Name: Cheesy Garlic Butter Corn on the Cob
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 ears of corn, husked; 4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted; 2 cloves garlic, minced; ½ tsp salt; ½ tsp black pepper; ½ tsp paprika (optional); ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese; ¼ cup shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese; 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped; 1 tbsp mayonnaise (optional, for extra creaminess)

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Cheesy Garlic Butter Corn on the Cob is one of those simple, crave-worthy side dishes that always hits the spot. It’s packed with savory garlic, melted butter, and two kinds of cheese, all layered onto tender corn. Whether I'm firing up the grill or keeping things simple on the stovetop, this dish brings comfort food vibes with a satisfying cheesy twist.

Ingredients

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

4 ears of corn, husked

4 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted

2 cloves garlic, minced

½ teaspoon salt

½ teaspoon black pepper

½ teaspoon paprika (optional)

¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese

¼ cup shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese

1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped

1 tablespoon mayonnaise (optional, for extra creaminess)

Directions

Boil or grill the corn:

Boiling: I bring a large pot of water to a boil, add the corn, and cook it for 5-7 minutes until tender.

Grilling: I preheat the grill to medium-high heat and grill the corn for 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally.

Make the garlic butter:

In a small bowl, I mix the melted butter with minced garlic, salt, pepper, and paprika.

Coat the corn:

I brush the hot corn with the garlic butter mixture, making sure it’s evenly coated.

Add the cheese:

I sprinkle grated Parmesan all over the corn, then top it with mozzarella or cheddar. If I want extra meltiness, I place the corn under the broiler for 1-2 minutes.

Garnish and serve:

I finish it off with a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley and serve it warm.

Servings and timing

Servings: 4 servings

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cooking Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 15 minutes

Calories: Approximately 220 kcal per serving

Variations

Spicy Kick: I sometimes add a pinch of cayenne or hot sauce to the garlic butter for heat.

Mexican Street Corn Style: I mix in cotija cheese, lime juice, and a bit of chili powder for an elote-inspired twist.

Creamier Version: I blend the garlic butter with mayonnaise for a richer, silkier coating.

Herb Upgrade: I switch out parsley for cilantro or chives depending on what I have on hand.

Vegan Option: I use vegan butter and dairy-free cheese alternatives for a plant-based version.

storage/reheating

If I have leftovers, I store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, I wrap the corn in foil and warm it in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes. The cheese stays melty and delicious. I avoid microwaving, as it can make the corn rubbery.

FAQs

How do I keep the cheese from falling off the corn?

I make sure to brush the corn with the garlic butter while it's still hot. That helps the cheese stick better as it melts into the butter.

Can I use frozen corn on the cob?

Yes, I thaw the frozen corn first, then boil or grill it the same way I would with fresh corn.

What’s the best cheese to use?

Parmesan adds a salty, umami punch, while mozzarella or cheddar brings that gooey meltiness. I mix and match based on what I have.

Can I make this ahead of time?

I prefer to make it fresh for the best texture, but I can prep the garlic butter in advance and reheat it before brushing it on the hot corn.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, all the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, but I double-check my cheese and butter labels just to be sure.

Conclusion

Cheesy Garlic Butter Corn on the Cob is the kind of dish that brings comfort, flavor, and fun to the table without much effort. Whether I’m serving it at a cookout or enjoying it solo as a snack, this buttery, garlicky, cheesy combo never disappoints. It’s a keeper in my recipe rotation for sure.

Recipe:

Cheesy Garlic Butter Corn on the Cob

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Author: Cheryl
Total Time: 15 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

Cheesy Garlic Butter Corn on the Cob is the ultimate comfort food side dish, perfect for summer cookouts or cozy dinners. Tender corn is slathered in garlicky melted butter and topped with Parmesan and mozzarella or cheddar cheese. Add a hint of smoky paprika or creamy mayo for extra flair. Quick, easy, and bursting with flavor—this cheesy corn recipe is sure to become a favorite.

Instructions

Cook the Corn
- Boiling: Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add corn and cook for 5–7 minutes until tender.
- Grilling: Preheat grill to medium-high. Grill corn for 8–10 minutes, turning occasionally.
Make Garlic Butter
- In a small bowl, combine melted butter, garlic, salt, pepper, and paprika (if using).
Coat the Corn
- While the corn is hot, brush generously with the garlic butter mixture.
Add Cheese
- Sprinkle with Parmesan, then top with mozzarella or cheddar.
- Optional: Broil for 1–2 minutes for extra melty cheese.
Garnish & Serve
- Finish with chopped parsley and serve warm.