If you’re on the hunt for a summer side dish that’s bursting with flavor and brings a wow factor to any barbecue or family dinner, then you’re going to love this Parmesan Garlic Grilled Corn Recipe. Imagine fresh ears of sweet corn, kissed by the grill’s smoky char, slathered in a garlicky olive oil blend, and finished with a generous dusting of nutty Parmesan cheese that melts just enough to create a heavenly coating. This dish isn’t just corn on the cob; it’s a deliciously addictive treat that’s easy to make and guaranteed to please everyone around the table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Parmesan Garlic Grilled Corn Recipe is how simple yet essential the ingredients are. Each component plays a vital role: the sweet corn provides the main heart, the garlic and olive oil infuse savory richness, and the Parmesan cheese adds a luscious, salty finish. Fresh parsley and lemon wedges bring brightness and a pop of nature’s green and citrus colors, elevating every bite.
- 4 ears of corn, husked: Choose fresh, plump ears for the juiciest kernels and best grilling results.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter: This carries the garlic flavor and keeps the corn beautifully moist on the grill.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Fresh garlic is key to delivering that unforgettable aromatic punch.
- ¼ teaspoon salt: Just enough to enhance all the natural flavors without overpowering.
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper: Adds a subtle, gentle heat that rounds out the savory profile.
- â…“ cup grated Parmesan cheese: Use freshly grated for the best melt and nuttiness.
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional): Adds color and a fresh herbal note that lightens the dish.
- Lemon wedges for serving (optional): A squeeze of lemon brightens every bite and balances the richness wonderfully.
How to Make Parmesan Garlic Grilled Corn Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Grill
Start by heating your grill to medium-high heat. This temperature is perfect for charring the corn just enough to bring out those smoky flavors while keeping the kernels tender and juicy. Trust me, a well-heated grill sets the stage for magic.
Step 2: Prepare the Garlic Oil Mixture
In a small bowl, mix the olive oil or melted butter with minced garlic, salt, and black pepper. This little blend packs a punch and will coat each ear of corn with a flavorful barrier that locks in moisture and layers on the deliciousness as it grills.
Step 3: Brush the Corn
Use a brush to evenly coat each ear of husked corn with the garlic oil mixture. Don’t be shy here — you want every kernel to soak up those garlicky, buttery notes so that each bite is bursting with flavor.
Step 4: Grill the Corn
Place the corn directly on the grill grates. Turn the ears every few minutes over 10 to 12 minutes so they char lightly on all sides and become perfectly tender. Be patient and watch for that enticing golden-brown color with little charred spots — that’s when they’re ready.
Step 5: Add the Parmesan Cheese
Remove the corn from the grill and immediately sprinkle them generously with grated Parmesan cheese while still hot. The warmth allows the cheese to melt slightly, creating a savory, creamy coating that clings to the corn like a dream.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the cheesy garlic corn to add a fresh color and herbaceous note. Serve with lemon wedges on the side for those who love a tangy brightness with their grilled goodness.
How to Serve Parmesan Garlic Grilled Corn Recipe
Garnishes
While fresh parsley and lemon wedges are classic, feel free to add a sprinkle of smoked paprika or a pinch of chili flakes on top of the corn for an extra kick and stunning visual appeal. Even a drizzle of creamy ranch or a dusting of cotija cheese can make this dish your signature indulgence.
Side Dishes
This Parmesan Garlic Grilled Corn Recipe pairs beautifully with grilled meats like juicy steak, barbecue chicken, or even blackened fish. It’s also a fantastic side for hearty grain bowls or summer salads, adding texture and rich flavor.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to impress, slice the grilled kernels off and toss them with extra Parmesan, chopped herbs, diced tomatoes, and a splash of lime for a vibrant corn salad. Or skewer the corn halves for easy handheld bites at your next cookout — trust me, this recipe shines in every form!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, wrap the grilled corn tightly in foil or place it in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2 days. The flavors actually deepen as the corn rests, making for a tasty next-day snack or side.
Freezing
While fresh is best here, you can freeze leftover grilled corn by cutting the kernels off, placing them in a freezer-safe bag, and storing for up to 3 months. When thawed, the texture might be softer, but the savory flavor remains a delight for soups or casseroles.
Reheating
Reheat leftover parmesan garlic grilled corn gently in a skillet over medium heat or in the oven wrapped in foil. Avoid the microwave if possible to maintain that beautiful texture and keep the cheese from becoming rubbery.
FAQs
Can I use butter instead of olive oil?
Absolutely! Melted butter adds a rich, creamy flavor that complements the garlic and Parmesan beautifully. It’s a personal preference, so feel free to choose whichever you love more.
What if I don’t have a grill?
No grill? No problem. You can cook the corn on a grill pan or even roast it in the oven under the broiler. Just watch carefully to achieve the same smoky, slightly charred effect.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
You can easily make a vegan version by swapping the Parmesan cheese for a plant-based alternative or nutritional yeast for that cheesy, nutty flavor without dairy.
Is it necessary to husk the corn?
Husking the corn before grilling lets the garlic oil marinade penetrate the kernels better and helps achieve that perfect char. Leaving the husks on creates a different flavor and texture but isn’t recommended for this particular recipe.
How can I add more spice to the Parmesan Garlic Grilled Corn Recipe?
Try mixing in a pinch of smoked paprika, red pepper flakes, or cayenne pepper into the garlic oil before brushing the corn. These spices add a gentle heat that’s complementing without overpowering the other flavors.
Final Thoughts
This Parmesan Garlic Grilled Corn Recipe is one of those dishes that feels special yet is incredibly easy to whip up any time you want to impress or simply indulge in great flavor. It’s the ideal celebration of fresh summer corn elevated by garlic, cheese, and that perfect grilled touch. I can’t wait for you to try it and add this delicious favorite to your regular rotation—you’ll be reaching for it long after grilling season ends!
Print
Parmesan Garlic Grilled Corn Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian, Gluten Free
Description
Parmesan Garlic Grilled Corn is a flavorful and easy-to-make summer side dish featuring fresh ears of corn brushed with a garlicky olive oil or butter mixture, grilled to perfection, and topped with melted Parmesan cheese. This recipe offers a perfect blend of smoky, cheesy, and savory notes, enhanced with optional fresh parsley and lemon wedges for a bright finish.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 4 ears of corn, husked
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- â…“ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)
- Lemon wedges for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat to ensure a nice char and even cooking on the corn.
- Prepare Garlic Mixture: In a small bowl, combine olive oil or melted butter with minced garlic, salt, and black pepper, mixing well to create a flavorful brush-on sauce for the corn.
- Coat the Corn: Evenly brush each ear of husked corn with the garlic and oil mixture, making sure to cover all sides for maximum taste.
- Grill the Corn: Place the coated corn ears on the grill and cook for 10 to 12 minutes, turning every few minutes to achieve a slight char and ensure the corn becomes tender without burning.
- Add Parmesan Cheese: Remove the corn from the grill and immediately sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over each ear while still hot, allowing the cheese to melt slightly.
- Garnish and Serve: Optionally, garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve with lemon wedges to add a fresh, citrusy brightness to the dish.
Notes
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of smoked paprika or red pepper flakes to the garlic mixture for a smoky or spicy kick.
- You can substitute or mix Parmesan with Pecorino Romano cheese for a sharper, saltier taste.
- If you prefer butter, use melted butter instead of olive oil to brush the corn for a richer flavor.
