Discover 4th of July Grilled Corn on the Cob (Easy)
Hey there! Clara here from 911Recipes. There are some dishes that just scream celebration, and for me, is absolutely one of them. It brings back so many happy memories of backyard barbecues with family.
You know, the kind where the air smells like smoke and summer nights, and everyone s laughing? This recipe is my go-to for that easy, delicious vibe. It s simple, requires minimal fuss, and tastes like pure sunshine.
Growing up, we always had corn on the cob at our summer get-togethers. Grilling it just adds this amazing smoky sweetness you can t get any other way. It s a dish that feels special without being complicated.
That s kind of my philosophy here at 911Recipes making delicious food accessible and joyful, even when life gets a little crazy. This 4th of July grilled corn on the cob recipe fits that perfectly. Let s make some memories!
Why You ll Love This 4th of July Grilled Corn on the Cob
Why is this recipe such a winner for your summer get-togethers, especially on the Fourth? Well, let me tell you!
- It s ridiculously easy. Seriously, minimal effort for maximum flavor.
- It s super quick! You ll have tender, smoky corn in about 30 minutes total.
- The taste is amazing that sweet corn with a hint of smoky char is just perfect.
- It s made for grilling, making it ideal for those backyard cookouts.
- Everyone loves it! This is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, even the picky eaters.
- It s a total classic Fourth of July side dish. It just feels right!
It s the kind of recipe that lets you enjoy your guests and the festivities, not be stuck in the kitchen.
What You ll Need for 4th of July Grilled Corn on the Cob
Okay, so before we dive into the deliciousness, let s talk about the gear you ll need. Don t worry, it s pretty basic stuff you probably already have if you like to grill!
- A grill (gas or charcoal works great!)
- Tongs for turning the corn
- A small bowl for the melted butter
- A brush for buttering the corn
That s really it! See? I told you it was simple. Now, let s gather those ingredients.
Simple Ingredients for 4th of July Grilled Corn on the Cob
You don t need a long list of fancy things to make amazing grilled corn. The beauty of this 4th of July favorite is how simple the ingredients are!
- 4 ears of corn on the cob: Look for fresh ears with bright green husks.
- 1/4 cup melted butter: I usually use salted butter, but unsalted is fine too. Just melt it gently.
- Salt to taste: Regular table salt or sea salt works well.
- Black pepper to taste: Freshly ground pepper adds a nice little kick.
That s all! Just four simple things stand between you and some seriously good grilled corn.
How to Prepare 4th of July Grilled Corn on the Cob
Alright, let s get this corn ready for its moment on the grill! This is where the magic starts to happen.
Preparing the Corn for Grilling
First things first, we need to get those ears of corn prepped. It s super easy, I promise!
- Take each ear of corn.
- Gently pull back the green husks.
- Don t pull them off completely! Keep them attached at the bottom.
- Now, remove all the silky threads from the corn.
- Make sure you get as much silk off as you can. It can be a little clingy!
- Once the silk is gone, the corn is ready for seasoning.
Seasoning and Wrapping Your 4th of July Grilled Corn
This next step is where we add all that yummy flavor. Butter makes everything better, right?
- Grab your melted butter and a brush.
- Brush each ear of corn generously with the melted butter.
- Make sure you get butter into all the rows of kernels.
- Now, sprinkle salt over the buttered corn.
- Add black pepper to your liking.
- Carefully pull the husks back up over the corn.
- This acts like a little steaming pouch on the grill.
Grilling Your Perfect 4th of July Grilled Corn on the Cob
Okay, the grill is calling! Let s get this 4th of July grilled corn cooking.
- Make sure your grill is preheated to medium-high heat.
- Carefully place the prepared corn on the grill grates.
- Close the grill lid.
- Grill for about 15 to 20 minutes total.
- Remember to turn the corn occasionally.
- You want it to cook evenly on all sides.
- The corn is done when the kernels look tender and slightly charred in spots.
- Carefully remove the hot corn from the grill using tongs.
- Let it cool slightly before serving. Enjoy your delicious 4th of July grilled corn!
Tips for Perfect 4th of July Grilled Corn on the Cob Every Time
Want to make sure your grilled corn is absolutely perfect for your Fourth of July feast? Here are a few little tips I ve learned along the way:
- Leaving the husks on really helps. It steams the corn slightly and keeps it super moist while it grills.
- If you prefer it more charred, you can remove the husks completely before buttering and grilling. Just watch it closely!
- Try adding fresh herbs to your melted butter. Chopped parsley or chives are lovely.
- Don t overcrowd the grill. Give each ear some space for even cooking.
- Turn the corn every few minutes. This prevents one side from burning before the rest is cooked.
Following these simple steps means you ll get tender, flavorful 4th of July grilled corn on the cob every single time.
Variations for Your 4th of July Grilled Corn on the Cob
While classic butter and salt is amazing, sometimes it s fun to mix things up! Here are a few ideas to add extra flair to your 4th of July grilled corn:
- Spice it up! After grilling, sprinkle on some chili powder or a little cayenne pepper.
- Add some cheese. Crumbled cotija cheese or grated Parmesan is delicious on warm grilled corn.
- Go for a creamy finish. A drizzle of lime crema or a swipe of flavored butter (like garlic herb!) after grilling is fantastic.
- Try different seasonings. Smoked paprika, garlic powder, or even a pinch of sugar can enhance the flavor.
Get creative and make your grilled corn uniquely yours!
Frequently Asked Questions About 4th of July Grilled Corn on the Cob
I get a few questions often about grilling corn, especially for a big day like the Fourth. Here are some common ones:
Can I grill corn on the cob without the husks?
Yes, you absolutely can! Grilling corn without the husks gives you more direct heat. This means you ll get more of those lovely charred bits and a stronger smoky flavor. Just be sure to turn it often so it doesn t dry out.
How do I know when my 4th of July Grilled Corn is done?
The best way to tell if your grilled corn is ready is by testing for tenderness. Carefully peel back a small section of the husk. Poke a kernel with a fork or your fingernail. If it feels tender and juicy, it s done! The kernels should also look plump and bright yellow.
Can I make 4th of July Grilled Corn on the Cob ahead of time?
You can prep the corn ahead by pulling back the husks and removing the silk. You can even butter and season it. Keep it wrapped loosely in the fridge until you re ready to grill. Grilling right before serving is best for that fresh, hot taste, but you can grill it and keep it warm wrapped in foil for a short time.
Estimated Nutritional Information
Just a quick note about the nutritional stuff for this 4th of July grilled corn on the cob. The values I m giving you here are estimates. They can change a bit depending on the exact corn you use or the brand of butter.
Think of this as a general idea, not an exact science. It s helpful if you re keeping track, but the most important thing is enjoying your delicious grilled corn!
- Serving Size: 1 ear
- Calories: Around 150
- Sugar: About 5g
- Sodium: Roughly 150mg
- Fat: About 8g
- Saturated Fat: Around 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: About 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g (yay!)
- Carbohydrates: Around 20g
- Fiber: About 3g
- Protein: Roughly 3g
- Cholesterol: Around 20mg
So there you have it. Good to know, but don t let it stress you out! This corn is all about celebrating.
Enjoy Your 4th of July Grilled Corn on the Cob!
I really hope you give this recipe a try! It s such a simple way to add so much flavor to your summer gatherings. There s just something special about that smoky, sweet corn. Let me know how it turns out for you in the comments below!