Garlic Herb Corn on the Cob is the ultimate celebration of summer sweetness, buttery richness, and fresh garden flavors. Imagine crisp-tender ears of corn slathered in a dreamy garlic and herb butter, turning every bite into a sun-kissed memory. This easy side dish is a guaranteed favorite for backyard barbecues, family dinners, or even a weekend treat when the craving for something simple yet sensational strikes. With just a handful of everyday ingredients, you’ll transform humble corn into a table-brightening star. If you’ve never made Garlic Herb Corn on the Cob before, you’re in for a delicious adventure!
Ingredients You’ll Need
You’ll be amazed how a few basic ingredients can deliver such fresh, bold flavors. Each one is essential—bringing buttery creaminess, garlicky punch, and a burst of color to every ear. Here’s what you’ll gather for your Garlic Herb Corn on the Cob:
- Fresh corn on the cob (6 ears): Offers natural sweetness and is the heart of this summer classic—choose the freshest you can find!
- Unsalted butter (4 tablespoons, softened): The key to a luscious, melt-in-your-mouth coating that soaks right into the kernels.
- Garlic cloves (2, minced): Provides that savory aroma and depth, boosting every bite with unmistakable flavor.
- Fresh parsley (2 tablespoons, finely chopped): Brings an herby pop and fresh color to the finished dish.
- Fresh chives (1 tablespoon, chopped): Adds a subtle oniony zing to balance and brighten all the flavors.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Enhances sweetness in the corn and balances the butter and herbs.
- Black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): A gentle, peppery bite that rounds out the garlicky notes.
- Grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for serving): For a bit of salty, nutty decadence sprinkled over the top.
How to Make Garlic Herb Corn on the Cob
Step 1: Boil the Corn
Fill a large pot with water and add a generous pinch of salt. Bring it to a rolling boil, then gently slip in the husked ears of corn. Cook them for about 5–6 minutes, just until they’re plump and bright yellow—don’t overcook, as you want them crisp-tender. This simple boiling step ensures the corn is juicy and perfectly cooked for the next layer of flavor.
Step 2: Prepare the Garlic Herb Butter
While the corn is bubbling away, grab a small bowl and blend the softened butter with minced garlic, parsley, chives, salt, and black pepper. Stir until everything’s completely mixed and you get that herby, fragrant flecked butter—it’s a mini flavor bomb ready to transform the corn. Feel free to make the butter ahead of time if you want an even more intense infusion!
Step 3: Dress the Corn
Once the corn is ready, drain it and pat off any excess water so the butter sticks easily. While the cobs are still warm, generously slather each one with your fresh garlic herb butter, making sure every nook and cranny gets some love. This is where all those flavors marry—the heat of the corn melts the butter right in for maximum deliciousness.
Step 4: Add the Finishing Touches
Optional but oh-so-irresistible: sprinkle a shower of grated Parmesan over the top for a golden, savory finish. Serve up the Garlic Herb Corn on the Cob immediately while it’s hot and glistening—the aroma alone will have people gathered around the table in no time.
How to Serve Garlic Herb Corn on the Cob
Garnishes
Take your Garlic Herb Corn on the Cob to the next level with bonus toppings! Fresh extra herbs, lemon zest, or even a dusting of smoked paprika give each ear a little personality. A light brush of olive oil or that sprinkle of Parmesan make it feel just a bit more special.
Side Dishes
Pair your corn with classic barbecue mains—grilled chicken, burgers, or tender ribs—or keep things light with a summery salad and iced tea. Garlic Herb Corn on the Cob adds zing to any meal, and especially shines beside other vibrant side dishes like coleslaw, potato salad, or a platter of juicy tomatoes.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, stand the cobs upright in a basket lined with parchment, add serving sticks, or slice them into small rounds as a cute appetizer. You can even fold leftover kernels into salads, salsas, or pastas—Garlic Herb Corn on the Cob is endlessly adaptable to your table’s vibe.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap leftover Garlic Herb Corn on the Cob tightly in foil or plastic wrap and pop it in the fridge. The flavors actually meld and deepen overnight, making leftovers a treat the next day. Plan to enjoy within 3 days for best taste and texture.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, simply let the corn cool, then wrap each cob individually and freeze. When you reheat, the herby butter will still be delicious—just know the texture of the corn might be slightly softer after thawing.
Reheating
To reheat, place the corn in a 350°F oven wrapped in foil for about 10-12 minutes until warmed through, or microwave on a plate covered with a damp paper towel. If you made extra garlic herb butter, add a bit more before serving for a fresh boost of flavor!
FAQs
Can I grill the corn instead of boiling it?
Absolutely! For a smoky twist, try grilling the cobs for a couple of minutes after boiling. You’ll get those beautiful char marks and even more caramelized flavor mingling with the garlic herb butter.
Is there a way to make this vegan?
Yes—swap the butter for your favorite plant-based alternative. The garlic and herbs pair perfectly with vegan butters, so the flavor and creaminess will still shine without dairy.
What other herbs can I use?
You can mix in basil, cilantro, thyme, or dill for different flavor profiles. Garlic Herb Corn on the Cob is friendly to improvisation—just stick with soft, fresh herbs for the best results!
How far ahead can I make the garlic herb butter?
The butter can be mixed up to a week ahead and stored in the fridge. Let it soften before using, or freeze it in small portions to have on hand for surprise summer dinners.
What’s the best way to transport Garlic Herb Corn on the Cob to a picnic?
Wrap the warm, buttered corn in foil and tuck it into an insulated carrier or cooler. It’ll stay hot for hours and the flavors will only get better as they mingle on the way to your picnic!
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re hosting a crowd or just treating yourself to sunshine on a plate, Garlic Herb Corn on the Cob is the kind of dish that wins hearts (and taste buds) every single time. Give it a try—you might just find it becomes your new summer sidekick!
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Garlic Herb Corn on the Cob Recipe
- Total Time: 16 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free
Description
This Garlic Herb Corn on the Cob recipe is a flavorful twist on a classic summer side dish. Fresh corn is boiled to perfection, then slathered with a garlic herb butter mixture and optionally topped with Parmesan cheese.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 6 ears fresh corn, husked
Garlic Herb Butter:
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh chives, chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Optional:
- Grated Parmesan cheese for serving
Instructions
- Boil the Corn: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add corn and cook for 5–6 minutes until tender and bright yellow.
- Prepare Garlic Herb Butter: In a small bowl, mix softened butter with garlic, parsley, chives, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Coat Corn: Drain corn and pat dry slightly. Spread garlic herb butter evenly over each ear while still warm. Sprinkle with Parmesan if desired and serve immediately.
Notes
- For a smoky flavor, grill corn for 2–3 minutes after boiling.
- You can make the garlic herb butter ahead of time and refrigerate for up to a week.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Boiling (Optional Grilling Finish)
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ear
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 210 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 23 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 25 mg
