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Perfect Sweet End-of-Summer Corn Roast Recipe

sweet end-of-summer corn roast - featured image

A sweet, smoky, and slightly spicy grilled corn on the cob recipe perfect for summer BBQs, featuring a honey butter glaze with smoked paprika and lime juice.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 6 ears fresh sweet corn on the cob, husks removed
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 3 tablespoons honey
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
  • 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt to taste (preferably kosher salt)
  • Freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • Optional: a handful chopped cilantro for garnish
  • Optional: crumbled cotija cheese for garnish

Instructions

  1. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat, about 375°F to 400°F (190°C to 205°C). If using a gas grill, preheat for 10 minutes.
  2. In a mixing bowl, whisk together melted butter, honey, smoked paprika, chili powder, lime juice, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until smooth to make the glaze.
  3. Remove husks and silk from the corn ears. Rinse and pat dry. Optionally soak in cold water for 10 minutes for extra smoky flavor.
  4. Using a basting brush, coat each ear generously with the honey butter glaze, covering every kernel.
  5. Place the glazed corn directly on the grill grates. Cook for 15-20 minutes, turning every 4-5 minutes to prevent burning and ensure even char.
  6. Halfway through grilling, brush on another round of the glaze to boost flavor and moisture.
  7. Check doneness by piercing with a fork; corn should be tender with a nice char but not blackened. Move to indirect heat or wrap in foil if browning too quickly.
  8. Remove from grill and let cool for 2-3 minutes. Optionally sprinkle chopped cilantro and crumbled cotija cheese before serving.

Notes

Use fresh, firm ears of corn for best texture. Keep grill at medium-high heat to avoid burning glaze. Turn corn gently and regularly. Lime juice adds brightness and balances sweetness. For a dairy-free version, substitute butter with coconut or vegan butter and honey with maple syrup. Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 2 days and reheated in the oven or on the grill wrapped in foil.

Nutrition

Keywords: corn roast, grilled corn, summer BBQ, sweet corn, honey glaze, smoked paprika, easy side dish, summer recipe