Smoky, sweet, and perfectly juicy, Traeger Corn on the Cob is a delicious way to elevate a summer favorite. Grilled over wood pellets, this corn takes on a deep, smoky flavor while staying tender and buttery. Whether served as a side dish for BBQ, picnics, or weeknight dinners, this Traeger-style corn is an easy and crowd-pleasing recipe.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Smoky Flavor – Cooking over wood pellets enhances the natural sweetness of the corn.
- Easy to Make – Minimal prep with just a few simple ingredients.
- Perfectly Juicy – Slow-grilled corn stays tender while getting a slight char.
- Customizable – Add different seasonings, butter blends, or toppings for extra flavor.
- Great for BBQs – A perfect side for smoked meats, burgers, or grilled veggies.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Fresh ears of corn (husk on or off)
- Butter (melted)
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Garlic powder (optional)
- Paprika (optional, for a smoky kick)
- Parmesan cheese (optional, for a cheesy finish)
- Fresh herbs (such as parsley or cilantro, for garnish)
Directions
- Preheat the Traeger – Set your Traeger grill to 375°F (190°C) and let it preheat for about 10-15 minutes.
- Prepare the Corn:
- Husk On Method: Peel back the husks (but don’t remove them), remove the silk, then fold the husks back over the corn. Soak in water for 10-15 minutes to prevent burning.
- Husk Off Method: Shuck the corn completely and brush with melted butter.
- Season the Corn – Sprinkle salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika over the corn.
- Grill the Corn:
- Husk On: Place the corn directly on the grill and cook for 25-30 minutes, turning every 5-7 minutes.
- Husk Off: Cook for 15-20 minutes, turning occasionally for an even char.
- Finish with Butter – Remove the corn from the grill, brush with more melted butter, and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese or fresh herbs if desired.
- Serve Immediately – Enjoy hot with your favorite toppings.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-30 minutes
- Total Time: 30-40 minutes
Variations
- Mexican Street Corn (Elote) – After grilling, coat with mayonnaise, sprinkle with chili powder, and top with cotija cheese.
- Spicy Cajun Corn – Season with Cajun spices for a bold kick.
- Cheesy Garlic Butter Corn – Mix Parmesan cheese and minced garlic into the melted butter before brushing on the corn.
- Maple or Honey Glazed Corn – Drizzle with honey or maple syrup before serving for a sweet twist.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftover corn in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Wrap in foil and warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10 minutes, or microwave in 30-second bursts until heated through.
FAQs
Can I cook frozen corn on the Traeger?
Yes! Thaw first or grill longer (about 5-10 extra minutes).
Should I grill corn with husks on or off?
Husks on keep moisture in, while husks off give more char and smoky flavor.
What wood pellets are best for Traeger corn?
Hickory, apple, cherry, or mesquite add great smoky flavor.
How do I keep corn from drying out?
Brush with butter or soak in water before grilling.
Can I cook corn at a lower temperature?
Yes, at 250°F (120°C) it will take about 45 minutes.
What toppings go well with Traeger corn?
Butter, cheese, spices, lime juice, or fresh herbs all work well.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, but it’s best served fresh. Reheat on the grill or oven before serving.
How do I get more char on my corn?
Grill for an extra 5 minutes at a higher heat (400°F) with husks off.
Can I smoke the corn instead of grilling?
Yes! Smoke at 225°F (107°C) for about 1 hour for deep smoky flavor.
What dishes pair well with Traeger corn?
BBQ ribs, smoked chicken, grilled steaks, or pulled pork make perfect pairings.
Conclusion
Traeger Corn on the Cob is an easy, flavorful way to enjoy grilled corn with a smoky twist. Whether you keep it simple with butter and salt or get creative with seasonings and toppings, this recipe is a guaranteed hit for BBQs, cookouts, and family dinners. Give it a try and enjoy perfectly tender, smoky, and delicious corn straight from your Traeger grill!
Description
This Traeger smoked corn on the cob is infused with a subtle smoky flavor and grilled to perfection. Brushed with butter and seasoning, it’s an easy and delicious side dish for BBQs, summer cookouts, or weeknight meals!
- Preheat the Traeger Grill: Set your Traeger to 225°F and allow it to preheat for 10-15 minutes with the lid closed.
- Prepare the corn: Remove the husks and silk from the corn. Brush each ear with melted butter and season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika.
- Smoke the corn: Place the corn directly on the Traeger grates and smoke for 30 minutes, turning occasionally for even cooking.
- Increase heat & grill: Turn the heat up to 375°F and grill for an additional 10-15 minutes, turning every few minutes until slightly charred and tender.
- Finish & serve: Remove from the grill, brush with extra butter, sprinkle with Parmesan cheese (if using), and garnish with parsley. Serve with lime wedges for extra flavor!
Notes
- Want it extra smoky? Smoke at 180°F for an hour before increasing the heat.
- For a Mexican street corn twist, spread with mayo, Cotija cheese, and chili powder after grilling.
- Pairs perfectly with smoked ribs, burgers, or grilled chicken!