Cheesy Garlic Butter Corn on the Cob

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Few things capture the essence of summer like fresh corn on the cob, and this Cheesy Garlic Butter Corn on the Cob takes it to the next level. Slathered in a rich, garlicky butter and finished with a generous sprinkle of parmesan and herbs, each bite delivers a burst of sweet corn goodness wrapped in savory, melty flavor. Whether you’re firing up the grill for a BBQ or simply looking to elevate your side dish game, this easy and indulgent twist will impress everyone at the table.

The balance of creamy butter, sharp cheese, and the warmth of roasted garlic makes this corn downright addictive. Plus, it’s incredibly quick to prepare—making it perfect for weeknight dinners or last-minute party sides. Serve it alongside grilled meats, toss it into a buffet spread, or enjoy it all on its own with a squeeze of lime for a zesty finish.

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Ingredients for this Cheesy Garlic Butter Corn on the Cob

• 4 ears of fresh corn, husked and cleaned
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
• 2 garlic cloves, minced (or more if you’re a garlic lover)
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional for a smoky kick)
• ⅓ cup grated parmesan cheese
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (or chives for a twist)
• Lime wedges for serving (optional but recommended)

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Step 1: Prep the Garlic Butter

Start by making the garlic butter spread. In a small bowl, combine the softened butter, minced garlic, salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika (if using). Mix it thoroughly until the garlic is evenly distributed through the butter. Set this aside so the flavors can mingle while you prep the corn.

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Step 2: Cook the Corn

There are a few ways to cook your corn depending on what you have available:

• Grilling (recommended for max flavor): Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Brush each corn cob lightly with olive oil or butter. Grill for 10–12 minutes, turning every few minutes until slightly charred and tender.
• Boiling: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the corn and cook for 6–8 minutes until tender. Drain well.
• Oven-roasting: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Wrap each ear in foil and roast for about 20–25 minutes until cooked through.

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Step 3: Smother in Garlic Butter

Once the corn is cooked and still hot, immediately slather each cob with the garlic butter mixture. The heat will help melt the butter and spread the flavor deep into the kernels.

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Step 4: Add the Cheese and Herbs

Sprinkle the grated parmesan over each buttered corn cob while it’s still warm. The cheese will melt slightly and stick to the buttery surface. Finish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or chives for a pop of color and freshness.

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Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Serve immediately with lime wedges on the side. A squeeze of lime adds a bright contrast to the richness of the garlic butter and cheese. These are best enjoyed warm, straight off the grill or stovetop.

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Storage Instructions

If you have leftover Cheesy Garlic Butter Corn on the Cob (though it’s rare!), you can store it easily:

• Refrigerator: Wrap each cob in foil or place in an airtight container. Store for up to 3 days in the fridge.
• Freezer (for longer storage): Cut the corn off the cob after cooling, place in a freezer-safe bag, and freeze for up to 2 months. This is great for tossing into pastas, soups, or even making cheesy corn fritters later on.
• Reheating: Warm in a microwave for 1–2 minutes or reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) wrapped in foil until hot. For a grilled flavor, briefly toss on a hot skillet or grill pan.

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Estimated Nutrition

Per Serving (1 ear of corn):

• Calories: ~210
• Total Fat: 14g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Cholesterol: 35mg
• Sodium: 280mg
• Carbohydrates: 20g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugars: 6g
• Protein: 4g

Note: Nutrition will vary depending on amount of butter and cheese used.

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use frozen corn instead of fresh?

Yes! If fresh corn isn’t available, frozen corn on the cob works well. Just thaw and cook as you would fresh.

2. What’s the best cheese alternative to parmesan?

Try crumbled cotija, grated pecorino romano, or even shredded cheddar for a twist.

3. Can I make this dairy-free?

Definitely! Use a vegan butter substitute and dairy-free parmesan (or nutritional yeast) for a similar flavor.

4. How do I avoid overcooking the corn?

Whether boiling or grilling, keep a close eye on it. Corn is done when the kernels are tender but still slightly crisp.

5. Is this recipe spicy?

Not by default. The paprika adds a smoky depth, not heat. Want spice? Add cayenne or a splash of hot sauce.

6. Can I prepare this ahead of time?

You can make the garlic butter in advance and cook the corn just before serving for the best flavor.

7. What dishes pair well with this?

Grilled meats, BBQ chicken, burgers, veggie kebabs, or a fresh summer salad make perfect companions.

8. Can I cook this in the microwave?

Yes! Microwave each ear (in husk or wrapped in a damp towel) for about 3–4 minutes. Then add the garlic butter and cheese.

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