Cheesy Garlic Butter Corn on the Cob

If you’ve ever found yourself wondering “how do I cook corn in the oven without making it boring?”, well friend, you’re in for a treat. This Cheesy Garlic Butter Corn on the Cob isn’t just roasted corn—it’s the kind of dish that gets you asked to bring “that corn” to every BBQ, potluck, and weeknight dinner from now on.

It’s buttery, garlicky, gooey with melted cheese, and oven-roasted to perfection. Whether you’re feeding picky kiddos, impressing your in-laws, or just treating yourself after a long day, this cozy side hits the mark every time.

Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Garlic Butter Corn on the Cob

  • Effortless Elegance: It looks like something you’d see on a restaurant menu, but it’s shockingly simple to make at home.
  • Oven Convenience: No grill? No problem! We’re using the oven for an easy and mess-free corn oven bake.
  • Big Flavor, Minimal Fuss: With garlic, butter, paprika, and a generous blanket of cheese, every bite is savory and satisfying.

Ingredients Spotlight (Not the full list—check below for the recipe card!)

  • Corn on the Cob – Sweet, juicy, and the perfect vehicle for cheesy garlic bliss.
  • Melted Butter + Garlic – The dynamic duo for rich, savory flavor.
  • Shredded Cheese – Melty magic! Cheddar, mozzarella, or both. No judgment.
  • Paprika + Chili Powder – Adds warmth and a hint of kick. Totally optional but highly recommended.
  • Heavy Cream – A splash makes the cheese extra creamy. You can skip it if you’re keeping things lighter.

Psst: Full ingredients with quantities are listed in the recipe card below!

How to Make Cheesy Garlic Butter Corn on the Cob

Step 1: Prep That Corn

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F. While it’s heating up, place your corn (roasted corn is the goal!) on a lined baking sheet. No husks, no fuss ust sweet, clean ears of corn ready for some flavor.

Step 2: Mix the Magic

In a small bowl, stir together the melted butter, minced garlic, paprika, chili powder (if using), salt, pepper, and chopped parsley. This buttery mix is liquid gold don’t skimp!

Step 3: Butter Bath

Using a pastry brush (or just a spoon if you’re feeling rustic), slather each ear of corn with the garlic butter mixture. Make sure every kernel gets some love.

Step 4: Oven Roast Corn

Place the corn in the oven and oven roast the corn for about 20–25 minutes, turning halfway through. You’ll know it’s ready when it starts to get those little golden roasted edges.

Step 5: Say Cheese

Once the corn is nearly done, remove it from the oven. Sprinkle the shredded cheese generously over the top. If you’re using cream or milk, drizzle a little over each ear to help everything melt together like a dream.

Pop it back in the oven for 5–7 minutes—just enough to melt the cheese into a bubbly, golden topping.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

  • Calories: ~280
  • Total Fat: 22g
  • Carbohydrates: 18g
  • Protein: 6g
  • Sugar: 5g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Sodium: Depends on cheese and butter used

Preparation Time

  • Prep: 10 minutes
  • Cook: 25–30 minutes
  • Total Time: ~40 minutes

Tasty Tips & Tricks

  • Want extra crunch? Add a light sprinkle of breadcrumbs before the final bake.
  • No fresh parsley? Swap it for dried or try chopped chives for a little zip.
  • Kids don’t like spice? Leave out the chili powder or keep it light.
  • Make it smoky: Add a dash of smoked paprika or even a few crumbles of cooked bacon.

How to Serve It

Honestly? This Cheesy Garlic Butter Corn on the Cob can carry the whole meal. But it pairs especially well with grilled meats, burgers, or even as the standout star on a vegetarian plate. Serve it straight from the oven, hot and melty, with a sprinkle of extra parsley for that “I’m-a-culinary-genius” vibe.

Make Ahead & Storing Leftovers

If you want to prep ahead, slather the garlic butter onto the corn and refrigerate it (uncooked) for up to a day. Roast and cheese it up when ready. Leftovers (if they exist!) can be wrapped in foil and kept in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warm and gooey. You can freeze it, but corn’s texture gets a little funky, so I’d recommend eating it fresh.

FAQs

Can I use frozen corn on the cob?
Yes, just make sure it’s thawed first and dried with a paper towel. The butter sticks better that way and you still get that oven roast corn texture.

What cheese works best?
Cheddar gives you a sharp punch, mozzarella melts beautifully. A Mexican blend also works great for extra flavor and color.

How do I cook corn in the oven without drying it out?
That garlic butter is your secret weapon. It keeps things juicy and flavorful. Also, don’t overbake—25 minutes max before the cheese goes on.

Is this recipe spicy?
Only if you want it to be! The chili powder adds warmth, not heat, and it’s totally optional. For a kick, add a pinch of cayenne or red pepper flakes.

Can I make this dairy-free?
Absolutely. Use a vegan butter and skip the cheese, or try a dairy-free shredded cheese alternative.

What’s the best way to reheat this?
Wrap in foil and warm it in the oven at 350°F for 10–15 minutes. Microwave works too, but the cheese might get a little rubbery.

Can I make this on the grill instead?
Totally! Just grill the corn until tender, then top with the cheese mixture and let it melt under a grill-safe cover.

Can I cut the corn into smaller pieces before baking?
Yes, especially for kids or parties. Just reduce cooking time by 5–10 minutes depending on size.

The Final Kernel

This Cheesy Garlic Butter Corn on the Cob is comfort food at its easiest—and cheesiest. Whether you’re hunting for the perfect oven-baked side or trying to impress without the stress, this recipe delivers bold flavor with minimal effort. Pair it with mains like our savory French Onion Meatloaf or the hearty Best Corned Beef and Cabbage Recipe for a full-on flavor feast. And if you’ve got room for something sweet, our light and fluffy Almond Flour Blueberry Muffins seal the deal on a perfect meal.

Trust me, once you try it, “plain corn” will never cut it again.


🧾 Ingredients and quantities are listed below in the recipe card!

Cheesy Garlic Butter Corn on the Cob

This oven-baked corn is buttery, garlicky, and smothered in melted cheese—perfect for busy weeknights or backyard dinners. A side dish that might just steal the show!
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Course Appetizer
Cuisine American
Servings 4 ears of corn
Calories 280 kcal

Equipment

  • Baking Sheet
  • Pastry Brush
  • Mixing Bowl

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients

  • 4 ears of corn husks removed
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter melted
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1 tsp chili powder optional, for heat
  • 1 tbsp fresh parsley chopped
  • salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 cup shredded cheese cheddar, mozzarella, or a blend
  • 1/4 cup heavy cream or milk optional, for extra creaminess

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with foil or parchment paper.
  • In a small bowl, mix melted butter, garlic, paprika, chili powder (if using), salt, pepper, and chopped parsley.
  • Place the corn on the baking sheet and brush generously with the garlic butter mixture.
  • Bake in the oven for 20–25 minutes, turning halfway through, until the corn begins to brown slightly.
  • Remove corn from the oven and sprinkle shredded cheese over each ear. Drizzle with heavy cream or milk if desired.
  • Return to the oven for another 5–7 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Serve warm.

Notes

Try smoked paprika for extra depth or add bacon bits on top for a salty crunch. Leftovers can be reheated in foil at 350°F.
Keyword Cheesy Garlic Butter Corn on the Cob, corn oven bake, corn roasted, how do I cook corn in the oven, oven roast corn