How to Boil Corn on the Cob in Butter

Learn How to Boil Corn on the Cob in Butter with this easy corn recipe. One of the best ways to cook fresh sweet corn for an easy side dish the whole family will love!

One of the best things about summer is it’s sweet corn season! While everyone has a favorite way to cook corn, boiling fresh corn in butter on the stove is a tried-and-true method.

Butter adds delicious flavor to the corn as it cooks!

Mom and Grandma always used boiling water for cooking corn on the cob. I always though this was the easiest way, until I tried different ways of cooking corn. More on that later.

The best thing about this corn on the cob recipe is anyone can make it, as long as you have a stove and a large pot — no other appliances needed!

Ingredients for Butter Bath Corn

You only need 2 simple ingredients to make perfect boiled corn.

• Fresh corn on the cob — You can buy corn in your local grocery store, farmers markets, roadside stand or farm stands.
• Butter — I use salted butter, but unsalted butter is fine.

How to Boil Corn on the Cob in Butter

First, shuck the corn. Remove corn from corn husks, and remove as much corn silks as possible. Rinse corn under cold water to remove as much silk as possible.

Next, bring a large pot of water to boil over high heat. You will need enough water to cover the corn cobs.

When water is boiling, add the corn and stick of butter. Use kitchen tongs to carefully lower the ears into the hot water.

Cooking Time

Cook corn on the cob for 5-7 minutes or until tender enough for your liking. When cooked, corn should be bright yellow and kernels can be easily pierced with a sharp knife or fork.

For tender crisp corn, cook for 3-5 minutes. For softer corn, cook for 8-10 minutes.

Remove the cooked corn to a platter, and serve with butter, salt and pepper or your favorite seasonings.

You can leave the corn in the butter bath until you are ready to eat. Just turn the heat off, and let it bathe in warm water for a few minutes!

How to Store Leftover Corn

Refrigerate leftover corn on the cob in an airtight container for up to 4 days. You can reheat corn in the microwave for a minute or 2 until hot.

Or, remove corn from the cob and use in recipes like Mexican street corn salad or Cowboy Caviar.

Recipe Variations

Add a cup of milk along with butter when you boil corn for extra flavor.

You can also add a little sugar to bring out the natural sweetness of the corn. You can also boil corn in salted water, but many people feel adding salt makes the corn tough.

Expert Tips

When buying corn, look for bright green husks that are closed tightly around the corn cob.

The corn silk should feel damp and not dried out. Avoid corn with holes, which may indicate bugs have sampled the corn.

Use kitchen tongs and hot mitts when adding corn to the hot water. Although you can place the ears of corn in cold water and bring to a boil, the rule of thumb is to add vegetables that grow above ground directly to boiling water.

More Ways to Cook Corn on the Cob

• Grilled corn on the cob in foil — the perfect way to grill corn!
• Instant Pot corn on the cob — the best way to cook a bunch of corn
• Microwave corn on the cob — the easiest way to cook corn
• Mexican street corn — add crema, chili powder and cotija cheese for a delicious way to enjoy sweet summer corn
• Air Fryer Corn on the Cob — Quick and easy

I hope you like this simple recipe for delicious corn as much as we do!

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