with lime wedges.
5. Sweet and Smoky BBQ: Brush the corn with your favorite BBQ sauce before wrapping it in foil. The sauce will caramelize and add a sweet and smoky flavor to the corn.

Tips for Perfect Grilled Corn

To ensure your grilled corn on the cob in foil turns out perfectly every time, consider these additional tips:

1. Even Cooking: Make sure to turn the foil packets occasionally to promote even cooking and prevent any hot spots.
2. Avoid Overcooking: Keep an eye on the cooking time. Overcooked corn can become mushy. The ideal texture is tender but still slightly crisp.
3. Check for Doneness: To check if the corn is done, carefully open one of the foil packets and pierce a kernel with a fork. If it goes in easily, the corn is ready.
4. Char Option: For a bit of char, you can remove the corn from the foil in the last few minutes of grilling and place it directly on the grill grates. This will give the corn a nice, smoky flavor and grill marks.
5. Serving: Serve the corn immediately after grilling for the best flavor and texture. If you need to keep it warm, leave it in the foil and place it in a warm oven until ready to serve.

Conclusion: Mastering BBQ Corn on the Cob in Foil

How to BBQ corn on the cob in foil is an essential skill for any grilling enthusiast. This method not only preserves the corn’s natural sweetness and moisture but also allows you to experiment with a variety of flavors.

By following the steps and tips outlined in this guide, you can achieve perfectly grilled corn that will be a hit at any gathering. Whether you stick to classic butter and salt or venture into more adventurous seasonings, BBQ corn on the cob in foil is sure to become a favorite in your grilling repertoire.

So fire up the grill, gather your ingredients, and enjoy the delicious, smoky flavor of perfectly grilled corn on the cob!

Happy grilling!