Grilled Corn with Herb Butter Recipe
Bright, juicy, and absolutely bursting with fresh summer flavor, Grilled Corn with Herb Butter is the side dish that will steal the show at any backyard gathering or family meal. Sweet ears of corn develop a tantalizing smoky char on the grill, then get slathered in a lush, garlicky butter, flecked with fragrant herbs. This recipe for Grilled Corn with Herb Butter is a celebration of simplicity, letting each ingredient shine while creating something truly irresistible. Whether it’s piled high at a barbecue or served with a simple weeknight dinner, you’ll find yourself reaching for this recipe again and again!
Ingredients You’ll Need
What makes Grilled Corn with Herb Butter so special is how a few straightforward ingredients come together to create layers of flavor and color. Each addition serves a vibrant purpose, making this dish pop both in taste and presentation.
- Fresh corn (6 ears, husked): Plump, sweet, fresh corn is the star – always choose the freshest you can find for maximum juiciness.
- Olive oil (2 tablespoons): Just a light brush before grilling helps achieve that delicious char and keeps the kernels moist.
- Unsalted butter (1/2 cup, softened): The creamy base for the herb spread; using unsalted gives you perfect control over the saltiness.
- Fresh parsley (2 tablespoons, finely chopped): Brings bright color and a subtle, clean flavor to the butter.
- Fresh chives (1 tablespoon, finely chopped): Adds a light oniony kick that compliments the sweetness of the corn.
- Fresh thyme leaves (1 teaspoon): Earthy and aromatic, thyme gives the butter a savory depth.
- Garlic (1 clove, minced): Just enough to infuse the butter with irresistible flavor, without overpowering.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Essential for heightening all the flavors in the butter and on the corn itself.
- Black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Brings gentle warmth and a hint of spice.
- Lime wedges (optional, for serving): A pop of citrus takes the whole experience up a notch and pairs beautifully with the herby notes.
How to Make Grilled Corn with Herb Butter
Step 1: Fire Up the Grill
Before anything else, get that grill nice and hot! Preheat it to medium-high heat so the corn can develop those golden, smoky char marks we all crave. A hot grill ensures that the outside of the corn caramelizes and turns irresistibly toasty, while the inside stays tender and juicy. If you’re using a charcoal grill, wait until the coals are glowing before you place the corn on.
Step 2: Prepare the Corn
With your husked ears of corn ready, lightly brush each one with a slick of olive oil. This not only helps prevent sticking, but it also helps the kernels to blister and brown beautifully. The oil isn’t just for moisture—it’s your ticket to that golden, crave-worthy exterior.
Step 3: Grill the Corn
Time to let the grill work its magic! Place the oiled corn directly on the grates, and cook for 10 to 12 minutes. Be sure to turn the ears every couple of minutes—this encourages every side to develop even char and ensures none of the sweetness is lost. You’re looking for some deep caramel flecks and a slight softness to the corn—when you see those, you’re done.
Step 4: Make the Herb Butter
While the corn’s sizzling away, whip up the flavor-packed heart of Grilled Corn with Herb Butter. In a small bowl, mash together the softened unsalted butter, parsley, chives, thyme, minced garlic, salt, and pepper until everything’s fully combined and flecked with fresh green herbs. This aromatic butter is the magic touch that turns grilled corn from simple to truly spectacular.
Step 5: Finish and Serve
As soon as the corn comes off the grill, it’s time for the grand finale! While it’s still piping hot, slather or brush each ear generously with that herb butter, letting it melt and seep between the kernels. For a burst of brightness, serve with lime wedges on the side—just a squeeze makes every bite sing. Now, dig in and enjoy!
How to Serve Grilled Corn with Herb Butter
Garnishes
The finishing touches can take Grilled Corn with Herb Butter from great to unforgettable. Sprinkle a little extra chopped parsley or chives over the top for a fresh, vivid look. If you want to really impress, add a dusting of grated Parmesan or a crumble of feta for an extra punch of flavor and a savory pop. A sprinkle of flaky sea salt or a few grinds of black pepper also work wonders right before serving.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs beautifully with just about anything from the grill—think juicy burgers, grilled chicken, or smoky portobello mushrooms for a vegetarian feast. Toss up a big, bright salad with summer tomatoes and avocados or serve alongside crispy potato wedges for a full, satisfying spread. Grilled Corn with Herb Butter has a way of rounding out any picnic or barbecue in style.
Creative Ways to Present
For a striking presentation, try stacking the corn on a large platter, garnished with herb sprigs and scattered lime wedges. If you’re feeling playful, cut the cobs in half or thirds for a party-friendly, hand-held snack. You can even brush the corn with extra herb butter just before serving for a glistening finish that makes your table look like a summer magazine spread.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Should you have any leftovers (though it’s rare!), wrap the cooled ears of Grilled Corn with Herb Butter tightly in foil or store in an airtight container. They’ll keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days, making them a fabulous addition to salads, salsas, or as a quick snack straight from the fridge.
Freezing
Corn freezes surprisingly well—just remove the kernels from the cob after grilling and cooling, and pack them into freezer-safe bags or containers. Frozen Grilled Corn with Herb Butter will keep for up to 2 months. You can reheat or fold the kernels right into chowders, casseroles, or grain salads for a taste of summer any time.
Reheating
To reheat, simply wrap the ears in foil and pop them on a medium grill or in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave them, covered, in short bursts. For best flavor, slather on a bit more fresh herb butter when serving hot again.
FAQs
Can I make Grilled Corn with Herb Butter without a grill?
Absolutely! If you don’t have a grill, you can achieve similar results by charring the corn directly on a gas stove burner or using a grill pan on the stovetop. The key is to get those lovely brown spots and a bit of caramelization.
What herbs can I use if I don’t have parsley, chives, or thyme?
Mix it up with what you have! Fresh basil, dill, oregano, or even a bit of tarragon would be delicious. The beauty of Grilled Corn with Herb Butter is how adaptable it is to whatever’s freshest in your garden or fridge.
Can I make the herb butter in advance?
Yes, making the herb butter a day or two ahead is a smart move. Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge, then bring it to room temperature before serving so it’s easy to spread on the hot corn.
Is there a way to make this dairy-free or vegan?
You can swap the unsalted butter for your favorite plant-based or vegan butter spread. The fresh herbs and garlic flavors will shine just as beautifully alongside the grilled corn this way!
Can I use frozen corn on the cob for this recipe?
Yes! Just thaw the frozen corn completely and dry it well before brushing with oil and grilling. While nothing beats the crunch of fresh summer corn, frozen will still deliver satisfying results, especially with all that glorious herb butter.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something magical about smoky, sweet corn kissed by the grill and blanketed in lush, flavorful butter. Grilled Corn with Herb Butter is destined to be the standout of your summer table, and I truly hope you’ll give it a try. Gather your fresh herbs, fire up the grill, and get ready for ear-to-ear smiles at every meal!
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Grilled Corn with Herb Butter Recipe
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free
Description
Grilled Corn with Herb Butter is a delicious side dish perfect for summer BBQs. Sweet, juicy corn on the cob is grilled to perfection and slathered with a flavorful herb butter. Serve this easy-to-make dish at your next gathering and watch it disappear!
Ingredients
Ingredients:
- 6 ears fresh corn, husked
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh chives, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- lime wedges for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the Grill: Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
- Grill the Corn: Place the corn directly on the grill grates and cook for 10–12 minutes, turning every few minutes, until charred and tender.
- Prepare the Herb Butter: While the corn is grilling, mix the softened butter with parsley, chives, thyme, garlic, salt, and pepper in a small bowl until well combined.
- Finish and Serve: Once the corn is done, remove from the grill and immediately spread or brush the herb butter over the hot ears of corn. Serve warm with lime wedges on the side if desired.
Brush each ear of corn lightly with olive oil.
Notes
Notes:
- You can prepare the herb butter ahead and store it in the fridge for up to 5 days or freeze for longer.
- Add a sprinkle of Parmesan or crumbled feta for an extra punch of flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ear of corn
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 17g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
