There is something truly magical about sweet, tender corn on the cob slathered in a rich, garlicky butter sauce and finished off with a melty, cheesy topping. This Cheesy Garlic Butter Corn on the Cob Recipe takes a beloved summer staple and elevates it into a show-stopping side dish that will have everyone craving more. With just a handful of simple ingredients, you get a perfect harmony of flavors and textures – the crispness of fresh corn, buttery garlic goodness, and the ooey-gooey mix of Parmesan and mozzarella cheeses that melt right before your eyes. It’s comfort food at its finest, ideal for backyard barbecues, family dinners, or whenever you want to treat yourself to something special and uncomplicated.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering your ingredients is quick and easy, but each plays a vital role in making this dish truly shine. From the sweetness of fresh corn to the punch of garlic and the irresistible cheesiness, every component contributes to the final taste and texture.
- 4 ears of corn, husked: Fresh corn gives that juicy sweetness and satisfying crunch you want.
- 1/4 cup butter, melted: Butter is the silky base that carries the garlic flavor and helps the cheese adhere perfectly.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Garlic adds bold, savory depth that brightens the dish.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Just enough salt to enhance all the natural flavors without overpowering.
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper: A subtle peppery kick for balance and warmth.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Parmesan brings a sharp, nutty richness that melts beautifully.
- 1/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Mozzarella adds that stretchy, creamy texture that makes every bite fun.
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish): Parsley lends a pop of fresh color and a hint of herbal brightness.
How to Make Cheesy Garlic Butter Corn on the Cob Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Cooking Method
Start by deciding whether you want to grill or boil your corn. If grilling, preheat your grill to medium-high heat – this will give the corn a beautiful char and smoky flavor. If boiling, bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil to prepare your corn for cooking.
Step 2: Cook the Corn to Tender Perfection
If boiling, carefully place the husked corn into the boiling water and cook for 8 to 10 minutes until the kernels are tender but still juicy. For grilling, place the corn directly on the grill grates and rotate every few minutes for 10 to 12 minutes, allowing it to develop those lovely grill marks and a hint of smokiness.
Step 3: Prepare the Garlic Butter Mixture
While the corn cooks, melt your butter in a small bowl. Stir in the minced garlic along with the salt and pepper, creating a luscious garlic butter that will infuse the corn with savory goodness. This mixture is the key to tying all the flavors together.
Step 4: Brush the Corn with Garlic Butter
Once your corn is hot and cooked through, brush it lavishly with the garlic butter mixture. The warmth of the corn helps the butter soak in deeply, enhancing every kernel with robust garlicky richness.
Step 5: Add the Cheeses
Immediately after buttering, sprinkle the Parmesan and mozzarella cheeses over the corn. Because the corn is still hot, the cheeses will melt quickly into a gooey, decadent layer that clings to the kernels, turning this simple side into a cheesy delight.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Finish with a generous sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley for color and freshness. Serve your Cheesy Garlic Butter Corn on the Cob Recipe hot and enjoy all the layers of flavor melting together in each bite.
How to Serve Cheesy Garlic Butter Corn on the Cob Recipe
Garnishes
Add a few extra touches like a squeeze of fresh lemon juice or a dash of smoked paprika to elevate the final dish. The parsley garnish not only brightens the look but also cuts through the richness with its herbal note. This makes the corn even more irresistible on the table.
Side Dishes
This cheesy garlic butter corn pairs wonderfully with grilled meats, fresh salads, or even roasted vegetables. It works as a perfect companion to summer barbecues or cozy dinners and also shines as a flavorful side on taco night or alongside hearty chili.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try cutting the corn off the cob and serving it as a cheesy corn salad topped with extra garlic butter drizzle and some crispy bacon bits. You can also wrap each cob in foil after adding the butter and cheese, then serve them individually for a charming presentation at parties.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers from your Cheesy Garlic Butter Corn on the Cob Recipe, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to 2 days, though the cheese texture may change slightly after chilling.
Freezing
Freezing corn on the cob with garlic butter and cheese is not recommended because of texture changes upon thawing. Instead, it’s best to enjoy this recipe fresh or store leftovers in the fridge for quick next-day enjoyment.
Reheating
To reheat, wrap the corn in foil and warm it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes. This helps revive the buttery goodness and melts the cheese again without drying out the corn, preserving that indulgent flavor you love.
FAQs
Can I use frozen corn instead of fresh ears?
While fresh corn is ideal for this recipe’s texture and flavor, frozen corn on the cob can work in a pinch. Just be sure to thaw and pat it dry before cooking to avoid excess moisture diluting your garlic butter and cheese.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
Absolutely! Swap regular butter with a dairy-free alternative and choose vegan cheeses that melt well. The garlic butter flavor will still shine, making for a delicious, dairy-free version of this corn on the cob.
Can I prepare the garlic butter mixture ahead of time?
You can mix the garlic butter in advance and refrigerate it, but to get the best flavor, bring it back to room temperature and give it a quick stir before brushing on warm corn. Freshly minced garlic will always pack a stronger punch!
How do I prevent the cheese from falling off the corn?
Brushing the corn with warm garlic butter first creates the perfect sticky base for the cheese. Sprinkle the cheese immediately after, while the corn is still piping hot; this helps the cheese melt and cling to the kernels nicely.
Can I add other herbs or spices to this recipe?
Definitely! Feel free to experiment with herbs like thyme or rosemary, or spices such as smoked paprika or chili flakes for an extra kick. Just make sure not to overpower the beautiful combination of garlic, butter, and cheese.
Final Thoughts
If you want a side dish that’s easy, flavorful, and downright addictive, try this Cheesy Garlic Butter Corn on the Cob Recipe. It’s such a joy to make and even more delightful to eat, bringing simple ingredients together in an irresistible way. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just treating yourself, this cheesy garlicky corn will quickly become a treasured favorite. Go ahead, dive in, and savor every buttery, cheesy bite!
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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: Boiling and Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Description
Cheesy Garlic Butter Corn on the Cob is a delicious and easy-to-make side dish featuring fresh corn slathered in a flavorful garlic butter sauce, then topped with melted Parmesan and mozzarella cheeses and garnished with fresh parsley. Perfect for any barbecue or family meal, this recipe combines the sweetness of corn with savory, cheesy goodness for an irresistible treat.
Ingredients
Corn
- 4 ears of corn, husked
Garlic Butter Sauce
- 1/4 cup butter, melted
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
Cheese Topping
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Garnish
- Fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat grill or boil water: Preheat the grill to medium-high heat or alternatively bring a pot of water to a boil for boiling the corn.
- Cook corn by boiling: Place the husked ears of corn into the boiling water and cook for 8 to 10 minutes until the kernels are tender.
- Cook corn by grilling: If using the grill, place the corn on the grill and cook for 10 to 12 minutes, turning occasionally to ensure even grilling and slight charring.
- Prepare garlic butter: In a bowl, mix the melted butter with minced garlic, salt, and pepper to create a fragrant garlic butter sauce.
- Brush corn with garlic butter: While the corn is still hot from cooking, generously brush the garlic butter all over each ear to coat evenly.
- Add cheese: Immediately sprinkle the grated Parmesan and shredded mozzarella cheeses over the hot corn so that the cheeses melt slightly, adhering to the corn.
- Garnish and serve: Finally, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley on top for a burst of color and fresh flavor and serve the cheesy garlic butter corn on the cob immediately.
Notes
- You can choose either boiling or grilling based on your preference or equipment availability.
- For extra flavor, consider adding a pinch of smoked paprika or chili flakes to the garlic butter.
- If you prefer a stronger garlic taste, add one more minced clove.
- Use fresh Parmesan for best melting and flavor results.
- Serve immediately to enjoy the melted cheese and warm butter sauce at their best.
