Campfire Cooking Recipes – Corn on the Cob

Corn on the cob may not be a typical campfire recipe, but once you’ve perfected the simple recipe, you’ll wonder why you haven’t tried it sooner!

First, select corn at its best. The shells should be stiff and dark and you should be able to feel the kernels when you press against the shell. Strive to cook and serve corn the same day it is harvested to maximize freshness. Once the corn is picked, the sugars begin to convert to starch and the corn will begin to lose its natural sweetness.

Collect enough cold water in a sink or bucket to cover the corn for soaking. The corn will float to the top, but the water will get to where it needs to be. If you prefer, add a handful of coarse salt to the water and stir. Let the corn soak for about an hour. You can stir from time to time but it is not necessary. If you’re roughing it up while camping and don’t have access to a sink to soak the corn in, just skip this step.

After removing the corn from the bath, shake off any excess water, but don’t be afraid to leave a little moisture on the kernels. This will help in the steaming process. Pull the shells back towards the mango and remove the silk. Spread the grains with sweet and salty butter and add a little salt and pepper. Pull the husks up to cover the corn. Wrap the buttered corn tightly in 2 layers of aluminum foil and place over the coals of the fire. Roasting should be complete in 20 minutes. Check an ear after 10 minutes to measure remaining cooking time. The corn should be steamed and the heated butter should have caramelized. If it burns down, bury the next batch in ashes.

Allow corn to cool before unwrapping. The foil may have pockets of steam that could burn you.

When you’re ready to deviate from the standard corn on the cob, try a sweeter version. Mix a little honey and salt with a little butter and spread before wrapping in foil. The sweetness of honey pairs well with salt and butter.

To save prep time at camp, try coating the corn with the butter mixture and wrapping it in foil while you’re home. Once you’re ready to cook at camp, simply take out the foil packets and throw them on the fire. If you prepare at home, you can also be more creative with the seasonings that you combine with the butter. Think chives or chili powder!

Once you and your family have tried this recipe, you can make your own variations of the campfire cooking recipes. Enjoy!