Fresh corn on the cob is one of the best parts of summer, and smoking it takes this classic side dish to a whole new level. Smoked Corn on the Cob has sweet, juicy kernels with a subtle smoky flavor that pairs perfectly with everything from burgers and grilled chicken to ribs and brisket. With just a few simple ingredients and very little prep work, you can create an unforgettable side dish that is perfect for backyard cookouts and family dinners.
One of the best things about this recipe is its simplicity. A light coating of butter or olive oil helps the seasonings stick while the smoker slowly cooks the corn until it is tender and full of flavor. The natural sweetness of fresh corn shines through while the smoke adds just enough richness without overpowering it.
Whether you are hosting a summer barbecue, preparing a holiday cookout, or simply looking for a new way to enjoy fresh corn, this smoked version is sure to become one of your favorite side dishes.
This is one of those easy recipes I make on repeat, especially in the summer. It uses simple, budget-friendly ingredients (hello Aldi staples), but the flavor tastes like something you’d get at a BBQ spot.
Don't have the time to smoke corn? You can also make corn on the cob using your Blackstone or grill. Blackstone Corn on the Cob (with Grilling Instructions)
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Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Easy to prepare with just a few ingredients.
- Sweet corn absorbs a light smoky flavor beautifully.
- Perfect side dish for barbecue and grilled meals.
- Great for feeding a crowd.
- Naturally gluten free.
- Easy to customize with different seasonings.
- Works with most pellet smokers.
You can also add this smoked corn to my smoked salsa recipe or Smoked Queso recipe.
Ingredients Needed
- 4 ears of corn, with husks - Fresh sweet corn delivers the best flavor and juicy texture.
- salt and pepper to taste
- 4 teaspoon of olive oil for brushing
Optional add-ins (Substitution Tips):
- Garlic powder for extra flavor
- Smoked paprika for a deeper smoky taste
- Chili powder or Cajun seasoning for a little heat
- Parmesan cheese for a savory finish
- Lime juice for a fresh, zesty twist
How to Make Smoked Corn on the Cob
Step 1: Heat the smoker to 225.
Step 2: Brush the corn with olive oil or some melted butter.
Step 3: Season the corn with salt and pepper.
Step 4: Smoke the corn for 1 hr 15 minutes. Enjoy! Flip the corn cob turning half way through.
Pro Tips for Smoked Corn on the Cob
- Choose fresh corn with bright green husks and plump kernels.
- Do not overcook the corn or the kernels may become dry.
- Apple, cherry, pecan, and maple wood pellets all pair well with corn.
- For extra smoky flavor, leave the corn on the smoker for an additional 10 to 15 minutes.
- Try flavored butter such as garlic butter, herb butter, or chili lime butter after smoking.
- For a Mexican inspired version, top with mayonnaise, cotija cheese, chili powder, and fresh cilantro.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this smoked corn with:
- Traeger Smoked Whole Chicken, Spicy Smoked Chicken Thighs - Ninja Foodi Grill, Smoking BBQ Ribs for Beginners (3-2-1 Method), or grilled burgers
- Air fryer sandwiches or wraps
- BBQ-style meals
- Simple weeknight dinners
- Slice off the cob and add to Paula Deen Corn Salad with Fritos, tacos, or pasta dishes
- Make it elote-style: slather with mayo, cotija, chili powder, lime, and cilantro
- Add to a summer platter with grilled veggies, watermelon, and potato salad
Storage
Store leftover smoked corn in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheat in the microwave, oven, or on the grill until warmed through.
Cut leftover kernels off the cob and use them in salads, soups, tacos, casseroles, or pasta dishes.
Cooked corn can also be frozen for up to 3 months. Remove the kernels from the cob before freezing for the best results.
Serving Suggestions
Smoked Corn on the Cob pairs well with burgers, Smoked Chicken Breast Temp, Smoked Chicken Tenders, Dr Pepper Smoked Pulled Pork, brisket, smoked sausage, and steak.
Serve it alongside potato salad, macaroni salad, baked beans, coleslaw, watermelon, or fresh garden salads for the perfect summer meal.
Recipe FAQs
Make a garlic butter mixture with melted butter, cilantro, garlic powder, salt, and onion powder to brush over the corn. Melt some butter in a small bowl and add the seasonings to it.
To make Mexican Style street corn brush the smoked corn with mayonnaise and sprinkle it with lots of grated parmesan cheese on top.
Nope! You can if you want extra moisture, but it’s not required.
Always store leftovers in clean, food-grade containers. The type of container doesn’t really matter. Use zip lock, glass, plastic, whatever! Make sure to store any leftovers in an airtight container before putting it in the freezer or fridge.
The smoker gives the corn an extra layer of flavor depending on what type of wood chips you use.
Corn does not take long at all to cook. It only takes 1 hr and 25 minutes at 225 degrees.
More Summer Recipes to Try
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Smoked Corn on the Cob
- Prep Time: 10 min
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 4 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Smoke
- Cuisine: American
Description
This is the best smoked corn on the cob recipe you will ever have!
Ingredients
- 4 ears of corn
- salt and pepper to taste
- 4 tsp of olive oil for brushing
Instructions
- Heat smoker to 225.
- Brush the corn with olive oil or some melted butter and then season with salt and pepper.
- Smoke the corn for 1 hr 15 minutes. Enjoy! Flip the corn cob turning half way through.
- Then Enjoy!
Notes
WW points: 4 points, 0 if using butter spray or no oil
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 6g
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 19g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
Tracy says
I wrap mine with bacon!
Jenna says
Smoke tubes are great! I've used those to make smoked cheese before as well.
Jimbo says
Removed the husks, soaked in water for 15 min, then brushed on extra virgin olive oil and the seasonings. Smoked with oak pellets and a smoke tube for 40 minutes at 300°. Then put into oven at 225 for 20 minutes, while we smoked steaks. Didn't want husks so smoke would take. The corn was very delicious!
Jenna says
Never tried those before! Will have to check them out.
Melissa says
After buying Traeger pellets for for over a year, I've had good luck recently with the 100% hardwood pellets from Sam's Club.
Jenna says
Good to know Kelly!
Kelly says
I have a Traeger and use generic wood pellets all the time. They work just fine and are a lot cheaper.
Jenna says
Tinfoil is optional.
Lisa says
If you take the corn husk off do you wrap it in tinfoil
Stephanie Raffaele says
Thanks for your recipe. Corn is just as delicious if grilled with husks still on. I think perfect cook time is 15-20 min on mid heat, marking sure to turn half way through.