Memorial Day Grilled Corn (Printer-friendly)

Smoky grilled sweet corn served 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 tbsp 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 tbsp finely chopped fresh parsley
07 - 2 tbsp finely chopped fresh chives
08 - 2 tbsp finely chopped fresh cilantro
09 - 2 tbsp finely chopped fresh basil
10 - 1 clove garlic, finely minced
11 - 1 tsp smoked paprika
12 - 1 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese
13 - 2 tsp fresh lime juice
14 - 1 tsp lemon zest
15 - 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes

# How to Make It:

01 - Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
02 - Brush each ear of corn lightly with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
03 - Grill corn, turning occasionally, until lightly charred and tender, about 12–15 minutes. Transfer to a platter.
04 - While the corn grills, prepare the herbed butters: In 4 small bowls, divide the softened butter (1/4 cup each). Mix in the following ingredients for each butter: ● Parsley-Chive Butter: 2 tbsp parsley + 2 tbsp chives + 1/2 clove garlic ● Basil-Lemon Butter: 2 tbsp basil + 1 tsp lemon zest ● Cilantro-Lime Butter: 2 tbsp cilantro + 2 tsp lime juice + 1/2 clove garlic ● Parmesan-Paprika Butter: 1 tbsp Parmesan + 1 tsp smoked paprika + 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes. Mix each flavor until combined.
05 - Serve grilled corn hot with each herbed butter in small bowls or smeared directly onto the cobs. Offer all four variations for guests to choose from.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • You can set out a platter with all four butters and watch as everyone argues over their favorite.
  • The blend of smoky, fresh, and zesty flavors makes basic corn taste like an all-out cookout treat.
02 -
  • If the butter is too cold, it won’t mix evenly with the herbs and can tear the bread or corn, so give it ample time to soften.
  • Chopping the herbs extra-fine means you’ll avoid stringy bits and get bursts of flavor all over.
03 -
  • Rolling the corn on the grill with tongs gives an even char and keeps you from burning your fingertips.
  • A squeeze of fresh lime or lemon at the table brightens every version of herbed butter and brings all the flavors to life.
Go Back