If you’re craving a side dish that’s bursting with flavor and effortless to whip up, this Parmesan Garlic Grilled Corn Recipe is absolutely your go-to! Fresh ears of corn get a generous coating of garlicky, buttery goodness, grilled to smoky perfection, and then showered with savory Parmesan cheese that melts just right. Every bite is a celebration of summer’s best, blending sweet, salty, and herbaceous notes in a way that turns simple corn into something unforgettable and completely addictive.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Don’t let the simplicity of these ingredients fool you—each one is key to achieving the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and look for this dish. The freshness of corn, the punch of garlic, and the cheesy richness of Parmesan come together to elevate a humble vegetable into a star side.
- 4 ears of fresh corn, husked: Choose firm, plump ears for the juiciest, sweetest corn flavor.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter: This creates a luscious base for the garlic and helps the corn develop those irresistible grill marks.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Adds a robust, aromatic punch that pairs perfectly with the grilled sweetness.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances and balances all the natural flavors.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Provides subtle heat and depth.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Delivers a nutty, savory finish that melts slightly when sprinkled hot.
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley: Adds a fresh, herbaceous brightness for contrast.
- Lemon wedges for serving (optional): A spritz of citrus brightens every bite with a refreshing zing.
How to Make Parmesan Garlic Grilled Corn Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Grill and Corn
Fire up your grill or grill pan to a comfortable medium-high heat. While it’s warming up, husk your corn completely so that the kernels are exposed and ready to absorb all those delicious flavors.
Step 2: Make the Garlic Butter or Olive Oil Mixture
In a small bowl, combine your olive oil or melted butter with minced garlic, salt, and black pepper. This mixture is the flavor foundation for the dish, infusing each kernel with a garlicky, savory richness.
Step 3: Brush the Corn
Generously brush every ear of corn with the garlic mixture, making sure to coat evenly so each bite offers that perfect balance of buttery garlic goodness.
Step 4: Grill the Corn
Place the corn directly on the grill and cook for 10 to 12 minutes, turning every few minutes. Watch as the kernels become tender and take on those beautiful grill marks with a slight char that adds smokiness.
Step 5: Add Parmesan and Garnish
As soon as the corn comes off the grill, immediately sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over it. The residual heat will slightly melt the cheese, creating a luscious, savory topping. Finish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley to inject color and a burst of herbal freshness.
How to Serve Parmesan Garlic Grilled Corn Recipe
Garnishes
Adding garnishes is where you can personalize this crowd-pleaser. The fresh parsley is classic, but a little extra cracked black pepper or a light dusting of smoked paprika will add a smoky warmth. If you like a bit of citrus zing, lemon wedges on the side are perfect for squeezing over just before eating.
Side Dishes
This Parmesan Garlic Grilled Corn Recipe makes an excellent companion to any summer barbecue or picnic. Pair it with grilled meats like chicken or steak, fresh garden salads, or even spicy bean dishes for a balanced meal loaded with vibrant flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, cut the grilled corn kernels off the cob after grilling and toss them into a bowl with extra Parmesan, chopped herbs, a squeeze of lemon, and a dash of chili flakes for a delicious corn salad. You can even serve the corn cobs standing upright on a platter for a charming presentation that gets everyone excited at the table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftover grilled corn, wrap each ear tightly in plastic wrap or foil and keep them in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh and tasty for up to 3 days—perfect for a quick reheat or to enjoy cold in salads.
Freezing
While freezing is an option, it’s best to cut the kernels off the cob before freezing. Store in an airtight container or freezer bag, and they’ll keep well for up to 3 months. This way, you can enjoy the flavors of the Parmesan Garlic Grilled Corn Recipe even when corn is out of season.
Reheating
Reheat leftover corn gently on a grill or in a skillet to regain a bit of that fresh-grilled flavor. Alternatively, microwave wrapped in a damp paper towel for 1–2 minutes, then add a sprinkle of fresh Parmesan for that same melty goodness.
FAQs
Can I use frozen corn instead of fresh?
Fresh corn really shines in this Parmesan Garlic Grilled Corn Recipe because of its natural sweetness and texture. Frozen corn lacks the husk and moisture content to grill well, so it’s better to use fresh ears for the best flavor and texture.
Can I prepare the garlic butter mixture in advance?
Absolutely! The garlic butter or oil mixture can be made a day ahead and stored in the fridge. Just bring it to room temperature before brushing it onto your corn so it spreads easily.
Is it okay to substitute Parmesan cheese?
Parmesan is ideal for its nutty, salty flavor and melting quality. However, you can try Pecorino Romano for a sharper, saltier bite or a mild Asiago if you prefer a creamier taste. Just keep in mind it will slightly change the profile of the dish.
What if I don’t have a grill or grill pan?
You can cook the corn under a broiler or on a stovetop grill pan if you don’t have access to an outdoor grill. Keep a close eye to get those golden char marks without burning the garlic mixture.
How can I add a spicy kick to this dish?
To spice things up, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika to the garlic mixture before grilling. Another option is serving it with a dash of hot sauce or chili powder sprinkled right before serving for a fantastic contrast with the Parmesan and garlic.
Final Thoughts
This Parmesan Garlic Grilled Corn Recipe is one of those magical dishes that turns simple ingredients into a memorable flavor experience. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or enjoying a cozy dinner, the combination of smoky grilled corn, garlicky richness, and melty Parmesan feels like comfort and celebration all at once. I promise once you try it, this will quickly become your favorite way to enjoy corn on the cob all summer long!
Print
Parmesan Garlic Grilled Corn Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 17 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Parmesan Garlic Grilled Corn recipe is a deliciously simple summer side dish featuring fresh corn grilled to perfection with a flavorful mixture of garlic, olive oil, and seasoning, then topped with melted Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley. It’s quick to prepare and brings a smoky, cheesy twist to classic grilled corn on the cob.
Ingredients
Corn and Seasoning
- 4 ears of fresh corn, husked
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Toppings
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- Lemon wedges for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Grill: Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat to prepare for cooking the corn.
- Prepare Garlic Mixture: In a small bowl, combine olive oil or melted butter with the minced garlic, salt, and black pepper, mixing thoroughly to create a flavorful brush-on sauce.
- Brush Corn: Evenly brush the garlic mixture over each ear of husked corn, ensuring full coverage for maximum flavor.
- Grill the Corn: Place the corn on the heated grill and cook for 10 to 12 minutes, turning occasionally so all sides become tender and lightly charred.
- Add Parmesan: Remove the grilled corn from the heat and immediately sprinkle with the grated Parmesan cheese so it slightly melts over the hot corn.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish the corn with chopped fresh parsley. Serve hot with lemon wedges on the side if desired to add a fresh citrus note.
Notes
- For an extra flavor boost, add a pinch of smoked paprika or a dash of hot sauce to the garlic oil mixture before brushing onto the corn.
- After grilling, you can cut the corn kernels off the cob and toss with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh herbs to serve as a flavorful side salad.
- If you prefer a richer taste, using melted butter instead of olive oil will enhance the buttery flavor.
- Make sure the grill is properly heated before placing the corn to achieve the perfect char without burning.
