If you’re planning a gathering or hosting a large event, one of the most popular and crowd-pleasing side dishes is corn on the cob. Whether you’re having a barbecue, a family reunion, or a summer party, knowing how to prepare corn on the cob for a crowd is essential.

There are several tried and true methods for cooking corn on the cob that can easily be scaled up to feed a large group of people. One option is to boil the corn, which is a classic and straightforward method. Simply fill a large pot with water, add salt, and bring it to a rolling boil. Then, carefully add the corn ears and boil for about 4-6 minutes until they become tender.

If you want to infuse more flavor into your corn, grilling it is an excellent choice. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat and brush the corn with a little bit of oil or melted butter. Place the corn directly on the grill grates and cook for about 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally, until the kernels are lightly charred and tender.

Overview of Cooking Corn on the Cob for a Crowd

When you’re cooking corn on the cob for a crowd, it’s important to have a plan in place to ensure that all the corn is cooked perfectly and served hot. With a few key steps, you can easily cook large quantities of corn on the cob without any hassle.

Step 1: Purchase and Preparation

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First, you’ll need to purchase enough corn on the cob for your crowd. Estimate around 2 ears of corn per person. Look for fresh corn with bright green husks and plump kernels. Before cooking, remove the husks and silk from each ear of corn and rinse them under cold water.

Step 2: Boiling the Corn

Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a boil. Add salt to the water for seasoning, if desired. Carefully add the corn to the pot, making sure not to overcrowd it. Boil the corn for about 5-7 minutes, or until the kernels are tender when pierced with a fork.

Step 3: Cooling and Serving

Once the corn is cooked, carefully remove it from the pot using tongs and transfer it to a platter or serving dish. Allow the corn to cool slightly before serving to avoid burns. Serve the corn with butter, salt, and pepper on the side, allowing your guests to season their own corn to taste.

Remember, cooking corn on the cob for a crowd doesn’t have to be overwhelming. By following these simple steps, you can cook delicious corn on the cob that will leave your guests satisfied and impressed.

Preparing the Corn

Before you start cooking the corn on the cob, you’ll need to prepare it. Follow these simple steps:

  1. Peel: Remove the husks and silks from each ear of corn. Pull back the husks and remove the silk strands, then fold the husks back over the corn.
  2. Soak: Fill a large pot or basin with cold water and add 1-2 tablespoons of salt per gallon of water. Place the corn in the water and let it soak for 15-30 minutes to help keep it moist while cooking.
  3. Drain: After the corn has soaked, remove it from the water and shake off any excess moisture. Make sure to pat it dry with a clean towel to remove any remaining water.
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Once you’ve prepared the corn, you’re ready to move on to the next step: cooking it for a crowd!

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Boiling the Corn

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Boiling the Corn

To cook corn on the cob for a crowd, boiling is a tried and true method. Here’s how to do it:

Instructions:

  1. Fill a large pot with water, leaving enough room for the corn to be submerged.
  2. Place the pot on the stove and bring the water to a boil over high heat.
  3. Meanwhile, husk the corn and remove the silk.
  4. Once the water is boiling, carefully add the corn cobs to the pot.
  5. Allow the corn to cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until it is tender.
  6. Using tongs, remove the corn from the pot and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.

Tips:

  • For added flavor, you can add salt or sugar to the boiling water. This will enhance the natural sweetness of the corn.
  • If you prefer your corn to be more crisp, reduce the cooking time to 3-5 minutes.
  • If you’re boiling a large quantity of corn, you may need to do it in batches to ensure even cooking.

Boiling Time for Different Quantities of Corn:

Quantity of Corn Boiling Time
4-6 ears 5-7 minutes
8-12 ears 10-12 minutes
16-20 ears 15-20 minutes

Boiled corn on the cob is a classic summertime dish that is sure to please a crowd. Enjoy!

Grilling the Corn

Grilling corn on the cob gives it a delicious smoky flavor that pairs perfectly with summer barbecues. Follow these steps to grill corn for a crowd:

1. Prepping the Corn

Before grilling, remove the husks and silk from each ear of corn. Rinse them under running water to ensure they are clean.

2. Soaking the Corn

Soaking the corn in water ensures that it stays moist while grilling. Fill a large container or sink with enough water to fully submerge the corn. Let the corn soak for at least 15 minutes, but no longer than 30 minutes.

3. Preparing the Grill

Preheat your grill to medium-high heat, around 400°F (200°C). Clean and oil the grates to prevent the corn from sticking.

4. Seasoning the Corn

Brush each ear of corn with melted butter or olive oil. Sprinkle salt and pepper over the corn to taste. For added flavor, you can also mix spices such as paprika, garlic powder, or chili powder.

5. Grilling the Corn

Place the corn directly on the grill grates. Grill for 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally, until the corn kernels are tender and lightly charred. The cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of the corn.

Optional: For an extra smoky taste, you can also wrap each ear of corn in aluminum foil before grilling.

6. Serving the Corn

Remove the corn from the grill and let it cool for a few minutes. Serve the grilled corn on the cob hot with additional butter, salt, and pepper on the side.

Grilling corn on the cob is a simple and delicious way to serve a crowd. Enjoy the flavors of summer with this tasty grilled treat!

Roasting the Corn

To roast the corn, you will need a grill. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.

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First, peel back the husks of the corn, but do not remove them completely. Remove the silk strands from the corn and discard.

Next, brush the corn with melted butter or olive oil, and season with salt and pepper to taste. This will add extra flavor to the corn as it cooks.

Place the corn on the grill, and close the lid. Cook the corn for about 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally, until the kernels are tender and slightly charred.

Once the corn is cooked, remove it from the grill and let it cool for a few minutes. Serve the roasted corn on the cob hot with additional melted butter on the side, if desired.

Roasted corn on the cob is a delicious and simple option for feeding a crowd. The smoky flavor from the grill adds an extra depth of flavor to the sweet and juicy corn. Enjoy!

Steaming the Corn

Steaming corn on the cob is a quick and easy method that helps to retain its natural sweetness and juiciness. Here’s how to steam corn on the cob for a crowd:

What You’ll Need:

  • Large pot with a steamer basket
  • Fresh ears of corn, husks and silks removed
  • Water
  • Salt (optional)

Instructions:

  1. Fill the pot with enough water to reach just below the level of the steamer basket.
  2. Place the steamer basket inside the pot.
  3. Arrange the husked and cleaned corn on the cob in the steamer basket.
  4. Optional: Add a pinch of salt to the water for seasoning the corn.
  5. Cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid.
  6. Place the pot on the stovetop and turn the heat to high.
  7. Once the water starts boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low and let the corn steam for about 8-10 minutes.
  8. Check the corn for doneness by inserting a knife into a kernel. It should be tender.
  9. Once the corn is cooked, carefully remove it from the steamer basket using tongs or oven mitts.
  10. Let the corn cool for a few minutes before serving.

Steamed corn on the cob is delicious on its own, but you can also serve it with butter, salt, and pepper for additional flavor. Enjoy!

Serving and Seasoning the Corn

Once the corn on the cob is cooked to perfection, it’s time to serve and season it. There are numerous ways to enhance the flavor of your corn on the cob, and here are a few delicious options:

  • Butter and Salt: Spread a generous amount of butter on each ear of corn and sprinkle with salt. The combination of buttery richness and saltiness will take your corn on the cob to the next level.
  • Cheese: Grate some cheese, such as parmesan or cheddar, over the hot corn on the cob. The heat of the corn will melt the cheese, creating a gooey and indulgent topping.
  • Spicy: For those who prefer a kick of heat, sprinkle some chili powder, cayenne pepper, or hot sauce on the corn. This will add a spicy element that pairs perfectly with the sweetness of the corn.
  • Herbs and Spices: Experiment with different herbs and spices to find your favorite combination. Some popular options include garlic powder, paprika, cumin, or parsley.
  • Lime and Tajin: Squeeze fresh lime juice over the corn and sprinkle with Tajin seasoning, a blend of chili powder, lime, and salt. This Mexican-inspired combination adds a tangy and savory twist to the corn.
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When serving the corn on the cob, you can leave the husks on for a rustic presentation or remove them for a more refined look. Provide plenty of napkins or corn holders for your guests to hold the hot corn without burning their hands.

With these serving and seasoning options, you can easily cater to everyone’s taste preferences and create a memorable corn on the cob experience for your crowd.

FAQ

What is the best way to cook corn on the cob for a large group of people?

One of the best ways to cook corn on the cob for a large group of people is to boil it. Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a boil. Add the corn cobs and cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until the corn is tender. Drain the corn and serve it with butter and salt.

Is it possible to grill corn on the cob for a crowd?

Yes, it is definitely possible to grill corn on the cob for a crowd. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat and place the corn cobs directly on the grates. Cook for about 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally, until the kernels are tender and slightly charred. Serve the grilled corn with your favorite toppings like butter, cheese, or herbs.

Can I oven-roast corn on the cob for a large number of people?

Yes, you can oven-roast corn on the cob for a large number of people. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the corn cobs on a baking sheet lined with foil, and roast for about 20-25 minutes, or until the corn is tender and slightly browned. Serve the roasted corn with butter and any other desired toppings.

How can I keep the corn on the cob warm if I need to cook it in batches?

If you need to cook corn on the cob in batches, you can keep it warm by wrapping the cooked corn in foil and placing it in a preheated cooler. The insulation of the cooler will help to keep the corn warm for a longer period of time. Alternatively, you can also transfer the cooked corn to a slow cooker on the “warm” setting to keep it warm until ready to serve.

What are some different flavor options for seasoning corn on the cob?

There are many different flavor options for seasoning corn on the cob. Some popular choices include brushing the corn with melted butter and sprinkling it with salt and pepper, or seasoning it with a mixture of chili powder, lime juice, and grated Parmesan cheese. You can also experiment with different herbs and spices like garlic powder, paprika, or cayenne pepper to add a twist to the flavor of the corn.

What is the best way to cook corn on the cob for a crowd?

The best way to cook corn on the cob for a crowd is to boil it. Fill a large pot with water, bring it to a boil, and then add the corn cobs. Cook them for about 5-7 minutes until they are tender. You can then serve the corn on the cob with butter and salt.