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.
Wondering how long to boil corn on the cob? We've got you covered with this classic boiled corn on the cob recipe.
- 4 ears corn on the cob
- 4 tsp butter
- 1/8 tsp salt
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 return to a boil. Cook 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.
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.
George S says
The question was asked about cooking sweet corn for a crowd. This is a simple and fool proof recipe that most campers know about, but apparently for some reason it isn’t mentioned here.
Cooler Corn
12 ears of sweet corn with silk and leaves removed (called shucking in the Midwest)
2 quarts of boiling water
Place in the bottom of a squeaky-clean large insulated picnic cooler. Pour the boiling water over the corn (2 quarts of boiling water per dozen ears of corn). Close the lid and do not open for 30 minutes.
Shawna Kelson says
O-mazing! I like how you didn’t push recipes or even mention them really until after you you explained how to make boiled corn..most cooking websites fill you with crazy information and advertisements you dont even want while trying to get to the answer you need in the first place…makes me not want to buy whatever they are pushing even more! So thank you and I will be sure to go to the gunnysack more often and see what else you have in store! Checking it out right now
George S says
Fresh sweet corn should not be boiled more than 3 minutes. Three minutes allow the corn to pop when you bite into it. Boiling more than 3 minutes only makes for mushy sweet corn. If you have sweet corn more than a day old, then boil it longer, otherwise it will be tough. But don’t ruin fresh sweet corn.
Julie says
Thank you for sharing, I usually put the corn in the pot, then when its boiling I let it boil for about 30 minutes, its usually separates I don’t like it then. I’m GB going to try your way, thank you
Samantha says
Thank you. Not only a great recipe, but also very thorough from the farm to the family!
Kim Rivard says
About buttering your corn. I use the little tray that comes with a George Forman grill to catch the grease. Just fill the tray about half way up with butter, it is the perfect size for a cob of corn. Just roll and salt and you are ready to enjoy buttered corn on the cob.
Cindy C says
A great idea and another use for something in the kitchen!
Emily Z. Ezmirelda says
I learned, from a family friend, many years ago, to put the corn cobs in a microwave, still sheathed in the husk. Simply remove the protruding threads, if you wish. Sit the cobs on microwave safe cookware, and set on high, for two minutes per whole cob. Leave it inside the oven, for a few minutes, to cool. The heat, inside the husk, will contain steam, which keeps the cooking process going, gently, while cooling. When you are able to touch the cob, comfortably, remove, de-husk it, and use in your desired manner. Leave it cool entirely, then freeze, whole and bare, in bags, or scrape the grains off, with a sharp knife, to add to cooking. em~ Central Queensland, Australia.
Tonia says
Thanks for sharing! I’m so excited for corn on the cob season!
Jack Dale says
Roll your corn on a stick of butter.
Mark Dillon says
Not much to add ,cooking corn is basic. But when it comes to buttering the corn ,I learned my method that I saw in a movie 1979 (Breaking Away). Butter a piece of bread and just hold and roll your ear of corn in the bread. Do a couple of ears and toss the bread.
Nataly says
Tonia, that recipe looks so yummy! I’ll have to try that one. Thanks for sharing.
Ellery says
Tonia, thank you! I just made this recipe tonight and everyone loved it! Very easy and delicious! Thank you!
Sanchez says
Good job and thanks for sharing
Mariele says
This is how my family always made it! Cold butter to corn and sprinkle of salt and all. Only, we grew up in a farmhouse with poor wiring to the stove, so corn and pasta were actually very slow meals–it always took close to two hours to cook the corn! You can imagine how my first batch of corn turned out on a regular stove. 😀 Thanks for the recipe! You’re a life-saver. Maybe the corn will turn out a little softer this time. 😉
Jeanne Brunk says
I learned to fix corn on the cob from a good friend years ago. Shuck corn, clean off silks, lay flat in large kettle, add cold water, just to cover the corn. Cover and put on high heat. When water comes to boil, the corn is done. Pour water off and put lid back on. Corn will stay hot for quite a while. You can do any amount of corn this way, just need to have a big enough pot. I do just 2 ears for us and set a timer, takes about 10 to 15 minutes usually.
Tonia says
Thank you for the tips! I will have to give that a try.