This recipe transforms simple grilled corn on the cob into a delectable and satisfying dish by smothering it in melted, bubbly cheese and fresh herbs. Grilled corn on the cob is a summer favorite, offering a sweet and slightly smoky flavor with a tender and juicy texture. This recipe elevates it by adding a layer of rich, melted cheese that clings to the kernels, creating a gooey and savory contrast to the sweetness of the corn. The cheese can be a variety of options, such as cheddar, Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or a blend, chosen for its meltability and flavor. Fresh herbs, such as cilantro, parsley, or chives, are typically sprinkled over the cheesy corn after grilling, adding a burst of freshness and a vibrant visual appeal. The grilling process chars the kernels slightly, enhancing their natural sweetness and adding a smoky depth that complements the creamy cheese and fresh herbs. This Cheesy Grilled Corn on the Cob is incredibly easy to make and is perfect as a side dish for barbecues, picnics, or any summer gathering. It’s a crowd-pleaser that combines familiar and comforting flavors in a simple yet delicious way. The image shows three ears of grilled corn on the cob arranged on a black serving dish. The corn kernels are golden brown with some charred spots, and each ear is generously covered with melted and slightly browned white cheese. Fresh green herbs, likely parsley, are sprinkled over the cheesy corn. The dish appears to be hot and freshly prepared.
The texture of Cheesy Grilled Corn on the Cob is a delightful combination of tender and juicy corn kernels with a slight char, coated in smooth, melted, and sometimes slightly browned cheese, and topped with fresh, tender herbs.
The flavor profile is a wonderful mix of the natural sweetness of the corn, the smoky char from the grill, the rich and savory taste of the melted cheese, and the fresh, herbaceous notes from the sprinkled herbs.
Cheesy Grilled Corn on the Cob is a simple yet delicious dish that takes grilled corn to the next level by adding a layer of melted cheese and fresh herbs for a savory and satisfying treat.
The preparation involves grilling corn on the cob until tender with some char, then topping it with cheese and allowing it to melt on the grill or under a broiler, and finally garnishing with fresh herbs.
Ingredients:
- 4 ears of fresh corn on the cob, husks and silk removed
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or a blend)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh herbs (cilantro, parsley, chives, or a combination)
Optional additions:
- Garlic powder or onion powder
- Chili powder or smoked paprika for a smoky kick
- A squeeze of lime or lemon juice after grilling
Equipment:
- Grill
- Basting brush (if using oil or butter)
- Tongs
- Small bowl (for oil or butter)
- Plate or serving dish
Instructions:
- Prepare the Corn: Remove the husks and silk from the corn on the cob. You can leave the cobs whole or cut them in half if desired.
- Preheat Grill: Preheat your grill to medium heat.
- Oil and Season the Corn: In a small bowl, brush the corn on all sides with olive oil or melted butter. Season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper. You can also add garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, or smoked paprika at this stage if desired.
- Grill the Corn: Place the corn directly on the grill grates. Grill for about 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally, until the kernels are tender and slightly charred on all sides. The exact grilling time will depend on the heat of your grill.
- Add Cheese: Once the corn is grilled, sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over each ear of corn. You can either place the lid on the grill for a minute or two to allow the cheese to melt, or you can carefully transfer the corn to a baking sheet and place it under a preheated broiler for a short time until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Watch it closely under the broiler to prevent burning.
- Garnish with Herbs: Once the cheese is melted, carefully remove the corn from the grill or broiler and transfer it to a serving plate. Sprinkle the chopped fresh herbs (cilantro, parsley, or chives) generously over the cheesy corn.
- Serve: Serve the Cheesy Grilled Corn on the Cob immediately while it’s hot and the cheese is gooey. You can offer a squeeze of lime or lemon juice as an optional finishing touch.
Tips and Variations:
- Cheese Choices: Experiment with different types of cheese to find your favorite flavor combination. Pepper jack cheese adds a bit of spice, while cotija cheese (crumbled) offers a salty and crumbly topping.
- Herb Variations: Use whatever fresh herbs you have on hand or prefer. A combination of cilantro and lime is popular for a Mexican-inspired version.
- Spicy Kick: Sprinkle some red pepper flakes over the cheese before melting for added heat.
- Garlic Butter: Mix minced garlic into the melted butter or olive oil before brushing it on the corn for a garlicky flavor.
- Mexican Street Corn Inspired: After grilling and adding cheese, you can also spread the corn with mayonnaise or sour cream and sprinkle with chili powder and crumbled cotija cheese for a variation inspired by Mexican street corn (Elote).
- Serving: Serve Cheesy Grilled Corn on the Cob as a side dish to grilled meats, burgers, or any summer meal. It’s also great on its own as a satisfying snack.
Enjoy this simple and flavorful Cheesy Grilled Corn on the Cob! It’s a delicious way to enjoy fresh summer corn.