This smoky, zesty Corn on the Cob Seasoning recipe is perfect for summer barbecues or any occasion that calls for bold, flavorful side dishes. Grilled to perfection in a foil packet, the corn absorbs a delicious blend of paprika, garlic, and oregano, creating a burst of flavor in every bite. Whether you're hosting a cookout or preparing a simple weeknight dinner, this easy and vibrant recipe will elevate your corn to the next level. Serve it with butter and fresh parsley for a mouthwatering side that's sure to be a crowd-pleaser!
I like this recipe because it’s so simple yet packed with flavor. The smoky paprika and garlic really elevate the natural sweetness of the corn, and grilling it in a foil packet makes it easy to cook perfectly every time. Plus, it's always a hit at summer cookouts!
Looking for more? Try my Corn Casserole, Basil Corn Salad, Chorizo and Cornbread Stuffing, and Cornbread Cake.
Jump to:
🌟 Why You'll Love this Recipe
- Bold Flavor: The blend of paprika, garlic, and oregano gives the corn a smoky, zesty kick that pairs perfectly with the sweetness of grilled corn.
- Perfect for Grilling: Cooked in a foil packet, this recipe makes grilling easy, locking in moisture and flavor while keeping the corn tender.
- Customizable Spice: You can easily adjust the level of heat by adding or omitting crushed red pepper, making it suitable for any spice preference.
🥘 Ingredients
- Canola Oil – Coats the corn cob, helping the seasoning stick and ensuring even cooking on the grill.
- Corn Cobs – Fresh corn with the husks removed provides the perfect base for this recipe, absorbing the seasoning as it grills to perfection.
- Salt – Enhances the natural sweetness of the corn and brings out the flavors of the spices in this food dish.
- Black Pepper – Adds a subtle heat and earthy flavor that complements the sweetness of the grilled corn.
- Chili Powder – Gives the seasoning a mild spiciness that pairs perfectly with the smoky flavor from the grill.
- Paprika – Provides a smoky and slightly sweet flavor that enhances the overall taste of the corn cob.
- Garlic Powder – Infuses the corn with a rich, savory taste that balances out the other spices.
- Oregano – Adds a fresh, herbaceous note to the grilled corn, enhancing the overall seasoning.
- Crushed Red Pepper – Optional for extra heat, this spice adds a bold kick to the corn cob if you like your recipes on the spicier side.
- Chopped Parsley – A fresh garnish that brings brightness to the grilled corn and adds a beautiful finishing touch.
- Butter – Optional for serving, melting over the hot corn and enhancing the flavor with a rich, creamy texture.
See recipe card for quantities.
🔪 Step by Step Instructions
Prepare the Seasoning Mix: In a small bowl, combine 2 teaspoons of salt, 1 teaspoon of paprika, ½ teaspoon of garlic powder, ½ teaspoon of onion powder, ½ teaspoon of oregano, ¼ teaspoon of black pepper, and a pinch of crushed red pepper (if using).
Coat the Corn: Place 4 corn cobs (with husks removed and cut into 4 pieces) in a large bowl. Add 2 tablespoons of canola oil to the corn and toss until evenly coated.
Season the Corn: While tossing the corn, sprinkle the seasoning mix over the pieces to ensure it’s evenly distributed.
Prepare the Foil: Cut a 24-inch piece of heavy-duty aluminum foil and lay it horizontally. Place another 24-inch piece of foil vertically over the first piece to form a cross. Lightly spray the center with cooking spray.
Wrap the Corn in Foil: Place the seasoned corn in the center of the foil. Bring the top and bottom ends of the vertical foil to meet in the middle, then fold the horizontal sides over to seal the packet, leaving some space for air circulation.
Grill the Corn: Preheat your grill to medium heat. Place the foil packet with the corn on the grill and cook for 20-25 minutes, turning occasionally to ensure even cooking.
Open the Foil Carefully: After grilling, carefully open the foil packet as steam will escape.
Garnish and Serve: Garnish the grilled corn with chopped parsley and serve with butter on the side if desired.
👩🏼🍳 Chef's Tips
- Seal the Foil Packet Tightly – Ensure the foil packet is sealed well to trap steam inside. This helps cook the corn evenly and keeps it moist while grilling.
- Turn the Corn Regularly – Turn the foil packet every 5-7 minutes while grilling to avoid burning one side and ensure the corn cooks evenly over the heat.
- Adjust the Spice Level – If you prefer a milder flavor, you can omit the crushed red pepper or reduce the amount of chili powder. If you like more heat, feel free to add extra.
- Use Fresh Corn – Fresh, in-season corn adds a sweet and juicy flavor to this recipe. Grilling fresh corn in the summer, especially in June, brings out the best natural flavors.
- Add Butter Right Before Serving – For the richest flavor, add butter to the grilled corn as soon as it comes off the grill. The heat will melt the butter, allowing it to soak into the kernels.
📖 Substitutions & Variations
Substitute Olive Oil for Canola Oil – If you prefer, you can use olive oil instead of canola oil for a richer flavor. Olive oil also pairs nicely with the herbs and spices in the seasoning mix.
Use Smoked Paprika – For an extra layer of smokiness, try swapping regular paprika for smoked paprika. This adds a deeper, richer flavor to the grilled corn.
Add Parmesan Cheese – For a savory twist, sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the grilled corn right after it comes off the grill. The cheese will melt slightly and enhance the flavor.
Swap Fresh Herbs for Dried – If you have fresh oregano or parsley on hand, you can use them in place of the dried versions. Fresh herbs bring a brighter, more aromatic note to the corn.
Vary the Spice Level – To tone down the heat, reduce or omit the chili powder and crushed red pepper. For a spicier variation, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or increase the amount of chili powder.
🍴 Serving Suggestions
Grilled Meats – Pair this grilled corn with juicy grilled chicken, Italian steak, or BBQ pork steaks. The smoky, seasoned flavor of the corn complements any grilled protein, making it a perfect side for a summer cookout.
Herb Butter – Serve the corn with herb-infused butter, such as garlic or rosemary butter, to elevate the flavor even further. The melted butter will enhance the corn’s sweetness while adding richness.
Fresh Lime – For a zesty twist, serve the grilled corn with fresh lime wedges on the side. Squeezing lime over the corn adds brightness and a touch of acidity that balances the seasoning.
Salad – A light, crisp salad with fresh greens and a citrus vinaigrette pairs well with the warm, smoky flavors of the grilled corn. The fresh salad provides a refreshing contrast to the rich seasoning. Or try my Burrata Tomato Salad.
Chili-Lime Mayo – If you like a creamy dip, serve the corn with a side of chili-lime mayonnaise. The tangy and spicy mayo adds a kick and brings out the smoky notes of the seasoning on the corn cob.
💭 Recipe FAQs
Yes, you can grill the corn directly on the grill without foil. However, grilling in a foil packet helps trap moisture, keeping the corn tender and preventing it from drying out. If you prefer to grill without foil, be sure to turn the corn frequently and brush it with oil to avoid burning or drying out.
You can prepare the corn by removing the husks, seasoning it, and wrapping it in foil a few hours before grilling. Keep the prepared foil packets in the refrigerator until you’re ready to grill. When it’s time, just place them on the grill and cook as directed. This makes it easier to serve fresh, hot grilled corn for guests without any last-minute prep.
🥣 Storage & Reheating
Storage: Store any leftover grilled corn with corn on the cob seasoning in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Make sure the corn has cooled down before refrigerating.
Freezing: While fresh is best, you can freeze grilled corn. Wrap the corn cobs tightly in foil or plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Freeze for up to 2 months.
Reheating: To reheat, thaw frozen corn in the fridge overnight. Warm the corn in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes or reheat on the grill until heated through. You can also microwave for 2-3 minutes if you're short on time. Brush with butter before serving to restore some moisture.
🌿 Related Recipes
🥗 Pairing Recommendations
Did you make this recipe? Please leave a 5-star ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ rating & comment below to let me know how it came out. Thanks for visiting!
📋 Recipe
Corn on the Cob Seasoning
Want to Save This Recipe?
Enter your email & I'll send it to your inbox. Plus, get great new recipes from me every week!
By submitting this form, you consent to receive emails from Meghan It Up.
Equipment
- Large bowl
- Small bowl
- Heavy-duty aluminum foil
- Grill
- Cooking spray
Ingredients
- 4 corn cobs husks removed and cut into 4 pieces
- 2 tablespoons canola oil
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon oregano
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Pinch of crushed red pepper optional
- Chopped parsley for garnish
- Butter for serving optional
Instructions
- Prepare the seasoning mix: In a small bowl, combine 2 teaspoons of salt, 1 teaspoon of paprika, ½ teaspoon of garlic powder, ½ teaspoon of onion powder, ½ teaspoon of oregano, ¼ teaspoon of black pepper, and a pinch of crushed red pepper (if using). Mix well.
- Coat the corn: Place 4 corn cobs (husks removed and cut into 4 pieces) in a large bowl. Add 2 tablespoons of canola oil to the corn and toss until evenly coated.
- Season the corn: While tossing the corn, sprinkle the seasoning mix over the pieces to distribute it evenly across all corn cobs.
- Prepare the foil packet: Cut a 24-inch piece of heavy-duty aluminum foil and lay it horizontally. Place another 24-inch piece of foil vertically over the first piece, forming a cross. Lightly spray the center of the foil with cooking spray.
- Place the corn in the foil: Put the seasoned corn in the center of the foil. Bring the top and bottom ends of the vertical foil to meet in the middle and fold them over to seal. Then, fold in the sides of the horizontal foil, ensuring all edges are sealed tightly. Leave enough room inside for air circulation.
- Grill the corn: Preheat your grill to medium heat. Place the foil-wrapped corn on the grill and cook for 20-25 minutes, turning occasionally.
- Carefully open the packet: Be cautious when opening the foil packet as steam will escape.
- Garnish and serve: Garnish the grilled corn with chopped parsley and serve with butter on the side if desired.
Notes
- Properly seal the foil packet: Ensure the foil packet is tightly sealed to trap steam and enhance the flavors during grilling.
- Adjust the seasoning: Feel free to tweak the seasoning quantities to suit your taste, especially if you prefer more or less spiciness.
- Grilling time may vary: Depending on your grill’s heat and the freshness of the corn, the cooking time can differ. Check doneness by piercing a kernel with a fork; it should be tender.
🌡️ Food safety
- Don't leave food sitting out at room temperature for extended periods
- Never leave cooking food unattended
- Use oils with high smoking point to avoid harmful compounds
- Always have good ventilation when using a gas stove
Comments
No Comments