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Smoked Corn on the Cob

Smoked corn on the cob delivers wood-smoked flavor through the husk, with burnished, smoky-sweet kernels that stay tender after a long low cook. Peel back the husks to reveal golden kernels and finish with a smoky-spice butter coating.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 30 minutes
cooling before husking 10 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 50 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Calories: 180
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Corn
  • 6 corn, in the husk Keep husks on; do not husk before soaking and smoking.
Smoky butter
  • 4 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 0.5 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 salt To taste.
  • 1 black pepper To taste.
Wood for smoking
  • 1 hickory, apple, or cherry wood chips or pellets Use any one option; adjust amount to your smoker’s fuel needs.

Equipment

  • 1 cast iron skillet
  • 1 sheet pan

Method
 

Soak and prep
  1. Soak the corn in cold water in the husks for 30 minutes to keep the husks from burning.
  2. Preheat the smoker to 225°F and load with hickory, apple, or cherry wood.
Smoke
  1. Place the soaked corn directly on the smoker grates in the husk.
  2. Smoke for 60–90 minutes until the outermost husks are dry and papery and the kernels inside are tender when pierced, with a visible golden smoke haze.
Cool and finish
  1. Remove the corn from the smoker and let it cool for 10 minutes so it’s easier to handle.
  2. Carefully peel back the husks to expose the kernels.
  3. Mix the softened butter with smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper, then slather generously over the hot corn before serving, letting the butter melt between the rows.

Notes

Pro tip: keep the corn in the husk for the full cook so the smoke and steam help the kernels stay tender. Refrigerate leftovers in a covered container up to 3 days; reheat gently in the husk or covered with foil until warmed through. Freezing is not recommended because kernels can lose texture after thawing. Dietary swap: use plant-based butter in the same quantities for an easy dairy-free version.