Of course! Cheesy Garlic Butter Corn on the Cob is a spectacular side dish that turns simple corn into a decadent, flavor-packed treat. It’s perfect for barbecues, potlucks, or just spicing up a weeknight dinner.
Here are a few ways to make it, from grilling to boiling and even an oven method.
Cheesy Garlic Butter Corn on the Cob
This recipe is incredibly easy and customizable.
Yields: 4 ears of corn
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10-20 minutes (depending on method)
Ingredients
For the Corn:
· 4 ears of corn, husks removed
For the Cheesy Garlic Butter:
· ½ cup (1 stick or 113g) unsalted butter, softened
· 2-3 cloves garlic, minced very finely or pressed
· ¼ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
· ¼ cup shredded Mexican-style cheese blend (or mozzarella, Cotija, etc.)
· 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
· 1 teaspoon fresh chives, chopped (optional)
· ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (or regular paprika)
· Salt and black pepper to taste
For Serving (optional):
· Extra shredded cheese
· Crumbled Cotija cheese
· Fresh parsley or cilantro
· A squeeze of lime juice
· Tajín or chili powder
Cooking Method 1: The Grill (Recommended for Smoky Flavor)
- Prep the Grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F / 200°C).
- Make the Compound Butter: In a medium bowl, mix the softened butter, minced garlic, Parmesan, shredded cheese, parsley, paprika, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Grill the Corn: Place the shucked corn directly on the grill grates. Grill for 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally, until the corn is tender and has some charred spots.
- Coat and Serve: Immediately slather the hot grilled corn with the cheesy garlic butter. The residual heat will melt it into a glorious sauce. Garnish with extra cheese and herbs.
Cooking Method 2: Boiled & Buttered (Easiest)
- Boil the Corn: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the shucked corn and cook for 5-8 minutes, until tender.
- Make the Butter: While the corn cooks, prepare the cheesy garlic butter mixture.
- Coat and Serve: Drain the corn and immediately brush or roll it in the cheesy garlic butter while it’s still hot.
Cooking Method 3: Oven-Baked (Great for a Crowd)
- Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Prep Corn: Place each ear of shucked corn on a separate piece of foil (large enough to wrap it completely).
- Butter and Wrap: Slather each ear of corn generously with the cheesy garlic butter mixture. Wrap the foil tightly around the corn.
- Bake: Place the foil packets on a baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes, until the corn is tender.
- Serve: Carefully open the packets (watch for steam!) and garnish as desired.
Tips for the Perfect Cheesy Corn
· Soft Butter is Key: Your butter must be softened to room temperature to easily mix with the other ingredients. Don’t melt it, or the mixture will be too runny.
· Fresh vs. Pre-Shredded Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan melts into the butter much better than the pre-shredded kind, which contains anti-caking agents.
· Cotija Cheese: For an authentic Mexican street corn (Elote) twist, skip the shredded cheese blend and use crumbled Cotija cheese in the butter and as a garnish. Add a pinch of chili powder and a squeeze of lime!
· Make-Ahead: You can make the cheesy garlic butter log ahead of time. Scoop the mixture onto plastic wrap, shape it into a log, and refrigerate for up to 5 days or freeze for a month. Simply slice off rounds and place them on hot corn.
· Don’t Overcook: Cook the corn just until it’s tender and bright yellow. Overcooking can make the kernels tough and mealy.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can I make this without an outdoor grill?
A: Absolutely! The oven method or boiling work perfectly. You can also get a nice char using a grill pan on your stovetop.
Q: My butter is sliding off the corn. What did I do wrong?
A: This usually happens if the corn is too wet or the butter is too melted. Pat the cooked corn dry with a paper towel before applying the butter. Using a softened (not melted) compound butter helps it stick.
Q: Can I use frozen corn on the cob?
A: Yes! There’s no need to thaw it. Just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time, whether you’re boiling, grilling, or baking it.
Q: How can I make it spicier?
A: Add ¼ teaspoon of cayenne pepper or a finely minced jalapeño to the butter mixture. A dash of your favorite hot sauce also works great.
Q: What’s the best way to serve this for a party?
A: Set up a “corn bar”! Cook and butter the corn, then let guests add their own toppings like extra cheese, crumbled bacon, chopped cilantro, lime wedges, Tajín, or hot sauce.
Enjoy your incredibly delicious and cheesy corn on the cob