How To Cook Frozen Corn On The Cob (2024)

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Corn on the cob is a classic side dish, but fresh corn season doesn’t last forever. Learn how to cook frozen corn on the cob in several different ways so you can easily enjoy delicious corn all year long.

Suitable for gluten free and vegetarian diets. Post includes Weight Watchers points.

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How To Cook Frozen Corn On The Cob (1)

The summer months are ideal for enjoying perfectly cooked corn on the cob slathered with butter.

The sweet corn is bright and fresh, and whether you prefer grilled corn, boiled corn, or roasted corn, fresh corn on the cob is hard to beat.But, what happens when you don’t have fresh corn?

The good news is that you don’t have to quit enjoying corn on the cob just because summer is over. It is so easy to freeze corn on the cob for later use and enjoy it all year long.

You can also buy frozen corn cobs at your grocery store if you know how to cook frozen corn on the cob.

Friends, you’re in luck! Because this guide will teach you everything you need to know about how to cook frozen corn on the cob and provide you with several methods and recipes that will have you cooking frozen corn like a pro!

And if you like corn why not check out this how to cook Frozen Corn On the Cob In Air Fryer and this How To Cook Canned Corn, and How To Cook Frozen Carrots.

How To Cook Frozen Corn On The Cob (2)

Why Make This Recipe

  • Various Methods – Cooking frozen corn is simple to do with your favorite kitchen appliance.
  • Fast – Learn how to cook frozen corn on the cob in just minutes that are juicy and flavorful.
  • Enjoy Corn All Year – Frozen corn is so easy to cook all year round, and keeping some on hand is a great way to preserve your own corn or fresh corn from a farmer’s market when it’s plentiful during the summer months.

Ingredient Notes

  • Frozen Corn on The Cob – Find it in the freezer section of the grocery store. You could also freeze fresh corn when it is in season to use all year long.
  • Butter – This is optional, but adds amazing flavor.
  • Salt – Sprinkle with salt or other seasonings, as desired.
How To Cook Frozen Corn On The Cob (3)

Ready to make this frozen corn on the cob? Gather your ingredients and I will show you…

How To Cook Frozen Corn on the Cob on Stove Top

Get the complete ingredients list and instructions from the recipe card below.

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil over medium heat.
  2. Place the ears of frozen corn into the boiling water.
  3. Return the water to a boil and cook corn for 3-6 minutes until the corn kernels are tender.
  4. Drain carefully or remove the hot corn with tongs.
  5. Top with butter and season with salt, as desired.
How To Cook Frozen Corn On The Cob (4)

How To Cook Frozen Corn On The Cob in Oven

  1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F / 200 degrees C / gas mark 6.
  2. Place ears on foil, add butter on top and salt or seasoning if you want, and wrap up individually.
  3. Bake for 15-22 minutes, turning halfway through.
  4. Cook until the corn on the cob is defrosted and cooked through – time depends on the size of the corn.
  5. Let stand a few minutes to cool down before serving.
How To Cook Frozen Corn On The Cob (5)

How To Cook Frozen Corn On The Cob On The Grill

  1. Preheat the grill to medium high heat.
  2. Place individual frozen ears of corn on the cob onto aluminum foil.
  3. Add butter and seasoning or salt on top of the frozen ears and wrap tightly with aluminum foil.
  4. Grill for 12-20 minutes. Give the corn on the cob a quarter turn every few minutes.
  5. Cook corn until defrosted and cooked through – time depends on the size of the corn on the cob.
  6. Let stand a few minutes to cool down before adding melted butter and serving.
How To Cook Frozen Corn On The Cob (6)

How To Cook Frozen Corn On The Cob In The Microwave

  1. Placea quarter cup of water in the bottom of a microwave-safe dish.
  2. Place the frozen corn on the cob into the dish.
  3. Cover the dish with plastic wrap, leaving a small space on the edge for steam to escape.
  4. Microwave on high for 2 and 6 minutes (depending on size) or until the corn is heated through and the corn kernels are tender.
  5. Allow the corn on the cob to sit for a few minutes, then drain and remove to a serving dish. Spread with butter before serving.

How To Cook Frozen Corn on the Cob in Air Fryer

  1. Place 6-8 pieces of frozen corn into your air fryer basket.
  2. Brush the corn on the cob with melted butter.
  3. Air fry corn on the cob at 375 degrees F / 190 degrees C for 8-11 minutes or until fully cooked and corn is starting to brown. Turn halfway through cooking.
How To Cook Frozen Corn On The Cob (7)

Expert Tips

  • Check corn for freezer burn. Corn freezes well for several months then becomes prone to freezer burn. Discard if the corn looks shriveled and white.
  • Place frozen corn into the desired cooking vessel. There is no need to thaw the corn first.
  • Experiment to discover the cooking process that works best for you.
  • Use a lid when boiling water to conserve energy and boil frozen corn faster.
  • When microwaving corn, leave a vent space in the plastic wrap that is covering the dish.
  • Don’t freeze corn after it has been thoroughly cooked, as it can become mushy.
  • Brush cooked corn with olive oil or melted butter before sprinkling with herbs, kosher salt, or seasoning.
  • Corn on the cob will be very hot. Carefully remove corn with a pair of tongs. Place corn on a serving platter or plate and allow the corn to cool slightly before eating.

Delicious Variations

  • Top It Off – Melted butter and salt are the most traditional toppings for corn, but it’s easy to switch things up for more flavor. Sprinkle on a bit of parmesan cheese or some fresh herbs.
  • Swap the butter – instead of butter, use olive oil to reduce saturated fats. Try a bit of garlic powder, dried herbs, chili powder, or your favorite seasoning blend.
How To Cook Frozen Corn On The Cob (8)

Prep And Storage

  • Prep Ahead – Depending on the method, you may need to boil water or wrap the corn in foil. There is no need to thaw frozen corn on the cob.
  • Store – Store leftover cooked corn in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
  • Freeze – Uncooked corn can be frozen for months. We don’t recommend refreezing fully cooked corn on the cob as the texture can become mushy.
  • Reheat – Wrap corn with a damp paper towel and reheat in the microwave until warm.

FAQs

Can I Cook Frozen Corn With A Steamer Basket?

Instead of boiling corn, you can cook it in a large pot with a steamer basket. Simply pour a small amount of water into the pot, add the basket, fill with corn and cover the pot. Cook over high heat until the corn is warmed through.

How To Cook Uncooked Frozen Corn On The Cob?

Frozen corn on the cob is usually partially cooked by blanching (they boil corn for a few moments, then dunk it into cold water) before it is quickly frozen. Raw corn is perfectly safe to eat, but no one wants to bite down on frozen corn kernels.

You can boil corn on the cob, cook it in the microwave or the air fryer, you can bake frozen corn on the cob in the oven, or cook it on the grill. There are many ways how to cook frozen corn on the cob, and most methods take less than 20 minutes.

How Long To Cook Frozen Corn On The Cob?

The time it takes to cook frozen corn on the cob will vary depending on your selected cooking method. Microwaving corn can take as few as 2-3 minutes. Boiling corn is almost as fast, but requires time for the water to come up to a boil. Grilling corn takes a little longer.

How To Cook Frozen Corn On The Cob (9)

More Recipes You May Like

  • Frozen Corn on the Cob in Air Fryer.
  • Easy Instant Pot Corn on the Cob.
  • Mexican Air Fryer Corn on the Cob.
  • How to Boil Broccoli.
  • Grilled Broccoli.
  • EasyInstant Pot Broccoli.
  • Air Fryer Frozen Broccoli.
  • How To Steam Broccoli In Microwave.
  • OvenRoasted Frozen Broccoli.
  • How To Cook Frozen Brussel Sprouts.
  • Roasted Frozen Brussel Sprouts.
  • Air Fryer Brussel Sprouts.
  • Instant Pot Brussels Sprouts.
  • How To Cook Frozen Carrots Recipe.
  • How To Cook Frozen Meatballs.

Serving Suggestions

  • Baked Chicken Leg Quarters.
  • Smoky Air Fryer Ribs.
  • Grilled Chicken Kabobs.

Weight Watchers Points

There are 2 Blue Plan SmartPoints in one serving of this.

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How To Cook Frozen Corn On The Cob (10)

Print Recipe

5 from 4 votes

How To Cook Frozen Corn On The Cob

Enjoy cooked frozen corn on the cob all year long.

Prep Time15 minutes mins

Cook Time6 minutes mins

Total Time21 minutes mins

Course: Side Dish

Cuisine: American, Western

Diet: Gluten Free

Servings: 4

Calories: 128kcal

Author: Bintu Hardy

Ingredients

  • 4-8 ears frozen corn on the cob frozen half or whole ears
  • 2 tablespoons butter optional
  • salt to taste

Instructions

  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil over medium heat.

  • Place the ears of frozen corn into the boiling water.

  • Return the water to a boil and cook corn for 3-6 minutes until the corn kernels are tender.

  • Drain carefully or remove the hot corn with tongs.

  • Dot with butter and season with salt as desired.

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Notes

  • Check corn for freezer burn. Corn freezes well for several months then becomes prone to freezer burn. Discard if the corn looks shriveled and white.
  • Place frozen corn into the desired cooking vessel. There is no need to thaw the corn first.
  • Experiment to discover the cooking process that works best for you.
  • Use a lid when boiling water to conserve energy and boil frozen corn faster.
  • When microwaving corn, leave a vent space in the plastic wrap that is covering the dish.
  • Don’t freeze corn after it has been thoroughly cooked, as it can become mushy.
  • Brush cooked corn with olive oil or melted butter before sprinkling with herbs, kosher salt or seasoning.
  • Corn on the cob will be very hot. Carefully remove corn with a pair of tongs. Place corn on a serving platter or plate and allow the corn to cool slightly before eating.
  • Storage – keep cooked corn on the cob wrapped in foil or in an airtight container inside the fridge for up to 4 days.
  • There are 2 WW Blue Plan SmartPoints in one serving of this.

Nutrition

Calories: 128kcal | Carbohydrates: 17g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 7g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 15mg | Sodium: 59mg | Potassium: 245mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 6g | Vitamin A: 343IU | Vitamin C: 6mg | Calcium: 3mg | Iron: 1mg

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How To Cook Frozen Corn On The Cob (2024)

FAQs

How do you cook frozen corn on the cob? ›

Fill a large pot with water at least halfway and bring to a boil. Add frozen corn, cover, and return to a boil. Once boiling, remove the cover and boil 5-7 minutes or until hot and the kernels are tender. Serve with butter and salt.

Do you need to thaw frozen corn before cooking? ›

Each method has a different cooking time, but cooking on the stove is the easiest preparation, as it takes just 5 minutes. Does frozen corn need to be thawed before cooking? No, it can be cooked straight from the freezer.

Why is my frozen corn on the cob mushy? ›

If you don't cook the corn on the cob before freezing it, the texture will be gummy and mushy when you defrost it. Not ideal! Simply blanching the corn (see above) will give you the best texture.

How do you defrost and cook frozen corn on the cob? ›

Place frozen cobs, still wrapped, in the microwave for three to four minutes. Unwrap the cobs and pat them dry before grilling. Reheat in boiling water. To thaw corn on the stovetop, add unwrapped frozen corn cobs directly to a pot of boiling water on high heat for three to four minutes until tender.

Is it better to boil or microwave corn on the cob? ›

Microwave corn on the cob is the BEST way to cook fresh corn! The corn steams in the husks and locks in the moisture, resulting in juicy, flavorful corn that's quick and easy to make with minimal effort.

How do you boil freezer corn? ›

Stovetop: Unwrap the frozen cobs of corn. Place them in a large stockpot and add enough water to cover the corn. Bring the water to a boil over high heat. Then, turn the heat to medium, cover the pan, and cook for 6-8 minutes, until heated through.

Is it OK to boil frozen corn on the cob? ›

Unsurprisingly, frozen cobs take longer to boil than their fresh counterparts. Add them to boiling water, lower the heat, and cook them for about 5–8 minutes. Enjoy the taste of summer year-round with these recipes that incorporate frozen corn: Corn muffins.

Can you put frozen corn in boiling water? ›

Cook the frozen corn

Using tongs, add the frozen corn to the boiling water. Cook for 5-8 minutes or until the corn is bright yellow and cooked through.

How long does it take to cook frozen corn in the oven? ›

How To Cook Frozen Corn On The Cob in Oven
  1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F / 200 degrees C / gas mark 6.
  2. Place ears on foil, add butter on top and salt or seasoning if you want, and wrap up individually.
  3. Bake for 15-22 minutes, turning halfway through.
Jul 20, 2022

How do you not overcook corn on the cob? ›

While the best corn on the cob recipes gives you crunchy and sweet corn to sink your teeth into, a batch of overcooked corn will be more mushy. But as long as you turn the water off after bringing it back to a boil, the corn can sit in the hot water for up to half an hour without overcooking.

Why does my corn on the cob taste rubbery? ›

You Overcook It. Avoid cooking corn for too long. "If you have super fresh corn — which can even be eaten raw — it's a waste of time to cook for the common recommended time of 20 [or more] minutes," says Jones. Overcooking can also result in chewy and firm kernels.

Why is my corn on the cob tasteless? ›

Not enough nutrients, nitrogen in particular. Corn is a big user of nitrogen and if there isn't enough at the time the ear is filling, it can prevent the ear from completely developing. Manure this fall or compost in the spring can provide nutrients or a garden fertilizer that has nitrogen in it.

Can you cook corn on the cob in the oven from frozen? ›

Oven Roasted Corn on the Cob is a staple in the summer months, but we love it all year long. Easily cook corn on the cob in the oven for an intense, sweet, roasted flavor. You can even cook it straight from frozen!

How long does it take to cook frozen corn on the cob in the husk in the microwave? ›

Place the corn in a microwave-safe dish that also has a microwave-safe lid, like a glass lid. Add enough water to the bottom of the dish to be about 1/2 inch deep. Cover the dish and pop it in the microwave. Cook 4-6 ears on high for 14-15 minutes.

Is 30 minutes too long to boil corn? ›

Boil the corn over a long period of time.

Some recipes claim that 10-20 minutes of boiling is enough, but a long boil makes all the difference when it comes to tender kernels. 45 minutes is the sweet spot!

What is the best cooking technique for corn? ›

Boiling is a gentle way to cook corn, and yields tender, golden kernels.
  1. Remove the husks and silks from the corn.
  2. Bring a large pot of water to a boil.
  3. Add the corn to the boiling water and cook, uncovered, until the yellow color has intensified and the kernels are plump and tender, roughly 3-5 minutes.

Do you cook corn in boiling water or cold water? ›

Bring the pot of COLD water to a boil. Using a pair of tongs, carefully drop each ear of corn into the pot. Cover the pot and return the water to a boil. Boil the corn for 5-7 minutes or until done.

How many minutes do you boil a corn? ›

How long to boil corn on the cob? Boil the corn until the kernels turn bright yellow and are crisp tender, 4 to 5 minutes. Carefully remove from the water with tongs to a serving platter and serve warm.

Is frozen corn cooked first? ›

Typically the corn you'll find frozen at the grocery store has been blanched prior to freezing. This is a great option for freezing at home as well because it makes the corn even easier to use, as the cooking is already done.

Is frozen corn already blanched? ›

Blanching, followed by chilling in ice water, are critical processes for producing quality frozen corn. The natural enzymes in corn need to be inactivated before freezing to prevent both loss of color and nutrients, and flavor and texture changes. These enzymes are inactivated by a hot blanch treatment.

What does milk do when boiling corn? ›

Boiling corn on the cob brings out its natural sweetness. But if you want an even juicier and sweeter crisp-tender bite, swap out some of the water for milk. The milk enhances the flavor and texture. It also infuses the corn on the cob with milk and butter, resulting in salty, buttery kernels.

Can you overcook boiled corn on the cob? ›

Yes, you can boil corn too long. If you leave the cobs in boiling water for too long, the corn's starch content will absorb too much water and its pectin will dissolve, yielding kernels with a soggy texture.

Do you have to boil frozen sweetcorn? ›

“But we need to remember frozen sweetcorn and other frozen vegetables are raw food, so are not ready to eat, and we need to make sure they are heated or cooked adequately before they are eaten or added to salads.

Should you add sugar to the water when boiling corn? ›

Add Salt or Sugar (or Milk)

One of the simplest ways to enhance the flavor of boiled corn is by adding salt or sugar. Adding salt helps to bring out the natural sweetness of the corn, while sugar enhances the sweetness of the corn if it's not as sweet as expected.

How do you know when corn is done in boiling water? ›

How do you know when boiled corn on the cob is done? When the corn on the cob is fully cooked the yellow color of the corn is more intense. The kernels are plumper and more tender. You can test it by pricking a kernel with the tip of a sharp knife.

Can you cook corn without boiling water? ›

Remove husk and silk from ear of corn. Wet a paper towel, then wring it out so it's still moist. Wrap the moist towel around the ear of corn and place it on a microwave-safe plate. Cook in the microwave until kernels are tender but still crisp when poked with a knife, 3 to 5 minutes.

How long to cook frozen corn in airfryer? ›

You'll want to preheat your air fryer to 400F for 3-5 minutes. Air Fry The Frozen Corn. Place frozen corn in your air fryer basket and set the timer for 12 minutes even though you may not use all that time. At the 5-7 minute mark, flip the corn with tongs and cook for another 5-8 minutes until it's cooked through.

Are there any benefits to eating corn? ›

Corn is rich in vitamin C, an antioxidant that helps protect your cells from damage and wards off diseases like cancer and heart disease. Yellow corn is a good source of the carotenoids lutein and zeaxanthin, which are good for eye health and help prevent the lens damage that leads to cataracts.

Why is my corn hard after boiling? ›

The most likely culprit of that blah, starchy, diluted chalk water flavor and hard, dense texture is that the corn is too old, and has had time to dry out and convert some of its sugars to starches.

Why is my corn still hard after cooking? ›

If your corn is still hard, tough, or even chewy after it's boiled, it can be a result of two factors. For one thing, you may have over-cooked your corn. Set a time to ensure your corn isn't boiling for too long. Another reason might be the freshness of your corn.

Is it bad to over boil corn? ›

Yes, it is possible to over-boil corn. Overcooking your corn can result in chewy, or even firm kernels, according to allrecipes.com. Be sure to keep an eye on your corn while boiling it to prevent overcooking.

How long can you leave corn on the cob in water? ›

The corn can stay in the hot water for up to 30 minutes.

What makes corn sweeter? ›

It's all about sugar. Not cane sugar or beet sugar, but natural sugars that occur in plants. Sweet corn kernels have a very high sugar content when harvested at right time.

Can I add taste to a corn? ›

If you can't find a sweet corn, a dash of sugar or a tad of honey (do you know how much a tad is?) will boost bland flavor.

Do you drain frozen corn? ›

Frozen corn should become tender in a skillet in only a few minutes, however, you may need to continue cooking the corn, for about 10-12 minutes, if you would like to brown, or caramelize, the corn. Drain the corn on a paper towel.

Do I have to defrost? ›

Harmful bacteria can grow in food that is not defrosted properly. SAFETY POINT WHY? HOW DO YOU DO THIS? Food should be thoroughly defrosted before cooking (unless the manufacturer's instructions tell you to cook from frozen or you have a proven safe method).

Can you cut corn off the cob cook it and then freeze it? ›

You can freeze the corn cooked or uncooked.

Blanching the corn first does help to preserve some of the flavor and texture of fresh corn. It's a little more involved than just cutting the corn off the cob and putting it into bags.

How long to cook frozen sweetcorn? ›

To cook it properly and make sure you retain more of its vitamins, it's always best to microwave it straight from the freezer. Place the amount of sweetcorn you need in a microwaveable bowl with a tablespoon of water. Set your microwave on a higher setting, and leave it between 3-4 ½ minutes (depending on the setting).

Can you grill frozen corn on the cob in the husk? ›

Do You Need To Thaw Frozen Corn On The Cob Before Using? No! Frozen corn cobs can be grilled straight from the freezer.

What is the difference between corn and corn on the cob? ›

A corncob, also called corn cob, cob of corn, or corn on the cob, is the central core of an ear of corn (also known as maize). It is the part of the ear on which the kernels grow.

How long do you cook frozen corn on the cob in the husk? ›

How to Cook Frozen Corn on the Cob in the Husk
  1. 1 ear – 2 minutes.
  2. 2 ears – 4 minutes.
  3. 3 ears – 5 minutes.
  4. 4 ears – 6 minutes.
Jun 26, 2019

How much time do you boil corn? ›

4. How long to boil corn on the cob? Boil the corn until the kernels turn bright yellow and are crisp tender, 4 to 5 minutes. Carefully remove from the water with tongs to a serving platter and serve warm.

Is it better to cook corn in the husk? ›

Don't remove the husk before cooking corn on the cob. "When you leave the husk on, you can speed up the cooking process and maintain a more tender texture for your corn.

How long does corn stay in the oven? ›

Expect to roast corn in the oven for approximately 20 to 25 minutes at 425°F, turning halfway through. For lower temps, cook longer. For instance, a 350°F oven requires about 30 minutes of cook time.

Do you cover corn when boiling? ›

Add the corn to the boiling water and cook, uncovered, until the kernels are tender and golden. Exactly how long to boil corn on the cob will vary based on how much you're cooking and how you like your corn.

Can you overcook corn on the cob? ›

What happens when you over cook corn on the cob? If you overcook your corn on the cob, it's still edible - it's just chewy. While the best corn on the cob recipes gives you crunchy and sweet corn to sink your teeth into, a batch of overcooked corn will be more mushy.

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