Smoky Traeger Corn on the Cob Recipe

Irresistible Smoky Traeger Corn on the Cob Recipe for Summer

Grilling corn on a smoky Traeger grill elevates summer barbecues to a whole new level of deliciousness.

Wood-fired flavor infuses each golden kernel with an irresistible smoky essence.

The method is surprisingly simple and delivers incredible results every time.

Charred edges and tender kernels create a mouthwatering side dish that steals the show at any cookout.

Fresh corn becomes a culinary masterpiece when kissed by hardwood smoke.

Each bite promises a perfect balance of sweetness and rich, smoky depth.

You’ll want to make this recipe the star of your next outdoor gathering.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 45 minutes

Total Time: 50 minutes

Calories: 285 kcal

Servings: 4

Traeger Corn on the Cob Ingredient Picks

For Corn Base:
  • Corn: Fresh, sweet kernels with vibrant green husks for maximum flavor and juiciness.
For Seasoning Enhancers:
  • Butter: Adds rich, creamy coating that helps spices adhere and creates golden exterior.
  • Salt: Amplifies natural corn sweetness and balances overall taste profile.
  • Black Pepper: Introduces subtle heat and depth to complement sweet corn.
  • Garlic Powder: Provides aromatic, savory undertone without overwhelming corn's natural flavor.
  • Smoked Paprika: Delivers subtle smoky essence that complements Traeger grilling technique.
For Preparation Support:
  • Vegetable Oil or Cooking Spray: Optional surface treatment to prevent potential sticking during grilling process.

Grill Tools to Char and Butter Corn Just Right

  • Traeger Grill: Essential for smoking and grilling the corn with perfect wood-fired flavor.
  • Basting Brush: Helps evenly coat corn with melted butter and seasonings.
  • Tongs: Perfect for turning corn safely and precisely during smoking and grilling stages.
  • Cutting Board: Provides clean surface for preparing corn and brushing with butter.
  • Sharp Knife: Useful for removing corn husks and silk before cooking.

How to Smoke and Roast Corn on a Pellet Grill

  • Fire Up the Traeger

Set your Traeger grill to a low and slow temperature of 225F, letting it warm up with the lid sealed tight for about 15 minutes to create the perfect smoky environment.

  • Undress and Season the Corn

Strip away the husks and silky threads from each ear of corn, then lovingly coat them with a layer of melted butter and a sprinkle of zesty seasonings to amp up the flavor.

  • Embrace the Smoke

Nestle the seasoned corn directly on the grill grates and let them soak up that incredible smoky goodness for roughly 30 minutes, giving them a gentle turn now and then to ensure even cooking.

  • Crank Up the Heat

Blast the Traeger temperature to 375F and continue grilling the corn for 10-15 minutes, rotating them frequently to achieve those gorgeous char marks and mouthwatering tenderness that’ll make everyone at the table go wild.

Compound Butter Ideas to Try With Corn

  • Try alternative spice blends such as Cajun seasoning, ranch powder, or everything bagel seasoning for a unique taste experience.
  • Replace butter with olive oil or vegan butter alternatives to make the recipe suitable for plant-based diets.
  • After grilling, sprinkle crumbled cotija cheese, parmesan, or nutritional yeast for an extra layer of deliciousness.
  • Partially cook the corn on the Traeger, then finish grilling just before serving to save time during meal preparation.

Serve Corn Hot and Juicy at BBQs

  • Backyard BBQ Platter: Arrange the grilled corn alongside juicy grilled meats like burgers or chicken for a classic summer spread that will impress your guests.
  • Mexican Street Corn Style: Crumble cotija cheese over the smoky corn, drizzle with chili-lime mayo, and sprinkle with chopped cilantro for a zesty, authentic twist.
  • Herb-Infused Corn Delight: Chop fresh herbs like basil or parsley and sprinkle over the grilled corn for a bright, aromatic finishing touch that elevates the smoky flavor.
  • Creamy Corn Salad Hack: Cut the grilled corn kernels off the cob and mix with diced red onions, bell peppers, and a light mayo dressing for a quick and delicious side dish.

Store Corn on the Cob While Keeping It Juicy

  • Grill multiple ears of corn during one cooking session. Wrap extra cooked corn in aluminum foil for quick reheating throughout the week, ensuring delicious side dishes are always ready.
  • Store grilled corn in airtight containers for up to 4 days. Keep corn whole or slice kernels off the cob before chilling to maximize storage space and versatility in future meals.
  • Cut cooled corn kernels from the cob and place in freezer-safe bags. Seal tightly, removing excess air, and freeze for up to 3 months. Perfect for adding smoky flavor to soups, salads, and casseroles during off-season months.
  • Repurpose grilled corn by chopping into salsa, mixing into cornbread, tossing in salads, or blending into creamy chowders. Each method revives the smoky, grilled taste with minimal effort.
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Smoky Traeger Corn on the Cob Recipe

Smoky Traeger Corn on the Cob Recipe


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4.6 from 23 reviews

  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 5 1x

Description

Smoky Traeger Corn on the Cob delivers summer’s sweetest grilled magic straight from the heartland. Juicy kernels kissed by wood-fired flavor promise a mouthwatering side dish that’ll make barbecue enthusiasts cheer with delight.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 ears fresh corn, husked
  • 4 tbsps butter, melted
  • ¼ cup Parmesan cheese, grated (optional)
  • 1 tsp salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • ½ tsp garlic powder
  • ½ tsp smoked paprika (optional)
  • ¼ tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
  • Parsley, fresh chopped (for garnish)
  • Lime wedges (for serving)

Instructions

  1. Grill Preparation: Set Traeger to 225°F, allowing it to warm up for 10-15 minutes with closed lid, ensuring even temperature distribution.
  2. Corn Transformation: Strip corn of husks and silk, generously coating each ear with melted butter and sprinkling with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika for robust flavor enhancement.
  3. Smoking Stage: Position corn directly on Traeger grates, smoking for 30 minutes and rotating periodically to guarantee uniform heat exposure and consistent cooking.
  4. Final Grilling: Elevate temperature to 375°F, grilling corn for additional 10-15 minutes and rotating frequently to achieve perfect caramelization and tender texture with subtle charred edges.

Notes

  • Use unsalted butter for better flavor control and to prevent excessive saltiness when seasoning the corn.
  • Monitor grill temperature closely to prevent burning and ensure even, smoky caramelization.
  • Experiment with different spice blends like chili powder, cayenne, or herbs to customize flavor profiles.
  • Wrap corn in foil during smoking to retain natural juices and prevent drying out if concerned about texture.
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
  • Method: Grilling
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 5
  • Calories: 120
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 200 mg
  • Fat: 7 g
  • Saturated Fat: 4 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 15 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 3 g
  • Cholesterol: 10 mg
William Hawkins

William Hawkins

Founder & Culinary Director

Expertise

  • Modern American and Southern Cuisine
  • Farm-to-Table Practices
  • Restaurant Concept Development
  • Culinary Education and Mentorship​

Education

Sullivan University, Louisville, KY

  • Degree: Associate of Science in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Focused on mastering culinary methods and food science, immersive externships, hands‑on training in industry‑standard kitchen labs, and equipping graduates for roles in restaurant operations.

William Hawkins isn’t just a chef, he’s a storyteller through food. From his hometown of Louisville, KY, he’s spent years refining his craft, turning local ingredients into something extraordinary. 

With classical training from Sullivan University and a career marked by innovation, mentorship, and Southern soul, William approaches every recipe with purpose. His kitchen is where old techniques meet fresh ideas, and where comfort food gets a thoughtful, modern twist. 

When he’s not building dishes from the ground up, he’s out gathering inspiration from nature, markets, and the stories people share around the table.

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