Cheesy Garlic Butter Corn on the Cob

Summer is all about easy, flavorful dishes that bring everyone to the table. One of the best ways to enjoy sweet, juicy corn is by making Cheesy Garlic Butter Corn on the Cob. The rich, savory combination of garlic butter and melted cheese makes this dish a total crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re grilling it for a BBQ or boiling it for a quick weeknight dinner, this recipe brings out the best in corn on the cob. Let’s dive in and explore how to make this irresistible dish!

Ingredients You’ll Need for Cheesy Garlic Butter Corn on the Cob

Before we jump into the recipe, let’s gather our ingredients. Thankfully, they’re simple and easy to find at any grocery store:

• Corn on the cob (fresh and in-season for the best flavor)
• Butter (unsalted is usually the best choice for this recipe)
• Garlic (fresh cloves for the best flavor)
• Cheese (Parmesan is a classic, but feel free to get creative with cheddar, mozzarella, or a mix)
• Fresh herbs (optional, like parsley or cilantro, for a little freshness)
• Salt and pepper (to taste)

Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Cheesy Garlic Butter Corn on the Cob

Ready to cook? Here’s how you can make this dish step by step:

Prep the Corn:
Start by husking the corn, removing the silk, and rinsing each cob thoroughly. If you’re grilling, you may want to leave the husk on for a more rustic flavor. Otherwise, remove it entirely if you plan on boiling the corn.

Make the Garlic Butter:
In a saucepan, melt about half a cup of butter over medium heat. Add freshly minced garlic (about 3-4 cloves) and let it sauté for a minute or two until fragrant. If you like your garlic more intense, feel free to add a little extra!

Cook the Corn:

Grilling Method: Preheat your grill to medium heat. Place the corn on the grill, rotating every 5-7 minutes until it’s charred and tender (around 15-20 minutes).

Boiling Method: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the corn and cook for about 7-10 minutes, or until tender.

Apply the Garlic Butter:
Once the corn is done cooking, brush each cob generously with the garlic butter mixture. Don’t be shy—make sure every part of the corn gets coated!

Add the Cheese:
While the corn is still hot, sprinkle on your cheese of choice. A good Parmesan or a combination of mozzarella and cheddar works wonders. The heat from the corn will melt the cheese just enough to create a beautiful, gooey layer of flavor.

Garnish and Serve:
For an extra touch, sprinkle some fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro on top for a burst of color and flavor. Now, your cheesy garlic butter corn is ready to enjoy!

Grilling vs. Boiling Corn on the Cob: Which Method is Best?

You might be wondering whether to grill or boil your corn. Both methods work beautifully, but they each bring something different to the table.

• Grilling: Grilling corn gives it a smoky, charred flavor that pairs wonderfully with the buttery richness. The grill marks also add visual appeal. If you’re grilling other foods, like burgers or steaks, it’s a convenient way to cook your corn at the same time.
• Boiling: Boiling is the quicker, easier method, and the corn tends to retain more moisture. It’s perfect if you’re in a rush or want to avoid the mess of grilling. The only downside is you miss out on the smoky flavor from grilling.

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How to Achieve the Perfect Level of Garlic Butter

The key to great garlic butter is balance. You want it rich but not overpowering. If you’re new to making garlic butter, here’s a tip: Start with a little garlic and taste as you go. You can always add more garlic for extra punch, but it’s harder to dial it back if you’ve overdone it. The butter should be thick enough to coat the corn, but not so thick that it drips off too easily. If you prefer a lighter consistency, just melt the butter gently and mix in the garlic.

Adding Cheese: The Right Way to Make It Stick

Cheese is the crowning glory of this dish, but you need to make sure it sticks to the corn properly. After you’ve brushed the corn with garlic butter, it’s essential to sprinkle the cheese while the corn is still hot. The heat from the corn helps the cheese melt and adhere. For the best results, don’t skimp on the cheese—generously cover each cob for a delicious, cheesy bite in every mouthful.

Serving Suggestions: What Goes Well with Cheesy Garlic Butter Corn on the Cob?

While cheesy garlic butter corn on the cob is a star on its own, it pairs wonderfully with so many other dishes. Here are a few ideas to complete the meal:

• Grilled meats: Think BBQ chicken, steak, or even a juicy burger.
• Fresh salads: A crisp, refreshing green salad helps balance the richness of the corn.
• Cold drinks: Pair it with lemonade, iced tea, or a crisp white wine for the perfect summer vibe.

Flavor Variations for Your Cheesy Garlic Butter Corn

Want to mix it up? Try these fun variations to give your corn a different twist:

• Spicy Garlic Butter: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to the garlic butter for a spicy kick.
• Sweet Garlic Butter: Swap the regular garlic butter for a honey garlic butter for a sweet and savory flavor.
• Herb-Infused Butter: Try adding fresh herbs like basil, thyme, or rosemary to the butter for an herbal boost.

How to Make This Recipe Ahead of Time

If you’re planning a BBQ or dinner party, you can prep the corn ahead of time to make things easier. Simply husk and clean the corn, then wrap it in foil and refrigerate. When you’re ready to cook, simply grill or boil it, then apply the garlic butter and cheese. You can also make the garlic butter in advance and store it in the fridge.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you cook corn on the cob with cheese?
Cooking corn on the cob with cheese is simple! First, cook the corn (either grill or boil it), then coat it with a mixture of garlic butter. After that, sprinkle your choice of cheese over the hot corn. The heat from the corn will melt the cheese, creating a gooey, cheesy coating.

Can I use frozen corn on the cob for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen corn on the cob! Just be sure to thaw the corn first before cooking. Whether grilling or boiling, make sure the corn is heated through before applying the garlic butter and cheese.

What other cheeses can I use besides Parmesan?
While Parmesan is a classic, you can get creative with cheeses like mozzarella, cheddar, or pepper jack. Each one brings a unique flavor—cheddar will be creamy and mild, while mozzarella adds a stretchy, gooey texture.

How do I make the garlic butter more intense?
If you love a strong garlic flavor, feel free to add more garlic to the butter. You can also use garlic powder for a more subtle, even flavor or sauté the garlic until it’s golden for a deeper, richer taste.

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Yes! You can prep the corn by husking it and making the garlic butter in advance. Just store the corn and garlic butter separately, and when ready to serve, grill or boil the corn, then add the garlic butter and cheese for a fresh, hot dish.

Final Thoughts

Cheesy garlic butter corn on the cob is a delightful side dish that’s perfect for a summer BBQ, a casual dinner, or even just a simple snack. Its deliciously rich, buttery flavor combined with the savory cheese makes it irresistible. Whether you’re grilling or boiling, this recipe is quick, easy, and guaranteed to impress. Plus, with the flexibility to switch up the cheese or add extra flavors, it’s easy to customize to your taste. So, fire up that grill, melt that butter, and enjoy a dish that everyone will be talking about!

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