Corn on the cob is a summertime staple, and if you have a big crowd to feed, cooking a lot of it at once can feel daunting. If you don’t have several burners to run, or a few stockpots lying around your kitchen, you’ll need to get creative, too.
Fortunately, we found an a-maize-ing corn on the cob hack that you can use to cook a dozen or more ears at once. All you’ll need is a large cooler and 30 minutes.
How To Cook Perfect Corn on the Cob in a Cooler
We picked up this helpful trick from TikTok creator @bds_6, who shared a video detailing how he cooks heaps of corn for big family outings and backyard barbecues. To start, you’ll need a large, hard-sided cooler, such as this one from Amazon, which has a 60-quart capacity. Make sure the cooler is clean, then drop your shucked ears of corn inside.
On your stovetop, use whatever pots you have to boil enough water to cover the corn. A general rule of thumb is to use 1 quart of water per ear of corn. Bring the water to a boil, then carefully carry it over to the cooler and pour it over the corn. The ears should be submerged, so be sure to boil enough water. Once the corn is bobbing around in there, close the lid of the cooler — this will trap the steam from the boiling water and cook the corn quickly.
After about 30 minutes, pop open the lid, and use a long pair of tongs to remove the cooked corn, transferring the ears to a serving tray or large pot. Allow the water in the cooler to cool completely before dumping it out.
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Cut Corn From the Cob, the Easy Way
If you need to cut kernels from the cob to sprinkle on a salad or form into fritters, this hack will help you do it with less mess. Avoid standing the corncob upright on your cutting board when removing the kernels — if you do, you’ll be finding strays around the kitchen for days. Instead, once the cooked corncob has cooled enough to handle, snap it in half. Take one half and lay it flat on your cutting board. Using a sharp chef’s knife, carefully slice downward along one side of the cob, keeping the blade close to the core. Rotate the corncob and repeat this motion until it’s bare. You’ll be left with rows of stuck-together kernels that are easy to break apart with your fingers.
This home hack is part of Summer Spruce Up Week — seven days packed with ideas to get you ready for the season ahead. We’ll be sharing our best tips for stress-free grilling, memorable outdoor gatherings, and thriving summer gardens.
