There’s nothing quite like the smoky, charred flavor of grilled corn on the cob, especially when it’s slathered in a rich garlic herb butter and topped with nutty Parmesan cheese. This dish is a must-have for summer BBQs, family picnics, or even a cozy backyard dinner. The combination of buttery goodness, fragrant herbs, and cheesy richness turns a simple ear of corn into a show-stopping side dish that will have everyone asking for more! Whether you grill it over an open flame for that perfect smoky flavor or opt for an easy stovetop method, this recipe guarantees juicy, tender corn with a crispy, golden finish. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a dish that is both rustic and gourmet, perfect for pairing with burgers, steaks, or even as a delicious vegetarian snack.
🌽 Ingredients (Serves 4):
✔ 4 fresh ears of corn, husked
✔ ¼ cup (½ stick) butter, melted 🧈
✔ 2 garlic cloves, minced 🧄
✔ 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped 🌿
✔ ½ tsp paprika (optional, for a smoky touch) 🌶️
✔ ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese 🧀
✔ Salt & black pepper to taste
✔ Optional garnish: Extra parsley, chili flakes, or fresh lime wedges 🍋
🔥 Instructions:
1️⃣ Prepare the Garlic Herb Butter
- In a small bowl, combine the melted butter with minced garlic, chopped parsley, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
- Stir well to evenly distribute the flavors. Set aside for later use.
2️⃣ Preheat the Grill (or Use Alternative Cooking Methods)
- If using a grill, preheat it to medium-high heat (around 375–400°F / 190–200°C).
- If you don’t have a grill, you can also roast the corn in the oven or pan-fry it on the stovetop.
3️⃣ Cook the Corn
There are a few ways to cook your corn, depending on your preferred method and available equipment:
🔥 Grilling Method (Best for a Smoky Flavor)
- Brush each ear of corn generously with the garlic butter.
- Place them directly on the preheated grill.
- Cook for about 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally, until the kernels are tender and slightly charred.
- Brush with more garlic butter during grilling for an extra rich flavor.
🌽 Stovetop Method (For a Quick Alternative)
- Heat a grill pan or cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat.
- Brush the corn with garlic butter and cook, turning frequently, until golden brown and slightly charred (about 10-12 minutes).
🔥 Oven-Roasted Method (For an Easy Hands-Off Approach)
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Wrap each ear of corn in foil after brushing with garlic butter.
- Roast for 20-25 minutes, turning halfway through.
- If you want a bit of char, unwrap the corn and broil it for 2-3 minutes at the end.
4️⃣ Add the Parmesan Cheese
- Once the corn is hot and perfectly cooked, immediately sprinkle it with grated Parmesan cheese while it’s still warm so it melts slightly.
- Roll each ear in Parmesan for an even coating.
- If you love extra cheesiness, feel free to add more cheese on top! 🧀
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
This grilled corn is incredibly versatile and pairs well with a variety of dishes:
- Classic BBQ Feasts: Serve alongside grilled steaks, burgers, or BBQ chicken for a complete meal. 🍔🥩
- Fresh & Light Sides: Pair it with a fresh coleslaw, potato salad, or a simple green salad. 🥗
- Mexican-Style Twist: Add a squeeze of lime juice and a sprinkle of chili powder or Tajín for an Elote-inspired treat! 🌶️🍋
- Vegetarian Delight: Enjoy it on its own as a snack or add it to grain bowls, tacos, or salads.
💡 Tips & Variations
🔹 Extra Char & Smoky Flavor – If you love deep grill marks, place the corn directly over the flames for the last 1-2 minutes of grilling.
🔹 Cheese Variations – Swap Parmesan for Cotija cheese for a more Mexican-style flavor or use shredded cheddar for a gooey melt.
🔹 Spicy Kick – Add cayenne pepper, hot sauce, or chili flakes to the garlic butter for a bit of heat! 🌶️🔥
🔹 Herby Upgrade – Experiment with fresh thyme, basil, or cilantro for different flavor profiles. 🌿
🔹 Dairy-Free/Vegan Option – Use plant-based butter and nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan for a dairy-free alternative.
🧊 Storage & Reheating Tips
If you have leftovers (which is rare because it’s so delicious!), here’s how to store and reheat them:
- Refrigerate: Store cooked corn in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Reheat: Wrap in foil and warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or heat on a grill pan over medium heat.
- Repurpose Leftovers: Cut the kernels off the cob and use them in salads, tacos, omelets, or quesadillas!
⏱️ Total Cooking Time:
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
- Total Time: 15-20 minutes
🎉 Final Thoughts
This Grilled Corn with Garlic Herb Butter and Parmesan is an absolute game-changer for summer meals! It’s rich, buttery, and full of bold flavors that complement almost any dish. Whether you’re hosting a big BBQ party or just want a quick and satisfying side dish, this recipe delivers every time.
Are you ready to fire up the grill and give this cheesy, garlicky corn a try? Let me know how you like it! 🌽🔥🧀😋