Cheesy Garlic Butter Corn on the Cob Recipe
Cheesy Garlic Butter Corn on the Cob is a flavorful and easy-to-make side dish featuring fresh sweet corn coated in a rich garlic butter sauce, topped with savory Parmesan cheese and a hint of smoky paprika and cayenne for a delicious kick. Perfect for grilling, roasting, or boiling, this recipe is sure to be a crowd-pleaser at any meal or barbecue.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
For the Corn
- 6 ears of fresh sweet corn, husks removed
For the Garlic Butter
- 1 stick unsalted butter (½ cup), melted
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt to taste
For Topping and Seasoning
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated or shredded
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (for a smoky kick)
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (for spice)
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
- Zest of 1 lemon (for a fresh citrus touch)
Instructions
- Prepare the Corn: Remove husks and silk from each ear of corn. If you plan to grill, soak corn with husks on in water for 15 minutes to prevent burning.
- Make the Garlic Butter: Melt the butter in a saucepan over low heat. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1–2 minutes until fragrant. Add salt to taste and set aside.
- Cook the Corn (Choose Your Method):
Grilling Method: Preheat grill to medium-high heat (375–400°F). Wrap each ear of corn in aluminum foil or place directly on the grill. Grill for 15–20 minutes, turning every 5 minutes for even cooking. Remove from grill, brush generously with garlic butter, and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.
Oven Roasting Method: Preheat oven to 375°F. Place corn on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush half the garlic butter over the corn. Roast for 20 minutes, flipping halfway through. Remove from oven, brush with remaining butter, and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.
Boiling Method: Bring large pot of salted water to a boil. Add corn and boil for 5–7 minutes until tender. Remove, brush with garlic butter, and top with Parmesan cheese. - Serve & Enjoy: Allow cheese to melt naturally over the hot corn. Sprinkle with smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, chopped parsley, and lemon zest for extra flavor. Serve immediately while warm.
Notes
- Soaking corn before grilling helps prevent burning and adds moisture.
- You can adjust the amount of cayenne pepper if you prefer less or more spice.
- For a lighter version, use a reduced-fat butter or a butter substitute.
- Leftover corn can be stored in the refrigerator and reheated gently.
- Adding fresh herbs like parsley and lemon zest brightens the dish and adds complexity to flavors.
Keywords: corn on the cob, garlic butter corn, cheesy corn, grilled corn, roasted corn, boiling corn, side dish, summer recipe
