Parmesan Garlic Grilled Corn is the perfect side dish for any summer gathering or barbecue. This delightful recipe combines the sweetness of fresh corn with rich garlic butter and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese, making it a standout addition to your meal. Easy to prepare and bursting with flavor, this grilled corn will impress your guests and satisfy your cravings.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: With just 10 minutes of prep time, you can have this delicious dish ready in no time.
- Bursting with Flavor: The combination of garlic butter and Parmesan creates a savory experience that’s hard to resist.
- Versatile Side Dish: Perfect for barbecues, picnics, or family dinners, this dish complements many main courses.
- Fresh Ingredients: Using fresh corn enhances the taste and quality of the dish, making it a healthy choice.
- Appealing Presentation: The vibrant colors of grilled corn topped with cheese and parsley make it visually appealing.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into the cooking process, gather your essential tools to ensure a smooth experience.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Grill
- Small heat-safe bowl
- Basting brush
- Knife
Importance of Each Tool
- Grill: A good grill helps achieve that perfect char and smoky flavor on the corn.
- Small heat-safe bowl: Ideal for melting butter without risking spills or burns.
- Basting brush: Ensures even application of garlic butter on each ear of corn.
- Knife: Useful for preparing garlic and chopping parsley accurately.
Ingredients
A recipe for Parmesan Garlic Grilled Corn! Ears of grilled corn are brushed with a garlic butter and sprinkled with Parmesan cheese.
For the Corn
- 4 ears fresh corn
For the Garlic Butter
- 4 tablespoons (60 grams) unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic (peeled and grated or minced)
Seasoning
- Pinch salt
- Freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
For Garnish
- 1 ounce (28 grams) freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
How to Make Parmesan Garlic Grilled Corn
Step 1: Preheat the Grill
Preheat your grill to 350-400˚F (180-200˚C). This temperature range is ideal for grilling corn evenly while achieving that desired char.
Step 2: Prepare the Corn
Remove most of the husks from the corn while leaving the innermost layer intact. Pull them back carefully to remove the silks. Once cleaned, fold the husks back over the corn.
Step 3: Grill the Corn
Place the prepared corn on the preheated grill. Cook for about 15-20 minutes, turning once or twice until the kernels turn bright yellow.
Step 4: Melt the Butter
In a small heat-safe bowl, add the unsalted butter. Microwave it until melted, which should take about 30 seconds to 1 minute.
Step 5: Mix in Seasonings
Stir in grated garlic, salt, and pepper into the melted butter until well combined.
Step 6: Brush with Garlic Butter
After grilling, remove any remaining husks from each ear of corn. While still hot, brush each kernel generously with melted garlic butter using your basting brush.
Step 7: Add Toppings
Sprinkle each ear of corn with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley for an added burst of flavor.
Step 8: Serve Immediately
For best results, serve your Parmesan Garlic Grilled Corn hot off the grill! Enjoy this delightful side dish at your next gathering.
How to Serve Parmesan Garlic Grilled Corn
Parmesan Garlic Grilled Corn is a delightful side dish that enhances any summer meal. Here are some creative serving suggestions to elevate your dining experience.
Pair with Grilled Meats
- Steak: The rich flavors of grilled steak complement the savory corn beautifully.
- Chicken: BBQ chicken pairs well, adding a smoky taste to your plate.
Add Fresh Salads
- Caprese Salad: The freshness of tomatoes and basil balances the richness of the corn.
- Coleslaw: A crunchy coleslaw provides a nice contrast to the tender grilled corn.
Enhance with Dips
- Garlic Aioli: A creamy garlic dip can take your grilled corn to another level.
- Salsa Verde: The zingy flavor of salsa verde adds brightness and zest.
How to Perfect Parmesan Garlic Grilled Corn
To make sure your Parmesan Garlic Grilled Corn turns out perfectly every time, follow these helpful tips.
- Use fresh corn: Fresh ears of corn will give you the best flavor and sweetness.
- Don’t skip the grilling time: Make sure to grill until kernels are bright yellow for optimal tenderness.
- Experiment with cheeses: While Parmesan is traditional, try other cheeses like feta or cotija for a twist.
- Add spices: Enhance the flavor by sprinkling on chili powder or smoked paprika before serving.
Best Side Dishes for Parmesan Garlic Grilled Corn
Parmesan Garlic Grilled Corn pairs well with various side dishes that round out a summer meal. Here are some great options to consider.
- Grilled Zucchini: Lightly seasoned and grilled for a smoky flavor that complements the corn.
- Potato Salad: Creamy potato salad offers a comforting contrast to the grilled ear of corn.
- Watermelon Feta Salad: Refreshing watermelon mixed with feta cheese provides a sweet and salty combination.
- Cornbread: This classic Southern staple goes perfectly with grilled corn for an extra corny experience!
- Baked Beans: Sweet and hearty baked beans add depth alongside the lightness of grilled corn.
- Roasted Asparagus: Tender roasted asparagus adds color and elegance to your meal.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Parmesan Garlic Grilled Corn, it’s easy to make a few common missteps. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for:
- Overcooking the corn: Cooking the corn for too long can lead to tough kernels. Aim for 15-20 minutes on the grill, turning occasionally to ensure even cooking.
- Skipping the husk prep: Leaving too much husk on prevents even grilling. Remove most of the husks but keep the innermost layer intact to protect the kernels while still allowing them to cook properly.
- Not using fresh ingredients: Using stale or old garlic and Parmesan can affect flavor. Always opt for fresh garlic and freshly grated Parmesan for the best taste.
- Ignoring seasoning: Skipping salt and pepper can dull the flavors. Make sure to season well with salt and freshly ground black pepper for a delicious result.
- Rushing the butter mixture: Letting the garlic infuse in melted butter adds depth of flavor. Take a moment to microwave the butter and stir in garlic, salt, and pepper before brushing it on.
Refrigerator Storage
- Store Parmesan Garlic Grilled Corn in an airtight container.
- It will last up to 2-3 days in the refrigerator.
- Make sure to let it cool completely before sealing it in a container.
Freezing Parmesan Garlic Grilled Corn
- Wrap each ear of corn tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
- Store in a freezer-safe bag or container.
- Frozen corn will maintain its quality for up to 2 months.
Reheating Parmesan Garlic Grilled Corn
- Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Wrap corn in foil and heat for 10-15 minutes.
- Microwave: Place corn on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat for 1-2 minutes until warm.
- Stovetop: Heat a skillet over medium heat, adding a little butter if desired. Cook corn for about 5 minutes, turning occasionally until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I enhance my Parmesan Garlic Grilled Corn?
You can add spices like cayenne pepper or smoked paprika to your garlic butter mixture for an extra kick!
Can I use frozen corn instead of fresh?
While fresh corn is ideal, you can use frozen corn as well. Just adjust cooking times accordingly for best results.
What should I serve with Parmesan Garlic Grilled Corn?
This dish pairs well with grilled meats, salads, or as part of a summer barbecue spread.
How do I prevent my grilled corn from burning?
Make sure to grill at medium heat and turn the corn frequently while cooking. This ensures even cooking without burning.
Final Thoughts
Parmesan Garlic Grilled Corn is an irresistible side dish perfect for summer gatherings or weeknight dinners. Its rich flavors and simple preparation make it versatile; feel free to customize it with your favorite herbs or spices. Don’t hesitate—give this recipe a try!
Parmesan Garlic Grilled Corn
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Parmesan Garlic Grilled Corn is a must-try side dish that adds flavor and flair to any summer gathering. This recipe brings together the natural sweetness of fresh corn, the rich, savory taste of garlic butter, and a sprinkle of tangy Parmesan cheese. With just a few simple ingredients and quick preparation steps, you can create a delicious, visually appealing dish that will delight your family and friends.
Ingredients
- 4 ears fresh corn
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- Pinch salt
- Freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
- 1 ounce freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (finely chopped)
Instructions
- Preheat your grill to 350-400°F (180-200°C).
- Remove most husks from the corn but leave the innermost layer intact.
- Grill the corn for 15-20 minutes, turning occasionally until kernels are bright yellow.
- Melt the butter in a small heat-safe bowl and mix in minced garlic, salt, and pepper.
- Brush the hot corn with garlic butter using a basting brush.
- Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and parsley before serving immediately.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ear (100g)
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 23g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: For added flavor, consider mixing spices like cayenne or smoked paprika into the garlic butter. Experiment with different cheeses such as feta for a unique twist.