There’s something utterly magical about sweet corn kissed by the grill, its natural sugars caramelizing into a delightful char. This recipe elevates that simple pleasure with a vibrant herb butter and the creamy tang of goat cheese, creating a side dish that’s both sophisticated and incredibly easy to prepare. It’s the perfect addition to any summer barbecue or weeknight meal, bringing a burst of fresh flavor that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Imagine perfectly grilled corn on the cob, brushed with a fragrant herb butter and finished with crumbles of creamy goat cheese, a symphony of sweet, savory, and slightly tangy notes with every bite.
Recipe Details
- Flavor Profile: Sweet, savory, herbaceous, with a creamy, tangy finish.
- Textures: Tender corn kernels with a slight char, melting herb butter, and creamy goat cheese.
- Total Active Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Difficulty Level: Easy. Requires basic grilling and butter preparation.
What You’ll Need
For this delightful dish, you’ll be working with fresh ears of corn, a luscious homemade herb butter, and a generous crumble of goat cheese. These core components come together to create a side that’s bursting with flavor and offers a beautiful contrast of textures.
Ingredient Notes
- Corn – Choose fresh, sweet corn, ideally in season, for the best flavor. Look for ears with bright green husks and plump kernels.
- Butter – Unsalted butter provides the perfect base for our herb infusion, allowing us to control the saltiness of the finished dish.
- Herbs – A combination of fresh parsley and chives offers a bright, fresh flavor that complements the sweetness of the corn beautifully.
- Goat Cheese – Creamy, tangy goat cheese adds a luxurious finish, balancing the sweetness of the corn and the richness of the butter.
Add-ins and Substitutions
- Herbs – Feel free to experiment with other fresh herbs like dill, basil, or cilantro. A little minced garlic can also add a wonderful savory note to the herb butter.
- Cheese – If goat cheese isn’t your favorite, crumbled feta cheese or even a sharp cheddar can be used as an alternative, though they will offer a different flavor profile.
- Spice – For a touch of heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes can be mixed into the herb butter.
- Citrus – A squeeze of fresh lime or lemon juice over the finished corn can add an extra layer of brightness.
How to Make Sweet Grilled Corn with Herb Butter and Goat Cheese
Creating this beautiful dish is a straightforward process, perfect for any home cook. It involves preparing a quick herb butter, grilling the corn to tender perfection, and then finishing it with the flavorful butter and creamy cheese.
- Prepare the Herb Butter: In a small bowl, combine the softened butter, chopped fresh parsley, chopped fresh chives, and a pinch of salt and black pepper. Mix until well combined.
- Prepare the Corn: Remove the husks and silks from the ears of corn.
- Grill the Corn: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Place the prepared corn directly on the grill grates. Grill for about 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally, until the kernels are tender and slightly charred in spots.
- Butter the Corn: Once the corn is grilled, carefully remove it from the grill. Immediately brush each ear generously with the prepared herb butter.
- Add the Goat Cheese: Crumble the goat cheese evenly over the buttered corn. The heat from the corn will gently soften the cheese.
- Pro Tip: For the most even grilling, ensure your grill grates are clean and well-oiled to prevent sticking.
Recipe Tips
- Don’t Overcook: Keep an eye on the corn while grilling to ensure it becomes tender but doesn’t burn completely. Look for bright kernels with just a touch of char.
- Butter Softness: Make sure your butter is truly softened (but not melted) for the herb butter. This will allow it to mix easily with the herbs and spread smoothly onto the hot corn.
- Fresh is Best: Using fresh corn and fresh herbs will yield the most vibrant flavors for this recipe.
- Grill Marks: For attractive grill marks, resist the urge to move the corn too frequently. Let it sit on the grates for a few minutes before turning.
FAQs
- Can I make this without a grill? Absolutely! You can achieve a similar flavor by roasting the corn in a hot oven (around 400°F or 200°C) for about 20-25 minutes, or by pan-grilling it in a hot cast-iron skillet.
- How should I store leftovers? Leftover corn can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently.
- Can I prepare the herb butter ahead of time? Yes, the herb butter can be made up to 3 days in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Allow it to soften at room temperature slightly before using.
- What if I don’t have chives? You can substitute with finely chopped green onions or increase the amount of parsley.
Serving Suggestions
This sweet grilled corn makes a delightful side dish for a variety of meals. It pairs beautifully with grilled chicken or fish, burgers, or ribs. For a lighter meal, serve it alongside a fresh summer salad. Consider serving it with other grilled vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers for a colorful barbecue spread. It’s also a fantastic accompaniment to pulled pork or a simple steak.
Make This Recipe in Advance
While this dish is best enjoyed fresh off the grill, some components can be prepped ahead of time. The herb butter can be made up to 3 days in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Allow it to soften at room temperature for about 30 minutes before you plan to serve, so it spreads easily onto the warm corn. The corn itself is best grilled just before serving to capture its peak freshness and warmth.
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Sweet Grilled Corn with Herb Butter and Goat Cheese
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
Description
This recipe elevates sweet corn kissed by the grill with a vibrant herb butter and the creamy tang of goat cheese, creating a side dish that’s both sophisticated and incredibly easy to prepare. It’s the perfect addition to any summer barbecue or weeknight meal, bringing a burst of fresh flavor that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients
2 Sweetcorn ear – leaves removed and each ear cut in half
2 tablespoon Butter
1 handful Mixed fresh herbs – (we used basil, parsley and coriander – but you can use any)
2 Garlic clove – crushed
1 pinch Sea salt and ground black pepper
0.75 oz (20g) Soft goats cheese – crumbled
Instructions
1. In a small bowl, combine the butter, fresh herbs, crushed garlic, sea salt, and black pepper until well mixed.
2. Rub this seasoned butter mixture evenly over the sweetcorn halves, then place each piece onto a square of aluminum foil.
3. Wrap the foil securely around the corn to seal it, and place on the grill for 30 minutes, turning the packets halfway through.
4. Carefully remove the corn from the foil and arrange on a serving platter, then top with additional fresh herbs and the crumbled soft goat’s cheese.
Notes
Don’t Overcook: Keep an eye on the corn while grilling to ensure it becomes tender but doesn’t burn completely. Look for bright kernels with just a touch of char.
Butter Softness: Make sure your butter is truly softened (but not melted) for the herb butter. This will allow it to mix easily with the herbs and spread smoothly onto the hot corn.
Fresh is Best: Using fresh corn and fresh herbs will yield the most vibrant flavors for this recipe.
Grill Marks: For attractive grill marks, resist the urge to move the corn too frequently. Let it sit on the grates for a few minutes before turning.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Cuisine: American
