Buttery Smoked Corn on the Cob is easy to make, and smoking adds so much flavor it turns a simple side dish into something simply delectable.

Six servings of this smoked corn can be made for about $4.29. That works out to be only $0.71 per serving!

The corn is excellent with my Grilled Steak Marsala, this Strip Steak recipe, or these Grilled Steak Kabobs.

Overhead picture of corn on the cob that has been smoked.

Why you should smoke Corn on the Cob

Smoked corn on the cob is perfect for a summer barbecue or potluck. It is easy to follow and produces delicious results. 

The corn is tender and smoky, and the butter mixture adds a touch of sweetness and flavor.

Here are some tips for making this recipe:

  • Use fresh corn. The fresher the corn, the better it will taste.
  • Soak the corn for at least 4 hours or up to overnight. This will help the corn retain moisture and prevent it from drying out during smoking.
  • Use a good quality wood chip or pellet. Hickory, maple, and apple are all good choices.
  • Smoke the corn for 60 minutes, turning once halfway through. This will ensure that the corn is cooked evenly.
  • Let the corn sit for 10 minutes before serving. This will allow the flavors to develop.

What You’ll Love About Smoked Corn On The Cob:

  • It tastes amazing. The smoke adds a unique flavor to the corn that is both smoky and sweet.
  • It’s easy to make. You only need some corn, simple pantry ingredients, favorite wood chips or pellets, and a smoker.
  • It’s a fun way to cook. Smoking corn is a great way to get creative and experiment with different flavors.

Ingredients and Cost for Corn on the Cob (Smoker Recipe)

Per Serving Cost: $0.71

Recipe Cost: $4.29

  • 6 ears corn – $3.00
  • ¼ cup butter – $0.40
  • 1 Tablespoon light brown sugar – $0.03
  • 1 teaspoon paprika – $0.51
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder – $0.03
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder – $0.01
  • ½ teaspoon salt – $0.01
  • 3 green onions – $0.30

NOTE: The recipe prices are calculated by using grocery store websites. The actual cost of the recipe will vary depending on what ingredients you already have. 

The finished Smoked Corn On The Cob with text overlay of all of the ingredients needed to make this dish.

How to make Smoked Corn on the Cob

*For complete recipe instructions and a recipe video, see the recipe card below.

  1. Peel the husk back, remove the silks and soak the corn for a few hours.
  2. Brush the corn with the butter mixture, sprinkle with green onion, and push corn husks over the corn.
  3. Smoke and serve!

How to smoke corn on the cob

How long to smoke Corn on the Cob?

It takes one hour to smoke corn on the cob.

Cook’s Tips for Smoking Corn on the Cob

  • Make sure you peel the corn husks back carefully! If you’re too rough or move too quickly, then you run the risk of losing too much of the hull.
  • The corn is excellent with my Grilled Steak Marsala (you can see it in the corner of the photo above).
  • Wood chips/pellets for smoking corn on the cob: apple, peach, cherry, Hickory, Maple, and Mesquite.

How to store Smoked Corn

SERVE: You can keep the smoked corn at room temperature for about 2 hours before you need to refrigerate it.

STORE: Keep leftovers in a covered container or Ziploc bag in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.

FREEZE: Cut all of the corn off the cob, transfer the corn kernels to a freezer-safe container or Ziploc bag, and freeze for 3-4 months.

Does corn on the cob need to be refrigerated?

No, corn on the cob does not need to be refrigerated. Refrigerating corn on the cob can make it taste worse. The cold temperature can cause the corn to lose its natural sweetness.

However, it must be refrigerated after the corn is smoked or cooked.

How to smoke corn on the cob with the husks on.

FAQs about Smoking Corn on the Cob

Can you smoke corn on the cob?

You bet! Not only is it easy, but it adds SO much flavor to the corn! If you don’t live in an area where you can get local corn on the cob, chances are you get it from the grocery store. I find grocery store corn on the cob to be a little lackluster. The flavor isn’t as fresh and robust as local corn. So here’s my fix, BUTTERY Smoked Corn on the Cob! If you need a faster cooking option, then try this Instant Pot Corn on the Cob recipe!

Can you overcook corn on the cob on the grill?

You can overcook it. If the corn has been on the grill for too long, it will become mushy. Smoke the corn for 60 minutes before pulling it off to rest for another 10 minutes before serving.

Why do you soak corn before grilling?

Soaking the corn in the husks before smoking it is an easy hack for getting those tender kernels that you get when you steam the corn. The husks soak up the water which then adds moisture to the corn on the cob, steaming the corn as it cooks on the grill.

Is corn good on a smoker?

Yes, corn is good on a smoker. The smoke adds a unique flavor to the corn that is both smoky and sweet. Smoking corn helps preserve the corn’s natural sweetness and brings out its natural flavors. It is a great way to cook corn and is perfect for a backyard barbecue.

How long does it take to smoke corn at 250?

It takes about 1 hour to smoke corn at 250 degrees Fahrenheit. The exact cooking time will vary depending on the size of the corn and the type of smoker you are using.

3 pieces of smoked corn on a galvanized tray.

More Side Dishes

3 pieces of smoked corn with husks on with green onions.
5 from 15 votes

Buttery Corn on the Cob (Smoker Recipe)

Recipe Cost $ $4.29
Serving Cost $ $0.71
Prep Time 4 hours
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 5 hours
6 servings
Buttery Smoked Corn on the Cob is easy to make, and smoking adds so much flavor it turns a simple side dish into something simply delectable.

Equipment

  • roasting pan
  • mixing bowl
  • whisk
  • pastry brush
  • tongs

Ingredients
 
 

  • 6 ears corn with husk still on
  • ¼ cup melted butter
  • 1 Tablespoon light brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 3 green onions sliced thin

Instructions

SOAK CORN:

  • Fill large roasting pan half full of water; set aside.
  • Gently pull back husks from corn, and remove silks but not husks.
  • Place corn in a roasting pan, and add more water until corn is covered. Soak corn for 4 hours and up to overnight.

PREP GRILL AND CORN:

  • 15 minutes before smoking, prepare your smoker by adding soaked wood chips or pellets, and preheat to 225 degrees F.
  • Remove corn from water and place it on paper towels to dry.
  • In a small bowl, whisk together butter, brown sugar, paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, and salt. Brush corn with butter mixture, and sprinkle with green onions.

SMOKE CORN:

  • Gently pull husks back over corn. Smoke for 60 minutes, turning once with long grilling tongs during smoking. Let the corn sit for 10 minutes.

SERVE:

  • Pull husks back and serve. Garnish with sliced green onion if desired. 

Video

Nutrition

Serving: 1corn | Calories: 142kcal | Carbohydrates: 16.6g | Protein: 2.7g | Fat: 8.6g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Cholesterol: 20mg | Sodium: 261mg | Potassium: 237mg | Fiber: 2.3g | Sugar: 4.2g | Calcium: 10mg | Iron: 0.5mg

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This post first appeared on Food Folks and Fun on August 20, 2017. I have since updated the pictures and added a recipe video that shows you how to smoke corn on the cob. Below are some of the original images. 

The best smoked corn on the cob recipe
how to smoke corn on the cob with butter

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19 Comments

  1. Amy | The Cook Report says:

    What a cool idea, I’ve never thought to try smoked corn

  2. Bintu - Recipes From A Pantry says:

    Love the smokey flavours. A great take on adding a twist to corn on the cob

  3. I can never get enough of corn on the cob and I’m going to give your recipe a go!

  4. Nutritionist Mira says:

    Wow amazing recipe with full of nutrients. As a Nutritionist I appreciate this recipe with all healthy ingredients. Thank you so much for sharing this recipe, I will must try to home.

    1. Thanks for the accolades! 🙂

  5. What an awesome way to make corn on the cob! Love the smoky flavor.

  6. Yum! This is the true meaning of summer to me!! I love how simple but amazing this is… I never would have thought to add brown sugar to my corn on the cob!

  7. Heidy L. McCallum says:

    My husband doesn’t know it yet but I have a recipe for him to make lol! It’s his turn to cook me dinner and I think this would be excellent with smoked chicken! You rock! I couldn’t figure out what I wanted until I noticed your recipe.

  8. Gosh! I can almost taste that corn! Definitely trying this asap!

  9. Sara Welch says:

    What a great side dish for summer! Pairs perfectly with barbecue and anything grilled; looking forward to enjoying this tonight!

  10. This is such a great idea, especially for summer! I would’ve never thought to smoke it.

  11. Anita @ Daily Cooking Quest says:

    I have never tried smoking corns before. Or to be more precise, I have never tried smoking anything before. This easy recipe sounds like a good starting point to learn the trick. Plus, it’s a good use of my roasting pan, haha, otherwise it just sits there until turkey time. 🙂

  12. Alisa Infanti says:

    Simple and delicious… my new favourite way to make corn in the summer.

  13. This corn is definitely worth the wait! The spice mix compliments the smoky flavor. The perfect summer BBQ side!

  14. Love Smokey flavors! What a great take on the corn on the cob.

  15. Sarah Baumeister says:

    I have made corn on the cob a lot of ways, but never smoked it. I’m interested!

  16. Wow! This corn on the cob sounds amazing! I can’t wait to taste this.

  17. S-Town Citizen says:

    I was shocked to see a familiar name in this article. I live(and grew up) in the town Roger’s Orchards is based in. They still have those apple cider donuts! They’re better than Apple Harvest Apple Fritters 😉

    1. Yeessss, so agree the apple cider donuts are better than the fritters! I’m so happy to meet folks from S-Town! I miss it! 🙂