Irresistibly Easy Grilled Parmesan Corn on the Cob: Your Ultimate Summer Side Dish
Say goodbye to bland, boiled corn and hello to your new favorite summer side dish: Grilled Parmesan Corn on the Cob! This recipe takes the classic corn on the cob and elevates it with a savory, cheesy, and utterly delicious parmesan crust, all cooked to perfection on the grill. It’s incredibly simple to make, bursts with flavor, and keeps your kitchen cool – making it the ideal accompaniment for any backyard barbecue or casual weeknight meal.
Why settle for ordinary when extraordinary is so easy? This grilled corn recipe transforms a humble vegetable into a star, boasting a delightful blend of smoky char, sweet corn, aromatic herbs, and nutty Parmesan cheese. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that will have everyone asking for seconds. Plus, cooking it on the grill means less cleanup and more time enjoying the beautiful weather with friends and family.
Why You’ll Fall in Love with This Grilled Corn Recipe
There are countless reasons why this Grilled Parmesan Corn on the Cob will become a staple in your summer cooking repertoire. Here’s what makes it truly special:
- Unbeatable Flavor: The combination of fresh basil, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and rich Parmesan cheese creates a savory coating that perfectly complements the natural sweetness of the corn. Grilling adds an irresistible smoky depth that boiling simply can’t achieve.
- Effortless Preparation: With just a handful of ingredients and a few simple steps, you can have this flavorful side dish ready in under an hour. It’s a fantastic alternative to traditional buttered corn, offering a gourmet taste with minimal effort.
- Keeps Your Kitchen Cool: During hot summer months, turning on the oven or stovetop can quickly heat up your home. Grilling outside ensures your kitchen stays comfortable, allowing you to enjoy the cooking process and the beautiful weather.
- Perfect Pairing: This versatile side dish pairs wonderfully with almost any grilled main course. Imagine serving it alongside juicy St. Louis Style Ribs, sizzling steaks, or savory Smoked Chicken Wings. It’s a culinary match made in heaven!
- Customizable: While the classic Parmesan and herb blend is fantastic, this recipe offers plenty of room for creative variations to suit your taste.
Selecting the Freshest Corn for Grilling
The secret to truly outstanding grilled corn starts with choosing the freshest ears possible. Here’s what to look for when you’re at the market:
- Husks: Look for bright green husks that are tightly wrapped around the corn. Avoid husks that are yellowing, dry, or loose, as these indicate older corn.
- Silks: The silk strands peeking out from the top should be slightly damp and sticky to the touch, and light in color (yellow or brown). Dry or black silks suggest the corn is past its prime.
- Kernels: Gently peel back a small section of the husk to peek at the kernels. They should be plump, firm, and milky white or yellow, without any visible dents or dry spots. If a kernel is punctured, milky liquid should squirt out.
- Weight: A good ear of corn will feel heavy for its size, indicating a high moisture content and juicy kernels.
The Simple Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe calls for a few basic ingredients that come together to create an explosion of flavor:
- Fresh Corn on the Cob: The star of the show! Choose 4 large, fresh ears following the tips above.
- Olive Oil: Acts as the binder for the seasonings and cheese, helping them adhere to the corn and ensuring a beautiful, even char during grilling.
- Fresh Basil: While dried basil can be used, fresh basil, finely chopped, adds an unparalleled aromatic freshness that truly elevates the dish. If using dried, reduce the amount.
- Garlic Powder: Provides a foundational savory note that enhances the overall flavor without being too overpowering.
- Sea Salt & Fresh Ground Pepper: Essential seasonings to bring out the natural sweetness of the corn and balance the other flavors.
- Fresh Grated Parmesan Cheese: This is the magic ingredient! Freshly grated Parmesan melts beautifully, creating a nutty, salty crust that is utterly addictive. Pre-grated cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can affect its melting quality, so grating it yourself is highly recommended for the best results.
Step-by-Step Guide to Perfect Grilled Parmesan Corn
Transforming plain corn into this cheesy, grilled delight is incredibly straightforward. Follow these steps for an amazing outcome:
1. Preheat Your Grill
Start by preheating your grill to 400ºF (approximately 200ºC). This ensures a consistent cooking temperature for even grilling and a beautiful char. Allow it to heat up completely before placing the corn on the grates.
2. Prepare the Corn
Carefully shuck each ear of corn, removing all the husks and silk strands. Rinse the corn under cold water to ensure it’s clean, then pat it dry. Place each piece of shucked corn on a separate sheet of heavy-duty aluminum foil. Using heavy-duty foil is crucial as it prevents tearing during grilling and keeps the moisture locked in.
3. Create the Flavorful Oil Mixture
In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, finely chopped fresh basil, garlic powder, sea salt, and fresh ground pepper. Mix thoroughly until all the ingredients are well incorporated. This mixture will serve as the delicious base for your Parmesan crust.
4. Brush and Sprinkle Generously
Take your prepared oil mixture and generously brush it over each ear of corn, ensuring every kernel is coated. Don’t be shy – a good coating means more flavor! Next, generously sprinkle the fresh grated Parmesan cheese all over the corn. Make sure it adheres well to the oil mixture. Reserve a small amount of Parmesan for garnishing after grilling.
5. Wrap Tightly in Foil
Once seasoned, wrap each ear of corn tightly in its sheet of aluminum foil. The goal is to create a snug packet that will trap the steam and flavors inside, allowing the corn to cook perfectly while absorbing all the delicious seasonings and melting the Parmesan into a savory crust.
6. Grill to Perfection
Place the tightly wrapped foil packets directly on the preheated grill. Grill for approximately 30 minutes, turning the packets every 10 minutes to ensure even cooking and charring. The foil helps steam the corn, making it tender, while the direct heat from the grill helps to crisp up the outside and melt the cheese. The corn is done when it’s tender and slightly charred.
7. Garnish and Serve
Carefully remove the corn from the grill. Be cautious when opening the foil packets, as steam will escape. Unwrap each piece of grilled corn and garnish with the remaining fresh grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley for an extra pop of color and flavor. Serve immediately and enjoy the irresistible taste of summer grilling!
Tips for Grilling Success
- Don’t Overcrowd the Grill: Give each corn packet enough space on the grates for even heat distribution.
- Heavy-Duty Foil is Key: Regular foil can tear easily, leading to loss of steam and flavor. If you only have regular foil, use two layers per ear of corn.
- Freshly Grated Parmesan: As mentioned, it makes a significant difference in taste and texture compared to pre-shredded varieties.
- Customize Your Herbs: Feel free to experiment with other fresh herbs like chives, cilantro, or a touch of oregano alongside or instead of basil.
- Optional Char: For an even deeper smoky flavor, you can carefully remove the corn from the foil for the last 5-10 minutes of grilling, placing it directly on the grates to get a more pronounced char on the kernels. Watch closely to prevent burning.
Delicious Variations to Explore
While this classic Parmesan and herb recipe is perfect as is, you can easily customize it to your liking:
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper to the olive oil mixture for a bit of heat.
- Smoky Paprika: A teaspoon of smoked paprika will add another layer of savory, smoky flavor to your corn.
- Citrus Brightness: A squeeze of fresh lemon or lime juice over the corn before serving can add a wonderful zesty finish.
- Herb Medley: Instead of just basil, try a mix of Italian herbs like oregano, thyme, and rosemary.
- Mexican Street Corn Style: For a twist, once grilled and unwrapped, slather the corn with a mixture of mayonnaise, sour cream, chili powder, and top with crumbled cotija cheese and a squeeze of lime. If you love this flavor profile, you absolutely must try our Grilled Mexican Street Corn Salad!
What to Serve with Your Grilled Parmesan Corn
This flavorful corn is the perfect partner for a wide variety of main dishes. Here are some serving suggestions:
- BBQ Favorites: It’s a natural fit for anything coming off the grill. Think St. Louis Style Ribs, grilled chicken, burgers, hot dogs, or sausages.
- Seafood: The sweet and savory notes pair beautifully with grilled salmon, shrimp skewers, or a flaky white fish.
- Steak: A perfectly grilled steak is always enhanced by a vibrant, flavorful side like this corn.
- Summer Salads: Serve it alongside a fresh green salad or a vibrant pasta salad for a complete summer meal.
Storing and Reheating Leftovers
If you happen to have any leftover grilled Parmesan corn (which is unlikely!), here’s how to store and reheat it:
- Storage: Allow the corn to cool completely, then remove the kernels from the cob if desired, or store the whole cobs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Reheating: You can reheat the corn on the grill for a few minutes, in an oven at 350°F (175°C) until warm, or even quickly in an air fryer for a crispy texture. If reheating the whole cob, you might want to wrap it in a fresh piece of foil to prevent it from drying out.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are answers to some common questions about making grilled Parmesan corn:
Q: Can I use frozen corn on the cob?
A: While fresh corn is always recommended for the best flavor and texture, you can use frozen corn on the cob. Thaw it completely before proceeding with the recipe, and pat it very dry. The grilling time might be slightly shorter.
Q: Is it okay to use pre-shredded Parmesan cheese?
A: Freshly grated Parmesan cheese will always yield superior results in terms of flavor and how it melts. Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can make it less creamy when melted. However, if that’s all you have, it will still work in a pinch.
Q: How can I tell if the corn is cooked through?
A: The corn is cooked when the kernels are tender and slightly plump. You can carefully unwrap one ear and gently poke a kernel with a fork or taste a small piece. It should be tender-crisp, not mushy.
Q: Can I bake this corn instead of grilling?
A: Yes! If you don’t have a grill, you can bake the foil-wrapped corn in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 30-35 minutes, turning halfway through. The flavor won’t have the same smoky char, but it will still be delicious.
Summer grilling never tasted so good! Nothing quite compares to the crispy, crunchy, fresh sweetness of grilled corn on the cob, especially when it’s loaded with nutty Parmesan cheese and aromatic herbs. This recipe is a simple way to elevate your barbecue and impress your guests with minimal effort.
Grilled Parmesan Corn On The Cob Recipe
Grilled Parmesan Corn On The Cob Recipe
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Ingredients
- 4 ears fresh corn on the cob
- 1/2 cup fresh grated parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 2 teaspoons fresh basil chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/4 teaspoon fresh ground pepper
Instructions
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Preheat the grill to 400ºF.
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Prep corn by shucking and placing each ear on a piece of heavy-duty aluminum foil. Set aside.
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In a small bowl mix the olive oil, basil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
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Brush the oil mixture over each ear of corn. Sprinkle generously with the parmesan cheese (reserving some for garnish). Wrap the corn tightly in the aluminum foil.
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Place aluminum foil pack on the grill for around 30 minutes, turning every 10 minutes.
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Unwrap each piece and garnish with more parmesan cheese.
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Serve and devour!
Nutrition
This recipe was inspired by TarasMulticulturalTable, a wonderful source for diverse and delicious recipes.