Grilling corn on the cob brings out its natural sweetness and adds a delicious smoky flavor. Pellet grills offer a convenient and effective way to achieve perfectly cooked corn with minimal effort. Smoking corn on the cob on a pellet grill typically takes 60-90 minutes at 350°F, resulting in tender kernels with a subtle smoky taste.

Corn can be grilled with or without the husks, depending on personal preference. Leaving the husks on during cooking helps retain moisture and allows for easy removal of silks after grilling. For those who prefer a more charred flavor, removing the husks before grilling allows for direct contact with the smoke and heat.

Pellet grills provide consistent temperature control and infuse the corn with aromatic wood smoke. Popular wood pellet flavors for corn include mild options like apple or cherry, which complement the corn’s natural sweetness without overpowering it. Seasoned butter, salt, and additional toppings can be added after grilling to enhance the flavor of this classic summer side dish.

Choosing Your Corn

Selecting the right corn and preparing it properly are crucial steps for achieving delicious grilled corn on the cob. Fresh, high-quality corn and proper preparation techniques ensure the best flavor and texture.

Fresh Corn Selection

Look for sweet corn with bright green, tightly wrapped husks. The silk should be golden brown and slightly sticky. Avoid ears with dry or black silk. Gently squeeze the kernels through the husk – they should feel plump and firm. Fresh corn will have moist stem ends.

Choose corn that’s in season for the sweetest flavor. Local farmers’ markets often offer the freshest options. If possible, buy corn the same day you plan to grill it. Store corn in the refrigerator with husks intact until ready to use.

Prepping Corn for the Grill

Start by carefully peeling back the husks without removing them completely. Remove the silk strands and rinse the corn under cool water. Pat dry with paper towels.

For added flavor, brush the kernels with melted butter or olive oil. Season with salt, pepper, or your favorite spices. Fold the husks back over the corn. Tie the ends with kitchen twine to keep them closed.

Alternatively, remove the husks entirely for more direct heat and grill marks. Soak shucked corn in cold water for 10-15 minutes before grilling to prevent drying out.

Pellet Grills Overview

Pellet grills offer a unique cooking experience, combining the convenience of gas grills with the smoky flavor of traditional wood-fired cooking. These versatile appliances use wood pellets as fuel, providing precise temperature control and consistent results.

Benefits of Using a Pellet Grill

Pellet grills excel in temperature regulation, maintaining steady heat for hours. This feature ensures even cooking and eliminates the need for constant monitoring.

They offer versatility, allowing users to grill, smoke, roast, and bake with a single appliance. The variety of wood pellet flavors available enhances food with rich, smoky tastes.

Pellet grills are user-friendly, with many models featuring digital controls and Wi-Fi connectivity for remote monitoring. They also produce less ash compared to charcoal grills, making cleanup easier.

Top Pellet Grill Brands

Traeger is a leading pellet grill manufacturer, known for its innovative designs and wide range of models. Their grills often include advanced features like Wi-Fi-enabled controls and precise temperature settings.

Z Grills offers affordable pellet grills without sacrificing quality. Their products are praised for durability and consistent performance.

Pit Boss produces robust pellet grills with large cooking areas and competitive pricing. Many Pit Boss models feature direct flame grilling capabilities, adding versatility to their cooking options.

These brands offer various sizes and features to suit different needs and budgets. Each provides reliable performance for grilling corn on the cob and other dishes.

Preparation and Seasoning Techniques

Proper preparation and seasoning are key to delicious corn on the cob from a pellet grill. Selecting quality ingredients and applying flavors effectively enhances the natural sweetness of the corn.

Butter and Seasoning Mixes

Butter forms the base of many corn seasonings. Melt unsalted butter and brush it onto the corn before grilling. For added flavor, create a seasoned butter by mixing in kosher salt, black pepper, and chili powder.

Apply the seasoned butter generously, ensuring even coverage. This mixture not only adds taste but also helps the corn develop a beautiful char on the grill.

Some grillers prefer to pull back the husks, remove the silk, season the corn, then replace the husks before grilling. This method infuses flavors directly into the kernels.

Alternative Spices and Herbs

Beyond traditional butter-based seasonings, experiment with diverse flavors. Sprinkle smoked paprika or cayenne pepper for a spicy kick. Fresh herbs like chopped cilantro or basil add brightness.

For a Mexican-inspired twist, coat grilled corn with a mixture of chili powder, lime juice, and crumbled cotija cheese. This combination creates a flavorful contrast to the corn’s sweetness.

Garlic lovers can rub peeled cloves directly on hot grilled corn, followed by a brush of olive oil and a sprinkle of sea salt. This simple technique imparts a robust, savory flavor.

Grilling Techniques

Pellet grills offer versatile methods for preparing delicious corn on the cob. These techniques impart smoky flavors and result in perfectly cooked kernels.

How to Smoke Corn on a Pellet Grill

Set the pellet grill to 225°F using hickory pellets for a robust smoky flavor. Remove the husks and silk from the corn cobs. Brush each ear with a mixture of melted butter and seasonings.

Place the corn directly on the grill grates. Close the lid and smoke for 90 minutes, turning occasionally. This low and slow method allows the smoke to penetrate the kernels, creating a unique taste profile.

For added flavor, baste the corn with seasoned butter every 30 minutes during the smoking process. The corn is ready when the kernels are tender and have a light char.

Grilling Corn with Husks On

Preheat the pellet grill to 350°F. Peel back the husks without detaching them, remove the silk, and rinse the corn. Pat dry and brush with oil or butter. Season as desired.

Pull the husks back over the corn. Place the ears directly on the grill grates. Close the lid and cook for 30 minutes, turning every 10 minutes.

The husks protect the kernels from direct heat, steaming them inside. This method results in juicy corn with a subtle smoky taste. Remove the husks before serving to reveal perfectly grilled corn on the cob.

Serving Suggestions

Grilled corn on the cob from a pellet grill offers versatile serving options. From classic presentations to creative dishes, this smoky side dish elevates any meal.

Classic Corn on the Cob Presentation

Serve grilled corn on the cob straight from the pellet grill for a simple, delicious side. Place hot corn on a platter and offer butter, salt, and pepper for guests to season to taste.

For a Mexican-inspired twist, try elote. Brush grilled corn with mayonnaise, then roll in cotija cheese and chili powder. Squeeze lime juice over the top for added zest.

Another option is to slice kernels off the cob and toss with butter, herbs, and seasonings in a bowl. This makes for easy eating and allows flavors to meld.

Innovative Corn Dishes and Salads

Transform grilled corn into creative dishes. Cut kernels from the cob and add to salads for a smoky crunch. Mix with diced tomatoes, onions, and cilantro for a quick grilled corn salsa.

Create a warm grilled corn salad by combining kernels with arugula, crumbled feta, and a light vinaigrette. The contrast of smoky corn and fresh greens offers a delightful texture.

For a heartier option, use grilled corn in a succotash with lima beans, bell peppers, and bacon. This colorful side dish pairs well with grilled meats or can stand alone as a light meal.

Accessories and Serving Tools

The right accessories enhance the grilling experience and make serving smoked corn on the cob more enjoyable. Proper storage and reheating methods help preserve flavor and texture.

Corn on the Cob Holders and Utensils

Corn on the cob holders are essential for comfortable handling of hot, buttery corn. These small prongs insert into the ends of corn cobs, providing a secure grip without burned fingers. Stainless steel holders are durable and dishwasher-safe.

Silicone-tipped holders offer a heat-resistant, non-slip grip. Some holders come in fun shapes like corn husks or farm animals, adding a playful touch to the table.

A long-handled corn butter spreader helps evenly distribute melted butter along the cob. Corn zippers or strippers efficiently remove kernels for those who prefer their corn off the cob.

Storing and Reheating Smoked Corn

Leftover smoked corn should be cooled to room temperature, then wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Refrigerate for up to 3-4 days.

To reheat, wrap corn in foil and place on a preheated grill at 350°F for 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally. Alternatively, microwave on high for 20-30 seconds per ear, wrapped in a damp paper towel.

For longer storage, freeze corn kernels removed from the cob in airtight containers or freezer bags for up to 6 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating or using in recipes.