Last summer while on vacation with the extended family (18 people) we needed a way to make corn on the cob easily. Since we usually travel with a cooler in our car we decided to put it to use to make Cooler Corn.
Can you make Corn in a cooler?
I know what you’re thinking. Seriously, you can make corn on the cob in the cooler? Yep, and it’s actually a lot easier then you think. There’s no household pot that’s going to hold 18 ears of corn, so this keeps the cook out of the kitchen and corn fresh.
How to make corn on the cob in a cooler
The cooler works as a way to keep the water hot, just like it would keep the ice cold, so we’re just looking at in the opposite temperature.
I pulled together a quick How to video for you, but I’m also going to lay out all the steps here too
Cooler Corn
Step 1: Clean your cooler (it’s best to be safe and just do a quick clean, but be careful not to use chemicals)
Step 2: Fill a pot with water and bring to a boil
Step 3: Shuck all the corn (this is my least favorite job of summer)
Step 4: Fill the cooler with your corn
Step 5: Once the water is boiling fill the cooler (be careful not to put your face over it)
Step 6: It’s key to make sure the corn if fully covered with the hot water (that’s how it cooks)
Step 7: Let sit for 20-30 mins.
Step 8: Use tongs to take the corn out because that water is hot!
How to cook a big batch of corn on the cob
That’s it. It takes a little prep work, but if you’re prepping for a party or dinner this is a great set it and forget it kind of thing, and it will keep the corn warm for a while. Plus who doesn’t love corn on the cob at a BBQ or Summer Picnic. It’s also super helpful when I’m making a batch of my Chicken Corn Soup!
I would love to know will you give Cooler Corn a try?
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This is me Destiny! I'm a content creator that covers DIY, Cricut, Travel, National Parks, Disney, Games and Family. I’m navigating life with my husband Mike, 2 kids and live in the suburbs of Maplewood, New Jersey.
Wow! This is very cool! I could see myself doing this if we are ever camping with a crowd!
It’s perfect for camping. We did it last year and it was a great.
I never heard of this version of cooking corn! But that is so great to know for when you are on the go. I may have to give this a try.
Have you ever tried salting the water? Was the corn refrigerated before you poured the water over it, or was it at room temperature?
Hi Karen, Great questions. We usually salt the water when it’s boiling so there should be no problem there. As for the corn I’ve done it both room temp and from the fridge no problem either way. Good luck and thanks for asking.
LOVE thus idea! Try adding 1/2 cup milk to the boiling water. The tv sheds do this and the result us a sweeter corn! Really tender too! Will also be trying your corn chicken soup recipe! ( thank you!) one last tip I have learned from tv chefs, is to cook the corn on the cob, then cool slightly and hold a cob in place in the center of a tube cake pan ( angel food or bunds cake pan). Slice the corn off the cob in a downward motion with a paring knife, and the corn kernels will fall easily into the pan until all cobs are clean and scraped downward fir the wonderful juice / cirn liquid, ready for use.
Wow, so many great ideas and tips. Thanks so much and I love the angel food pan tip!!
Does this method ruin the cooler?
I’ve been doing this with my cooler for 5 years and it’s fine!
Does this work with frozen corn?
We used this for an event and cooked 100 ears of corn in a regular clean cooler.
Amazing results with people smacking their lips and loving the corn!
Thank you for this!!!
Can you shuck the corn the day before the event?