This is a delicious side you can’t skip when plating up dinner. Garlic Butter Corn on the Cob . Why call it the best? Because it’s juicy, sweet, and each golden kernel bursts in your mouth with buttery goodness in every bite.

The rich blend of corn and butter with a touch of garlic makes it irresistible and perfect for any meal. Try serving it alongside Greek Chicken and Potatoes for a hearty, Mediterranean-inspired pairing that turns this garlic corn into something truly special.

Corn On The Cob With Garlic Butter pieces on a tray - 1
  • What Makes This Recipe So Good
  • What Goes Into Garlic Butter Corn on the Cob
  • How To Make Garlic Butter Corn on the Cob
  • Tips For Making Garlic Butter Corn on the Cob
  • Recipe FAQ’s
  • The Best Corn On The Cob With Garlic Butter Recipe

What Makes This Recipe So Good

There’s something about Garlic Butter Corn on the Cob that makes every bite feel like summer. The combination of sweet, juicy corn brushed with melted butter and garlic creates a comforting side dish that never disappoints. It’s quick to prepare, easy to cook, and delivers a perfect balance of flavor and texture in every mouthful.

What really makes this recipe stand out is its simplicity. You don’t need fancy ingredients or special techniques, just fresh corn, creamy butter, and a bit of garlic magic. Whether you’re grilling, boiling, or roasting, this garlic butter corn guarantees a burst of flavor that pairs beautifully with almost any main dish.

What Goes Into Garlic Butter Corn on the Cob

Flat lay photo of ingredient shot of water, fresh corn, milk salt, butter, garlic, fresh parsley - 2

When it comes to Garlic Butter Corn on the Cob, the secret lies in using fresh, sweet corn and a simple, flavorful butter blend. This easy combination makes every bite creamy, garlicky, and perfectly balanced.

  • Fresh Corn: Choose bright yellow ears with plump kernels and fresh green husks. The fresher the corn, the sweeter and juicier it will be once cooked.
  • Milk: Adding milk to the boiling water helps tenderize the kernels and enhances the natural sweetness of the corn.
  • Butter: The heart of this recipe, butter melts into the corn for that rich, indulgent flavor that perfectly complements its sweetness.
  • Garlic: Whether you use crushed fresh garlic or garlic powder, it infuses the butter with a savory depth that makes this corn and butter combo irresistible.

Note: Please see recipe card at the bottom for a full list of ingredients with measurements.

How To Make Garlic Butter Corn on the Cob

In a large pot, combine the corn, milk, water, and salt. Bring to a gentle boil over medium heat. - 3
  1. Boil the Base: In a large pot, combine the corn, milk, water, and salt. Bring to a gentle boil over medium heat.
As the milk rises, lower heat. If it rises too quickly, remove the pot from the stove - 4
  1. Watch Milk: As the milk rises, lower heat. If it rises too quickly, remove the pot from the stove, then return it once milk settles.
Let the corn simmer on low heat for about 5 to 8 minutes, - 5
  1. Simmer Until Tender: Let the corn simmer on low heat for about 5 to 8 minutes, or until the kernels are just tender.
Use tongs to remove one ear and pierce it with a fork. If it feels soft and the kernels burst slightly - 6
  1. Test: Use tongs to remove one ear and pierce it with a fork. If it feels soft and the kernels burst slightly, the corn is ready.
In a small bowl, mix together the butter, garlic, parsley, and a pinch of salt - 7
  1. Prepare the easy Garlic Butter : In a small bowl, mix together the butter, garlic, parsley, and a pinch of salt until well combined.
Remove each cob with tongs, brush generously with garlic butter - 8
  1. Serve and Enjoy: Remove each cob with tongs, brush generously with garlic butter, and serve warm for the best flavor.

Garlic Butter Corn on the Cob shines alongside a variety of mains. Try pairing it with Greek Chicken for a Mediterranean-inspired meal, Garlic Butter Grilled Steak And Shrimp for a hearty dinner, or Lemon Butter Garlic Salmon for something light yet flavorful. Each pairing brings out the sweet, buttery notes of the corn perfectly.

Tips For Making Garlic Butter Corn on the Cob

  • Use fresh corn whenever you can. It makes a world of difference in flavor and texture. Look for ears with bright green husks and kernels that feel plump and firm.
  • Don’t skip the milk in the boiling mix. It helps the corn stay juicy and brings out its natural sweetness better than water alone.
  • Brush on the garlic butter while the corn is still hot so it melts right in and coats every kernel with flavor.
  • You can definitely use frozen corn on the cob. Just thaw it first before boiling or grilling so it cooks evenly.

You can, but real butter gives a deeper, creamier flavor that makes the garlic shine. If you use margarine, go for one with a rich, buttery taste.

Either works! Boiling gives soft, juicy kernels, while grilling adds a smoky edge. You can even do both—boil first, then finish on the grill.

Don’t overcook it. Once the kernels are tender and pop easily when pierced, they’re ready to serve.

Raw corn toped with butter garlic before roasting - 9 Karina in a white and black dress with her hair blowing back, standing in front of her cooktop, cooking salmon in a pan - 10

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IngredientsUSMetric1x2x3x

  • ▢ 4 ears fresh corn husks and silks removed
  • ▢ 4 cups milk of choice
  • ▢ 2 cups water or enough to cover the corn completely
  • ▢ 1 tablespoon salt about 1 tablespoon

Garlic Butter: *See Notes

  • ▢ 1/2 cup butter/spread of choice I use reduced fat/light
  • ▢ 1 clove garlic, crushed or 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • ▢ 2 tablespoons fresh chopped parsley
  • ▢ 1 pinch salt to taste

Instructions

  • Combine the corn, milk, water and salt together in a large saucepan/pot and bring to the boil. When the milk begins to rise, reduce heat down to low and remove from the pot from the heat if necessary to allow the milk to fall if rising to rapidly. Return to low heat and gently simmer until the corn kernels are just tender (about 5-8 minutes) — (I always remove one out of the water with tongs to test with a fork. You can ‘feel’ the burst when piercing the fork through). Leave them in longer until they ‘burst’ with a fork.
  • Remove each cob with tongs and serve with butter…or serve plain!

Garlic Butter:

  • Add all ingredients into a small serving bowl, and mix until combined.

Notes

Nutrition

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Corn On The Cob With Garlic Butter on a tray - 11

The Best Corn On The Cob With Garlic Butter

Ingredients

  • 4 ears fresh corn husks and silks removed
  • 4 cups milk of choice
  • 2 cups water or enough to cover the corn completely
  • 1 tablespoon salt about 1 tablespoon

Garlic Butter: *See Notes

  • 1/2 cup butter/spread of choice I use reduced fat/light
  • 1 clove garlic, crushed or 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 2 tablespoons fresh chopped parsley
  • 1 pinch salt to taste

Instructions

  • Combine the corn, milk, water and salt together in a large saucepan/pot and bring to the boil. When the milk begins to rise, reduce heat down to low and remove from the pot from the heat if necessary to allow the milk to fall if rising to rapidly. Return to low heat and gently simmer until the corn kernels are just tender (about 5-8 minutes) – (I always remove one out of the water with tongs to test with a fork. You can ‘feel’ the burst when piercing the fork through). Leave them in longer until they ‘burst’ with a fork.
  • Remove each cob with tongs and serve with butter…or serve plain!

Garlic Butter:

  • Add all ingredients into a small serving bowl, and mix until combined.

Notes

Nutrition

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