If you are looking for a delicious way to elevate your summer BBQ or simply want a side dish that bursts with flavor, the Parmesan Garlic Grilled Corn Recipe is an absolute must-try. This dish takes sweet, juicy corn on the cob and transforms it into a savory, buttery delight with the rich flavors of garlic and freshly grated Parmesan. Each bite offers a perfect balance of smoky char, creamy butter, and sharp cheese with a hint of fresh parsley, making it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of the Parmesan Garlic Grilled Corn Recipe lies in its simplicity. With just a handful of fresh, wholesome ingredients, you get the perfect combination of flavors and textures that make the corn pop with taste and color.
- 4 fresh corn ears: Choose corn with bright green husks and fresh silks for the sweetest kernels.
- 4 tablespoons (60 grams) unsalted butter: Adds richness and helps the garlic infuse into the corn.
- 2 garlic cloves, peeled and minced or grated: Delivers that aromatic punch that pairs beautifully with the sweetness of the corn.
- A pinch of salt: Enhances all the natural flavors and balances the sweetness.
- Black pepper to taste, freshly ground: Adds a mild heat and complexity.
- 1 ounce (28 grams) grated Parmesan cheese: Brings a salty, nutty finish that makes the corn irresistibly savory.
- Chopped fresh parsley: For a fresh, vibrant green touch and a mild earthy flavor to brighten the dish.
How to Make Parmesan Garlic Grilled Corn Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Grill
Start by warming your grill to a medium-high temperature between 350-400ËšF. This heat level ensures the corn cooks evenly and develops a nice smoky char without burning. Proper preheating is crucial to lock in the natural sweetness of the corn as it grills.
Step 2: Prepare the Corn
Peel away most of the outer husks from each ear of corn, leaving the inner husk intact. This helps protect the kernels while allowing the smoky flavor to seep in. Next, gently remove the silk strands under the husks, then fold the remaining husk back over the corn. This technique keeps the ears neat and ready for grilling.
Step 3: Grill the Corn
Place the prepared corn on the hot grill. Turn the ears occasionally every 5 minutes or so, ensuring each side gets that vibrant golden yellow color with a slight char. The grilling process should take about 15-20 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the corn kernels look plump, juicy, and slightly blistered.
Step 4: Prepare the Garlic Butter
While the corn is grilling, melt your butter in a microwave-safe bowl for 30 seconds to 1 minute until fully liquefied. Stir in the minced garlic, pinch of salt, and freshly ground black pepper. This buttery garlic mixture is the soul of the Parmesan Garlic Grilled Corn Recipe, infusing it with richness and aromatic flavor.
Step 5: Finish the Corn
After removing the corn from the grill, carefully peel back the remaining husks. Brush each hot ear generously with the garlic butter mixture, allowing the butter to seep into every crevice. Immediately sprinkle the warm corn with grated Parmesan cheese and a scattering of fresh parsley for that final burst of flavor and a beautiful presentation.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
The Parmesan Garlic Grilled Corn Recipe is best served fresh off the grill while the butter is still melty and the Parmesan is slightly softened. This will give you the perfect balance of textures and flavors in every bite — crispy, creamy, cheesy, and downright delicious.
How to Serve Parmesan Garlic Grilled Corn Recipe
Garnishes
Beyond parsley, you can experiment with garnishes like a squeeze of fresh lemon or lime juice to add a tangy brightness, or sprinkle some smoked paprika for additional warmth and color. A light dusting of chili flakes can also give it a subtle kick if you enjoy a bit of heat.
Side Dishes
This Parmesan Garlic Grilled Corn Recipe pairs wonderfully with a range of mains such as grilled chicken, juicy burgers, or seared steaks. Adding a crisp green salad or a refreshing tomato salsa on the side creates a well-rounded meal packed with contrasting textures and flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the grilled corn cut off the cob in a bowl as a Parmesan garlic corn salad, topped with a drizzle of extra garlic butter and fresh herbs. Alternatively, wrap the corn in parchment paper while serving to keep it warm and add rustic charm to your presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftover Parmesan Garlic Grilled Corn, wrap each ear tightly in aluminum foil or place in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2 days. This helps maintain the buttery garlic flavor while keeping the corn moist and tender.
Freezing
While fresh grilled corn is ideal, you can freeze cooked corn on or off the cob by wrapping it tightly first in plastic wrap then foil. Frozen grilled corn is best used within one month for quality, and be sure to thaw it thoroughly before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the corn gently in the oven at 350ËšF wrapped in foil until heated through, or briefly microwave with a damp paper towel to retain moisture. Brush with additional garlic butter to refresh the flavors and enjoy almost-as-good-as-new Parmesan Garlic Grilled Corn Recipe leftovers.
FAQs
Can I use frozen corn to make Parmesan Garlic Grilled Corn Recipe?
While fresh corn on the cob is best for grilling, frozen corn can work if you thaw and dry it thoroughly first. However, you will miss out on that fresh, smoky charred flavor unique to grilled fresh ears.
What can I substitute for Parmesan cheese?
If Parmesan isn’t available, Asiago or Pecorino Romano make excellent substitutes with similar nutty, salty characteristics. Just keep the amount the same to maintain balance in the recipe.
Is it necessary to grill the corn with the husks on?
Grilling with husks on helps steam the corn inside while protecting kernels from burning. You can remove the husks, but be sure to oil the corn and watch carefully to avoid charring too much.
Can I make the garlic butter in advance?
Yes, you can make the garlic butter mixture ahead of time and refrigerate it. Bring it to room temperature or gently warm before brushing on the grilled corn for best flavor and spreadability.
How do I know when the corn is perfectly grilled?
Look for golden yellow kernels with some blistering and grill marks. The corn should smell slightly smoky and feel tender when pierced with a fork but still have a bit of bite—not mushy.
Final Thoughts
Trust me, once you try this Parmesan Garlic Grilled Corn Recipe, it will become your go-to summer treat and a staple for all your grilling adventures. Its incredible blend of buttery garlic goodness, Parmesan richness, and fresh grilling char is hard to beat. So fire up the grill, gather your ingredients, and enjoy the delicious simplicity and pure joy this recipe brings to your table!
Print
Parmesan Garlic Grilled Corn Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Deliciously smoky and savory Parmesan Garlic Grilled Corn, perfectly charred on the grill and coated with a flavorful garlic butter, Parmesan cheese, and fresh parsley for a satisfying summer side dish.
Ingredients
Corn
- 4 fresh corn ears
Garlic Butter
- 4 tablespoons (60 grams) unsalted butter
- 2 garlic cloves, peeled and minced or grated
- A pinch of salt
- Black pepper to taste, freshly ground
Toppings
- 1 ounce (28 grams) grated Parmesan cheese
- Chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Preheat the Grill: Heat your grill to a temperature between 350-400ËšF to prepare for cooking the corn evenly with a nice char.
- Prepare the Corn: Peel away most of the husks from the corn, leaving the inner layer intact. Fold the husks back and remove all the silk threads, then fold the husks back over the corn to protect it while grilling.
- Grill the Corn: Place the prepared corn on the preheated grill. Turn occasionally to ensure even cooking and charring until the kernels become vibrant yellow and slightly charred, about 15-20 minutes.
- Prepare the Garlic Butter: In a small heat-resistant bowl, melt the butter in the microwave for 30 seconds to 1 minute. Stir in the minced garlic, a pinch of salt, and freshly ground black pepper until well combined.
- Finish the Corn: After grilling, carefully remove the remaining husks from the corn. Brush each ear generously with the garlic butter mixture. Sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh parsley for an extra burst of flavor.
- Serve: Serve the Parmesan garlic grilled corn immediately while hot to enjoy the best texture and flavor.
Notes
- To add more depth of flavor, you can also sprinkle a little smoked paprika or chili powder on the garlic butter before brushing onto the corn.
- If you prefer, you can grill the corn directly on the grill without the husks for a more intense char, but watch closely to avoid burning.
- Make sure the butter is melted but not too hot when mixing with garlic to preserve the fresh garlic flavor.
- Use fresh Parmesan cheese for best results; pre-grated cheese may not melt as well on the corn.
- Chopped fresh parsley adds brightness, but you can substitute with fresh cilantro or chives if preferred.
