Memorial Day Grilled Corn (Printable Version)

Grilled corn on the cob paired with four vibrant herbed butters for festive summer gatherings.

# What You'll Need:

→ Corn

01 - 8 ears fresh sweet corn, husked

→ Basic Ingredients

02 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
03 - Salt, to taste
04 - Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

→ Herbed Butters

05 - 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
06 - 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh parsley
07 - 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh chives
08 - 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh cilantro
09 - 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh basil
10 - 1 clove garlic, finely minced
11 - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
12 - 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese
13 - 2 teaspoons fresh lime juice
14 - 1 teaspoon lemon zest
15 - 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes

# Step-by-Step Directions:

01 - Light the grill and set to medium-high heat (about 400–450°F). Clean and oil the grates to prevent sticking.
02 - Divide the softened butter into four equal portions, about 1/4 cup (4 tablespoons) each, placing each portion in a small bowl.
03 - Flavor each butter portion as follows, stirring until evenly combined: Parsley‑Chive: add 2 tablespoons parsley, 2 tablespoons chives and 1/2 clove minced garlic; Basil‑Lemon: add 2 tablespoons basil and 1 teaspoon lemon zest; Cilantro‑Lime: add 2 tablespoons cilantro, 2 teaspoons lime juice and 1/2 clove minced garlic; Parmesan‑Paprika: add 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika and 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes. Cover and chill briefly if you prefer firmer butter.
04 - Brush each ear of corn lightly with olive oil and season evenly with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
05 - Place corn on the preheated grill and cook, turning every few minutes, until kernels are tender and show light char marks, about 12–15 minutes total.
06 - Transfer corn to a platter and let rest 1–2 minutes. Serve hot with the four herbed butters presented in small bowls or spread directly onto the cobs so guests can choose their favorite.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The corn stays incredibly juicy while the butters offer a surprise burst of fresh flavor in each bite.
  • This recipe is practically foolproof for feeding a crowd and lets everyone customize to their own taste.
02 -
  • Rush the grill and you’ll end up with uneven cooking – patience here means plump, juicy corn.
  • Mixing the butters while the corn cooks ensures they’re soft and easier to spread; chilled butter is tough to work with.
03 -
  • Let guests butter their own corn—it’s half the fun and keeps the presentation colorful.
  • If you want extra smoky flavor, grill the corn with a bit of the husk left on and peel it away before slathering with butter.
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