How to Boil Corn on the Cob

This simple recipe shows you how to boil corn on the cob with a flavorful twist, by adding whole milk and sweet cream butter. It’s an easy method that delivers sweet, perfectly cooked corn every time.

How Long Do You Boil Corn on the Cob?

For this recipe, bring the water and sugar to a good boil, then toss in the corn and pour in the milk. Let it come back to a boil and cook for about 5 minutes. Add the butter and just turn off the heat and let the corn hang out in the hot liquid for another 10 minutes, or until it’s bright yellow and tender.

Ingredients to Boil Corn on the Cob Recipe

I know what you’re thinking, boiling corn on the cob is simple: just throw it in a pot, cover it with water, and cook it. And yes, that works just fine with fresh summer corn. But this milk-boiled corn method takes things up a notch. By adding whole milk, sweet cream butter, a touch of sugar, and salt, you infuse the fresh corn with rich, sweet flavor right from the start, perfect for serving up something special for family dinners, barbecues and summer cookouts. Ingredients you’ll need to boil Corn on the Cob in milk: (Scroll down for the full printable recipe card.)

• Corn – 6 large fresh ears of corn, husks and silk removed. You could also improvise with frozen corn on the cob.
• Boiling Liquid – 12-16 cups of water and 2 cups whole milk. Adjust the amount of water depending on the size of the pot.
• Sugar – Granulated sugar adds sweetness to the water and enhances the natural sweetness of the corn.
• Seasoning – Table salt balances the flavor.
• Butter – Salted or unsalted butter adds richness.
• Serve – Additional butter, salt and black pepper for serving.

How to Boil Homemade Corn on the Cob Recipe

Butter bath corn on the cob is the perfect side dish to make, especially when fresh summer corn is in abundance. This recipe uses milk and butter to add a richness to the flavor.

• Bring Water and Sugar to a Boil – In a deep pot bring water, sugar and salt to a rolling boil.
• Add Milk and Corn – Add milk and corn. Return to a rolling boil. Boil for 5 minutes.
• Butter – Add butter to the pot.
• Let Stand – Turn off heat and let corn simmer and steep on the stovetop in the hot liquid for 10 more minutes or until the kernels are bright yellow and tender. Corn should be fully submerged in water.
• Serve – Drain and serve slathered with butter, salt and black pepper and garnish with fresh parsley.

Kitchen Tools to Boil Corn on the Cob in Milk

• A large stock pot or pasta pot.
• Measuring cups and spoons.
• Tongs to remove the corn from the pot once cooked.

Recipe Variations, Tips and Substitutions

• Adjust the Servings – Please note, while this recipe calls for 6 ears of corn you can adapt it using more or less depending on your needs.
• Use a Large Pot – I use my pasta pot for making this corn recipe. It works beautifully allowing ample room for all of the liquid. You may need to adjust the amount of liquid depending on the size of the pot you use. Remember to allow for displacement once the corn is added to the pot.
• Use a Paper towel to Remove the Silk – When removing the silk from the corn, it’s helpful to use a damp paper towel to rub in the opposite direction grabbing the silk as you go.
• Milk – What does the milk do? While corn can certainly be boiled in plain ole water with delicious results, the milk brings out the natural sweetness of the fresh corn giving it a rich flavor. You can make this corn recipe without the milk, and the same cooking technique will work.
• Fresh Herbs – You can use fresh thyme, rosemary or chives in place of parsley.
• Sugar – Depending on the sweetness of the corn you can omit part of the sugar, or adjust the amount of sugar in the cooking water to your personal taste.
• How to Serve corn on the Cob – Use this butter fresh corn in dips, soups, casseroles, on salads as a topping, or a creamy side dish like this recipe for Southern Style Creamed Corn.

Storage and Leftovers

• Leftovers – Wrap leftover corn on the cob in aluminum foil or use a sharp knife to remove the corn kernels from the cob. Store in an airtight container chilled in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating – You can reheat corn in the microwave or in a nonstick skillet over medium heat.
• Freezer – You can freeze leftover corn for up to 2 months. Again, remove the corn from the cob and package in freezer bags.

Southern Style Dishes to Serve with Corn

Corn goes with practically any and everything that suits your fancy so the serving options are unlimited. A few recipes you may also like to make:

• Hamburger Steak and gravy with rice, noodles or mashed potatoes on the side.
• Buttermilk Fried Chicken is always a winning option.
• Smokehouse Bacon Cheeseburgers with a side of corn tastes a lot like summer.
• Mini Barbecue Bacon Cheddar Meatloaves with a side of mashed potatoes and corn.
• Air Fryer Barbecue Chicken Kabobs come together in no time flat.
• Fresh Salmon Burgers are sure to elevate your burger menu!
• Juicy Baked Lemon Chicken.
• Bacon Cheeseburgers with coca cola onions.
• Grilled Steak Kabobs from Life in the Lofthouse.

Thanks for visiting come back soon!

Disclosure ~ If a purchase is made using one of the affiliate links on this website we may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. Thank you!

Helpful Kitchen Items:

• Stock Pot
• Tongs
• Corn Holders
• Measuring Set