How to Reheat Corn on the Cob

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Is there any vegetable quite as satisfying as corn on the cob? This food has it all. It’s tasty, nutritious, and one of the most fun foods to eat.

Because corn on the cob is so good, I tend to make a lot of it, which usually means there is some left over. Before you toss those tasty uneaten cobs in the trash at the end of the barbeque, know that it is possible to reheat corn on the cob to enjoy later―without it getting mushy or chewy.

So how do you reheat corn on the cob so it tastes just as good as fresh-cooked? The best way to reheat corn on the cob is in the oven at 350 degrees for 5 minutes. This method delivers flavorful, juicy corn every time.

But, if you don’t have the time to preheat the oven, we’ve got a few other methods that work pretty well―and pretty fast! Keep reading to find out more.

4 Ways to Reheat Corn on the Cob

Whether you have a couple of minutes or all evening to commit to reheating your corn on the cob, we’ve got you covered with these four tried-and-true methods.

How to Reheat Corn on the Cob in the Microwave

The microwave is certainly the fastest and simplest way to reheat corn on the cob. But it can be tricky to get your leftovers tasting fresh this way. The key is to heat the cob in short bursts with rotations in between. This prevents hot spots that can cause chewy or deflated kernels.

  1. Place the corn on the cob in a microwave-safe dish with a loose-fitting lid or damp towel placed across the top.
  2. Cook for 10 seconds on 50% power.
  3. Rotate the cob and cook for another 10 to 20 seconds.
  4. Continue with these short bursts and rotations until the entire cob is warmed up.

On the positive side, the microwave is the most energy-efficient way of reheating corn on the cob. And, with careful attention, it can provide some tasty results.

On the downside, using the microwave requires some trial and error. If yours cooks too hot or too unevenly, you could end up with exploded kernels on one side and cold kernels on the other.

How to Reheat Corn on the Cob in Boiling Water

Boiling corn on the cob in a pot of water

Using boiling water to reheat your cob of corn is a straightforward way to get fresh-tasting cobs from last night’s dinner. It takes a little more time since you have to get the water boiling, but it goes fairly quickly after that.

  1. Bring your pot of water to a boil.
  2. Drop in your unseasoned cobs.
  3. Cook for about 1 to 2 minutes until each cob is heated through.
  4. Pull the corn out and dress it with your favorite vegan butter or seasoning before it has a chance to cool.

This method works well because it’s easy to get the timing right once you’ve tried it a couple of times. It’s also the simplest way to ensure the cob heats up evenly on each side.

But, you will have to take the time to boil the water. If you’re only heating up one or two cobs at a time, this method may prove to be a waste of water and energy. 

It’s also worth noting that this method does not work well for corn that was grilled originally. If that’s the case, you’ll want to see the next section for the best way to reheat grilled corn on the cob.

How to Reheat Corn on the Cob on the Grill

Two ears of corn reheating on a charcoal grill

Reheating corn on the grill is a great way to add extra flavor. And it is the best way to reheat cobs of corn that were originally grilled. It takes a little bit more time and effort for this method, but it’s well worth it if you do it right.

  1. Start your grill and get it warmed up.
  2. Place the cobs on the grill over medium-low heat.
  3. Rotate the cobs one-quarter turn every 30 seconds using a pair of tongs.
  4. Continue rotating until the corn is warmed through. This generally takes about 2 minutes or 2 full rotations.

The best part about using a grill to reheat your corn is that it adds an additional layer of flavor to the meal. This is especially true if you boiled the corn to cook it originally. 

On the downside, this method does require a fair amount of fuel for what boils down to 2 minutes of cooking. It can also dry out the corn if you aren’t careful. Brushing the corn with melted butter before you grill it can help reduce this risk while adding even more flavor to the final product.

How to Reheat Corn on the Cob in the Oven

3 ears of corn wrapped in aluminum foil

If you have the time, the best way to reheat corn on the cob is in the oven. It takes a little more prep, but it is well worth it for juicy, crunchy corn that tastes like you just cooked it for the first time.

  1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees.
  2. Wrap each ear of corn in aluminum foil.
  3. Before you secure the foil, add a teaspoon of water to each cob. You can also add butter, oil, and/or spices to each package to increase the flavor profile.
  4. Put the corn packets in the oven for about 6 minutes. You can place them on a baking sheet or straight on the rack.
  5. Once heated through, remove the packets and allow them to cool for a minute or two, then unwrap and enjoy!

The reason this method works so well is that your cobs are protected from drying out. The foil wrap holds the moisture in while the added dash of water ensures the kernels do not explode or become mushy.

On the downside, this method does take some time and effort. If you are only heating up one or two cobs, it probably isn’t worth the energy used. In that case, the microwave would be the more energy-efficient choice.

But, for reheating corn on the cob for the entire family, you can’t beat the results the oven delivers!

Can You Cook Fresh Corn on the Cob in Advance?

Yes, you definitely can prepare corn on the cob in advance. The key to preparing corn ahead of time is not to overcook it. You want to get the kernels just to the point of being tender before you pull them out of the boiling water or off the grill.

That way, when you reheat them later, they will reach the point of perfection right when they heat all the way through. If you cook them too long the first time, they will get overcooked and mushy once the second round of heat is applied.

How to Store Corn on the Cob for Easy Reheating

To store corn on the cob so you can easily reheat it later, we recommend wrapping each cob in aluminum foil. Don’t cinch the ends down too tight, because you’ll need to unwrap one end to add a bit of water and oil before you pop them in the oven to reheat them. Place these wrapped packages in the fridge until they are ready to cook again.

Alternatively, if you plan to boil, grill, or microwave your leftover corn, simply pop it into a storage container and put it in the fridge.

In either case, don’t season with salt or add any butter or spices. You will want your cobs undressed for storage. Once you’ve reheated them, you can add all the toppings you want.

How Long Does Cooked Corn on the Cob Last?

Cooked corn on the cob will last about 4 days in the refrigerator. Storing the cobs inside an airtight container will help prolong its viability, but you’ll still want to use it within 5 days just to be safe.

How to Reheat Frozen Corn on the Cob

To reheat frozen corn on the cob, all you will need is a pot of water.

  1. Place the corn in the pot and fill with cold water until well covered.
  2. Place the pot on the stove on high heat.
  3. Once the water begins to boil, cover the pot with a lid and reduce the heat to low.
  4. Allow the corn to reheat in the covered pot for about 7 minutes.

Freezing your leftover corn cob may be necessary if you don’t plan on using it within five days of the original meal. It is also a great way to capture a bit of summer nostalgia to relive during the colder months. When stored in an airtight container, cooked corn on the cob will stay good for up to 1 year in a consistently cold freezer.

Never Throw Out Leftover Corn on the Cob Again!

With these four simple methods of reheating corn on the cob (plus the option to freeze it), you’ll never have to waste leftover cobs again. We prefer the oven method for reheating corn on the cob, but any one of the above options will work in a pinch.

If you’re looking for a way to use up your leftover corn on the cob, we have the perfect recipe for you. This Mexican Street Burger with elote topping is the perfect way to repurpose those uneaten corn kernels.

3 ears of corn wrapped in foil

The Best Way to Reheat Corn on the Cob

If you have the time, the best way to reheat corn on the cob is in the oven. It takes a little more prep, but it is well worth it for juicy, crunchy corn that tastes like you just cooked it for the first time.
Click stars below to rate, or leave a full review in the comments
4 Ratings
Print Pin Recipe
Course: Dinner
Keyword: corn on the cob, reheat corn on the cob
Prep Time: 2 minutes
Cook Time: 6 minutes
Total Time: 8 minutes
Servings: 1
Author: Sara Seitz

Ingredients

  • 1 serving leftover corn on the cob

Instructions

  • Preheat your oven to 350 degrees.
  • Wrap each ear of corn in aluminum foil.
  • Before you secure the foil, add a teaspoon of water to each cob. You can also add butter, oil, and/or spices to each package to increase the flavor profile.
  • Put the corn packets in the oven for about 6 minutes. You can place them on a baking sheet or straight on the rack.
  • Once heated through, remove the packets and allow them to cool for a minute or two, then unwrap and enjoy!
Tried this recipe?Mention @CleanGreenSimple or tag #CleanGreenSimple!
Sara Seitz

About the Author

Hi and thank you for wanting to get to know me and my passions.

I’m a professional freelance writer with decades of experience learning about and living a green, clean life.

I grew up in Colorado under the influence of three generations of knowledgeable women who knew their way around the garden. I graduated from Colorado State University with a bachelor of science in biology and a minor in English. A year before graduation, my life was upended by an unexpected diagnosis of Type 1 Diabetes.

Facing the reality of living with an incurable autoimmune disease I left to reflect hard on my lifestyle. While this type of diabetes cannot be cured or treated with diet, I was certain that focusing on her health and fueling her body with clean food would help her better manage her condition. As a lifelong animal lover, it wasn’t difficult for me to transition fully to a vegan diet.

Inspired by the changes I felt after going vegan, I sought out a community of like-minded plant-based eaters, gaining knowledge and experience that would fuel my future career.

In 2018, I brought my daughter into the world. Wanting the opportunity to be home to raise her, I decided to pursue a career as a freelance writer, starting my own company in 2019. http://penandpostwriter.com

Today, I’m lucky to have a long list of clients who pay me to write about my many passions. At the top of that list is gardening and eating a clean diet for the sake of my health, the planet, and all the animals I love.

When I’m not constructing articles for clients, you can find me wrist-deep in dirt in my vegetable garden, hiking with my dogs, or back in front of the computer creating imaginative worlds in my quest to become a published fiction writer. More articles by Sara.

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