20 Spicy Corn Recipes for BBQ Lovers

recipesforlife

April 13, 2025

Get ready to level up your BBQ game with these mouth-watering and devilishly delicious corn recipes! There’s nothing like a perfectly grilled ear of corn slathered in butter, mayonnaise, or even sriracha to bring the heat. Whether you’re a fan of classic flavors or bold twists, we’ve got 20 spicy corn recipes that are sure to tantalize your taste buds and leave you wanting more.

From creamy chipotle aioli to smoky maple bourbon glaze, these recipes pack a punch of flavor that will elevate your next BBQ gathering from ordinary to extraordinary. So go ahead, get creative, and spice up your summer with these 20 mouth-watering corn recipes!

Grilled Mexican Street Corn

Grilled Mexican Street Corn
Experience the bold flavors of Mexico with this simple grilled corn recipe, perfect for snacking or as a side dish.

Ingredients:

– 4-6 ears of corn, husked and silked
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 tablespoon lime juice
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
– Salt, to taste
– 1/4 cup crumbled Cotija cheese (or feta)
– Chopped cilantro, for garnish

Instructions:

1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lime juice, cumin, and smoked paprika (if using).
3. Brush the mixture evenly onto each ear of corn.
4. Season with salt to taste.
5. Grill corn for 10-12 minutes, turning every 2-3 minutes, until lightly charred.
6. Remove from heat and sprinkle with Cotija cheese.
7. Garnish with chopped cilantro.

Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes

BBQ Butter Corn on the Cob

BBQ Butter Corn on the Cob
This classic summer side dish gets a flavorful boost with the addition of tangy BBQ butter and a hint of brown sugar. Perfect for backyard barbecues, picnics, or family gatherings!

Ingredients:

– 4-6 ears of corn, husked and silked
– 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
– 2 tablespoons BBQ sauce
– 1 tablespoon brown sugar
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: garlic powder, paprika, or chili powder for added flavor

Instructions:

1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a small bowl, mix together butter, BBQ sauce, and brown sugar until smooth.
3. Brush the corn ears with olive oil and season with salt, pepper, and any desired additional flavors (garlic powder, paprika, or chili powder).
4. Grill the corn for 10-12 minutes, turning every 2-3 minutes, until lightly charred and tender.
5. During the last minute of grilling, brush the BBQ butter mixture evenly onto each ear of corn.
6. Remove from heat and let cool for a few minutes before serving.

Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes

Spicy Sriracha Lime Grilled Corn

Spicy Sriracha Lime Grilled Corn
Elevate your summer gatherings with this flavorful twist on traditional grilled corn. The spicy kick from sriracha and the brightness of lime juice will have you coming back for more.

Ingredients:

– 4 ears of corn, husked and silked
– 2 tablespoons sriracha sauce
– 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lime juice
– 1 teaspoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: 1/4 cup crumbled cotija cheese (for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together sriracha sauce and lime juice.
3. Brush the mixture evenly onto each ear of corn.
4. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
5. Grill for 10-12 minutes, turning every 2-3 minutes, or until slightly charred.
6. Remove from grill and sprinkle with cotija cheese (if using).
7. Serve immediately.

Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes

Smoky Chipotle Corn Salad

Smoky Chipotle Corn Salad
This recipe brings together the sweetness of corn with a smoky kick from chipotles, perfect for a summer gathering or BBQ.

Ingredients:

– 4 cups cooked corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
– 1/2 cup red onion, diced
– 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and finely chopped
– 2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, minced
– 2 tablespoons lime juice
– 1 teaspoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. In a medium bowl, combine corn kernels, red onion, jalapeño pepper, chipotle peppers, lime juice, and olive oil.
2. Mix well until all the ingredients are fully incorporated.
3. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
5. Just before serving, garnish with fresh cilantro leaves if desired.

Cooking Time: 15 minutes (prep) + 30 minutes (refrigeration)

Garlic Parmesan Grilled Corn

Garlic Parmesan Grilled Corn
Elevate your summer gatherings with this flavorful and easy-to-make side dish that combines the sweetness of corn with the savory flavors of garlic and parmesan. Perfect for backyard barbecues or family dinners!

Ingredients:

– 4-6 ears of corn, husked and silked
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a small bowl, mix together minced garlic and olive oil.
3. Brush the corn ears with the garlic-oil mixture, making sure they’re evenly coated.
4. Sprinkle Parmesan cheese over the corn, dividing it evenly among the ears.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Grill the corn for 10-12 minutes, turning every 2-3 minutes, until slightly charred and tender.
7. Remove from heat and let cool slightly before serving.

Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes

Jalapeño Cheddar Corn Foil Packets

Jalapeño Cheddar Corn Foil Packets
Elevate your outdoor gatherings with these flavorful and easy-to-make Jalapeño Cheddar Corn Foil Packets. Perfect for camping trips, backyard BBQs, or a quick weeknight dinner.

Ingredients:

– 4-6 ears of corn, husked and silked
– 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1/4 cup diced jalapeños
– 2 tablespoons butter
– Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat grill or campfire to medium-high heat.
2. Cut four 12-inch squares of aluminum foil.
3. Place one ear of corn in the center of each foil square, leaving a 1-inch border around the corn.
4. Top the corn with shredded cheddar cheese and diced jalapeños.
5. Dot the top with butter and sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Fold the foil over the filling, creating a tight seal.
7. Cook for 10-12 minutes or until the cheese is melted and the corn is tender.

Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes

Honey Butter Grilled Corn

Honey Butter Grilled Corn
Sweet and savory, this recipe brings out the natural sweetness of corn on the cob, smothered with a rich honey butter glaze.

Ingredients:

– 4-6 ears of corn, husked and silked
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
– 2 tablespoons pure honey
– Salt, to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a small bowl, mix together softened butter and honey until well combined.
3. Brush the corn ears with the honey butter mixture, making sure to coat evenly.
4. Season with salt to taste.
5. Grill the corn for 10-12 minutes, turning every 2-3 minutes, or until lightly charred.
6. Remove from heat and let cool slightly before serving.

Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes

Bacon-Wrapped BBQ Corn

Bacon-Wrapped BBQ Corn
This recipe combines the natural sweetness of corn with the smoky flavor of bacon, all wrapped up in a delicious BBQ package. Perfect for a summer cookout or a quick weeknight dinner.

Ingredients:

– 4-6 ears of corn
– 6 slices of thick-cut bacon
– 1/4 cup BBQ sauce
– Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. Cut the bacon into 1-inch strips and wrap each ear of corn with 2-3 strips, securing with a toothpick if needed.
3. Grill the bacon-wrapped corn for 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally, or until the bacon is crispy and caramelized.
4. Brush the corn with BBQ sauce during the last 2 minutes of grilling.
5. Serve hot and enjoy!

Cooking Time: 15-18 minutes

Cajun Grilled Corn with Remoulade

Cajun Grilled Corn with Remoulade
Add a burst of flavor to your summer gatherings with this spicy and creamy Cajun Grilled Corn with Remoulade. Perfect for backyard barbecues, picnics, or potlucks.

Ingredients:

– 4-6 ears of corn, husked and silked
– 1/2 cup mayonnaise
– 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
– 1 tablespoon hot sauce (such as Tabasco)
– 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
– 1/4 teaspoon paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

Instructions:

1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, hot sauce, Cajun seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. Add corn to the bowl and toss until well coated with remoulade mixture.
4. Grill corn for 10-12 minutes, turning every 2-3 minutes, or until slightly charred.
5. Remove from heat and sprinkle with parsley.
6. Serve immediately.

Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes

Grilled Corn and Avocado Salsa

Grilled Corn and Avocado Salsa
Elevate your summer gatherings with this creamy and tangy Grilled Corn and Avocado Salsa, perfect for topping tacos, grilled meats, or enjoying as a snack.

Ingredients:

– 4 ears of corn, husked
– 2 ripe avocados, diced
– 1 red onion, thinly sliced
– 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and finely chopped
– 1 lime, juiced
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. Grill corn ears for 10-12 minutes, turning every 3-4 minutes, until slightly charred.
3. In a large bowl, combine diced avocado, red onion, jalapeño pepper, lime juice, and garlic.
4. Once corn is cooked, let it cool slightly before slicing kernels off the cob.
5. Add grilled corn kernels to the avocado mixture and stir to combine.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
8. Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves, if desired.

Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes

Sweet and Spicy Glazed Corn

Sweet and Spicy Glazed Corn
Sweet and Spicy Glazed Corn Recipe

Elevate your grilled or roasted corn game with this sweet and spicy glaze that adds a depth of flavor and a kick!

Ingredients:

– 1 cup honey
– 1/2 cup brown sugar
– 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
– 2 tablespoons hot sauce (such as Frank’s RedHot)
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– Salt to taste
– Fresh corn, husked and silked

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven or grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together honey, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, hot sauce, and olive oil until smooth.
3. Add smoked paprika and salt; whisk until well combined.
4. Brush the glaze evenly over the corn kernels, making sure they’re all coated.
5. Place the glazed corn on a baking sheet or directly on the grill grates. Roast or grill for 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally, until caramelized and slightly charred.

Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes

Herbed Butter Grilled Corn

Herbed Butter Grilled Corn
Elevate your grilled corn game with this simple yet flavorful recipe that combines the sweetness of corn with the savory goodness of herbed butter. This dish is perfect for summer barbecues or a quick weeknight dinner.

Ingredients:

– 4-6 ears of corn, husked and silked
– 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
– 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
– 1 tablespoon chopped fresh chives
– Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a small bowl, mix together softened butter, parsley, and chives until well combined.
3. Brush the herbed butter mixture evenly onto each ear of corn, making sure to cover all surfaces.
4. Place the coated corn on the preheated grill and cook for 10-12 minutes, turning every 2-3 minutes, or until slightly charred and tender.
5. Remove from heat and season with salt and pepper to taste.

Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes

BBQ Ranch Corn Skewers

BBQ Ranch Corn Skewers
Elevate your summer gatherings with these sweet and savory skewers! Tender corn, crispy bacon, and creamy ranch come together for a flavor combination that’s sure to please.

Ingredients:

– 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen, thawed)
– 6 slices of bacon, cooked and crumbled
– 2 tablespoons ranch seasoning
– 1/4 cup mayonnaise
– 10-12 wooden skewers
– Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
2. In a bowl, mix together corn kernels, crumbled bacon, and ranch seasoning.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together mayonnaise and a pinch of salt and pepper.
4. Brush the skewers with the mayonnaise mixture, leaving a small border at the top.
5. Thread 1-2 tablespoons of the corn-bacon-ranch mixture onto each skewer, leaving a small gap at the bottom.
6. Grill the skewers for 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally, until lightly charred and heated through.
7. Serve warm with additional ranch dressing, if desired.

Cooking Time: 8-10 minutes

Chili Lime Grilled Corn Ribs

Chili Lime Grilled Corn Ribs
Elevate your summer barbecue game with these sweet and spicy Chili Lime Grilled Corn Ribs. This recipe combines the natural sweetness of corn ribs with the bold flavors of chili powder, lime juice, and a hint of smokiness from the grill.

Ingredients:

– 2 pounds corn ribs
– 1/4 cup chili powder
– 1 tablespoon lime juice
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: cilantro for garnish

Instructions:

1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a small bowl, mix together chili powder and salt.
3. Brush corn ribs with olive oil and sprinkle with chili-salt mixture.
4. Grill corn ribs for 5-7 minutes per side, or until slightly charred and tender.
5. In a small bowl, whisk together lime juice and 1 tablespoon of water.
6. Brush lime mixture onto grilled corn ribs during the last minute of cooking.
7. Serve immediately, garnished with cilantro if desired.

Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes

Pesto Grilled Corn with Feta

Pesto Grilled Corn with Feta
This recipe combines the sweetness of grilled corn with the tanginess of feta cheese and the brightness of pesto, creating a perfect summer side dish or light lunch.

Ingredients:

– 4 ears of corn, husked and silked
– 1/4 cup pesto
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
– Fresh parsley leaves for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. Brush corn with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
3. Grill corn for 10-12 minutes, turning every 2-3 minutes, until slightly charred.
4. While corn is grilling, mix pesto with a squeeze of lemon juice (optional).
5. Once corn is done, brush with pesto mixture and sprinkle with feta cheese.
6. Serve immediately, garnished with parsley leaves if desired.

Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes

Maple Bourbon Glazed Corn

Maple Bourbon Glazed Corn
Elevate your summer gatherings with this sweet and savory maple bourbon glazed corn recipe. This easy-to-make side dish is perfect for barbecues, picnics, or casual dinners.

Ingredients:

– 4-6 ears of corn, husked and silked
– 1/2 cup pure maple syrup
– 1/4 cup bourbon whiskey (or substitute with apple cider or orange juice)
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
– Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat grill or oven to medium-high heat.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together maple syrup, bourbon, and melted butter until well combined.
3. Brush the glaze onto each ear of corn, making sure they’re evenly coated.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Grill for 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally, or bake for 15-20 minutes, or until slightly charred.

Cooking Time: 10-20 minutes

Smoked Corn with Chipotle Aioli

Smoked Corn with Chipotle Aioli
Elevate your summer gatherings with this sweet and spicy twist on classic corn on the cob.

Ingredients:

– 4-6 ears of corn, husked and silked
– 1/2 cup chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, chopped
– 1/2 cup mayonnaise
– 2 tablespoons lime juice
– 1 clove garlic, minced
– Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat your smoker to 225°F.
2. Place the corn ears on the smoker, closing the lid to trap the smoke. Smoke for 30-40 minutes or until the corn is lightly charred and tender.
3. In a blender or food processor, combine the chipotle peppers, mayonnaise, lime juice, garlic, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth.
4. Once the corn is smoked, slather each ear with the Chipotle Aioli.
5. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Cooking Time: 30-40 minutes (smoking), plus prep time

Grilled Corn and Black Bean Salad

Grilled Corn and Black Bean Salad
This refreshing salad combines the sweetness of grilled corn with the savory flavor of black beans, all tied together with a zesty lime dressing. Perfect for a light and satisfying meal or as a side dish for your next barbecue.

Ingredients:

– 4 ears of corn, husked and silked
– 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
– 1/2 red bell pepper, diced
– 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 2 tablespoons lime juice
– 1 teaspoon cumin
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat. Grill corn ears for 10-12 minutes, turning every 3-4 minutes, until slightly charred.
2. In a large bowl, combine black beans, red bell pepper, and red onion.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lime juice, and cumin.
4. Pour dressing over bean mixture; season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Slice grilled corn off the cob and add to the salad.
6. Toss to combine and garnish with fresh cilantro leaves, if desired.

Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes

Buffalo Ranch Grilled Corn

Buffalo Ranch Grilled Corn
Elevate your grilled corn game with this addictive Buffalo Ranch flavor combination. Perfect for backyard gatherings or a quick weeknight dinner, this recipe is sure to please!

Ingredients:

– 4 ears of corn, husked and silked
– 1/2 cup ranch dressing
– 2 tablespoons Frank’s RedHot sauce (or your favorite hot sauce)
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Optional: crumbled blue cheese or chopped cilantro for garnish

Instructions:

1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together ranch dressing and Frank’s RedHot sauce.
3. Brush the corn ears with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
4. Grill corn for 10-12 minutes, turning every 2-3 minutes, until slightly charred.
5. During the last minute of grilling, brush the Buffalo Ranch mixture onto each ear of corn.
6. Remove from heat and let cool for a few minutes. Serve hot, garnished with blue cheese or cilantro if desired.

Cooking Time: 12-14 minutes

Tequila Lime Grilled Corn

Tequila Lime Grilled Corn
Tequila Lime Grilled Corn Recipe

Elevate your summer gatherings with this refreshing twist on classic grilled corn. Tequila and lime juice add a bright, tangy flavor to the sweetness of the corn.

Ingredients:

– 4-6 ears of corn, husked and silked
– 2 tablespoons tequila
– 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lime juice
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Optional: chili powder or smoked paprika for added flavor

Instructions:

1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together tequila, lime juice, and olive oil.
3. Add the corn to the bowl and toss to coat evenly with the marinade.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Grill the corn for 10-12 minutes, turning every 2-3 minutes, until lightly charred and tender.
6. Remove from heat and sprinkle with chili powder or smoked paprika, if desired.

Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes

Summary

Get ready to heat up your BBQ game with these 20 spicy corn recipes! From classic grilled Mexican street corn to creative twists like jalapeño cheddar foil packets and smoky chipotle salad, there’s something for every level of spice lover. Try pairing smoky chipotle corn with remoulade sauce or indulge in sweet and spicy glazed corn. For a taste of the south, go for Cajun grilled corn with remoulade or buffalo ranch grilled corn. Whatever your flavor profile, these recipes are sure to add some sizzle to your summer gatherings!

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