Cheesy Garlic Butter Corn on the Cob is the ultimate comfort side dish that takes your classic corn to a whole new level. Smothered in rich garlic butter and covered in melted cheese, this flavor-packed recipe transforms simple corn into a crowd-pleasing masterpiece. Whether you’re planning a BBQ, a holiday meal, or just want a quick cheesy fix, this dish is always a hit.

The first bite of this Cheesy Garlic Butter Corn on the Cob hits with juicy sweetness, followed by a savory wave of creamy garlic butter and melted cheese. It’s incredibly easy to make, uses minimal ingredients, and takes less than 30 minutes from start to finish. If you’re looking for the perfect combination of flavor and texture, this is the recipe to bookmark.
What Is the Cheesy Garlic Butter Corn on the Cob?
Cheesy Garlic Butter Corn on the Cob is a rich and indulgent twist on a summer favorite. Traditional corn is grilled or roasted until tender, then brushed generously with garlic-infused butter and topped with melty cheese—usually mozzarella or cheddar. A sprinkle of fresh parsley or chives adds a final burst of color and brightness.
This dish draws inspiration from Mexican street corn (elote) but leans into a creamier, more universally cheesy profile. It’s perfect for those who love their corn tender, juicy, and loaded with flavor. You can make it in the oven, on the stovetop, or even on the grill—whatever works best for your kitchen setup.
Ingredients for Cheesy Garlic Butter Corn on the Cob
To create this deliciously gooey and flavorful side dish, you’ll need just a handful of ingredients:
- 4 ears of corn on the cob, husked and cleaned
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (or a mix with cheddar for extra flavor)
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for roasting or grilling)

How To Make the Cheesy Garlic Butter Corn on the Cob
Step 1: Prepare the Corn
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) or heat a grill pan over medium-high heat. Lightly brush the corn with olive oil and season with a pinch of salt and pepper. This helps the corn caramelize slightly and adds a flavorful base.
Step 2: Cook the Corn
Place the corn on a baking tray (or directly on a grill pan if using the stovetop). Roast or grill for 15–20 minutes, turning occasionally, until the corn is golden and tender. Some char spots are perfect for that smoky depth.
Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter
While the corn is cooking, melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1–2 minutes until fragrant. Be careful not to brown the garlic—it should stay soft and aromatic.
Step 4: Coat with Garlic Butter
Once the corn is cooked, transfer it to a baking dish (if using the oven method) or leave it in the grill pan. Brush each ear generously with the garlic butter, making sure it gets into all the kernels.
Step 5: Add Cheese and Broil
Sprinkle shredded mozzarella over the corn. If you’re using the oven, place the tray under the broiler for 2–3 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly. On the stovetop, cover the pan briefly to allow the cheese to melt using residual heat.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the top and serve immediately. The cheese should be gooey and stretchy, the garlic butter rich and fragrant, and the corn perfectly sweet and juicy.
What to Serve with Cheesy Garlic Butter Corn on the Cob
Cheesy Garlic Butter Corn on the Cob pairs beautifully with grilled meats, roasted vegetables, or even hearty pastas. It’s a natural fit for BBQ ribs, grilled chicken, or juicy burgers. You can also serve it alongside a fresh garden salad or creamy coleslaw for a balanced plate. As a side dish, it’s versatile enough to sit comfortably next to both casual and more elevated main courses.
If you’re building a platter, consider adding potato wedges, baked beans, or even a zesty cucumber tomato salad to keep things light and refreshing. And don’t forget the napkins—this corn is finger-licking good.
Top Tips for Perfecting Cheesy Garlic Butter Corn on the Cob
- Use Fresh Corn: The juicier and sweeter the corn, the better. Try to buy it the same day you plan to cook for peak flavor.
- Don’t Burn the Garlic: When making garlic butter, keep the heat low and stir often to prevent bitter, burnt garlic.
- Customize the Cheese: Mozzarella melts beautifully, but for a sharper flavor, try a mix of mozzarella and cheddar or even pepper jack for a kick.
Want More Cheesy Side Dish Ideas?
If you love the rich combo of cheese and veggies, you’ll also enjoy the Cheesy Baked Zucchini Boats—a low-carb side that’s loaded with melted cheese and herbs. Or check out Cheddar Garlic Mashed Potatoes, which bring bold flavor to any dinner spread.
Looking for something bolder? Try the Cheesy Jalapeño Corn Dip, perfect for parties. And if you’re sticking to the corn theme, the Creamy Corn Casserole is another crowd-favorite that blends sweet corn with gooey, cheesy goodness in a bake-and-serve format.

Cheesy Garlic Butter Corn on the Cob
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
Description
This Cheesy Garlic Butter Corn on the Cob is the ultimate side dish for any occasion. Juicy, sweet corn meets rich, garlicky butter and melty cheese in a dish that’s quick, indulgent, and irresistibly delicious.
Ingredients
- 4 ears of corn on the cob, husked
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (or mix with cheddar)
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) or heat a grill pan over medium-high heat.
- Brush corn with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
- Roast or grill for 15–20 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden and tender.
- In a small saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic and cook for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
- Brush cooked corn generously with garlic butter.
- Sprinkle cheese over corn and broil for 2–3 minutes, or cover grill pan to melt cheese.
- Garnish with chopped parsley and serve hot.
Notes
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of smoked paprika or chili flakes to the garlic butter.
- Try different cheeses like parmesan or pepper jack for variety.
- Fresh corn yields the best texture—avoid frozen if possible.
