Traeger Corn on the Cob Recipe

Juicy Traeger Corn on the Cob Recipe: Smoky Summer Bliss

Summer barbecues reach new heights with this mouthwatering traeger corn on the cob recipe that promises unbelievable smoky flavor.

Charcoal grills can’t compare to the rich, wood-fired taste you’ll experience.

Wood pellets infuse each kernel with incredible depth and complexity.

Perfectly seasoned and kissed by smoky heat, these golden ears transform into something magical.

Salt, butter, and a sprinkle of fresh herbs create an irresistible combination that makes everyone’s mouth water.

Smoky, sweet, and absolutely addictive, this corn will be the star of any outdoor gathering.

Grill masters and home cooks alike will fall in love with this simple yet spectacular side dish.

Fire up that traeger and get ready to become the neighborhood grilling legend.

Why Traeger Corn on the Cob Comes Out Extra Smoky

  • This recipe transforms ordinary corn into a mouthwatering delicacy with deep, smoky Traeger grill magic that elevates the vegetable's natural sweetness.
  • Minimal ingredients and straightforward steps make this corn recipe perfect for beginners, requiring just butter, seasonings, and basic grilling techniques anyone can master.
  • Ideal for backyard barbecues, family gatherings, and casual cookouts, this corn recipe adds a gourmet touch to classic outdoor meals that will impress guests with minimal effort.
  • Combines nutritious corn with a light cooking method that preserves nutrients, uses minimal added fats, and creates a delicious side dish packed with natural flavors and smoky goodness.

What You’ll Need to Smoke Corn the Right Way

Main Ingredients:

Corn on the Cob: – Fresh corn with husks removed, sweet and tender vegetable perfect for smoking and grilling. Best when corn is in season and kernels are plump and firm.

Butter: – Rich, creamy ingredient for adding flavor and helping seasonings stick to corn. Unsalted butter recommended for better flavor control.

Seasoning Blend:
  • Salt, Black Pepper, Garlic Powder, Smoked Paprika: Classic spice combination that enhances corn's natural sweetness and adds depth of smoky, savory notes. Fresh ground spices provide more intense flavor.
Cooking Ingredients:
  • Traeger Grill: Wood pellet grill that provides consistent temperature and smoky flavor to the corn. Requires wood pellets for smoking process.

How to Cook Corn on the Cob Using a Traeger

Step 1: Warm Up The Grill

Activate your Traeger grill by setting the temperature to 225°F. Close the lid and let it preheat for 10-15 minutes, allowing the internal temperature to stabilize and create the perfect smoking environment.

Step 2: Prepare Fresh Corn

  • Remove husks and silk from corn ears
  • Melt butter
  • Apply melted butter generously across corn surfaces
  • Sprinkle seasonings including

* Salt

* Black pepper

* Garlic powder

* Smoked paprika

Step 3: Slow Smoke Corn

Place corn ears directly onto Traeger grates. Close the lid and smoke for approximately 30 minutes. Rotate corn periodically to ensure consistent cooking and prevent potential burning.

Step 4: Intensify Grilling Heat

Increase Traeger temperature to 375°F. Continue grilling corn for 10-15 minutes, turning every few minutes. Watch for slight charring and tenderness as indicators of perfect doneness.

Step 5: Serve And Enjoy

Remove corn from grill. Allow to cool slightly. Serve immediately while maintaining optimal warmth and smoky flavor.

Tips for Getting Juicy Kernels with a Charred Finish

  • Butter Basting Technique: Brush corn with melted butter before and during grilling to enhance flavor and prevent dryness, creating a rich, golden exterior.
  • Seasoning Variations: Experiment with different spice blends like chili powder, herbs, or parmesan cheese to customize the corn's flavor profile and keep things exciting.
  • Even Cooking Strategy: Rotate corn frequently during smoking and grilling to ensure uniform heat distribution and prevent uneven charring or cold spots.
  • Smoke Intensity Control: Use mild wood pellets like apple or hickory to add subtle smoky flavor without overwhelming the corn's natural sweetness.
  • Doneness Check Method: Look for slightly charred kernels and a tender texture as indicators that the corn is perfectly cooked and ready to serve.

How to Store and Reheat Smoked Corn on the Cob

  • Store leftover corn in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping it fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
  • Cover corn with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent moisture loss and maintain its juicy texture.
  • Warm corn on a preheated grill at 250F for 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally to prevent drying out and preserve its smoky flavor.
  • Sprinkle a few drops of water before reheating to help restore the corn's tenderness and prevent it from becoming tough.

Flavor Pairings for Smoked Corn You’ll Love

  • Complement the rich, smoky corn with crisp, zesty white wines like sauvignon blanc that cut through the buttery richness and enhance the grilled notes.
  • Match the corn with grilled chicken or pulled pork, as their robust flavors harmonize beautifully with the smoked corn's deep, caramelized profile.
  • Serve alongside a tangy coleslaw or bright southwestern salad to balance the corn's smoky intensity and add a refreshing crunch to your plate.
  • Cool down the smoky heat with a light, citrusy craft beer or a crisp margarita that provides a bright, zesty counterpoint to the grilled corn's deep flavors.

Creative Seasoning Ideas for Traeger Corn

  • Herb-Infused Corn: Swap smoked paprika with fresh chopped herbs like basil, thyme, or rosemary for a garden-fresh flavor profile.
  • Spicy Mexican Street Corn Style: Brush corn with mayonnaise after grilling, then sprinkle with chili powder, cotija cheese, and lime zest for a zesty kick.
  • Vegan Butter Alternative: Replace dairy butter with olive oil or plant-based butter for a dairy-free version that maintains moisture and richness.
  • Low-Sodium Option: Eliminate salt and use salt-free seasoning blends or fresh herb combinations to reduce sodium while keeping intense flavor complexity.

FAQs on Traeger Corn on the Cob

  • Can I use frozen corn instead of fresh corn?

No, this recipe works best with fresh corn on the cob. Frozen corn won’t have the same texture or smoky flavor when grilled.

  • Do I need to soak the corn before grilling?

No soaking is necessary for this Traeger recipe. Simply remove the husks, brush with butter, and season before smoking and grilling.

  • What if I don't have smoked paprika?

You can substitute with regular paprika or skip it altogether. The corn will still be delicious with just salt, pepper, and garlic powder.

  • Can I prepare corn ahead of time?

It’s best to grill corn right before serving to maintain its fresh, smoky flavor and optimal texture. Preparing too far in advance might make the corn lose its crispness.

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Traeger Corn on the Cob Recipe

Traeger Corn on the Cob Recipe


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4.8 from 35 reviews

  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Smoky Grilled Corn on the Cob sizzles with rustic Southwestern charm, bringing wood-fired flavor to summer’s favorite side dish. Crisp kernels caramelize perfectly, delivering a mouthwatering blend of spices and char that will elevate any backyard gathering.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 4 ears fresh corn, husked

Seasonings:

  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper

Additions and Toppings:

  • 4 tablespoons butter, melted
  • ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Fresh chopped parsley
  • Lime wedges

Instructions

  1. Ignite the Traeger pellet grill to a low-temperature setting of 225°F, ensuring the lid remains sealed during the initial warm-up phase for approximately 10-15 minutes.
  2. Strip away the protective husks and delicate silk strands from each corn ear, meticulously preparing the surface for seasoning.
  3. Generously coat the corn with a luscious layer of melted butter, then sprinkle a harmonious blend of salt, freshly ground black pepper, aromatic garlic powder, and smoky paprika across the kernels.
  4. Carefully position the seasoned corn ears directly onto the grill grates, allowing them to absorb the rich, woody smoke for roughly 30 minutes, gently rotating periodically to guarantee uniform exposure.
  5. Elevate the grill’s temperature to a robust 375°F, transforming the smoking phase into a dynamic grilling experience that will caramelize the exterior and intensify the corn’s natural sweetness.
  6. Continue grilling for an additional 10-15 minutes, diligently turning the ears every few moments to achieve a perfect balance of char and tenderness, creating a tantalizing exterior with a succulent interior.

Notes

  • Check corn freshness by looking for bright green husks and plump, tight kernels that squish when gently pressed.
  • Soak corn in cold water for 15 minutes before grilling to prevent burning and add extra moisture during smoking process.
  • Experiment with alternative seasoning blends like Cajun spice, Mexican chili lime, or herb-infused butter for diverse flavor profiles.
  • For vegetarian or dairy-free options, replace butter with olive oil or coconut oil and use plant-based seasoning alternatives that deliver robust taste.
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
  • Method: Grilling
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 285
  • Sugar: 8 g
  • Sodium: 250 mg
  • Fat: 15 g
  • Saturated Fat: 6 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 30 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 5 g
  • Cholesterol: 20 mg
Jessica Martinez

Jessica Martinez

Pastry Chef & Recipe Developer

Expertise

Organic Baking Techniques, Gluten-Free Recipe Development, Southwestern Dessert Specialties, Food Styling and Photography

Education

Santa Fe Community College (SFCC)

  • Program: Certificate in Patisserie
  • Focus: Cultivating disciplined kitchen preparation for a safe, organized, and sanitary workstation; mastering the timely production of nutritious, visually appealing pastries; safely operating standard pastry equipment; and honing core patissier techniques for professional pastry work.

Jessica brings the sweet side to Urban Organic with her passion for baking and love for the Southwest. She trained at Santa Fe Community College and has built a career creating beautiful, gluten-free, and organic desserts that feel both nostalgic and new.

She believes baking should be fun, creative, and open to everyone, no matter your diet or skill level. Jessica’s recipes are simple enough to follow, but special enough to remember.

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