Grilled Sweet Corn Sensation: Unforgettable Recipes to Elevate Your BBQ

Grilled corn is a summertime staple, and for good reason. The smoky char and sweet kernels create a flavor combination that’s hard to beat. But why settle for plain grilled corn when you can elevate it with a variety of sweet and savory toppings? This post will guide you through grilling corn perfectly and provide a collection of mouthwatering sweet grilled corn recipes that will impress your family and friends.

## Perfecting the Art of Grilling Corn

Before we dive into the recipes, let’s cover the basics of grilling corn. There are two primary methods: grilling in the husk and grilling directly on the grates. Each method offers unique benefits, and we’ll explore both.

### Grilling Corn in the Husk

This method is the most forgiving and results in tender, juicy kernels. The husk acts as a natural steamer, preventing the corn from drying out.

**Ingredients:**

* Fresh corn on the cob, in the husk
* Water (for soaking)

**Instructions:**

1. **Soak the Corn:** Submerge the corn in a large bowl or sink filled with cold water for at least 30 minutes, and up to 2 hours. This prevents the husks from burning on the grill. Soaking also adds moisture, which steams the corn from the inside.
2. **Prepare the Grill:** Preheat your grill to medium heat (around 350-400°F or 175-200°C).
3. **Grill the Corn:** Place the soaked corn directly on the grill grates. Close the lid and grill for 15-20 minutes, turning occasionally to ensure even cooking. The husks will char and blacken, but don’t worry; this is normal.
4. **Check for Doneness:** The corn is done when the kernels are tender and easily pierced with a fork. You can carefully peel back the husk to check. Use tongs to avoid burning yourself.
5. **Cool Slightly:** Remove the corn from the grill and let it cool slightly before handling. The corn will be very hot inside the husk.
6. **Remove the Husk and Silk:** Carefully peel back the husk, being mindful of the hot steam. Remove the silk (the stringy fibers) from the corn. A clean toothbrush or specialized corn silk removal tool can be helpful for this step.
7. **Serve and Enjoy:** Your grilled corn is now ready to be enjoyed as is or with your favorite toppings.

### Grilling Corn Directly on the Grates

This method delivers a more intense smoky flavor and a slightly charred texture. However, it requires more attention to prevent the corn from drying out or burning.

**Ingredients:**

* Fresh corn on the cob, husks removed and silk cleaned
* Vegetable oil or melted butter
* Salt and pepper to taste

**Instructions:**

1. **Prepare the Corn:** Remove the husks and silk from the corn. Rinse the corn under cold water to remove any remaining silk.
2. **Preheat the Grill:** Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (around 400-450°F or 200-230°C).
3. **Oil the Corn:** Lightly brush the corn with vegetable oil or melted butter. This helps prevent sticking and promotes even browning. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. **Grill the Corn:** Place the corn directly on the grill grates. Grill for 8-12 minutes, turning frequently to ensure even cooking and prevent burning. Aim for a nice char on all sides.
5. **Check for Doneness:** The corn is done when the kernels are tender and slightly browned. Use tongs to turn the corn and prevent burning yourself.
6. **Serve and Enjoy:** Your grilled corn is now ready to be enjoyed as is or with your favorite toppings.

## Sweet Grilled Corn Recipes to Tempt Your Taste Buds

Now that you know how to grill corn perfectly, let’s explore some delicious sweet grilled corn recipes.

### 1. Honey-Lime Grilled Corn

This recipe combines the sweetness of honey with the zesty tang of lime for a refreshing and flavorful twist on grilled corn.

**Ingredients:**

* Grilled corn on the cob (prepared using either method above)
* 2 tablespoons butter, melted
* 2 tablespoons honey
* 1 tablespoon lime juice
* 1/4 teaspoon lime zest
* Pinch of salt
* Chopped cilantro (optional, for garnish)

**Instructions:**

1. **Prepare the Honey-Lime Glaze:** In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, honey, lime juice, lime zest, and salt until well combined.
2. **Brush the Corn:** Brush the grilled corn generously with the honey-lime glaze, ensuring that all sides are coated.
3. **Return to Grill (Optional):** For a more caramelized glaze, return the corn to the grill for 1-2 minutes per side, turning frequently, until the glaze is slightly sticky and browned. Watch closely to prevent burning.
4. **Garnish and Serve:** Garnish with chopped cilantro (if desired) and serve immediately.

**Why This Works:** The honey provides a natural sweetness that complements the corn, while the lime juice adds a bright, acidic counterpoint that balances the flavors perfectly. The lime zest enhances the citrusy aroma and flavor. The butter creates richness and helps the glaze adhere to the corn.

### 2. Cinnamon-Sugar Grilled Corn

This recipe is a sweet and comforting treat that will satisfy your sweet tooth. It’s like a dessert on a cob!

**Ingredients:**

* Grilled corn on the cob (prepared using either method above)
* 2 tablespoons butter, melted
* 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
* 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
* Pinch of salt

**Instructions:**

1. **Prepare the Cinnamon-Sugar Mixture:** In a small bowl, combine the sugar, cinnamon, and salt until well blended.
2. **Brush the Corn:** Brush the grilled corn generously with the melted butter, ensuring that all sides are coated.
3. **Sprinkle with Cinnamon-Sugar:** Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over the buttered corn, pressing gently to help it adhere.
4. **Return to Grill (Optional):** For a more caramelized sugar coating, return the corn to the grill for 1-2 minutes per side, turning frequently, until the sugar is slightly melted and browned. Watch closely to prevent burning.
5. **Serve and Enjoy:** Serve immediately and enjoy this sweet and simple treat.

**Why This Works:** The combination of cinnamon and sugar is a classic for a reason. It’s warm, comforting, and perfectly complements the sweetness of the corn. The butter adds richness and helps the cinnamon-sugar mixture adhere to the corn.

### 3. Maple-Pecan Grilled Corn

This recipe is a decadent and flavorful combination of sweet maple syrup, crunchy pecans, and savory butter. It’s a sophisticated twist on grilled corn that’s perfect for special occasions.

**Ingredients:**

* Grilled corn on the cob (prepared using either method above)
* 2 tablespoons butter, melted
* 2 tablespoons maple syrup
* 1/4 cup chopped pecans, toasted
* Pinch of salt

**Instructions:**

1. **Toast the Pecans:** Toast the pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-5 minutes, or until fragrant and lightly browned. Be careful not to burn them. Alternatively, you can toast them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes.
2. **Prepare the Maple-Butter Glaze:** In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, maple syrup, and salt until well combined.
3. **Brush the Corn:** Brush the grilled corn generously with the maple-butter glaze, ensuring that all sides are coated.
4. **Sprinkle with Pecans:** Sprinkle the toasted pecans evenly over the glazed corn, pressing gently to help them adhere.
5. **Return to Grill (Optional):** For a more caramelized glaze, return the corn to the grill for 1-2 minutes per side, turning frequently, until the glaze is slightly sticky and browned. Watch closely to prevent burning.
6. **Serve and Enjoy:** Serve immediately and enjoy this decadent treat.

**Why This Works:** The maple syrup provides a rich, caramel-like sweetness that pairs perfectly with the savory butter. The toasted pecans add a delightful crunch and nutty flavor that complements the sweetness. The combination of textures and flavors creates a truly unforgettable experience.

### 4. Coconut-Lime Grilled Corn

This recipe offers a tropical twist on grilled corn, combining the creamy sweetness of coconut with the zesty tang of lime. It’s a refreshing and exotic treat that’s perfect for summer barbecues.

**Ingredients:**

* Grilled corn on the cob (prepared using either method above)
* 2 tablespoons coconut oil, melted
* 2 tablespoons shredded coconut, toasted
* 1 tablespoon lime juice
* 1/4 teaspoon lime zest
* Pinch of salt

**Instructions:**

1. **Toast the Coconut:** Toast the shredded coconut in a dry skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes, or until lightly golden brown. Be careful not to burn it.
2. **Prepare the Coconut-Lime Glaze:** In a small bowl, whisk together the melted coconut oil, lime juice, lime zest, and salt until well combined.
3. **Brush the Corn:** Brush the grilled corn generously with the coconut-lime glaze, ensuring that all sides are coated.
4. **Sprinkle with Coconut:** Sprinkle the toasted coconut evenly over the glazed corn, pressing gently to help it adhere.
5. **Return to Grill (Optional):** For a more caramelized glaze, return the corn to the grill for 1-2 minutes per side, turning frequently, until the glaze is slightly sticky and browned. Watch closely to prevent burning.
6. **Serve and Enjoy:** Serve immediately and enjoy this tropical treat.

**Why This Works:** The coconut oil provides a creamy sweetness and a distinct tropical flavor. The lime juice adds a bright, acidic counterpoint that balances the sweetness. The toasted coconut adds a delightful texture and enhances the coconut flavor.

### 5. Spicy Honey-Butter Grilled Corn

This recipe balances sweet and spicy flavors, combining the sweetness of honey with a touch of heat from chili flakes or cayenne pepper. It’s a flavorful and exciting twist on grilled corn that will tantalize your taste buds.

**Ingredients:**

* Grilled corn on the cob (prepared using either method above)
* 2 tablespoons butter, melted
* 2 tablespoons honey
* 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (or a pinch of cayenne pepper)
* Pinch of salt

**Instructions:**

1. **Prepare the Spicy Honey-Butter Glaze:** In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, honey, red pepper flakes (or cayenne pepper), and salt until well combined.
2. **Brush the Corn:** Brush the grilled corn generously with the spicy honey-butter glaze, ensuring that all sides are coated.
3. **Return to Grill (Optional):** For a more caramelized glaze, return the corn to the grill for 1-2 minutes per side, turning frequently, until the glaze is slightly sticky and browned. Watch closely to prevent burning.
4. **Serve and Enjoy:** Serve immediately and enjoy this sweet and spicy treat.

**Why This Works:** The honey provides a natural sweetness that complements the corn, while the red pepper flakes add a pleasant kick of heat. The butter adds richness and helps the glaze adhere to the corn. Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to your desired level of spiciness.

### 6. Brown Sugar and Bacon Grilled Corn

This recipe will take you to flavor town! The crispy bacon mixed with brown sugar and butter will be a crowd pleaser!

**Ingredients:**

* Grilled corn on the cob (prepared using either method above)
* 2 tablespoons butter, melted
* 2 tablespoons brown sugar
* 1/4 cup cooked and crumbled bacon
* Pinch of salt

**Instructions:**

1. **Cook the Bacon:** Cook bacon until crispy. Crumble it and set it aside.
2. **Prepare the Brown Sugar-Butter Glaze:** In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, brown sugar, and salt until well combined.
3. **Brush the Corn:** Brush the grilled corn generously with the brown sugar-butter glaze, ensuring that all sides are coated.
4. **Sprinkle with Bacon:** Sprinkle the crumbled bacon evenly over the glazed corn, pressing gently to help it adhere.
5. **Return to Grill (Optional):** For a more caramelized glaze, return the corn to the grill for 1-2 minutes per side, turning frequently, until the glaze is slightly sticky and browned. Watch closely to prevent burning.
6. **Serve and Enjoy:** Serve immediately and enjoy this amazing flavor combination.

**Why This Works:** The brown sugar enhances the sweetness of the corn and caramelizes to a gooey perfection on the grill. The bacon adds a salty and smoky flavor that complements the sweetness perfectly. The melted butter adds richness and helps all of the ingredients adhere to the corn.

## Tips for Grilling Success

* **Choose Fresh Corn:** Look for corn with bright green husks that are tightly wrapped around the cob. The silk (the stringy fibers) should be moist and pale. Avoid corn with dry or brown husks, or silks that are dark and brittle.
* **Don’t Overcook:** Overcooked corn can be tough and dry. Aim for tender kernels that are slightly browned.
* **Experiment with Toppings:** Don’t be afraid to get creative with your toppings! Try different combinations of sweet and savory ingredients to find your favorites.
* **Keep an Eye on the Grill:** Watch the corn closely, especially when grilling directly on the grates, to prevent burning.
* **Use Tongs:** Tongs are your best friend when grilling corn. They allow you to turn the corn easily and prevent burns.
* **Serve Immediately:** Grilled corn is best enjoyed fresh off the grill.

## Serving Suggestions

Grilled sweet corn is a versatile side dish that pairs well with a variety of grilled meats, salads, and other summer favorites. Here are some serving suggestions:

* **Grilled Chicken or Steak:** Grilled corn is a classic accompaniment to grilled chicken or steak.
* **Burgers and Hot Dogs:** Add grilled corn to your next burger or hot dog barbecue for a summery twist.
* **Salads:** Cut the kernels off the cob and add them to salads for a burst of sweetness and flavor.
* **Tacos or Quesadillas:** Grilled corn is a delicious addition to tacos or quesadillas.
* **As a Snack:** Enjoy grilled corn as a simple and satisfying snack.

## Conclusion

Grilled sweet corn is a delicious and easy way to elevate your summer barbecues. With these recipes and tips, you can create unforgettable grilled corn dishes that will impress your family and friends. So fire up the grill and get ready to enjoy the sweet taste of summer!