Grilled Corn on the Cob with Parmesan Chili Butter

How to Choose Sweet Corn

Choosing corn that has been picked at the peak of ripeness can result in the juiciest and sweetest corn imaginable. Here are some things to look for.

• The husk should be bright green and tightly wrapped against the corn.
• If the husks are starting to yellow or they feel dry, avoid that corn.
• Look for small holes in the husks as those are indicative of worms. Ugh!
• Check the tassels or silks. They should be brown and feel a bit sticky. If they are black, very dry or even very wet, the corn is a few days old.
• Feel the kernels through the husk. They should feel plump and firm from the tip to the base. No need to pull the husk back as the corn will dry out sitting there.
• If you must peek at the corn, make sure it looks plump and not shriveled or dented as that means the corn will be dry, chewy, and tough.

The Best Way to Grill Corn

There are many ways to cook corn but fire-roasted corn on the cob has the most flavor by far over any other method. It can be cooked with the husk on, after being soaked in salty water for about 10 minutes, but I much prefer cooking it without the husk which allows the corn to develop a more smoky, charred flavor.

If the weather isn't cooperating, try making it in the microwave. Just wrap each husked corn on the cob in a damp paper towel and cook it on high for 3 minutes per cob.

If you are having a large crowd, the cooler method is a neat trick to make a ton of corn. Just put the shucked corn on the cob in the bottom of a cooler, cover with boiling water, and close cooler for 30 minutes. Neat, huh?!

Of course, there is always the boiling method. Place shucked corn in a large pot. Cover with water and bring to boiling. Boil the corn for 5-7 minutes then remove with tongs and butter.

How to Grill Corn on the Cob

Gather the few simple ingredients - corn on the cob, room temperature butter, chili powder, garlic salt and Parmesan cheese.

1. Place all ingredients into small bowl.
2. Mix well and wait for corn to finish grilling.

3. Place corn directly on grates on preheated grill. Cook 2-½ minutes on each of 4 sides getting that beautiful char in places. When done, immediately remove the sweet grilled corn and smear with seasoned butter.

Variations

• Traditional Elotes - is finished with a sauce made of mayonnaise, sour cream, cilantro, cotija, lime, and chili powder. Check out Bunny's Warm Oven Mexican Street Corn recipe.
• Grilled Corn with Feta Cheese - uses a mixture of mayonnaise or yogurt, chili powder, cayenne pepper, lime, and feta
• Grilled Corn with Lime - is finished with butter mixed with cilantro, garlic, lime juice, chili powder, and paprika

This grilled sweet corn on the cob is bound to become a favorite in your home. It only takes 10 minutes and the cheese and spicy butter give it a delicious sweet-hot balance of flavors. Believe me, this seasoned butter with chili powder and Parmesan cheese is the perfect finishing touch to an unforgettable side dish. Great for your next BBQ or even a quick weeknight dinner. Enjoy!

Grilled Main Dish Recipes to Pair with Corn

Shrimp and Chorizo Skewers - are a combination of garlic shrimp and spicy chorizo for the perfect balance of heat and flavor. And they take less than 30 minutes.

Grilled Chicken with Mango Salsa - is an easy chicken dinner with the tropical touch of mangos, peppers, tomatoes, tequila & cilantro.

Tex-Mex Grilled Pork Tenderloin - tender pork tenderloin is seasoned with a spicy rub then grilled. Use this delicious grilled corn recipe to make an out-of-this-world salsa to pair with the grilled pork for the perfect dinner.