Cheesy Garlic Butter Corn on the Cob

There’s something magical about biting into fresh, juicy corn slathered in rich garlic butter and topped with a melty cheese blanket. This recipe for Cheesy Garlic Butter Corn on the Cob takes a classic summer staple and turns it into an irresistible side dish you’ll want to enjoy all year long. Simple, bold, and comforting—it’s corn, but better.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This dish is a crowd-pleaser that’s loaded with savory flavor and takes very little effort to prepare. Whether you’re firing up the grill or boiling corn indoors, this recipe brings big flavor with minimal ingredients. It’s perfect for BBQs, potlucks, or even a quick weeknight treat.

Pure Comfort

Imagine the juicy pop of sweet corn kernels bathed in garlic butter and wrapped in a layer of gooey cheese. It’s warm, satisfying, and slightly indulgent—the kind of dish that gives you a hug with every bite. Perfect for summer nights or cozy dinners.

Ingredients

For the Corn

• 4 ears of fresh corn on the cob, husked and cleaned

For the Garlic Butter

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Cheese Topping

• 1 cup shredded Parmesan or mozzarella cheese (or a mix)
• ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, for garnish)

What You Need

• Large pot or grill
• Basting brush
• Small saucepan (for butter)
• Baking sheet (if broiling)
• Aluminum foil (optional, for grilling or broiling)

Time to Cook

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes

Steps to Make It

1. Cook the Corn

Boil the corn in a large pot of salted water for 10–12 minutes, or until kernels are tender. Alternatively, grill over medium heat for 10 minutes, turning occasionally for an even char.

2. Prepare Garlic Butter

In a small saucepan, melt butter over low heat. Add minced garlic and cook for 1–2 minutes until fragrant. Stir in parsley, salt, and pepper.

3. Coat the Corn

Brush each cooked ear of corn generously with the garlic butter while it’s still hot. Make sure every inch is covered.

4. Add the Cheese

Sprinkle shredded cheese evenly over the buttered corn. If you want it extra melty, place the corn on a baking sheet and broil for 2–3 minutes until cheese is bubbling and golden.

5. Finish and Serve

Sprinkle with a touch of smoked paprika or more fresh parsley. Serve hot!

Make It Perfect

Use fresh, in-season corn for the sweetest results. Don’t skimp on the garlic butter—it’s the secret to turning simple corn into a flavor bomb. And if you’re broiling for a cheesy finish, keep a close eye to avoid burning.

Mix It Up

Want a twist? Try using different cheeses like crumbled feta, cotija, or sharp cheddar. Add a squeeze of lime or a dash of chili powder for Mexican street corn vibes. You can even roll the corn in crushed nacho chips for crunch.

Perfect Partners

Pair this corn with grilled chicken, juicy burgers, or even a hearty black bean salad. It also works beautifully with smoky BBQ ribs or a crisp cucumber-tomato salad on the side.

Busy Day Hero

This recipe is weeknight-friendly and super fast. Boil or grill the corn while prepping the butter. In 25 minutes flat, you’ll have a side dish that tastes like it took all day.

Work Ahead

You can prep the garlic butter in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 5 days. You can also parboil the corn and reheat it with butter and cheese under the broiler right before serving.

Save Some For Later

Wrap leftover corn in foil and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through. You can also shave the corn off the cob and toss it into salads or quesadillas the next day.

Everyone’s Happy

This dish is naturally gluten-free and can easily be made vegetarian by choosing rennet-free cheese. Kids love it, adults devour it—everyone wins.

Good For You Too

Corn is high in fiber and provides essential B vitamins. When paired with a little fat (like butter), your body absorbs even more of the good stuff. Choose fresh herbs and use real cheese to keep it clean and wholesome.

Easy Clean Up

Use foil on your baking sheet or grill for quick cleanup. One pot, one brush, one pan—done. No mess, no stress.

Switch It Up

Turn this into a bowl: shave the corn and toss it with garlic butter and cheese for a cheesy garlic corn salad. Add cherry tomatoes or avocado for extra flavor and color.

Simply Perfect

Cheesy Garlic Butter Corn on the Cob proves you don’t need fancy ingredients to make something absolutely delicious. With just a few pantry staples and fresh corn, you can create a side dish that feels special every time.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen corn?
Yes! Just thaw and cook according to package directions, then follow the garlic butter and cheese steps.

2. What kind of cheese works best?
Parmesan, mozzarella, cheddar, cotija, or feta all work beautifully depending on the flavor profile you want.

3. How do I make this vegan?
Use vegan butter and a dairy-free cheese alternative. Nutritional yeast can also mimic cheesy flavor.

4. Can I make this in the air fryer?
Absolutely. Air fry the corn at 400°F for 10 minutes, then add garlic butter and cheese, and air fry another 2–3 minutes.

5. Can I store leftovers?
Yes, wrap in foil and refrigerate. Reheat in the oven or microwave.

6. What’s the best way to reheat it?
Oven at 350°F for 10 minutes or microwave for 1–2 minutes. Add extra butter if needed.

7. Is this good for a potluck?
Totally! Keep warm in a slow cooker or covered dish. It’s a guaranteed hit.

Conclusion

Cheesy Garlic Butter Corn on the Cob is more than a side—it’s a celebration of summer flavors and comforting bites. Whether you grill it, broil it, or keep it simple, this recipe is pure joy in every kernel. Give it a try, and it just might become your go-to corn dish all year long.

Recipes That Pair Perfectly with Cheesy Garlic Corn

Loved that savory, buttery kick from the Cheesy Garlic Butter Corn on the Cob? Then you’re going to want to check out some equally mouthwatering dishes! Bring even more garlic flavor to the table with the tender and juicy Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Parmesan Cream Sauce—perfect for a hearty dinner. Craving something crispy on the side? The golden Garlic Butter Roasted Potatoes are a no-fail crowd-pleaser. For a cheesier twist, don’t skip the fun and flavorful Garlic Parmesan Cheeseburger Bombs. And if you’re serving guests, impress them with the savory and shareable Cheesy Pepperoni Pizza Roses. Round things out with something fresh and green like the Garlic Herb Roasted Veggies—a great balance to all that rich, cheesy goodness.

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