Butter Garlic Parmesan Corn on the Cob Recipe
If you’re looking to elevate your summer cookout or simply add a touch of irresistible flavor to an everyday vegetable, Butter Garlic Parmesan Corn on the Cob is your new best friend. This dish takes fresh corn on the cob, grills it to smoky perfection, and then dresses it up with a heavenly blend of garlic-infused butter and nutty Parmesan cheese. The result is a vibrant, buttery, cheesy, and just garlicky enough treat that’s perfect for sharing with friends and family. Once you try it, you’ll wonder how you ever enjoyed corn on the cob any other way.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward yet essential, each playing a key role in building the flavor, texture, and color that make this version of corn on the cob irresistible. From the fresh ears of corn providing natural sweetness to the Parmesan adding that savory edge, every component counts!
- 4 ears of fresh corn, husked and cleaned: Freshness is key here, as sweet, juicy corn is the perfect foundation for this recipe.
- 1/2 cup of unsalted butter, melted: Butter not only adds richness but also helps meld all the flavors together beautifully.
- 3 cloves of garlic, minced: Fresh garlic brings a fragrant punch that complements the sweetness of the corn wonderfully.
- 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese: Parmesan provides a salty, nutty depth that turns simple corn into something extraordinary.
- 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh parsley: Parsley adds a fresh, green pop of color and a mild herbal note.
- Salt and black pepper to taste: Seasoning is essential for balancing and enhancing all the flavors.
- Lemon wedges for serving (optional): A squeeze of lemon adds bright acidity that cuts through the richness for a fresh finish.
How to Make Butter Garlic Parmesan Corn on the Cob
Step 1: Preheat Your Grill
Start by heating your grill to a medium-high temperature. This level of heat is just right to cook the corn through while giving it those enticing grill marks and a slight smoky char that bring out the corn’s natural sweetness.
Step 2: Prepare the Garlic Butter
In a small bowl, combine the melted unsalted butter and the minced garlic. Stir well to evenly distribute the garlic throughout the butter. This garlic butter will be the flavor hero for your corn.
Step 3: Butter the Corn
Use a brush to coat each ear of corn generously with the garlic butter mixture, making sure you cover all sides. Save a little of the butter mixture for basting after grilling. This step ensures that the corn soaks up maximum flavor during cooking.
Step 4: Grill the Corn
Place the buttered corn on the grill and cook for approximately 10 to 12 minutes. Turn the corn every few minutes to achieve an even char and tender kernels. The grilling adds a gorgeous smoky depth that takes the flavor to another level.
Step 5: Additional Butter and Parmesan
Once off the grill, immediately brush the corn with the remaining garlic butter to lock in moisture and flavor. Then sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese on top while the corn is still warm so it melts slightly, coating every kernel in gooey, cheesy goodness.
Step 6: Season and Garnish
Sprinkle salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste, then finish with chopped fresh parsley for a burst of green freshness and color contrast. If you like, serve with lemon wedges for an optional zesty twist.
How to Serve Butter Garlic Parmesan Corn on the Cob
Garnishes
Fresh parsley is classic, but don’t stop there! You can also try chives for a subtle onion note or a pinch of smoked paprika for an extra smoky kick. A drizzle of a little extra garlic butter right before serving keeps everything juicy and luscious.
Side Dishes
This Butter Garlic Parmesan Corn on the Cob pairs beautifully with grilled meats like chicken and steak or spiced-up black beans for a vegetarian touch. Toss in a crisp salad or creamy coleslaw to balance the rich, buttery flavors and add a refreshing counterpoint to your meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Try slicing the kernels off the cob after cooking to make a vibrant corn salad. Or wrap the corn individually in parchment paper to keep the butter sauce contained for easy serving at picnics. If you’re feeling playful, sprinkle a little chili powder or serve with a creamy ranch dip on the side for unexpected flavor layers.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have any leftover Butter Garlic Parmesan Corn on the Cob (though that’s rare!), wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’s best consumed within 2 days to maintain that fresh, buttery flavor.
Freezing
Freezing corn on the cob with the garlic Parmesan topping isn’t recommended because the texture of both the corn and the cheese can change significantly. Instead, freeze plain cooked corn on the cob separately if you want to prepare ahead, then add the butter garlic Parmesan sauce upon reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, wrap the corn in foil and warm it gently on a grill or in the oven at low heat to avoid drying it out. You can also microwave it loosely covered, adding a little extra butter if needed to restore that melty, luscious texture.
FAQs
Can I use frozen corn for Butter Garlic Parmesan Corn on the Cob?
Fresh corn really shines in this recipe because of its natural sweetness and texture, but if fresh isn’t available, thawed frozen corn on the cob can work in a pinch. Just be mindful that frozen corn tends to have a softer texture and less sweetness.
Is there a way to make this recipe vegan?
Absolutely! Substitute the butter with a plant-based vegan butter and replace Parmesan cheese with a vegan Parmesan alternative or nutritional yeast for a similar cheesy flavor without dairy.
Can I cook Butter Garlic Parmesan Corn on the Cob indoors?
Yes! If you don’t have a grill, you can roast the corn in the oven or cook it on a stovetop grill pan. Just keep an eye on it to achieve similar grill marks and slightly charred spots for that authentic flavor.
What if I don’t have fresh parsley?
No worries! You can use dried parsley, fresh cilantro, or even chopped green onions as alternatives. Each will add a bit of color and a fresh herbal note to complement the rich garlic butter and Parmesan.
Can I add spices to customize the flavor?
Definitely! Paprika, cayenne pepper, smoked chili powder, or even a pinch of cumin can add exciting layers to the dish. Just sprinkle the spices along with the Parmesan or mix them directly into the garlic butter before brushing.
Final Thoughts
Making Butter Garlic Parmesan Corn on the Cob at home is a wonderful way to turn a humble vegetable into a gourmet delight. It’s easy, flavorful, and sure to become a crowd-pleaser at any gathering. Go ahead, give this recipe a try and watch as your family and friends fall in love with every buttery, garlicky, cheesy bite!
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Butter Garlic Parmesan Corn on the Cob Recipe
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Butter Garlic Parmesan Corn on the Cob recipe is a flavorful and easy-to-make side dish perfect for grilling season. Fresh corn is brushed with a rich garlic butter sauce, grilled to perfection, then topped with savory Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley, delivering a deliciously cheesy and garlicky taste with a hint of smoky char.
Ingredients
Corn and Toppings
- 4 ears of fresh corn, husked and cleaned
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- Lemon wedges for serving (optional)
Garlic Butter Mixture
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Instructions
- Preheat the Grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat, around 375°F to 450°F, to prepare for cooking the corn evenly with a nice char.
- Prepare Garlic Butter: In a small bowl, combine the melted butter with the minced garlic, stirring well so the garlic is thoroughly mixed into the butter, enhancing its flavor.
- Brush Corn: Using a brush, coat each ear of corn evenly with the garlic butter mixture. Reserve a small amount of this mixture to apply later after grilling.
- Grill Corn: Place the prepared corn directly on the grill grates. Grill for 10 to 12 minutes, turning the ears occasionally to ensure all sides become tender and develop a slight char for smoky flavor.
- Apply Remaining Butter: Remove the corn from the grill and immediately brush the hot ears with the remaining garlic butter to lock in moisture and flavor.
- Add Parmesan and Season: Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the hot corn. Then season with salt and freshly ground black pepper according to your taste preferences.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish the corn with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and fresh taste. Serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side for optional tangy brightness.
Notes
- For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the garlic butter mixture before brushing.
- If you don’t have a grill, you can roast the corn in the oven at 425°F for 20-25 minutes, turning once midway.
- Use fresh Parmesan cheese for best melting and flavor results rather than pre-grated powder.
- To keep leftovers, wrap the corn tightly in foil and refrigerate for up to 2 days. Reheat gently before serving.
- Lemon wedges add a fresh citrus touch that complements the savory parmesan and garlic very well.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ear of corn with toppings
- Calories: 220 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 230 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg
Keywords: grilled corn, garlic butter corn, Parmesan corn on the cob, side dish, summer recipe, barbecue side
