Best Cheesy Garlic Butter Corn on the Cob Recipe
If you’re searching for the ultimate side dish for cookouts, weeknight dinners, or pretty much any occasion that begs for something irresistible and fun, the Best Cheesy Garlic Butter Corn on the Cob might just become your new obsession. Sweet, juicy corn gets coated in the dreamiest garlic butter, grilled to smoky perfection, and finished with a blizzard of melty Parmesan and fresh herbs. This combination transforms everyday corn into an unforgettable experience that’s equal parts comforting and crave-worthy!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Let’s talk about how a handful of simple, vibrant ingredients come together to create pure magic. Each one plays a key role, contributing to that signature flavor, mouthwatering aroma, and gorgeous presentation the Best Cheesy Garlic Butter Corn on the Cob is known for.
- Fresh Corn on the Cob (6 ears): Sweet, plump, and juicy, fresh corn is the star foundation—always look for ears with bright green husks and moist silk.
- Unsalted Butter (1/2 cup, softened): Delivers luscious creaminess and helps those rich flavors cling to every kernel.
- Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Adds that irresistible garlicky depth—be sure to mince it finely for even flavor distribution.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): A little goes a long way to perk up the sweetness of the corn.
- Black Pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Offers a gentle kick and brings balance to the butteriness.
- Paprika (1/2 teaspoon): For a subtle warmth and a pop of color that’s just gorgeous after grilling.
- Parmesan Cheese (1/2 cup, freshly grated): Melts beautifully over the hot corn, delivering salty, nutty richness. Freshly grated is key for best melt and taste!
- Fresh Parsley (2 tablespoons, chopped): Brightens everything up with a hit of color and a fresh, herbaceous finish.
How to Make Best Cheesy Garlic Butter Corn on the Cob
Step 1: Make the Garlic Butter Magic
Start by stirring together your softened butter, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and paprika in a small bowl. It will look pretty humble at this stage, but trust me—the aroma instantly hints at just how mouthwateringly good this mixture is about to make your corn. If you can, let the butter sit for 5–10 minutes to let those flavors get to know each other.
Step 2: Prep and Preheat
While your garlic butter mingles, get the grill preheating to medium-high heat. Remove the husks and silk from each ear (pro tip: a damp paper towel helps with any stubborn silk strings). Pat the corn dry and set aside—you’re just minutes away from a golden, crispy crust!
Step 3: Brush & Baseline Season
Grab a basting brush (or use the back of a spoon if needed) and slather each ear of corn generously with your garlic butter mixture. Make sure to get in between those kernels for extra flavor in every bite, but keep a little butter in reserve for the finish!
Step 4: Grill to Smoky Perfection
Place the buttered corn directly on the hot grill grates. Let them sizzle for 10–12 minutes, turning every couple of minutes to develop charred, caramelized spots all around. Those smoky grill marks and bubbling garlic butter are signs you’re on your way to the Best Cheesy Garlic Butter Corn on the Cob. Don’t wander too far—the scent alone is worth staying close!
Step 5: Finish with Cheese & Freshness
Once your corn is hot and tender with a gorgeous char, immediately shower each cob with plenty of freshly grated Parmesan. The heat will melt it right into the kernels, creating an almost creamy, cheesy topping. Brush on any remaining garlic butter and sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley for the final, beautiful touch.
How to Serve Best Cheesy Garlic Butter Corn on the Cob
Garnishes
To take each ear over the top, add an extra dusting of Parmesan, a few more parsley leaves, or a teeny pinch of smoked paprika for smoky color. A little squeeze of fresh lemon is also sensational, adding lightness and zing to all that richness.
Side Dishes
The Best Cheesy Garlic Butter Corn on the Cob is a hit alongside barbecued chicken, juicy burgers, or a refreshing summer salad. It also pairs well with baked beans or a tangy slaw. For a vegetarian feast, try it with grilled portobellos or chunky tomato salads—simple, colorful sides that will let your corn shine!
Creative Ways to Present
Serving for a party? Snap cobs in half before grilling to make mini portions. Or, after grilling, slice kernels off the cob and toss with extra cheese for a fantastic cheesy corn salad. Arrange cobs in a big platter with lemon wedges for easy, vibrant sharing—everyone will be reaching for more!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with a few leftover ears, let them cool first, then wrap each one tightly in foil or store in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll stay delicious for up to 3 days—perfect for grabbing as a quick snack or lunch side.
Freezing
Want to make a batch ahead? After grilling and cooling, cut the kernels off the cob and store in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep for up to 2 months, ready to bring that cheesy garlic corn goodness to salads, casseroles, or reheated as a quick side.
Reheating
To reheat, wrap the corn in foil and warm in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes. You can also microwave the corn on a plate under a damp paper towel for a minute or two—the heat revives the butter and brings the flavors right back to life!
FAQs
Can I make Best Cheesy Garlic Butter Corn on the Cob without a grill?
Absolutely! For an oven version, just wrap each buttered ear in foil and bake at 425°F for 20–25 minutes. For a charred finish, unwrap and broil under high heat for a couple of minutes, keeping a close eye to prevent burning.
Is it possible to use frozen corn on the cob for this recipe?
You can use frozen corn if fresh isn’t available. Thaw and pat it dry before adding the butter mixture and grilling or baking as directed, and you’ll still get fantastic flavor and texture.
Can I make Best Cheesy Garlic Butter Corn on the Cob vegan?
Yes! Substitute plant-based butter and use a vegan Parmesan-style cheese. The results will be just as rich and satisfying, with all the garlicky personality that makes this corn irresistible.
What can I substitute for Parmesan cheese?
If you’re looking for variety, try finely grated Pecorino Romano, Manchego, or even a bit of crumbled feta. Each cheese brings its own unique flavor to the party!
How do I avoid burning the garlic during grilling?
Mincing the garlic finely and mixing it thoroughly into the butter helps prevent it from charring. If you’re especially sensitive to burnt garlic, reserve some garlic to add after grilling along with the cheese and parsley for a fresher punch.
Final Thoughts
This recipe is one of those unforgettable, crowd-pleasing classics that tastes like pure summer with every bite. I hope you’ll treat yourself to the Best Cheesy Garlic Butter Corn on the Cob and share it with friends and family—there’s nothing better than watching everyone’s eyes light up at that first, glorious taste!
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Best Cheesy Garlic Butter Corn on the Cob Recipe
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free
Description
Indulge in the ultimate summer side dish with this recipe for the Best Cheesy Garlic Butter Corn on the Cob. Grilled to perfection, each ear of corn is slathered in a flavorful garlic butter mixture, topped with Parmesan cheese, and finished with a sprinkle of fresh parsley.
Ingredients
Ingredients:
- 6 ears fresh corn, husked
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Mix Garlic Butter: In a small bowl, combine softened butter, garlic, salt, pepper, and paprika.
- Preheat Grill: Heat the grill to medium-high.
- Grill Corn: Brush corn with garlic butter mixture and grill for 10–12 minutes, turning occasionally.
- Add Cheese: Sprinkle hot corn with Parmesan cheese to melt.
- Finish and Serve: Brush with remaining garlic butter, sprinkle with parsley, and serve.
Notes
- For an oven-baked version, wrap each buttered corn cob in foil and bake at 425°F for 20–25 minutes, then unwrap and broil for 2–3 minutes for a charred finish.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ear corn
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
