When late summer rolls around, our family gatherings can always be summed up by one delicious staple: grilled corn on the cob. Whether we’re hosting a lively barbecue or just having a cozy family dinner, grilled corn is the star of the show.

For years, our whole family has been picking up fresh corn on the cob from a local farm just outside Pittsburgh. Whenever our parents make the trip to see Jaime, who lives a few hours away, they always bring her a big bag of that sweet corn during the season.

Grilled corn on the cob is the ultimate summer treat, loved for its sweet, smoky flavor and satisfying crunch. If you want to take your grilled corn to the next level, try wrapping it in aluminum foil before you throw it on the grill. This neat trick boosts the corn's natural sweetness and makes it super tender—all while saving you some cleanup time! Here’s a simple step-by-step guide for making that perfect grilled corn on the cob wrapped in foil.

Ingredients

• 4 ears of corn, husked and cleaned

• 2 tablespoons of olive oil or melted butter

• Salt, to taste

• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

• Optional: your favorite herbs, spices, or cheese for added flavor

Instructions

1. Prepare the Corn: Start by removing the husks and silk from the corn. Be sure to get as much of the silk off as possible to avoid any burnt pieces sticking to the kernels. You can also break the corn in half if it’s too large to fit on your grill or if you prefer smaller portions.

2. Season the Corn: Spread a thin layer of softened butter over each ear of corn. This will help to keep the corn moist and add rich flavor. Season the corn with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Feel free to get creative with additional seasonings—garlic powder, paprika, and a pinch of cayenne can add some nice depth to the flavor.

3. Wrap in Aluminum Foil: Tear off large sheets of aluminum foil, ensuring they are big enough to fully enclose each ear of corn. Place each ear of corn in the center of a foil sheet. Before sealing, add a few tablespoons of water onto the corn. This extra step helps create steam, which keeps the corn moist and flavorful. Fold the sides of the foil over the corn to form a tight packet, making sure the foil is well-sealed to trap the steam and enhance the flavors.

4. Preheat the Grill: Heat your grill to medium-high heat, around 400°F (200°C). If you’re using a charcoal grill, let the coals burn until they’re covered with a white ash. For a gas grill, preheat it and then turn one side to low for indirect cooking.

5. Grill the Corn: Place the foil-wrapped corn directly on the grill grates over medium heat. Close the grill lid and cook for about 15-20 minutes, turning the packets occasionally to ensure even cooking. The foil helps trap the steam, so the corn will cook evenly and stay tender.

6. Check for Doneness: After about 15 minutes, carefully open one of the foil packets to check if the corn is cooked. The kernels should be tender and juicy. If they need a bit more time, reseal the foil and continue grilling for a few more minutes.

7. Serve and Enjoy: Once the corn is cooked to your liking, carefully remove the foil packets from the grill. Be cautious of the hot steam when unwrapping. Serve the corn directly from the foil or transfer it to a plate. You can add a bit more butter, salt, and any additional seasonings or herbs you like.

Tips for Perfect Foil-Wrapped Corn

• Foil Quality: Use heavy-duty aluminum foil for best results. Regular foil might tear or not hold up as well to the heat.

• Seasoning Variations: Experiment with different seasoning blends or flavored butters. Try a blend of herbs like rosemary and thyme or a spicy mix of chili powder and cumin.

• Pre-Soaking: Although not necessary, soaking the corn in water for about 30 minutes before grilling can help it stay moist and add a bit of extra steam.

Variations

1. Herb-Infused Corn: Before wrapping the corn in foil, place a few sprigs of fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary on the buttered corn. The herbs will infuse their flavors into the corn as it grills.

2. Parmesan and Garlic Corn: Mix grated Parmesan cheese with minced garlic and a bit of chopped parsley. Sprinkle this mixture over the buttered corn before wrapping it in foil for a savory twist.

3. Spicy Lime Corn: Combine melted butter with lime juice and a pinch of chili powder. Brush this mixture over the corn before wrapping it up. Once grilled, add a sprinkle of fresh cilantro for a zesty kick.

Conclusion

Grilling corn on the cob in aluminum foil is an awesome way to enjoy this summer classic without too much hassle. Wrapping it up keeps all the moisture and flavor locked in, making each bite super juicy and tasty. Whether you're throwing a barbecue or just having a chill dinner at home, this method is always a crowd-pleaser.

Enjoy your perfectly grilled corn and the ease of cleanup that comes with foil-wrapping. Happy grilling! 🌽🔥