Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my obsession with cheesy garlic butter corn! This dish has become a staple in my family gatherings, and I can’t remember a summer barbecue without it. Picture this: sweet corn kernels swimming in rich, creamy butter, with a punch of garlicky goodness and a generous shower of melted cheese on top. It’s the kind of side dish that makes everyone go back for seconds and then some! The best part? It’s so easy to whip up! In just about 25 minutes, you can prepare this delightful treat that pairs perfectly with just about anything. Trust me, once you try this cheesy garlic butter corn, it’ll become a favorite in your home too!
Ingredients List
Here’s what you’ll need to make my cheesy garlic butter corn. Don’t worry; it’s super simple and straightforward!
- 4 cups of corn kernels: You can use fresh, frozen, or even canned corn—whatever you have on hand! Just make sure it’s drained if it’s canned.
- 4 tablespoons of butter: I always go for unsalted butter so I can control the saltiness later. It adds such a rich flavor!
- 4 cloves of garlic, minced: Fresh garlic is a must for that aromatic punch. The more, the merrier, if you ask me!
- 1 cup of shredded cheese: Cheddar or mozzarella works beautifully, but feel free to get creative! A blend can add a delightful twist.
- Salt and pepper to taste: These little guys are essential for bringing out all the flavors. Don’t skip them!
- 2 tablespoons of chopped parsley (optional): This is just for a pop of color and freshness, but it really makes the dish look inviting!
Gather these ingredients, and you’ll be on your way to a cheesy, buttery delight in no time!
How to Prepare Cheesy Garlic Butter Corn
Making cheesy garlic butter corn is a breeze, and I’m here to walk you through the steps! Just follow along, and you’ll have a delicious side dish ready in no time.
Step 1: Melt the Butter
Start by melting the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Make sure to keep an eye on it—too high of a heat can burn the butter, and nobody wants that! Once it’s melted and bubbly, you’re ready for the next step. The aroma of the butter alone is already making me hungry!
Step 2: Sauté the Garlic
Next, add in the minced garlic and sauté for about 1-2 minutes until it’s fragrant. You’ll know it’s done when that heavenly garlic smell fills your kitchen. Be careful not to let it brown too much; we want a nice golden color, not a burnt one. Trust me, it makes a world of difference in flavor!
Step 3: Add the Corn
Now it’s time to stir in those corn kernels! Cook them for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally until they’re heated through. Don’t forget to season with salt and pepper! This is where all those flavors start to come together, and you’ll want to taste as you go to make sure it’s just right.
Step 4: Add Cheese
Once the corn is warmed up, sprinkle that shredded cheese generously on top. Cover the skillet with a lid and let it sit for a couple of minutes until the cheese melts into gooey perfection. Covering the skillet is key here; it traps the heat and helps the cheese melt evenly.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Finally, garnish your cheesy garlic butter corn with chopped parsley for a touch of color and freshness. This dish is best served warm, and it pairs beautifully with grilled meats or even as a standalone treat. Get ready for everyone to ask for seconds!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to prepare, ready in just 25 minutes!
- Rich, buttery flavor with a delightful garlic kick that everyone will adore.
- Versatile enough to pair with any main dish, from grilled chicken to veggie burgers.
- Customizable with different cheeses or herbs to suit your taste.
- A crowd-pleaser at family gatherings and potlucks—everyone always goes for seconds!
Tips for Success
To make your cheesy garlic butter corn truly shine, here are some pro tips that I swear by! First off, don’t be afraid to experiment with cheese. While cheddar and mozzarella are classics, try mixing in some pepper jack for a spicy kick or even crumbled feta for a tangy twist. If you love garlic (and who doesn’t?), feel free to increase the amount—just keep an eye on it while sautéing to prevent bitterness.
As for seasoning, taste as you go! A little sprinkle of smoked paprika or a dash of cayenne can elevate the flavors even more. And if you want to add some freshness, throw in a squeeze of lemon juice just before serving. Trust me, it brightens everything up! With these adjustments, your cheesy garlic butter corn will be the star of any meal!
Nutritional Information
Just a heads up, the nutritional values can vary based on the exact ingredients and brands you use. I’ve put together some typical values for you to consider, though! In one serving of cheesy garlic butter corn (about 1 cup), you can expect roughly 250 calories, 15g of fat, 6g of protein, and 25g of carbohydrates. It’s a delicious side that adds a little indulgence to your meal, but always feel free to adjust the ingredients for your dietary needs!
FAQ Section
Got questions about making cheesy garlic butter corn? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered! One common question is, can I use canned corn instead of fresh or frozen? Absolutely! Just make sure to drain and rinse it well before using. Another popular query is about cheese variations. You can definitely mix it up—try using Gouda, Monterey Jack, or even a sprinkle of Parmesan for a different flavor profile!
If you want to make this dish ahead of time, just prepare everything up to the cheese step, then store it in the fridge. When you’re ready to serve, reheat it in a skillet, add the cheese, and melt as directed. And remember, cheesy garlic butter corn is best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for a couple of days. Just reheat gently to keep that cheesy goodness intact!
Serving Suggestions
Cheesy garlic butter corn is such a versatile side dish that pairs beautifully with a variety of main courses! I love serving it alongside grilled meats like juicy steaks or tender chicken; the richness of the corn complements the smoky flavors perfectly. It’s also fantastic with roasted veggies or a fresh green salad for a lighter meal option. And let’s not forget about tacos or burritos—this corn adds a delicious twist! Whatever you choose, trust me, your cheesy garlic butter corn will steal the show!
For more delicious recipes, check out this garlic butter pasta recipe or this creamy garlic pasta recipe for more cheesy goodness!
Print
Cheesy Garlic Butter Corn: 5 Ways to Elevate Your Meal
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delicious side dish made with corn, garlic, and butter topped with cheese.
Ingredients
- 4 cups of corn kernels
- 4 tablespoons of butter
- 4 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 cup of shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons of chopped parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Melt the butter in a skillet over medium heat.
- Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Stir in the corn kernels and cook for 5-7 minutes until heated through.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Sprinkle the shredded cheese on top and cover the skillet until cheese melts.
- Garnish with chopped parsley if desired.
Notes
- Use fresh or frozen corn.
- Adjust the amount of garlic based on your preference.
- Try different types of cheese for variation.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: cheesy garlic butter corn
