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.

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

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.

How long does it take to boil frozen corn? ›

Using a 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 do you know when frozen corn on the cob is done boiling? ›

Bring the water to a rolling boil over medium high heat on the stove top. Carefully place corn cobs into the boiling water in a single layer. Cover and allow the water to return to a boil. Remove cover and boil for 5 minutes, or until a corn kernel (when poked with a sharp knife) bursts.

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 it safe to microwave frozen corn? ›

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).

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

Is frozen corn already cooked? ›

Yes, whether you buy store-bought or prepare it in your home, the corn should have been or has been already cooked before freezing. This happens because the process named blanching helps to prevent nutrient and color loss in the corn.

Can you just defrost frozen corn? ›

For example, “frozen corn can just be run under cold water to defrost, and then it's ready to add to a salad. Heating and then cooling is fine too, but takes longer,” she says.

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!

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 long do you cook 2 ears of corn in the microwave? ›

For just 1 or 2 ears of corn, microwave on high for 3 minutes. For 3 or 4 ears, microwave for 4 minutes. If you like softer corn or if your ears are particularly large, microwave for an additional minute. Allow to cool.

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.

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.

Why add sugar to boil corn on the cob? ›

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 long do you boil Green Giant frozen corn on the cob? ›

Boil 4 to 6 minutes or until thoroughly heated. Do not overcook. Remove from water.

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.

Can you overcook boiled corn? ›

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 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.

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.

Is corn supposed to float when boiling? ›

directions. In a large pot, enough to hold the corn, fill it with water to cover the corn (the corn should float). On a medium heat allow the pot of water to boil.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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 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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