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This Cheesy Garlic Butter Corn on the Cob is a flavor-packed, indulgent twist on a summer classic. With a rich coating of garlic-infused butter and a generous sprinkle of Parmesan cheese, it’s a savory side dish that elevates any barbecue, cookout, or family meal. Whether grilled, roasted, or boiled, this corn delivers mouthwatering satisfaction with every bite.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

6 ears of fresh sweet corn, husks removed
1 stick (½ cup) unsalted butter, melted
2 cloves garlic, minced
½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated or shredded
Salt to taste

Optional Additions:

½ tsp smoked paprika
¼ tsp cayenne pepper
1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
Zest of 1 lemon

Directions

Step 1: Prepare the Corn

Remove husks and silk from each ear of corn.
If grilling with husks, soak in water for 15 minutes to prevent burning.

Step 2: Make the Garlic Butter

Melt butter in a small saucepan over low heat.
Stir in garlic and cook for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
Add salt to taste and let sit for a few minutes to deepen flavor.

Step 3: Cook the Corn

Grilling Method:

Preheat grill to 375–400°F.
Wrap corn in foil or place directly on grill.
Grill for 15–20 minutes, turning every 5 minutes.
Remove, brush with garlic butter, and sprinkle with Parmesan.

Oven Roasting Method:

Preheat oven to 375°F.
Place corn on a lined baking sheet.
Brush with half the garlic butter.
Roast for 20 minutes, flipping halfway.
Remove, brush with remaining butter, and add Parmesan.

Boiling Method:

Bring salted water to a boil.
Add corn and boil for 5–7 minutes.
Drain, then brush with garlic butter and sprinkle with cheese.

Step 4: Serve

Let cheese melt over hot corn.
Sprinkle with optional herbs, lemon zest, or spices.
Serve immediately.

Nutrients (Approximate per serving)

Calories: 250 kcal
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Carbohydrates: 30g
Fiber: 4g
Sugar: 6g
Protein: 5g
Sodium: 200mg
Cholesterol: 40mg

The Role of Garlic Butter

Garlic butter is the heart and soul of this recipe, infusing the corn with aromatic, savory depth. Slow melting butter combined with minced garlic creates a rich, fragrant sauce that clings beautifully to the corn kernels. Cooking the garlic gently in the butter softens its pungency, allowing it to impart warmth and complexity without overwhelming the natural sweetness of the corn.

Butter’s creamy mouthfeel enhances the eating experience, while the infusion of garlic adds a classic flavor profile loved worldwide. This garlic butter can also be enhanced with optional seasonings like smoked paprika or cayenne pepper for a subtle smoky or spicy kick, making the dish adaptable to different flavor preferences.

The Parmesan Cheese Finish

Parmesan cheese adds a nutty, salty, and slightly tangy finish that perfectly complements the butter and garlic. Its texture contrasts delightfully with the tender corn kernels, introducing a slight crust when it melts on top of hot corn. Parmesan’s savory richness elevates the side dish, giving it an elegant flair without complicating the preparation.

Sprinkling fresh herbs like parsley or a touch of lemon zest on top adds brightness and color, balancing the richness and enhancing the overall flavor profile.

Cooking Methods and Their Impact

This recipe shines in its flexibility, allowing you to prepare the corn by grilling, roasting, or boiling, each method imparting subtle differences:

Grilling imparts a smoky, charred flavor that pairs wonderfully with the garlic butter and Parmesan, making it ideal for outdoor cookouts. Wrapping the corn in foil or placing it directly on the grill provides options for different textures and levels of char.

Oven roasting offers convenience and consistency, creating tender corn with a lightly caramelized surface. Brushing the corn with garlic butter before and after roasting maximizes flavor absorption.

Boiling is a quick and simple method that preserves the corn’s natural sweetness and juiciness. After boiling, brushing the corn with garlic butter and cheese ensures it remains rich and flavorful.

No matter the cooking method, finishing with the garlic butter and Parmesan cheese ensures a consistent, crave-worthy flavor.

Nutritional Highlights

Each serving of this dish provides approximately 250 calories with a substantial amount of fat, primarily from butter and cheese. The saturated fat content reflects the indulgent nature of the recipe but can be moderated by using lighter versions of butter or cheese.

Corn contributes complex carbohydrates and dietary fiber, helping with digestion and providing steady energy. The protein content comes mainly from Parmesan cheese, while sodium levels are moderate and easily adjusted based on seasoning.

This side dish is satisfying and energizing, perfect for complementing protein-rich mains like grilled meats or plant-based dishes.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

Cheesy Garlic Butter Corn on the Cob is an excellent accompaniment to a wide range of meals. It pairs perfectly with grilled steaks, chicken, seafood, or vegetarian dishes such as portobello mushrooms or vegetable kebabs. Its rich, buttery flavor balances well with lighter salads, fresh salsas, or tangy coleslaws.

For added variety and presentation, you can garnish the corn with chopped fresh herbs, a sprinkle of chili powder, or even crumbled crispy bacon for non-vegetarian versions.

Serving the corn with a side of lime or lemon wedges adds an optional burst of citrus acidity that refreshes the palate and brightens the flavors.

Tips for the Best Results

To ensure maximum flavor and texture, it’s important to:

Choose fresh, sweet corn with bright yellow kernels and tightly wrapped husks.
Remove husks and silk carefully to avoid tough bits.
Soak corn husks in water if you plan to grill them on to prevent burning.
Melt the butter slowly and gently cook the garlic to infuse without burning.
Brush garlic butter generously for full flavor coverage.
Apply Parmesan cheese while the corn is hot so it melts and adheres well.
Experiment with seasoning additions like smoked paprika or cayenne for a twist.

Conclusion

This Cheesy Garlic Butter Corn on the Cob is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that transforms a summer classic into a decadent, flavor-rich side dish. Its combination of sweet, tender corn with savory garlic butter and sharp Parmesan makes it a versatile accompaniment that enhances any meal. Easy to prepare with multiple cooking methods, it fits perfectly into casual barbecues, family dinners, or festive occasions.

Every bite delivers a satisfying blend of creamy, cheesy, and zesty flavors that will delight your taste buds and leave guests asking for more. This recipe celebrates the simplicity of quality ingredients elevated through thoughtful preparation, making it a must-have for your summer cooking repertoire.

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