Honey Butter Grilled Corn on the Cob

22 min | easy | clean eating, gluten-free, Mediterranean diet, vegetarian

Three grilled corn on the cob on a white plate, charred and glossy with honey-butter drizzle; honey jar and dipper blurred in the background.

Published May 19, 2025

Prep Time	Cook Time	Total Time
10 min	12 min	22 min

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Introduction

This honey butter grilled corn on the cob is smoky, sweet, and salty, with juicy kernels that pop in every bite.

It’s perfect for summer cookouts, weeknight grilling, or an easy side dish that feels a little extra special.

Brushing the hot corn with melted honey butter gives it a glossy finish and incredible flavor with almost no extra effort.

Ingredients (4 servings)

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Ingredients:

4 ears fresh corn on the cob, husks removed
2 Tbsp unsalted butter, melted
1 Tbsp honey (plus extra for drizzling)
1 tsp sea salt

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Four grilled corn cobs stacked on a plate, charred and glossy with honey-butter drizzle, with a small bowl of honey and a honey dipper blurred in the background.

How to Make Honey Butter Grilled Corn on the Cob

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Preheat the grill

Preheat your grill to medium-high heat, about 400°F, and clean the grates well with a grill brush.
Mix the honey butter

In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, honey, and sea salt until smooth and combined.

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Prep the corn

Pat the corn dry with paper towels so the honey butter sticks well and helps the kernels char evenly.
Grill the corn

Brush the corn lightly with the honey butter, then place it on the grill grates. Grill for 10 to 12 minutes, turning every few minutes, until the kernels are tender and nicely charred.
Finish and serve

Transfer the grilled corn to a platter and brush generously with any remaining honey butter. Drizzle with a little extra honey, if you like, and serve hot right off the grill.

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Three ears of grilled corn on the cob with charred spots on a white plate, drizzled with honey and butter; small bowls of honey and a honey dipper sit in the background.

Substitutions

Butter -> Vegan butter: Use a good quality vegan butter to keep the recipe dairy-free while still giving rich, melty flavor.
Honey -> Maple syrup: Swap the honey for pure maple syrup for a deeper caramel note and a slightly more smoky sweetness.
Sea salt -> Chili-lime seasoning: Replace the sea salt with chili-lime seasoning to add gentle heat and tang that balance the sweet honey butter.

Four grilled corn cobs stacked on a white plate, glossy with honey butter and charred in spots; honey drips on the plate with a small herb garnish, and a jar of honey with a dipper sits blurred in the background.

Tips

Avoid burning the honey: Honey burns fast, so keep the grill at medium-high and baste more heavily during the last few minutes.
Use two heat zones if you can: If your grill runs hot, leave one cooler zone so you can move corn off direct heat if needed.
Boost flavor after grilling: Finish with a sprinkle of flaky salt or crumbled cotija for extra texture and a savory contrast to the sweetness.
Make it kid friendly: Skip the extra drizzle of honey for very young kids and let them add their own at the table.

Nutrition Facts ^*

Energy	157	kcal
Protein	3	g
Total Fat	7	g
Carbohydrates	23	g
Dietary Fiber	2	g

^* Approximate, per serving.
Data source: USDA FoodData Central.

FAQ

How do I keep the corn from drying out on the grill?: Grill over medium-high, not high, and turn the corn every few minutes to prevent drying and scorching. Basting with honey butter during cooking also helps the kernels stay juicy.
Can I make this with frozen corn on the cob?: Yes, thaw the corn completely, then pat it very dry before brushing with honey butter. Grill time may be a bit shorter, so watch the color closely.
What if I do not have a grill?: Use a grill pan on the stove over medium-high heat and cook the corn the same way. Or broil on the top oven rack, turning often, until lightly charred and tender.
Can I prepare the honey butter in advance?: Yes, mix it up to three days ahead and store covered in the fridge. Warm gently before using so it brushes on smoothly.

Serving Suggestions

This honey butter grilled corn pairs beautifully with simple grilled chicken, burgers, or a big tossed salad.

For a fun twist, sprinkle with smoked paprika or crumbled bacon right before serving for an ultra-savory, smoky finish.

A squeeze of lime over the top brightens the sweetness and makes each bite taste extra fresh.

Recipe by Eunice.
“I learned to cook by standing in my grandma’s kitchen, watching her turn simple ingredients into meals that fed our entire family. That’s where it started. Today, I create recipes for real life, real kitchens, and anyone who wants good food without overthinking it.” Read more.