If you’re on the hunt for a show-stopping side dish that practically sings of summer, the Best Cheesy Garlic Butter Corn on the Cob absolutely deserves center stage at your table. Imagine juicy, sweet corn slathered with golden garlic butter, finished with a lavish sprinkle of Parmesan and fresh parsley—every bite is an irresistible blend of creamy, savory, and bright flavors. Whether you’re firing up the grill, gathering friends for a cozy dinner, or just looking for a way to jazz up weeknight meals, this recipe brings the fun and flavor in spades!
Ingredients You’ll Need
You’ll be amazed at how a handful of simple, fresh ingredients come together to make the Best Cheesy Garlic Butter Corn on the Cob so memorable. Each one brings its own magic, adding layers of taste, texture, and color you’ll crave all season long.
- Corn on the Cob: Use fresh, in-season ears for the sweetest, juiciest crunch—don’t settle for anything less!
- Unsalted Butter: Softened butter is the key to creating that swoon-worthy melt; unsalted lets you control the salt level just right.
- Garlic: Fresh minced garlic infuses every bite with pungent, savory depth—don’t skimp!
- Salt: Just a pinch brings all the flavors together and pops the natural sweetness of the corn.
- Black Pepper: For a subtle, earthy warmth that perks up the buttery coating.
- Paprika: Completely optional, but it’ll add a warm hint of color and the faintest smoky kick.
- Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parm melts into the butter, giving you that signature cheesy top and a welcome hit of umami.
- Fresh Parsley: Chopped parsley sprinkles on bold color and freshness, making everything taste brighter.
- Extra Melted Butter: If you love things ultra-indulgent, offer extra for brushing at the table—because more butter never hurts!
- Lime Wedges: Optional, but a squeeze of lime gives a zippy finish that cuts through the richness beautifully.
How to Make Best Cheesy Garlic Butter Corn on the Cob
Step 1: Mix the Garlic Butter
Start by grabbing a small bowl and mashing together your softened butter, minced garlic, salt, black pepper, and paprika (if using). Be generous with your stirring—smooth, even mixing ensures that butter seeps into every nook of your corn. This is your flavor base, so don’t be shy about tasting and tweaking!
Step 2: Cook the Corn
Fill a big pot with water and bring it to a rolling boil—think of it as a steam spa for your corn. Drop in the ears and let them cook for 5 to 7 minutes until they’re bright yellow and just tender. The aroma will hint that something amazing is about to happen!
Step 3: Butter It Up!
Drain the corn and work quickly while it’s still steamy hot. Lay the ears on a platter and brush them generously with that dreamy garlic butter mixture, making sure each side gets a good slick. This is where the Best Cheesy Garlic Butter Corn on the Cob starts to look (and smell) absolutely irresistible.
Step 4: Shower with Cheese
Now for the magic touch—sprinkle each buttery ear with grated Parmesan. The warmth of the corn and butter will help the cheese melt just slightly, creating a savory, slightly gooey layer. Parmesan adds a nutty saltiness you won’t want to miss!
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
To finish, toss on a handful of chopped fresh parsley for vibrant color and freshness. Serve right away while everything’s still warm, with extra melted butter or lime wedges on the side for anyone who wants to make their cob even more luscious or zesty.
How to Serve Best Cheesy Garlic Butter Corn on the Cob
Garnishes
Highlight the fresh flavors with bright green parsley, zingy lime wedges, or even a quick dusting of extra paprika for a pop of color. These simple sprinkles make your Best Cheesy Garlic Butter Corn on the Cob look as good as it tastes.
Side Dishes
This corn loves company! Serve it next to smoky BBQ chicken, grilled sausages, or a big bowl of summery tomato salad. It’s equally at home with burgers or a hearty vegetarian chili—the savoriness of the cheese and garlic butter pairs with just about anything.
Creative Ways to Present
Go beyond a basic platter by standing the ears upright in a rustic basket, or slice the corn into halves for party-ready, bite-sized street corn. For a party twist, thread small cob pieces onto skewers—you’ll have instant cheesy corn kebabs that guests can grab and go. Best Cheesy Garlic Butter Corn on the Cob instantly becomes the star of any spread!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Best Cheesy Garlic Butter Corn on the Cob holds up perfectly! Just wrap each ear tightly in foil or store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. The flavors actually deepen as they sit, making that second bite just as crave-worthy.
Freezing
If you have extra, let the corn cool fully, then wrap each ear in plastic wrap and slip them into a freezer bag. Freeze for up to three months. For best results, wait to add any fresh garnishes like parsley or lime until after reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, unwrap and warm the corn in a 350°F oven for about 10-15 minutes, or zap on a microwave-safe plate in 30-second bursts until steamy. Add a dab of extra butter if things look a bit dry, and refresh with a sprinkle of cheese and herbs right before digging in.
FAQs
Can I grill the corn instead of boiling it?
Absolutely! Grilling gives the kernels a smoky, charred flavor that takes the Best Cheesy Garlic Butter Corn on the Cob to the next level. Just grill over medium heat, turning often, until lightly charred and tender—then follow the same butter and cheese steps.
Can I use frozen corn on the cob?
You can, though fresh delivers the absolute best results in flavor and texture. If using frozen, simply cook according to package directions, then slather on the garlic butter and cheese as directed—still delicious, and super convenient!
How can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Substitute your favorite plant-based butter and a vegan Parmesan-style cheese. The results are still wonderfully rich and flavorful, perfect for those wanting the Best Cheesy Garlic Butter Corn on the Cob without the dairy.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! The fundamental ingredients in this recipe are naturally gluten-free, so it’s a great choice for anyone avoiding gluten. Always be sure to double-check that your cheese and butter are processed in a gluten-free facility if you’re highly sensitive.
What other cheese can I use instead of Parmesan?
Try swapping in crumbled cotija for a Mexican-style flair, or use sharp cheddar for a bolder flavor. Each cheese will bring its own character, but the Best Cheesy Garlic Butter Corn on the Cob is endlessly adaptable.
Final Thoughts
Once you try making the Best Cheesy Garlic Butter Corn on the Cob at home, you’ll find yourself dreaming up any excuse to make it again. Go ahead, treat yourself and those you love—this cheesy, buttery, garlicky bliss is just too good not to share!
Print
Best Cheesy Garlic Butter Corn on the Cob Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 7 minutes
- Total Time: 17 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free
Description
Indulge in the ultimate summer side dish with this Best Cheesy Garlic Butter Corn on the Cob recipe. Fresh corn on the cob slathered in a savory garlic butter, sprinkled with Parmesan cheese, and garnished with fresh parsley for a burst of flavor in every bite.
Ingredients
Fresh Corn:
6 ears
Unsalted Butter, softened:
1/2 cup
Garlic, minced:
3 cloves
Salt:
1/4 teaspoon
Black Pepper:
1/4 teaspoon
Paprika (optional):
1/2 teaspoon
Grated Parmesan Cheese:
1/2 cup
Fresh Parsley, chopped:
1/4 cup
Extra Butter for brushing (optional):
to taste
Lime Wedges for serving (optional):
to taste
Instructions
- Mix Garlic Butter: In a small bowl, combine softened butter, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and paprika.
- Cook Corn: Boil corn for 5–7 minutes until tender. Drain and transfer to a serving tray.
- Coat Corn: Brush hot corn with garlic butter, sprinkle with Parmesan, and garnish with parsley.
- Serve: Optionally, serve with extra butter or lime wedges.
Notes
- For a smoky twist, grill the corn instead of boiling.
- Try cotija cheese for a Mexican variation.
- Perfect for BBQs, cookouts, or weeknight dinners.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ear
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
