Honey Butter Grilled Corn on the Cob
Introduction
This honey butter grilled corn on the cob is smoky, sweet, and salty, with juicy kernels that pop in every bite.
It’s perfect for summer cookouts, weeknight grilling, or an easy side dish that feels a little extra special.
Brushing the hot corn with melted honey butter gives it a glossy finish and incredible flavor with almost no extra effort.
Ingredients (4 servings)
Ingredients:
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How to Make Honey Butter Grilled Corn on the Cob
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Preheat the grill
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat, about 400°F, and clean the grates well with a grill brush.
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Mix the honey butter
In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, honey, and sea salt until smooth and combined.
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Prep the corn
Pat the corn dry with paper towels so the honey butter sticks well and helps the kernels char evenly.
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Grill the corn
Brush the corn lightly with the honey butter, then place it on the grill grates. Grill for 10 to 12 minutes, turning every few minutes, until the kernels are tender and nicely charred.
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Finish and serve
Transfer the grilled corn to a platter and brush generously with any remaining honey butter. Drizzle with a little extra honey, if you like, and serve hot right off the grill.
Substitutions
- Butter -> Vegan butter
- Use a good quality vegan butter to keep the recipe dairy-free while still giving rich, melty flavor.
- Honey -> Maple syrup
- Swap the honey for pure maple syrup for a deeper caramel note and a slightly more smoky sweetness.
- Sea salt -> Chili-lime seasoning
- Replace the sea salt with chili-lime seasoning to add gentle heat and tang that balance the sweet honey butter.
Tips
- Avoid burning the honey
- Honey burns fast, so keep the grill at medium-high and baste more heavily during the last few minutes.
- Use two heat zones if you can
- If your grill runs hot, leave one cooler zone so you can move corn off direct heat if needed.
- Boost flavor after grilling
- Finish with a sprinkle of flaky salt or crumbled cotija for extra texture and a savory contrast to the sweetness.
- Make it kid friendly
- Skip the extra drizzle of honey for very young kids and let them add their own at the table.
Nutrition Facts *
| Energy | 157 | kcal |
|---|---|---|
| Protein | 3 | g |
| Total Fat | 7 | g |
| Carbohydrates | 23 | g |
| Dietary Fiber | 2 | g |
* Approximate, per serving.
Data source: USDA FoodData Central.
FAQ
- How do I keep the corn from drying out on the grill?
- Grill over medium-high, not high, and turn the corn every few minutes to prevent drying and scorching. Basting with honey butter during cooking also helps the kernels stay juicy.
- Can I make this with frozen corn on the cob?
- Yes, thaw the corn completely, then pat it very dry before brushing with honey butter. Grill time may be a bit shorter, so watch the color closely.
- What if I do not have a grill?
- Use a grill pan on the stove over medium-high heat and cook the corn the same way. Or broil on the top oven rack, turning often, until lightly charred and tender.
- Can I prepare the honey butter in advance?
- Yes, mix it up to three days ahead and store covered in the fridge. Warm gently before using so it brushes on smoothly.
Serving Suggestions
This honey butter grilled corn pairs beautifully with simple grilled chicken, burgers, or a big tossed salad.
For a fun twist, sprinkle with smoked paprika or crumbled bacon right before serving for an ultra-savory, smoky finish.
A squeeze of lime over the top brightens the sweetness and makes each bite taste extra fresh.
More pairings:
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