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Learn how to freeze corn on the cob IN THE HUSK, without blanching it first. It's the easiest way to enjoy delicious, fresh corn once summer has ended!
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I was inspired to test this freezing method after several readers commented on the process to microwave corn on the cob in the husk and said they'd always done it this way! Really?!
To Blanch or Not to Blanch before Freezing Corn
Conventional guidance is that you must blanch vegetables before you freeze them. Blanching slows the action of enzymes that naturally occur in vegetables and degrades the quality (color, texture, and flavor) of the vegetables. Freezing slows down the action a little, but it does not stop it. This article on the Science of Freezing Food from the University of Minnesota Extension does an excellent job of explaining the nitty-gritty details.
While blanching is definitely the most common way to prepare corn for freezing, you don't have to take this step.
When it comes to corn on the cob, I've been pretty happy with the result when I freeze corn on the cob in the husk without cooking it first. It literally takes a few minutes to freeze corn this way and there is no mess at all. The husk may even reduce the opportunity for freezer burn.
This method is ideal for shorter periods of storage...up to about 4 months. The biggest difference that I noted was that the corn starts to get a little softer as time goes on, which may not be a problem at all depending on how you are going to use it. It's perfect when you'd like to buy a little extra fresh corn at the farmer's market or when it goes on sale!
Ways to Freeze Fresh Corn
There are many options for freezing corn. You can:
- Remove the husks, blanch the corn on the cob and then freeze the whole cobs of corn.
- Shuck the cobs, blanch them, remove the corn kernels and freeze only the kernels.
- Cook corn, allow it to cool, remove the husks and freeze the cooked cobs or the kernels that have been cut off the cob.
- Freeze uncooked corn on the cob in the husk. This is the EASIEST method by far.
Note: To blanch corn on the cob with husks removed, submerge the corn in boiling for water according to the guidelines below and then remove the corn to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process.
Blanching guidelines for corn on the cob are as follows:
- Small ears: 7 minutes
- Medium ears: 9 minutes
- Large ears: 11 minutes
How to Freeze Corn on the Cob in the Husk without Blanching
- Start with the freshest corn possible. If you start with corn that has been sitting on the counter for a few days instead of ones stored in the refrigerator, then you're already one step behind when it comes to quality!
- Don't peel or remove anything. If the husk is snug against the corn then it will help prevent freezer burn.
- Wrap corn in plastic wrap and/or place it in a plastic bag, removing as much air as possible. Use a FoodSaver to vacuum pack it if your have one.
- Store corn in the cob in the freezer until you're ready to cook it.
How to Cook Frozen Corn on the Cob in the Husk
The magic continues when you're ready to cook frozen corn on the cob. Simply follow the directions to microwave corn on the cob in the husk.
- Remove it from the freezer. Many people find it best to allow the corn to defrost first.
- Place corn on a microwave-safe plate.
- Microwave on high using the guidelines for fresh corn. I don't find it necessary to add any additional time. But, the time frame for cooking will vary depending upon the microwave.
- 1 ear – 2 minutes
- 2 ears – 4 minutes
- 3 ears – 5 minutes
- 4 ears – 6 minutes
- Cut about an inch off the end of the corn that does not have the silk exposed.
- Grab hold of the end of the corn with the silk and pull off the husk and the silk.
- Enjoy on the cob or remove the kernels to use in recipes like Mexican Street Corn in a Cup, Shrimp Tortilla Soup and Fresh Corn and Black Bean Salsa!
Be sure to check out these quick dinner ideas with corn on the cob, too!
If you try this method, drop us a comment with your result or tag @DinnerMom or #DinnerMom on social media. We love to see what you are cooking up!
How to Freeze Corn on the Cob in the Husk
Equipment
- Plastic Freezer Bag
- Permanent Marker
- Freezer
Ingredients
- 4 each Corn on the Cob Do NOT remove the husk
Instructions
- Place fresh corn on the cob with the husk in place in a plastic freezer bag.
- Seal bag, removing excess air.
- Use a marker to place a label and date on the bag. Store in freezer for up to 4 months.
- When ready to enjoy, remove from freezer and prepare using favorite cooking method for frozen corn.
Debra Britt says
Thanks very helpful
Mary B says
I want to partially cook corn on the cob in the microwave (like blanching?) then cut it off to freeze it. How long would I microwave it?
Marjory Pilley says
Hi! Cook corn on the cob in the microwave using the minimum guidelines (or a minute under if desired.) It will be fully cooked but crisp, much like blanched corn. Allow it to cool and freeze. It is perfectly delicious using this method!
Laura says
I am trying this for the first time, hoping it works, however I’m not sure how to prepare it afterwards. I won’t be using a microwave, so would I thaw it & boil it, or boil it frozen?
Marjory Pilley says
Hi! You can grill it or boil it from frozen, which results in the best texture for the kernels. If boiling, remove some of the loose outermost pieces of stalk. Place the corn in boiling water. The husks may float, so you might need to cover the pot or use a utensil to keep them submerged.Boil for about 10-15 minutes, depending on the size of the corn and your desired tenderness. Remove the corn from the water with tongs and let it cool slightly before peeling back the husks and removing the silk.
Woose says
I have frozen corn by putting in a plastic bag. The husk protected my corn by itself.
Gord D says
I tried the freeze in the husk method this past summer and used a foodsaver machine to remove all the air possible. It was fresh Taber corn which is always the best in the country but after it had thawed out entirely I threw it in the microwave and cooked in the husk which is the best method to cook corn and the taste was horrible. I had to throw it out and wait for another shipment of fresh corn to come to the city. I’ll never freeze corn in the husk again.
Marjory Pilley says
Thanks for sharing your experience. How long was it frozen? I recommend 2 months and no longer than 4 months! Also, frozen corn is best for soups, casseroles, and dishes where it's cooked along with other things. I hope that info is helpful!
Mary says
Hello, so when I take the corn out of the freezer and I want to grill it should I wait about 30 mins to grill it? And can I grill it with husk and silk still on?
Marjory Pilley says
Hi! Yes and yes! Let it defrost first and you can follow any recipe for grilling corn in the husk.
Jimmy says
I’m going to try freezing it this way this season. Anytime I cook it I usually cook it on the grill first even for putting it in stews or cream corn. Always soak it first for at least 30 minutes
Marjory Pilley says
Great! It's fantastic in soups and stews. This method is best for short-term storage.
Rodney Blacksher says
Great info, simple and straight to the point. LOVE IT!!!
Karla says
I would like to freeze corn in husk..defrost & cook in a standard oven..Is this ok?
I usually cook fresh corn..in husk 350 degrees for 30 minutes..
How long does it take for corn with husk on to defrost?
Marjory Pilley says
Hi! Once defrosted you can cook however you usually do! It’s easiest to put it in the refrigerator to defrost overnight.
George says
Hi. What I do when cooking corn in the microwave is. Trim off the loose husk leafs. On the other end cut half in inch or over the round so 5 minutes in the microwave. Remove. It's hot so o use a dish cloth. Hold the beard and squeeze the corn out. The corn will come out whith. NO. Beared. Do the butter thing and Enjoy
Offherockerbettycrocker says
This is how I have always done it! I freeze 2 ears at a time in ziplock freezer bags! It stays fine in freezer for about 6 months! I wrap it in damp paper towels and microwave for 5 minutes first side and a few minutes second side depending on how many ears I am making! It’s perfect!
Jeanne Wocking says
I have been doing this for years. Works like a charm. I just bought a batch to freeze while it is new and fresh.
I’m amazed at the people who stand and shuck their corn in the store. It is so easy to microwave and shuck in one step.
Thank you for sharing.
Donna says
I never shuck in the store either, BUT our husks get picked up by a farmer for pig food, so I guess you are doing a good thing for them!
Mary Ann says
Hi! I used this method freezing several dozen ears. When I go to cook them, no matter the method, they come out soggy. What am I doing wrong?
Marjory Pilley says
Hi! The kernels will not be firm as they would be fresh, so they are best used for soups, casseroles, or dishes where the texture will not be an issue. Also, the freezing process is best if it's not for done for an extended period of time. 2-3 months is ideal. Also, it's important to wrap tightly, and ideally twice. I hope some of those tips will help.
Offherockerbettycrocker says
The corn must be just picked! Or at least very fresh! I have never had it turn out mushy!
Sylvia says
Sorry to be a party pooper, but I tried the microwave recipe for uncooked unhusked frozen corn on the cob. The kernels were soft and watery. Ugh! The chickens liked them though!
Marjory Pilley says
Thanks for commenting! They won't be firm like fresh corn and are best used in recipes where they are incorporated like soup or a casserole.
Bridget says
Do try again! Maybe it was the type of corn you used. The best is late-fall corn & don't overcook. Freeze with husks in a baggie. When ready to cook, cut a small piece off each end & microwave on high for 5 minutes.
Jeanne Wocking says
I have done this for years with excellent results. Fast no mess.
Valli says
Can I freeze on cob as you suggest partially defrost and then cut kernels off and use?
Marjory Pilley says
The process you described might work. However, the kernels are not as firm using this method. So take that into consideration.