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Corn and honey are two naturally sweet ingredients, so what happens when you combine them and grill to charred, caramelized perfection? This honey corn on the cob happens! Sweet, smoky, and bursting with flavor, this honey corn on the cob is your ticket to having the most popular barbecue in town.

Honey Corn on the Cob on a serving plate

When fresh summer corn is at its peak, this honey garlic corn on the cob is the recipe I make on repeat. The corn is grilled until lightly charred and juicy, then brushed with a warm honey-garlic sauce that caramelizes over the heat and clings to every kernel. It’s sweet, savory, smoky, and just a little sticky in the very best way.

The sauce is simple but incredibly flavorful. Honey adds sweetness and helps create those golden caramelized edges, while soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and sesame oil bring savory depth and warmth. A pinch of chili flakes adds a gentle heat that balances everything beautifully without overpowering the corn’s sweetness.

What I love most is how little effort it takes to completely transform grilled corn into something people talk about long after dinner. Finished with fresh cilantro or parsley, it’s the kind of easy summer side dish that disappears fast, straight off the platter.

Honey garlic sauce being poured over corn on the cob

Turm this into hot honey corn on the cob

Have you tried spicy honey before? If not, you should: sweet and heat belong together! If you enjoy the bold flavor of spicy foods, we suggest making an easy variation of this honey corn on the cob recipe by swapping the honey garlic sauce for this hot honey recipe for a spicier corn on the cob. While you’re at it, make some extra hot honey to have on hand!

Tips for selecting the best corn

While the honey and garlic dress the corn up, your cob is only going to be as good as your corn! Here is a guide to help you select the best tasting, juiciest corn:

Husk: First, look at the husk of the corn – you’ll want to see bright green husks tightly wrapped around the entire ear. This means it’s been well protected and is fresh!
Texture: Run your fingers over the husk to feel that it’s slightly soft, and to check that the kernels feel plump and evenly spaced. If it’s weightier, it’s more likely to have juicy and well-developed corn kernels.
Silk: Peek between the husk leaves to inspect the silk, which are the thin threads atop the kernels – moist, golden-brown silk is a sign of freshness. If the silk is dark or dry, it may mean the corn has past its prime.
Aroma: You’ll want the corn to smell fresh and sweet. Any musty or sour sniffs are a sign to leave it behind!

What to serve with honey corn on the cob

Sides: Avocado and corn are the best of friends. Whip up some grilled guacamole while the grill is hot. Keep those sweet flavors coming with some spicy honey roasted carrots.
Mains: Honey corn on the cob is bursting with grilled, summery sweetness! You’ll want to serve it with contrasting flavors, like the mustard in this grilled mustard chicken, to make it shine and balance your meal! Serve it up next to rich, savory dishes, like BBQ crockpot beef ribs. Honey corn also complements shrimp boil skewers and Hawaiian chicken skewers!