Grilled Corn with Herb Butter Recipe
If you’re looking for the ultimate summery side that’s equal parts effortless and impressive, Grilled Corn with Herb Butter is about to become your new go-to dish. This recipe captures everything we love about eating outdoors: that irresistible smoky char, the burst of sweet corn kernels, and a rich, flavorful herb butter that melts into every groove. Whether you’re hosting a backyard BBQ or simply want to perk up your weeknight dinner, this dish delivers pure happiness in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this recipe has a role to play in creating unforgettable Grilled Corn with Herb Butter. Their simplicity means you’ll spend less time prepping and more time savoring, while each one brings color, aroma, or flavor to the party.
- Fresh Corn (6 ears, husked): Opt for peak-season corn; its juiciness is the star of the show.
- Unsalted Butter (4 tablespoons, softened): The creamy base for your herb butter, perfectly spreadable when softened.
- Fresh Parsley (1 tablespoon, chopped): Bright and fresh, parsley adds a leafy, garden-fresh note.
- Fresh Chives (1 tablespoon, chopped): Chives add a mild, oniony kick that pairs perfectly with the sweet corn.
- Fresh Thyme (1 teaspoon, chopped): A little bit of thyme brings a subtle, earthy depth to the butter.
- Garlic Powder (1/2 teaspoon): For a touch of savory warmth that infuses each bite.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Highlights all the flavors and draws out corn’s natural sweetness.
- Black Pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Adds just the right hint of gentle heat and aroma.
- Lemon Wedges (optional): A final squeeze of citrus lifts and balances the buttery richness.
How to Make Grilled Corn with Herb Butter
Step 1: Preheat the Grill
First things first: fire up your grill to medium-high heat. This ensures you’ll get a gorgeous char without drying out the corn. If you’re using a gas grill, let it preheat for about 10 minutes. For charcoal, wait until the coals are glowing red with a faint layer of ash. That sizzle when the corn hits the grill? Pure music to the ears!
Step 2: Mix Up the Herb Butter
In a small bowl, combine the softened unsalted butter with chopped parsley, chives, thyme, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything together until you have a smooth, flecked herb butter. This aromatic blend is the heart of your Grilled Corn with Herb Butter, and you can prep it ahead for extra convenience—all those fresh herbs are about to melt right onto your corn.
Step 3: Grill the Corn
Brush each ear of corn lightly with olive oil if you’d like an extra boost of golden color. Place the corn directly on the grates and grill for 10–12 minutes, turning occasionally. You’ll see the kernels start to caramelize and blister—the sweet spot between tender and smoky. This is where the magic of grilling truly shines.
Step 4: Slather with Herb Butter
Once the corn comes off the grill, don’t wait—generously spread that vivid herb butter over each ear while they’re still hot. The butter will instantly melt, seeping into every kernel and releasing those savory, herby aromas that make this dish totally irresistible.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Serve your Grilled Corn with Herb Butter right away, garnished with extra herbs if you’re feeling fancy. Lemon wedges on the side are a brilliant way to add a zingy finish to each bite, especially if you love a touch of acidity with your buttery corn. Gather around and dig in!
How to Serve Grilled Corn with Herb Butter
Garnishes
A little sprinkling of extra fresh herbs—think parsley or chives—takes Grilled Corn with Herb Butter from great to over-the-top gorgeous. For even more flavor, grate a bit of Parmesan cheese over the top, or finish with a dusting of smoked paprika. If you want to get playful, a squeeze of fresh lemon juice exaggerates all the flavors in every bite.
Side Dishes
Grilled Corn with Herb Butter loves good company! Pair it with classic backyard staples like juicy grilled chicken, tangy coleslaw, and a crisp green salad. It also sings alongside burgers, ribs, or a pile of sweet potato fries. No matter what you serve it with, this corn brings sunshine to your plate.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving your grilled corn “on the cob” with skewers for easy handling at picnics, or slice the kernels off and toss with cherry tomatoes and feta for a vibrant salad. For a fun, shareable twist, break cobs into halves and arrange on a platter with extra herb butter on the side—watch them disappear in a flash!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have any Grilled Corn with Herb Butter left (lucky you!), wrap the ears tightly in foil or place them in an airtight container. Pop them in the fridge, where they’ll stay fresh and flavorful for up to three days. The herb butter helps keep the corn moist, even after reheating.
Freezing
You can absolutely freeze leftover grilled corn. Just remove the kernels from the cob after cooling, then transfer them to a zip-top freezer bag. This way, you’ll have sweet, smoky corn ready to stir into soups, salads, or salsas even months down the road. The herb butter’s flavor survives beautifully, too!
Reheating
To reheat, wrap your corn in foil and warm in a 350°F oven for 10–15 minutes, or microwave kernels in a bowl with a splash of water. If you saved any extra herb butter, add a pat before reheating and your Grilled Corn with Herb Butter will taste freshly made every time.
FAQs
Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh for the herb butter?
If fresh herbs aren’t handy, you can substitute dried—just use one-third the amount, as dried herbs are more potent. The flavor will be a bit different, but your Grilled Corn with Herb Butter will still turn out delicious.
What’s the best way to husk corn without making a mess?
Peeling back the husks from the tip and snapping them off at the base makes things quick and tidy. For extra clean kernels, rub off any stray silks with a damp paper towel.
Can I make the herb butter ahead of time?
Yes! In fact, making the herb butter a day in advance lets the flavors meld beautifully. Store it in the fridge and let it soften at room temperature before spreading over your grilled corn.
Is it possible to grill the corn in advance and serve it later?
Absolutely. Grilled Corn with Herb Butter can be cooked ahead and served at room temperature or gently reheated before serving. It holds up well for picnics, potlucks, or make-ahead meal prep.
Is this recipe gluten-free and vegetarian?
Yes, Grilled Corn with Herb Butter is naturally gluten-free and vegetarian, making it perfect for varied diets at gatherings. Just double-check your butter and seasonings for any additives if you’re serving folks with allergies or sensitivities.
Final Thoughts
Few things capture the joy of summer quite like Grilled Corn with Herb Butter. With its unbeatable combo of smoky, buttery sweetness and bright herbaceous flavor, it’s a side dish that always brings smiles to the table. If you’ve never tried making it yourself, this is your invitation—give it a go, and enjoy every single bite!
Print
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 summer side dish that features fresh corn on the cob cooked on the grill and slathered with a flavorful herb butter.
Ingredients
Corn:
- 6 ears fresh corn, husked
Herb Butter:
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh chives
- 1 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Serving:
- lemon wedges for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the Grill: Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
- Prepare Herb Butter: In a small bowl, mix softened butter with parsley, chives, thyme, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Grill Corn: Brush corn lightly with olive oil if desired, then place directly on the grill. Cook for 10–12 minutes, turning occasionally, until corn is tender and slightly charred.
- Finish and Serve: Remove corn from the grill and immediately spread with herb butter. Serve warm with optional lemon wedges.
Notes
- You can make the herb butter ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- For extra flavor, sprinkle corn with Parmesan cheese before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ear
- Calories: 160
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 200 mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 22 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 20 mg
