Pin It Transform fresh sweet corn into a sensational summer side with this flame-grilled technique. Each ear gets brushed with a herb butter blend, then finished with a savory coating of grated parmesan, ranch seasoning, garlic, and black pepper. The grill adds perfect char while the cheesy-ranch mixture creates irresistible flavor in every bite.
Ready in just 30 minutes, this vegetarian and gluten-free dish serves four and pairs beautifully with grilled meats or stands alone as a satisfying vegetarian BBQ option.
The smell of sweet corn grilling at a summer BBQ always stops me in my tracks. Last July, my neighbor Mike made this incredible corn that had everyone crowded around the grill asking for his secret. He laughed and said it was just ranch and parmesan, but the way those herbs hit the hot butter made it something else entirely. I went home the next day and tinkered with it until I got it just right.
I served this at my sister's backyard birthday last month, and honestly, people were going back for thirds. My nephew who normally refuses corn on the cob suddenly became a convert. There's something magical about watching butter melt into the kernels while that herb mixture sizzles on the grill.
Ingredients
- Fresh corn: Look for ears with bright green husks and silks that are still slightly moist, not dried out
- Unsalted butter: Melted completely so it coats every single kernel evenly
- Fresh herbs: Parsley, chives, and dill bring brightness that dried herbs just cannot match
- Parmesan cheese: Grate it yourself if possible, pre-grated has anti-caking agents that affect texture
- Ranch seasoning: The shortcut that ties everything together with that familiar tangy flavor
Instructions
- Get your grill going:
- Heat to medium-high, about 400°F, and clean the grates well so nothing sticks
- Make the herb butter:
- Whisk melted butter with chopped parsley, chives, and dill until fragrant
- Mix the coating:
- Combine parmesan, ranch seasoning, garlic powder, and black pepper in a separate bowl
- Prep the corn:
- Brush each ear generously with herb butter, getting into all the nooks
- Grill it up:
- Cook for 12 to 15 minutes, turning every few minutes until tender and lightly charred
- Add the crust:
- While hot, press the parmesan-ranch mixture onto each ear so it adheres
Pin It This corn has become my go-to for bringing to potlucks because it travels well and reheats beautifully. Last week I made extra just to snack on cold while standing at the counter, and honestly, it still works.
Make It Your Own
Sometimes I add smoked paprika to the butter for a subtle smoky depth that really sings with the char from the grill. A squeeze of lime juice right before serving cuts through all that rich butter and cheese beautifully.
Grilling Secrets
Do not husk the corn until you are ready to grill, those husks keep the kernels fresh and sweet. And keep those husks, you can soak them and tie them back on as handles for easy eating.
Serving Ideas
This corn holds its own next to anything coming off the grill, from burgers to chicken to portobello mushrooms. The vegetarian and gluten-free aspects mean it works for pretty much any crowd.
- Set out extra ranch seasoning for people who want to dip
- Have napkins ready because this gets gloriously messy
- Consider cutting kernels off the cob for a salad component the next day
Pin It Summer is not complete without grilled corn, and this version might just ruin regular buttered corn for you forever.
Common Questions
- → What temperature should the grill be for corn?
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Preheat your grill to medium-high heat, approximately 400°F (200°C). This temperature creates nice char while allowing the corn kernels to cook through evenly without burning.
- → Can I make this indoors?
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Yes! Use a grill pan on the stovetop or roast the corn in a 400°F oven for 20-25 minutes, turning occasionally. The herb butter and parmesan-ranch coating work beautifully with either cooking method.
- → How do I get the coating to stick?
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Brush the herb butter mixture onto the corn while grilling, then immediately press the parmesan-ranch blend onto the hot corn after removing it from the grill. The heat helps the coating adhere perfectly.
- → Can I prepare the coating in advance?
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Absolutely. Mix both the herb butter and parmesan-ranch blend up to a day ahead and store in the refrigerator. Bring the butter to room temperature before brushing onto the corn for easier application.
- → What can I serve with this corn?
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This pairs excellently with grilled burgers, steak, chicken, or ribs. It's also perfect alongside other summer favorites like potato salad, coleslaw, or fresh tomatoes for a complete BBQ spread.
- → How do I make it dairy-free?
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Substitute vegan butter for regular butter and use a plant-based parmesan alternative. Check your ranch seasoning to ensure it's dairy-free, or make your own using nutritional yeast, garlic powder, and herbs.
