Sam Few things scream summer quite like garlic butter corn on the cob. It’s the kind of dish that reminds you of smoky backyard BBQs, easy picnic lunches, and lazy Sunday cookouts with family. The combination of crisp, juicy sweet corn slathered in a savory garlic herb butter is both nostalgic and irresistibly satisfying. Whether you’re grilling, roasting, or boiling, this recipe guarantees golden, flavorful corn in under 30 minutes.
Not only is it flavorful and comforting, but garlic butter corn on the cob is also easy to prepare, budget-friendly, and ideal for feeding a crowd. It can be dressed up with herbs and spices or kept classic with just butter and garlic. And the best part? It works for nearly any dietary need — gluten-free, vegetarian, and easily adaptable for dairy-free or vegan diets.
Want to know more about why corn is good for you? Check out this comprehensive corn nutrition guide from Healthline. Curious about how garlic supports your immune system? Explore the Cleveland Clinic’s overview on garlic health benefits. Need to brush up on safe grilling practices? The USDA’s guide to grilling safely is a must-read for summer cooking.
RECIPE OVERVIEW
- Difficulty Level: Super Easy
- Cuisine: American / Summer
- Servings: 4–6
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15–20 minutes (grill or oven)
- Total Time: ~30 minutes
Nutritional Snapshot (Per Cob)
- Calories: ~190
- Fat: 12g
- Carbohydrates: 19g
- Sugar: 6g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
Budget Breakdown
- Fresh corn (6 ears): ~$3.00
- Butter: ~$1.50
- Garlic, herbs, seasonings: ~$1.50
- Total Cost: ~$6.00
- Cost per Serving: ~$1.00
Why You’ll Love This Garlic Butter Corn on the Cob
- Bursting with buttery garlic herb flavor
- Quick and easy to make in any cooking method
- Perfect side for grilling season and cookouts
- Naturally gluten-free and easy to adapt for vegans
- A guaranteed crowd-pleaser for all ages
Perfect For:
- Summer BBQs and holiday weekends
- Weeknight dinners and potluck side dishes
- Picnics, camping, and tailgates
- Kid-friendly vegetable sides
- Make-ahead grilling menus
Behind the Recipe
This garlic butter corn on the cob recipe came from years of summer grilling sessions where plain butter just wasn’t enough. By adding minced garlic, fresh herbs, and a pinch of salt and pepper, the butter transforms into something crave-worthy. Whether you wrap it in foil for the grill or roast it in the oven, the corn absorbs the butter while keeping its crisp bite.
This recipe includes multiple cooking methods so you can enjoy it year-round—even when it’s too hot to fire up the oven. It’s also easy to scale up for large gatherings or meal prep.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 6 ears of fresh corn, husked
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter (or vegan butter)
- 3 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (or chives)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Optional: grated Parmesan cheese, smoked paprika, or chili flakes for garnish
Ingredient Highlights
- Fresh Corn: Look for ears with bright green husks and moist silk. Sweet corn varieties are best in summer.
- Garlic: Minced garlic infuses the butter with deep savory flavor.
- Butter: Unsalted is preferred so you can control the saltiness.
- Herbs: Fresh parsley, basil, or chives add color and freshness.
- Add-Ins: Customize with a sprinkle of Parmesan, lime zest, or red pepper flakes.
How to Make Garlic Butter Corn on the Cob
Step 1: Make the Garlic Butter
In a small saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Add minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Stir constantly for 1–2 minutes until fragrant. Remove from heat and stir in chopped parsley.
Step 2: Prepare the Corn
Husk the corn and remove any silk. Rinse and pat dry. Preheat your grill, oven, or stovetop pan depending on your method.
Step 3: Choose Your Cooking Method
Grilled Garlic Butter Corn on the Cob (In Foil)
- Brush corn with garlic butter and wrap each cob in aluminum foil.
- Grill over medium-high heat for 15–20 minutes, turning occasionally.
- Unwrap and brush with more garlic butter before serving.
Oven-Baked Garlic Butter Corn
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Place corn on a baking sheet and brush with garlic butter.
- Cover loosely with foil and roast for 20 minutes, turning once.
Stovetop Garlic Corn on the Cob
- Boil corn for 6–8 minutes in a large pot of salted water.
- Drain and brush with garlic butter immediately before serving.
Pro Tips for Success
- Use foil for easy cleanup and moisture retention when grilling
- Don’t overcook—corn should remain juicy and slightly crisp
- For extra garlic flavor, infuse butter longer on low heat
- Add finishing herbs or cheese after cooking for best texture
- Use compound garlic butter to prep ahead and store in the fridge
Easy Variations
- Garlic Herb Butter Corn on the Cob: Add basil, rosemary, or thyme
- Spicy Garlic Corn: Mix in chili flakes or Cajun seasoning
- Vegan Garlic Butter Corn: Use dairy-free butter and skip cheese
- Cheesy Corn: Sprinkle Parmesan or Cotija over hot corn before serving
- Garlic Corn on the Cob in Air Fryer: Use foil-wrapped corn and cook at 380°F for 15 minutes
Storage & Reheating Tips
- Fridge: Store leftovers in foil or airtight container for up to 3 days
- Freezer: Wrap cobs individually and freeze for up to 2 months
- Reheat: Warm in oven at 350°F or on stovetop with extra garlic butter
- Meal Prep: Make garlic butter ahead and refrigerate up to 5 days
🍽️ Make It a Meal 🍜
Pair garlic butter corn on the cob with:
- BBQ chicken, burgers, or grilled salmon
- Potato salad or coleslaw
- Iced tea, lemonade, or cucumber water
- Grilled veggie skewers or baked beans
This side dish elevates any summer meal and brings unbeatable flavor with minimal effort.
Frequently Asked Questions
Wrap corn in foil with garlic butter and grill for 15–20 minutes over medium heat. This locks in flavor and moisture.
Yes! Roast corn brushed with garlic butter at 400°F for about 20 minutes, turning halfway through for even cooking.
15–20 minutes works best. Rotate occasionally to ensure all sides are evenly charred and tender.
Absolutely. Make the garlic butter up to 5 days in advance. You can also grill or roast the corn, then reheat in foil.
Parsley, basil, thyme, chives, and cilantro all complement garlic beautifully.
Yes. Store in an airtight container or foil in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat with a dab of extra butter.
Roasted corn cooks more evenly with caramelized flavor, while grilled corn adds smoky char and crisped edges.
Yes! It’s naturally gluten-free and perfect for a variety of dietary needs.
You can. Thaw frozen corn cobs before brushing with butter and cooking. Adjust time based on cooking method.
Wrap buttered corn in foil and cook at 380°F for 15 minutes, turning once for even cooking.
Final Thoughts
This garlic butter corn on the cob recipe is more than just a summer staple—it’s a flavorful reminder that the simplest dishes often make the biggest impression. Whether you’re grilling outdoors, roasting in the oven, or boiling on the stovetop, this recipe packs every bite with herby, garlicky goodness.
With its versatility, budget-friendly ingredients, and crave-worthy taste, this corn on the cob makes an easy upgrade to your usual side dish lineup. Serve it at family dinners, cookouts, or weekday meals—and watch it disappear fast.
Looking for more flavor-packed summer favorites? Don’t miss our Grilled Corn & Mango Salsa, Cajun Chicken Pasta Salad, and Chilled Cucumber Yogurt Salad for fresh and satisfying meal ideas.
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📌 Pin This Recipe: Garlic Butter Corn on the Cob
Sweet corn brushed with homemade garlic herb butter and grilled, baked, or boiled to buttery perfection—an easy summer side dish favorite!
Best Ever Garlic Butter Corn on the Cob (Grilled, Baked, or Stovetop)
Ingredients
- 6 ears of fresh corn husked
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter or vegan butter
- 3 cloves garlic finely minced
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley or chives
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Optional: grated Parmesan cheese smoked paprika, or chili flakes for garnish
Instructions
- Make the Garlic Butter: In a small saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Add minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Stir constantly for 1–2 minutes until fragrant. Remove from heat and stir in chopped parsley.
- Prepare the Corn: Husk the corn and remove any silk. Rinse and pat dry. Preheat your grill, oven, or stovetop pan depending on your method.
- Choose Your Cooking Method:Grilled Garlic Butter Corn on the Cob (In Foil):– Brush corn with garlic butter and wrap each cob in aluminum foil. – Grill over medium-high heat for 15–20 minutes, turning occasionally. – Unwrap and brush with more garlic butter before serving.Oven-Baked Garlic Butter Corn:– Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). – Place corn on a baking sheet and brush with garlic butter. – Cover loosely with foil and roast for 20 minutes, turning once.Stovetop Garlic Corn on the Cob:– Boil corn for 6–8 minutes in a large pot of salted water. – Drain and brush with garlic butter immediately before serving.
