This Cheesy Garlic Butter Corn on the Cob recipe is a perfect combination of sweet, juicy corn and a rich, flavorful garlic butter sauce. With just the right amount of heat from the chili powder and a fresh pop of parsley, it’s the perfect side dish for BBQs, picnics, or any summer meal!
Ingredients:
- 4 ears of corn, husks removed
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon chili powder (optional, for a little heat)
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Parmesan cheese (optional, for sprinkling on top)
Instructions:
- Prep the corn:
- Remove the husks and silk from the corn. You can break the cobs in half if you prefer more manageable pieces or keep them whole for a rustic look.
- Make the garlic butter sauce:
- In a small bowl, melt the butter in the microwave or on the stove.
- Once melted, add the minced garlic, paprika, and chili powder (if using). Stir well to combine, and let the garlic infuse in the butter for a couple of minutes.
- Grill the corn (or cook on the stovetop):
- Grill option: Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Place the corn directly on the grill and cook for 7-10 minutes, turning occasionally, until the kernels are lightly charred and tender.
- Stovetop option: If you’re using a stovetop, boil the corn in a large pot of salted water for 7-10 minutes until the kernels are tender. Drain and proceed with the next steps.
- Coat the corn with garlic butter:
- Once the corn is cooked, brush each ear with the garlic butter sauce, making sure it’s generously coated.
- Garnish and serve:
- Sprinkle with a pinch of salt and pepper to taste.
- For extra flavor, top with fresh chopped parsley and if you like, a little grated Parmesan cheese for a cheesy finish.
- Enjoy!
- Serve immediately while the corn is warm and buttery. Pair with your favorite BBQ meats or enjoy on its own!
Tips & Variations:
- Add cheese: For an extra cheesy twist, sprinkle some grated Parmesan or cotija cheese on top after brushing the corn with garlic butter.
- Herbs: You can switch up the fresh herbs. Basil or cilantro would pair nicely with the garlic butter, so feel free to get creative.
- Make it spicy: If you love heat, toss in some finely chopped jalapeños or a drizzle of hot sauce along with the garlic butter.
Benefits:
- Simple but flavorful: With just a few ingredients, this recipe delivers a bold garlic butter flavor with a subtle smokiness from the paprika and optional chili powder.
- Quick & easy: You can whip this up in under 20 minutes, making it a perfect side for a busy weeknight dinner or a backyard BBQ.
- Customizable: Add or skip ingredients like the chili powder or cheese to suit your taste. You can make it as mild or as spicy as you prefer!
Q & A:
Q: Can I make this ahead of time? A: While corn on the cob is best served fresh, you can prepare the garlic butter ahead of time and store it in the fridge. Then, just heat it up before brushing it onto the corn. You can also grill the corn ahead of time and serve it at room temperature or reheat it on the grill for a few minutes.
Q: Can I use frozen corn for this recipe? A: You can use frozen corn, though fresh corn will give you the best texture and flavor. If using frozen corn, make sure to defrost and cook it thoroughly before applying the garlic butter.
Q: Can I make this recipe vegan? A: Yes! Simply swap the butter for a plant-based butter or olive oil. The flavor will still be rich and delicious.
This Cheesy Garlic Butter Corn on the Cob will be the star of your next meal. It’s full of flavor and always a crowd-pleaser. Let me know how it turns out! 😊