Summer nights are made for the grill, and few things say cookout quite like an ear of corn pulled hot off the grates. This honey grilled corn on the cob keeps the husks on, so the kernels steam inside their own wrapper while the outside picks up that smoky char. A quick brush of honey butter and a pinch of sea salt is all it takes. Thanks to our Eastern Shore Honey, every bite turns out sweet, smoky, and exactly the way grilled corn is supposed to taste.
Grilled Corn on the Cob Is a Summertime Staple
What would a cookout even be without it? Growing up, my family made summer trips to the mountains of northern Pennsylvania, where we’d have huge gatherings with grilled and fried chicken, fish, and every veggie you can think of. There was always a pile of grilled corn, husks charred black from the heat. I wasn’t a fan when I was small. The husk made it hard to eat, and it took forever to cool down for my little hands to hold. I’ve grown to appreciate it since. Topped with a rich honey butter blend, this corn comes out sweet and smoky, and it pairs beautifully with our Honey Glazed Chicken and a bowl of fresh fruit.
Why Grill Corn in the Husk?
Leaving the husk on does two jobs at once. It traps moisture so the kernels steam and stay tender, and it shields them from the direct flame so they char gently instead of scorching. A quick soak in cool water before grilling adds even more steam and keeps the husks from burning away too fast. The result is corn that’s juicy on the inside with just enough smoke on the outside. If you prefer a deeper char, peel the husks back for the last couple of minutes and let the kernels kiss the grates directly.
No Grill? Use the Campfire
If you don’t have a grill, you can make this corn right in your backyard campfire. Grilled corn on the cob with husks is genuinely easy over a fire. Let the fire burn down to ashy embers, then lay the ears directly on top. You can also start a small fire before your cookout and do the same. Turn the ears with a fire prod every few minutes as the husks char, and you’ll soon have coal-roasted corn with a flavor you just can’t get from the stovetop.
The Honey Butter Makes It
The honey butter is what sets this apart from plain buttered corn. You’re whipping together soft butter, a spoonful of honey, fresh minced herbs, and cracked sea salt until smooth, then brushing it over the hot kernels so it melts into every row. The honey adds a gentle floral sweetness that plays off the smoke, and the salt keeps it from tipping too sweet. Wildflower or Spring honey works beautifully here because both are mellow enough to complement the corn without taking over. If you want to explore which honey suits which dish, our guide on what to pair with honey is a good place to start.
Make It Your Own
We always encourage you to play with our recipes and make them your own. This one is simple and leaves plenty of room for experimenting, so have some fun with it. A few of our favorite variations:
- Swap the mixed herbs for cilantro, dill, or chives.
- Add a little heat with chili powder or a pinch of cayenne.
- Skip the herbs and use a dash of cinnamon for a sweeter finish.
This corn earns its spot at any summer spread. Set it next to our summer grilling recipes and you’ve got a whole cookout built around the grill. If you make our honey grilled corn on the cob, snap a photo and tag #beeinspired on Instagram. We love seeing your cookouts.
FAQs About Honey Grilled Corn on the Cob
Should you soak corn before grilling it in the husk?
Yes. Soaking the ears in cool water for about 10 minutes before grilling adds steam inside the husk and keeps the husks from charring away too quickly. It helps the kernels cook up tender while the outside still gets that smoky color.
How long does it take to grill corn on the cob in the husk?
About 15 minutes over medium-high heat, turning often. The corn is ready when the husks are charred and the kernels are soft. Times vary a little with the size of the ears and the heat of your grill.
Do you grill corn with the husk on or off?
Both work. Leaving the husk on steams the kernels and protects them from the direct flame for a juicier result. For a deeper char, peel the husks back for the last couple of minutes so the kernels hit the grates.
What kind of honey is best for honey grilled corn?
A mellow varietal like Wildflower or Spring honey is ideal. Both add gentle floral sweetness that complements the smoky corn without overpowering it. You can use any honey you love from our Eastern Shore collection.
Can you make grilled corn on the cob without a grill?
Yes. Let a backyard campfire burn down to ashy embers, then lay the ears directly on top. Turn them every few minutes with a fire prod as the husks char, and you’ll get coal-roasted corn with great flavor.
