Wondering how long to boil corn on the cob? We’ve got you covered with this classic boiled corn on the cob recipe. Serve hot with lots of butter and salt.
After trying so many various ways of cooking corn on the cob, I came to the conclusion that my favorite way is boiled corn on the cob.
It’s not the easiest way to make sweet corn but I like the flavor and texture. Maybe it’s because that is how my mom always made it so it is what is most familiar to me.
I can’t even remember how many times I’ve called my mom over the years to ask her low long to boil corn on the cob. Finally, I’ve got it here in a blog post so I won’t have to keep asking her!
Disclaimer: This post contains links to products for making this recipe. If you use those links, I may earn a commission. Learn more here.
How To Choose The Best Corn On The Cob
Before talking about how long to boil corn on the cob, I want to talk about how to choose corn on the cob.
1. The best corn on the cob is the freshest corn on the cob. Try to purchase from farm stands or farmers markets when possible since it was most likely picked recently.
2. Go for the corn with bright green husks that are tightly wrapped around the cob.
3. Choose the ones with stems that are still moist.
4. The corn tassels should be silky, sticky and moist.
5. Check for wormholes, worms, and bugs.
6. If possible, peel back the tops of the husks to check the tip of the corn cob.
How To Boil Corn On The Cob
Step One:
Peel the corn on the cob and remove the silks.
If you hate peeling corn on the cob, trying grilling it with the husks instead.
Step Two:
Fill a large stock pot or dutch oven about half full with water.
Bring the water to a boil over medium heat.
Add the peeled corn on the cob.
Step Three:
Cover and return to a boil.
Cook for 5-7 minutes.
Step Four:
Remove the corn on the cob from the hot water and place on a platter.
Step Five:
Peel an inch or two of the paper off of one end of a cold stick of butter.
Step Six:
Hold onto the paper covered end of the stick of butter and use it to easily butter the corn on the cob.
Step Seven:
And don’t forget to sprinkle it with salt.
How Long To Boil Corn On The Cob
The one thing I forget and have to figure out each corn season is how long to boil corn on the cob.
The most important thing is that you don’t overcook it because then it gets mushy.
The fresher the corn on the cob, the less time it takes to cook.
Once you return the water to a boil, it takes about 5-7 minutes for the corn on the cob to get hot and tender.
Boiled Corn On The Cob FAQs
1. Should you add salt to the water when boiling corn on the cob? No, do not add salt to the water. The salt can toughen the corn. If you really want to add something, one of my best friend’s dads adds sugar to the water to sweeten the corn a bit more.
2. How do you know when boiled corn on the cob is done? When the corn on the cob is fully cooked the yellow color of the corn is more intense. The kernels are plumper and more tender. You can test it by pricking a kernel with the tip of a sharp knife. But most importantly, the corn needs to be hot. You can use tongs to grab an ear of corn out of the water to check if it is hot.
3. How can I make boiled corn on the cob for a crowd? When making corn on the cob for large family gatherings, we bring more than one pot of water to a boil and cook the corn in batches. Keep the water boiling so that the next batch of corn on the cob can be added immediately.
4. How can I keep corn on the cob warm after cooking? When making multiple batches of corn on the cob, place the hot, cooked corn on the cob in a large roasting pan and cover with foil. Place the pan in the oven that has been preheated to 180˚F.
How To Use Leftover Boiled Corn On The Cob
You figured out how long to boil corn on the cob but then made too much? Don’t worry we’ve got some recipes for that leftover sweet corn. Cut the cooked corn off the cob and use it in one of these recipes:
Corn Salad: This Corn Salad recipe is a creamy combination of fresh sweet corn, colorful peppers, and ripe tomatoes! It is the perfect summer salad for potlucks, picnics, and barbecues.
Grilled Cowboy Caviar: This Grilled Cowboy Caviar recipe is a flavorful, healthy appetizer that can also be served as a salad side dish. Grilled veggies are a fabulous addition!
Slow Cooker Corn Chowder: Easy slow cooker corn chowder with ham and potatoes is the perfect comfort food for a family dinner.
Tater Tot Chicken Pot Pie: Try making Tater Tot Chicken Pot Pie because admit it…pie crust is boring. The whole family will love this spin on the traditional chicken pot pie recipe.
How To Boil Corn On The Cob
Equipment
Ingredients
- 4 ears corn on the cob
- 4 teaspoon butter
- ⅛ teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Peel the corn on the cob and remove the silks.
- Fill a large stock pot or dutch oven about half full with water. Bring the water to a boil over medium heat.
- Add the peeled corn on the cob. Cover and boil for 5-7 minutes.
- Remove the corn on the cob from the hot water and place on a platter. Serve while hot with butter and salt.
Video
Nutrition
Looking for more summer side recipes?
Baked Beans from Lil’ Luna: It’s such a simple recipe and is done in the crock pot!! It’s a must-have for summer BBQs.
Instant Pot Potato Salad from Eazy Peazy Mealz: A delicious potato salad recipe where the potatoes and eggs are cooked together in an instant pot for a quick, easy, delicious potato salad.
Broccoli Salad from Mom On Timeout: Packed full of broccoli, bacon, grapes, almonds and more – every bite is delicious! The perfect addition to any BBQ, party, or potluck!
Pineapple Salad from The Gunny Sack: This pineapple salsa recipe has a delicious combination of sweet and spicy. It can be served with grilled chicken or fish or as an appetizer with chips.
Ijaz111 says
very amazing website with lot of information
Bruce says
5-7 minutes??? I find it takes 30-40 mins to boil corn on the cob ! What am I doing wrong ?
Mick Behan says
Another easy, peasy way my family has used to butter corn (especially for a crowd or cookout) is to pour the boiling water after boiling the corn into a container large enough to submerge an ear of corn and add a stick of butter to the container to melt. The melted butter will float on top of the water. Simply dunk the ear of corn and slowly remove. The water drains off and the butter remains on the kernels…season the ear however you like. Another benefit is you can stick the container in the fridge and remove/reuse any leftover butter after it cools and re-hardens.
Heather says
Every summer I forgot how long it takes to boil corn and I go back to this recipe! It turns out perfectly every time
gabe itch says
this corn is so juicy oh my jesus…
Donna Peters says
You are not going to believe this one. Put the entire piece of corn in the microwave husk and all for 4 minutes. Then with a oven mitt or kitchen towel take it out to a cutting board and cut off the end that grew on the plant. Wrap the towel around the corn and slowly squeeze the corn out of the husk. It comes out silk free hot and delicious! Add butter salt is optional and enjoy. Saw this on Tic Toc!
Tonia says
Sounds like a super easy method! Thanks for sharing!
Wayne W says
I’m going to expose the easiest way to butter your corn. We’ve been doing this for over 50 years.
Put the corn holders into the corn, take out a piece of bread, Slather the butter on the bread and simply rotate and slide the corn in the butter. Add more butter as it thins out after a couple of ears and continue till done. Makes it easy to get good butter coverage on the whole ear.
Easy Peasy and no butter running all over the place. Last ear gets to sit on the buttered bread.
Tony says
I just did exactly as you said… Might as well save electricity and the time… Because if I want to eat raw corn that’s what I would do. I like my car a little bit more tender and not so much of the milky moisture that comes out on the cob. But thank you very much for the idea. I am now peeling the rest of my corn and going to cook. Thank you
Judy says
Her method is perfect and you’re being a jerk. If you don’t like it, do it your own way and be quiet about it.
Priscilla Ruth MacDougall says
Thank you. Simple, easy to follow
leo says
perfect
Andrew Thomas says
Brilliant! All the while I’ve been doing it wrong by adding salt to the water n boilin it for 20mins
But with this recipe, first time ever i got a juicy corn! Thanks