Cheesy Garlic Butter Corn On The Cob Recipe

Irresistible Cheesy Garlic Butter Corn On The Cob Recipe

Summer barbecues burst with flavor when you serve this incredible cheesy garlic butter corn on the cob recipe that transforms ordinary side dishes.

corn kernels glisten with rich, melted butter and sharp cheese, creating an irresistible combination.

Each bite delivers a perfect blend of creamy, garlicky goodness that melts in your mouth.

Fresh corn becomes a delectable treat with just a few simple ingredients.

the golden kernels crisp up beautifully, absorbing the robust garlic and cheese flavors.

Restaurants charge top dollar for this kind of mouthwatering side dish, but you can easily recreate it at home.

This recipe promises to be the star of your next gathering, leaving everyone asking for seconds.

FAQs

  • How do I choose the best corn for this recipe?

Look for fresh corn with bright green husks, plump kernels that are tightly packed, and silks that are light golden and slightly sticky. Avoid corn with dry or brown husks and kernels that look shriveled or discolored.

  • Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh parsley?

Yes, you can substitute dried parsley. Use about 1 teaspoon of dried parsley for every tablespoon of fresh parsley. Just remember that dried herbs are more concentrated in flavor, so use less than the fresh amount.

  • What if I don't have a pastry brush for applying butter?

No problem! You can use the back of a spoon, a clean kitchen knife, or even wear food-safe gloves and use your hands to spread the garlic butter evenly on the corn.

Cheesy Garlic Corn on the Cob Appeal

  • Boost Flavor Instantly: Transform ordinary corn with a zesty garlic butter and Parmesan cheese combo that elevates the classic side dish into a mouthwatering experience.
  • Quick and Simple Preparation: Requires minimal cooking skills and basic ingredients, making it perfect for home cooks of all levels who want a delicious result without complicated techniques.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Party Favorite: Versatile dish that works beautifully for backyard barbecues, summer gatherings, or family dinners, guaranteed to impress guests with its rich, savory profile.
  • Customizable Comfort Food: Easily adaptable by adjusting garlic, herbs, or cheese quantities to suit personal taste preferences, ensuring everyone can enjoy their perfect version of this delectable corn.

Garlic Butter Corn Must-Have Ingredients

Main Ingredients:
  • Corn on the Cob: Fresh sweet corn that serves as the primary base of this delicious side dish.
  • Parmesan Cheese: A hard Italian cheese that adds a rich, salty flavor and crispy texture to the corn.
Butter Mixture Ingredients:
  • Butter, Garlic, Fresh Parsley, Salt, Pepper: A flavorful combination that creates a savory and aromatic coating for the corn.
  • Lemon Zest: A bright citrus element that adds a subtle, tangy freshness to the butter mixture.
Garnish Ingredients:
  • Fresh Parsley: A green herb that provides a pop of color and additional fresh flavor to the finished dish.

Steps for Cheesy Garlic Butter Corn

Step 1: Boil or Grill Corn

Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a rolling boil.

Carefully add husked corn and cook for approximately 10 minutes until tender.

As an alternative method, grill the corn over medium-high heat, rotating periodically until it develops light char marks and cooks completely through.

After cooking, drain boiled corn and allow it to cool slightly for easier handling.

Step 2: Create Flavorful Garlic Spread

Gather ingredients for the garlic spread:
  • Softened butter
  • Minced garlic
  • Fresh parsley
  • Salt
  • Black pepper
  • Lemon zest

Combine all ingredients in a small mixing bowl.

Stir thoroughly until the mixture becomes smooth and well-blended, ensuring even distribution of flavors.

Step 3: Generously Coat Corn

Take each corn ear while it remains warm and use a pastry brush or knife to apply the garlic spread.

Ensure complete coverage on all sides, allowing the butter to melt slightly and infuse the corn with rich, aromatic flavors.

Step 4: Add Cheesy Coating

Spread grated Parmesan cheese on a flat plate.

Carefully roll each buttered corn ear in the cheese, applying gentle pressure to help the cheese adhere to the buttery surface.

Rotate the corn to create an even, delicious cheese crust.

Step 5: Plate and Garnish

Transfer the cheesy corn to a serving platter.

Optional: Sprinkle additional fresh parsley on top for a vibrant finishing touch.

Serve immediately while the corn remains warm and the cheese is perfectly melted.

Pro Tips for Cheesy Grilled Corn

  • Fire up the grill instead of boiling to add a smoky char that enhances the corn's natural sweetness and creates a more complex taste profile.
  • Let butter sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before mixing to ensure smooth, even blending with garlic and herbs.
  • Pat corn dry before rolling in Parmesan to help the cheese stick better and create a more even, crispy coating.
  • Experiment with different fresh herbs like basil or chives to personalize the garlic butter and add unexpected flavor dimensions.
  • Allow corn to cool slightly after cooking to prevent burning your hands while ensuring the butter melts perfectly into the kernels.

Tasty Variations for Garlic Butter Corn

  • Spicy Chili Lime Corn: Replace Parmesan with crumbled cotija cheese, add chili powder, and squeeze fresh lime juice over the corn for a zesty Mexican-inspired version.
  • Herb Garden Corn: Swap parsley with a mix of fresh thyme, rosemary, and dill. Use herb-infused butter for an aromatic herbaceous flavor profile.
  • Vegan Nutritional Corn: Use plant-based butter alternative, substitute Parmesan with nutritional yeast for cheesy flavor, and sprinkle with smoked paprika for depth.
  • Mediterranean Corn: Incorporate crumbled feta cheese instead of Parmesan, add dried oregano, and drizzle with extra virgin olive oil for a Greek-inspired variation.

Serving Cheesy Corn on the Cob

  • Summer Picnic Companion: Perfect for outdoor gatherings, barbecues, and casual family meals where everyone loves shared, finger-friendly food.
  • Flavor Pairing Paradise: Serve alongside grilled meats like steak, chicken, or burgers to create a complete and satisfying summer dinner experience.
  • Dipping Station Delight: Set up a small station with additional Parmesan cheese, fresh herbs, and optional spices like smoked paprika or chili flakes for personalized corn toppings.
  • Quick Meal Enhancer: Transform this corn into a light lunch by adding a simple green salad or serving with crusty bread to soak up the delicious garlic butter.

Storage Advice for Cheesy Corn Leftovers

  • Store any unused cheesy garlic butter corn in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Wrap each ear of corn individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to maintain moisture and prevent it from drying out.
  • Warm refrigerated corn in the microwave for 30-45 seconds, or wrap in foil and heat in a preheated oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes. Add a small pat of butter before reheating to refresh the flavor and prevent the corn from becoming too dry.
  • Place cooled corn in freezer-safe bags or containers, removing as much air as possible. Frozen corn can be stored for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
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Cheesy Garlic Butter Corn On The Cob Recipe

Cheesy Garlic Butter Corn On The Cob Recipe


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4.9 from 27 reviews

  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Creamy garlic butter elevates classic Cheesy Garlic Butter Corn on the Cob into a mouthwatering summer sensation. Kernels dripping with rich flavor promise a delightful side dish that brings comfort and excitement to your plate.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 4 ears fresh corn, husked
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Butter and Seasonings:

  • 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Optional Ingredient:

  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare a large pot of water and bring to a rolling boil. Submerge husked corn and cook for 10 minutes until kernels are tender and bright. Alternatively, grill corn over medium-high heat, rotating periodically until lightly charred and fully cooked, approximately 10 minutes.
  2. Create a flavor-packed garlic butter by whisking softened butter with finely minced garlic, chopped parsley, salt, pepper, and optional lemon zest until ingredients are thoroughly blended.
  3. Allow corn to cool slightly for comfortable handling, then generously brush or coat each ear with the aromatic garlic butter mixture, ensuring complete and even coverage.
  4. Spread grated Parmesan cheese onto a flat surface and carefully roll each buttered corn ear, gently pressing to create a delicate cheese coating that adheres to the butter.
  5. Transfer corn to a serving platter immediately while still warm. Optional: Sprinkle additional fresh parsley for a vibrant garnish that enhances visual appeal and adds a fresh herb accent.

Notes

  • Grill for Enhanced Flavor Choose grilling over boiling to develop a smoky, caramelized taste that deepens the corn’s natural sweetness.
  • Butter Application Technique Brush garlic butter while corn is warm to help it melt and penetrate deeply, ensuring maximum flavor absorption.
  • Cheese Coating Trick Roll corn in Parmesan at a slight angle to create an even, consistent cheese coverage that sticks better than sprinkling.
  • Dietary Adaptations Swap regular butter with plant-based butter for a vegan version, and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan for dairy-free guests.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Snacks, Appetizer, Side Dish
  • Method: Boiling
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 230
  • Sugar: 2g
  • Sodium: 300mg
  • Fat: 20g
  • Saturated Fat: 12g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 13g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 4g
  • Cholesterol: 35mg
Lena Martinez

Lena Martinez

Contributing Writer & Culinary Educator

Expertise

Southwestern and Latin American cuisines, Vegetarian and plant-based recipe development, Culinary education and community outreach ​

Education

Santa Fe Community College, Santa Fe, NM
Certificate in Culinary Arts

Emphasized Southwestern cuisine and sustainable cooking practices


Lena grew up surrounded by the colors, spices, and traditions of the Southwest – flavors that sparked her love for bold, honest cooking. After earning her Culinary Arts certificate at Santa Fe Community College, she made it her mission to teach home cooks how to create flavorful, plant-powered meals without the fuss.
Her recipes are packed with vibrant ingredients, simple steps, and the kind of heart that turns a regular meal into something you’ll want to share. Outside the kitchen, Lena spends her time wandering farmers’ markets, trading family recipes, and helping young chefs find their voice through food.

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