Cheesy Garlic Butter Corn on the Cob

Name: Cheesy Garlic Butter Corn on the Cob
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 ears fresh corn, husked; ¼ cup (½ stick) unsalted butter, softened; 2 garlic cloves, minced; 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley; ½ tsp salt; ¼ tsp black pepper; ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 tsp lemon zest (optional)

Jump to Recipe

Let’s be honest—corn on the cob is already a summertime icon. But add a cheesy garlic butter twist, and you’ve got something that deserves a standing ovation at your next cookout or weeknight dinner. This Cheesy Garlic Butter Corn on the Cob is a flavor bomb of comfort, crunch, and creaminess that tastes like summer decided to wear its party pants.

As a busy mom who juggles soccer practice, conference calls, and somehow still has to make dinner—this recipe has been my lifesaver more times than I can count. It’s quick, indulgent, and honestly, it makes me feel like a kitchen rockstar with zero stress.

Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Garlic Butter Corn on the Cob

Because it’s:

Ridiculously easy and fast
Packed with rich, buttery garlic flavor
Covered in savory Parmesan that sticks like a cheesy dream
The perfect side dish for BBQs, burgers, or honestly just a Tuesday night

Plus, picky eaters? Totally on board with this one. My 6-year-old said it tastes like “mac and cheese on a stick.” I’ll take that as a win.

Ingredients You’ll Need

4 ears fresh corn, husked
¼ cup (½ stick) unsalted butter, softened
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
½ tsp salt
¼ tsp black pepper
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tsp lemon zest (optional but adds a zingy kick)

How to Make Cheesy Garlic Butter Corn on the Cob

1. Cook the corn.
Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add husked corn and cook for about 10 minutes until tender. Alternatively, grill the corn over medium-high heat, turning occasionally until slightly charred and cooked through (about 10 minutes). Let cool just enough to handle.

2. Mix the garlic butter.
In a small bowl, combine the softened butter, minced garlic, chopped parsley, salt, pepper, and lemon zest (if using). Stir until everything is beautifully blended and smells like garlic heaven.

3. Slather that butter.
While the corn is still warm, coat each ear generously with the garlic butter mixture using a pastry brush or knife. Be thorough—this is where the magic happens.

4. Cheese it up.
Pour the grated Parmesan onto a plate or shallow dish. Roll each buttered corn cob through the cheese, pressing lightly so it clings to every buttery curve.

5. Serve and devour.
Serve immediately while warm and melty. Garnish with extra parsley if you’re feeling fancy—or if you’re hosting and want to impress your guests.

Tips for the Best Cheesy Garlic Butter Corn on the Cob

No fresh parsley? Dried works in a pinch—just use half the amount.
Want extra kick? Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the garlic butter.
Leftovers (if there are any!) make a great corn salad when you cut the kernels off and toss them into a bowl with a squeeze of lime.

Cheesy Garlic Butter Corn on the Cob with melted cheese and parsley on a black plate. — Cheesy Garlic Butter Corn on the Cob—oozing with creamy Parmesan and finished with a sprinkle of parsley.

FAQs About Cheesy Garlic Butter Corn on the Cob

Can I use frozen corn instead of fresh?

Yep! Just thaw and boil or grill it like you would fresh. The flavor’s still delicious.

Can I use pre-shredded Parmesan?

You can, but freshly grated melts and sticks better. Trust me, it’s worth the 60 extra seconds.

What’s the best way to store leftovers?

Wrap in foil and refrigerate. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes or microwave if you’re in a hurry.

A Corny Ending

Cheesy Garlic Butter Corn on the Cob is the perfect recipe for when you want something comforting, quick, and downright irresistible. It’s got the soul of a backyard BBQ with the ease of a weeknight staple. Try it once, and I promise—it’ll be the dish that disappears first from the table.

Every time I make it, I watch people go back for seconds—and thirds—like it’s a race. It’s a little messy, unapologetically cheesy, and utterly addictive. Whether you’re serving it at a weekend cookout or sneaking it in as a side on a random Wednesday, this corn brings smiles. And really, isn’t that what great food is all about?

More Recipes to Pair With Your Corn

Take your meal planning up a notch with these reader-favorite dishes that pair beautifully with Cheesy Garlic Butter Corn on the Cob:

Craving another comfort classic? Try our creamy and hearty Slow Cooker Parmesan Garlic Chicken and Potatoes—it’s like Sunday dinner without the stress.
For a Tex-Mex twist, whip up this crowd-pleasing Slow Cooker Chicken Burrito Bowl—easy, flavorful, and perfect for busy weeknights.
If you’re loving the garlic-Parmesan vibe, you’ll go nuts over this ultra-cozy Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta.
Looking for something hearty and rich to round out your spread? Don’t miss our saucy, tender Slow Cooker Beef Ragu—it’s slow-cooked to perfection.