Boiled Corn on the Cob Creamy, Sweet & Ready in Minutes
Boiled Corn on the Cob
Looking for the best way to boil corn on the cob? This simple trick using milk, butter, and honey turns fresh corn into the ultimate summer side dish rich, sweet, and unbelievably tender.
Whether you’re serving it at a BBQ, picnic, or weeknight dinner, this method is fast, foolproof, and flavor packed.
Ingredients for Creamy Boiled Corn on the Cob
- Fresh Corn on the Cob 6 ears, husked and cleaned for the juiciest, sweetest flavor, use fresh summer corn and remove all silk before boiling.
- Water 6 cups acts as the boiling base to evenly cook and steam the corn.
- Milk 2 cups adds creaminess and enhances the corn’s natural sweetness. Whole milk works best for richness, but any type will do.
- Salted Butter 8 tablespoons (1 stick) infuses the corn with deep buttery flavor while helping the kernels stay tender and moist.
- Honey or Sugar ¼ cup brings a hint of sweetness that balances the salt and butter. Use whichever you prefer or have on hand.
- Kosher Salt 2 tablespoons seasons the corn during cooking and brings out the full depth of flavor in every bite.
Boiled Corn on the Cob
This boiled corn on the cob is sweet, tender, and full of flavor made extra creamy with milk, butter, and a touch of honey. The perfect summer side dish!
Course: Side Dish Cuisine: American Keyword: Boiled Corn on the Cob Prep Time: 10minutes minutes Cook Time: 7minutes minutes Total Time: 17minutes minutes Servings: 6
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients
- 6 ears of fresh corn, shucked and silk removed
- 6 cups water – for even boiling and steaming
- 2 cups milk – makes the corn extra creamy and enhances sweetness
- 8 tbsp (1 stick) salted butter – infuses every kernel with buttery richness
- ¼ cup honey or sugar – adds natural sweetness (use whichever you prefer)
- 2 tbsp kosher salt – seasons the corn while boiling for full flavor
How to Boil Corn on the Cob (With Milk & Butter)
- Step 1: Prep the Corn
Remove husks and silk strands completely. Rinse and set aside. - Step 2: Boil the Water
In a large pot, bring 6 cups of water to a boil over medium-high heat. - Step 3: Add Flavor
Once boiling, reduce the heat to low. Stir in:
Milk
Butter
Honey or sugar
Salt
Let everything melt and mix. - Step 4: Cook the Corn
Carefully place corn into the pot.
Cover and simmer for 5–7 minutes, or until kernels are tender and vibrant. - Step 5: Serve & Enjoy
Use tongs to remove corn from the pot. Serve hot, drizzled with leftover buttery broth or topped with extra seasoning if desired.
Pro Tips for Perfect Corn
- Use fresh, in-season corn for the sweetest flavor.
- Don’t overcook — 7 minutes is usually perfect.
- Want extra creaminess? Add a splash of heavy cream to the pot.
- For added flavor, sprinkle with chili lime seasoning, smoked paprika, or grated parmesan.
Storage & Leftover Ideas
- Fridge: Cut kernels off the cob and store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freeze: Let corn cool, then freeze on or off the cob in freezer bags for up to 3 months.
- Leftover Tip: Add to salads, tacos, or stir into creamy pasta!
Nutrition
Calories: 159 | Carbohydrates: 29g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 4g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Cholesterol: 8mg | Sodium: 2387mg | Potassium: 350mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 18g | Vitamin A: 300 IU | Vitamin C: 6mg | Calcium: 101mg | Iron: 1mg
Frequently Asked Questions
How long should I boil corn on the cob?
Boil corn for 5 to 7 minutes until the kernels are tender and bright in color. Avoid overcooking, as it can make the corn mushy.
Should I add salt to the boiling water?
When using plain water, adding salt before boiling can toughen the kernels. However, in a milk and butter mixture, salt helps enhance the flavor without affecting texture.
Can I use frozen corn on the cob?
Yes, frozen corn works well. Just add it directly to the boiling milk-water mixture and cook for an extra 2–3 minutes.
Why add milk and butter to the boiling water?
Boiling corn in milk and butter makes it extra creamy, rich, and flavorful. It helps the corn soak up more sweetness and gives it a tender texture.
Can I prepare boiled corn in advance?
Yes. Boil the corn and store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in hot water or wrap in foil and warm in the oven.
Conclusion
There’s nothing quite like the taste of fresh, buttery corn in the summer and this boiled corn on the cob recipe brings out the best in every bite. With a rich blend of milk, butter, and honey, it transforms a simple side dish into something irresistibly creamy, tender, and full of flavor. Whether you’re serving it at a backyard BBQ, family dinner, or holiday gathering, this method is sure to become your go-to way to enjoy sweet corn. Try it once, and you’ll never go back to plain boiling again!
