This Garlic Butter Grilled Corn on the Cob is a grill lover’s dream! Sweet corn gets slathered in a rich garlic butter, making each bite taste like summer.
Honestly, who can resist corn dripping in buttery goodness? I love making extra just to enjoy the leftovers—if there are any! 
Pair it with a backyard BBQ or enjoy it at a picnic. It’s super easy to make and perfect for sharing with friends and family—everyone will be asking for more!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Fresh Corn: Sweet, in-season corn is best for grilling. If fresh corn isn’t available, frozen corn can be used, though it may need less grilling time. Canned corn, while not ideal, can work in a pinch by quickly grilling it to heat it through.
Unsalted Butter: I highly recommend unsalted butter to control the saltiness. For a dairy-free version, try using olive oil or vegan butter instead. They can give a nice flavor without the dairy.
Garlic: Fresh garlic brings a punch to this dish. You can substitute it with garlic powder in a pinch, but you may need to adjust the quantity since the flavor is more concentrated. About 1/8 teaspoon should suffice for every clove.
Smoked Paprika: This adds a lovely smoky flavor, but if you don’t have it, regular paprika or even chili powder can be good substitutes. A dash of cayenne pepper adds a bit of heat, too!
Fresh Herbs: Parsley or cilantro brightens up the dish. If you don’t have either, try green onions or basil for a different but tasty touch.
How Do I Grill Corn Perfectly Without Burning It?
Grilling corn may seem tricky, but it’s simple when you know the steps. The key is to keep an eye on it and turn occasionally. Here’s how I do it:
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. This helps the corn cook evenly.
- Brush each ear generously with the garlic butter mixture before placing it on the grill.
- Grill for about 10-15 minutes, turning every 2-3 minutes for even cooking. Look for a nice char but avoid burning!
- If you want extra flavor, brush with more garlic butter just after grilling.
Enjoy your sweet, buttery corn! It’s perfect for summer cookouts or any time you want a tasty side dish.
How to Make Garlic Butter Grilled Corn On The Cob
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Corn:
- 6 ears of fresh corn, husked
For the Garlic Butter:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
For Garnish:
- Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped
- Lime wedges (for serving)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes for preparation and another 10-15 minutes for grilling, so you should be ready to enjoy your garlic butter grilled corn in about 20-25 minutes total. Quick and delicious!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Grill:
Start by preheating your grill to medium-high heat, which is around 400°F (or 200°C). This will help the corn cook evenly and get those nice grill marks.
2. Prepare the Garlic Butter:
In a small bowl, combine the melted butter with the minced garlic, salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika if you want an extra kick. Give it a good mix to combine all the flavors!
3. Husk the Corn:
Carefully husk the corn, making sure to remove all the silk strands. If you’d like, you can break the corn in half to make it easier to handle on the grill.
4. Brush the Corn:
Using a brush or a spoon, generously coat each ear of corn with the garlic butter mixture. Make sure to cover all sides so that each bite is full of flavor!
5. Grill the Corn:
Place the prepared corn directly on the grill. Grill the corn for about 10-15 minutes, turning it occasionally. You’re looking for tender corn that has charred spots for a lovely smoky flavor.
6. Finish Up:
Once the corn is cooked to your liking, take it off the grill. If you want, give it another brush of that delicious garlic butter for even more flavor!
7. Garnish and Serve:
Sprinkle some chopped parsley or cilantro over the corn for a fresh touch. Serve it with lime wedges on the side for that perfect zesty finish.
8. Enjoy!
Dig into your delicious garlic butter grilled corn while it’s hot off the grill. It’s the perfect side dish or snack that everyone will love!
Can I Substitute Fresh Corn with Frozen or Canned Corn?
While fresh corn is ideal for grilling, you can use frozen corn if you’re short on time. Thaw it first and then grill it in a grilling basket for about 5-7 minutes. Canned corn won’t work as well since it’s already cooked and won’t get those lovely grill marks, but you can heat it up in a pan with the garlic butter mixture for a different preparation.
How Can I Adjust the Garlic Flavor in This Recipe?
If you love garlic, feel free to add more than the 4 cloves suggested! Conversely, if you prefer a milder flavor, use roasted garlic instead of raw, or reduce the amount to 2 cloves. Roasting will give it a sweet, softer taste.
What Can I Use Instead of Unsalted Butter?
For a dairy-free option, use olive oil or a plant-based butter substitute instead of unsalted butter. If you do choose regular salted butter, reduce the amount of added salt in the recipe to avoid an overly salty flavor.
How to Store Leftover Grilled Corn?
Store any leftover grilled corn in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat it on the grill or in a microwave, brushing with a little extra garlic butter to keep it flavorful and moist!
