If you’re craving a side dish that’s bursting with flavor and irresistibly comforting, this Cheesy Garlic Butter Corn on the Cob Recipe is an absolute winner. The sweet juiciness of fresh corn gets a decadent upgrade with a luscious blend of melted butter, aromatic garlic, and a gooey, melty mix of Parmesan and mozzarella cheeses that create a truly mouthwatering experience. Every bite delivers a perfect harmony of cheesy richness, buttery goodness, and a hint of savory garlic that will have you coming back for more. This recipe is quick, easy, and perfect for any mealtime celebration, whether it’s a summer BBQ or a cozy family dinner.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make this Cheesy Garlic Butter Corn on the Cob Recipe shine, you only need a handful of straightforward ingredients, each chosen to enhance the dish’s texture, color, and burst of flavor. From sweet corn to luscious cheeses, every item on the list plays a vital role.
- 4 ears of corn, husked: Fresh corn is key for that juicy, crunchy bite that forms the base of this dish.
- 1/4 cup butter, melted: Butter adds glorious richness and helps the garlic flavor infuse every kernel.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Fresh garlic provides that punchy, aromatic note that transforms plain corn into a flavor powerhouse.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: A touch of salt elevates all the flavors and balances the sweetness of the corn.
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper: Adds a subtle heat that complements the buttery garlic perfectly.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Parmesan adds a sharp, nutty flavor and lovely texture when melted over hot corn.
- 1/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Mozzarella melts beautifully, delivering that stretchy, gooey texture everyone loves.
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish): Parsley adds a burst of fresh color and a hint of herbal brightness to finish the dish.
How to Make Cheesy Garlic Butter Corn on the Cob Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Corn to Perfection
Start by preheating your grill to medium-high if you prefer grilled corn, or bring a pot of water to a boil for boiling method fans. For boiling, cook the husked corn for 8 to 10 minutes until the kernels are tender but still juicy. For grilling, place the corn directly on the grill and turn occasionally over 10 to 12 minutes until you see beautiful grill marks and the corn smells irresistible.
Step 2: Prepare the Garlic Butter Mixture
While the corn cooks, melt your butter and combine it with the minced garlic, salt, and pepper. This simple mixture is the flavorful heart of your dish, ensuring every kernel is coated with lush, garlicky richness.
Step 3: Brush Garlic Butter Over Hot Corn
Once your corn is cooked, brush it generously with the garlic butter while it’s still piping hot. This allows the garlic-infused butter to soak deep into the corn’s kernels, locking in incredible flavor.
Step 4: Sprinkle with Cheeses for Ultimate Gooeyness
Immediately after brushing with butter, sprinkle the grated Parmesan and shredded mozzarella over the corn. The residual heat will gently melt these cheeses, creating a delightful, gooey, cheesy layer that perfectly complements the buttery garlic.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Finish your Cheesy Garlic Butter Corn on the Cob Recipe by adding a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness that ties all the flavors together vibrantly. Serve immediately to enjoy the cheeses at their meltiest and the corn at its juiciest.
How to Serve Cheesy Garlic Butter Corn on the Cob Recipe
Garnishes
Besides fresh parsley, you can experiment with a light dusting of smoked paprika or chili flakes for a subtle smoky or spicy kick. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice over the top right before serving can add a bright tang that balances the richness beautifully.
Side Dishes
This cheesy garlic butter corn works beautifully alongside grilled meats like steak or chicken, or with fresh summer salads. It’s also fantastic paired with baked potatoes or roasted vegetables for a crowd-pleasing feast that’s full of comforting flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, cut the cheesy corn kernels off the cob after cooking and toss them with extra garlic butter and cheese in a warm skillet for a creamy, cheesy corn side dish. Alternatively, wrap the corn in foil before grilling with the garlic butter inside for a smoky, steamy take that’s sure to impress at your next BBQ.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, wrap the corn tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container and refrigerate. It’s best eaten within 2 days to keep that fresh, buttery garlic flavor intact without the corn drying out.
Freezing
While corn on the cob is best fresh, you can freeze leftover corn kernels (after cutting them off the cob). Lay them flat in a freezer-safe bag and use within 2 months. Cheesy garlic butter won’t freeze well on the cob, as the textures change upon thawing.
Reheating
To reheat corn on the cob, gently warm it in the oven at 350°F wrapped in foil so it doesn’t dry out. You can also microwave it wrapped in a damp paper towel for about 1-2 minutes. To bring back that fresh melted cheese effect, add a little extra shredded mozzarella and Parmesan before warming.
FAQs
Can I use frozen corn for this Cheesy Garlic Butter Corn on the Cob Recipe?
Frozen corn can be used, but for the best texture and flavor, fresh corn on the cob is highly recommended. If using frozen, cook the kernels separately and then toss with the garlic butter and cheeses.
Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe?
This recipe is already vegetarian-friendly as it uses cheese and butter for richness without any meat products. Just be sure to use vegetarian Parmesan if strict vegetarian guidelines are needed.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Absolutely! Substitute the butter with a plant-based alternative and swap the cheeses for dairy-free shredded varieties. The garlic butter flavor will still shine through beautifully.
How do I get the cheese to melt perfectly on the corn?
Brush the garlic butter on the hot corn immediately after cooking, then sprinkle the cheeses while the corn is still warm so they melt instantly. For extra meltiness, you can briefly place the corn under a broiler for 1-2 minutes, watching carefully.
Can I use other types of cheese in this recipe?
Definitely. While Parmesan and mozzarella provide a perfect flavor and melt combination, feel free to experiment with cheddar for a sharper bite or cotija for a Mexican-inspired twist.
Final Thoughts
Trying this Cheesy Garlic Butter Corn on the Cob Recipe will bring a burst of joy to your table with its rich, cheesy, and garlicky notes that turn humble corn into something truly special. Easy to make and loved by all, it’s the kind of dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Give it a go and watch this recipe become one of your favorite go-to sides for any occasion!
Print
Cheesy Garlic Butter Corn on the Cob Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delicious and easy Cheesy Garlic Butter Corn on the Cob combines tender corn cooked either by boiling or grilling, smothered in a flavorful garlic butter, and topped with melted Parmesan and mozzarella cheeses, finished with fresh parsley for a perfect side dish.
Ingredients
Corn
- 4 ears of corn, husked
Garlic Butter
- 1/4 cup butter, melted
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
Cheese and Garnish
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare cooking method: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat if you choose to grill, or bring a large pot of water to a boil if you prefer boiling the corn.
- Cook the corn: For boiling, place the husked ears of corn into the boiling water and cook for 8 to 10 minutes until tender. For grilling, place the husked corn directly on the grill and cook for 10 to 12 minutes, turning occasionally to ensure even cooking and slight charring.
- Mix the garlic butter: In a small bowl, combine the melted butter with minced garlic, salt, and pepper, stirring well to blend all flavors.
- Brush corn with garlic butter: Immediately after cooking, generously brush each ear of hot corn with the prepared garlic butter mixture, ensuring all sides are coated for maximum flavor.
- Add the cheeses: Sprinkle the grated Parmesan and shredded mozzarella over the hot corn so the cheeses can melt slightly and adhere to the buttered corn.
- Garnish and serve: Finally, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the corn for a fragrant, colorful finish and serve immediately while warm and cheesy.
Notes
- You can choose either boiling or grilling to cook the corn depending on your preference and time availability.
- For a richer flavor, you can add a little smoked paprika or chili flakes to the garlic butter.
- If grilling, consider wrapping the corn in foil for more tenderness or cook uncovered for a smoky char flavor.
- Use fresh garlic for best taste, but garlic powder can be a substitute if needed.
- This recipe can be doubled easily for larger gatherings.
