Garlic Parm Corn is a tasty side dish that’s super easy to make! Sweet corn is tossed in buttery garlic goodness and sprinkled with parmesan cheese for an extra flavor kick. Yum!
I love how quick it is to whip up this dish. It’s perfect for barbecues or just a cozy dinner at home. Plus, who can resist garlic and cheese? It’s like a party in your mouth! 🎉
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Corn: Fresh corn on the cob works best, as it’s sweet and juicy. If it’s not in season, you can use frozen corn, just make sure to thaw it first!
Butter: Unsalted butter keeps the dish balanced. If you prefer to make it dairy-free, coconut oil or olive oil can be great substitutes, but they will change the flavor slightly.
Garlic: Fresh garlic is most flavorful, but if you’re in a hurry, garlic powder can work too. For those who want a milder taste, roasted garlic is an excellent choice.
Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan adds a unique flavor. If you’re out, pecorino or nutritional yeast (for a vegan option) can be good alternatives to maintain some cheesy flavor.
How Do I Ensure My Garlic Doesn’t Burn in the Butter?
Burnt garlic can make your dish taste bitter, so it’s important to sauté it carefully. Here’s how:
- Start with a medium heat and melt your butter before adding garlic.
- Stir the minced garlic frequently, and cook only 1-2 minutes until you smell that wonderful aroma.
- If you notice garlic starting to brown, decrease the heat immediately to prevent burning.
Patience is key; if in doubt, take it off the heat a bit earlier! This will ensure your Garlic Parm Corn stays delicious.
How to Make Garlic Parm Corn
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Corn:
- 6 ears of corn, husked and cut into halves
For the Garlic Butter Mixture:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon paprika (optional, for a little color)
- Chopped parsley for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Garlic Parm Corn takes about 10 minutes of prep time and 40-50 minutes to bake. You’ll spend a few minutes melting the butter and mixing in the cheese and spices, then just let it bake until golden and tender. So easy and tasty!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures the corn will bake evenly and come out perfectly delicious.
2. Prepare the Garlic Butter:
In a small saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the minced garlic. Sauté for about 1-2 minutes until the garlic is fragrant but not browned—it should smell amazing!
3. Mix in the Seasonings:
After sautéing the garlic, remove the saucepan from the heat. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, salt, and paprika. Mix everything together until it’s well combined and looks cheesy and flavorful.
4. Prepare the Corn:
Take a large baking dish or an aluminum foil tray and place the halved corn pieces inside in a single layer, cut side up. This helps them cook evenly.
5. Coat the Corn:
Pour the garlic and cheese mixture evenly over the corn halves. Make sure to coat each piece generously—this is where all that yummy flavor comes from!
6. Bake Covered:
Now, cover your baking dish with aluminum foil and pop it into the preheated oven. Let it bake for about 25-30 minutes. This step allows the corn to steam and get tender.
7. Finish Baking:
After 25-30 minutes, remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10-15 minutes. This will give the corn a nice golden color and a slight crispness from the cheese.
8. Garnish and Serve:
Once your Garlic Parm Corn is done, take it out of the oven and garnish with chopped parsley if you’d like. Serve it hot and enjoy the amazing flavors!
Can I Use Frozen Corn Instead of Fresh?
Absolutely! If you’re using frozen corn, there’s no need to thaw it beforehand. Simply toss the frozen corn into the baking dish, pour the garlic and cheese mixture over it, and follow the same baking instructions. You might want to add an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time to ensure it’s heated through and tender.
What Can I Substitute for Parmesan Cheese?
If you don’t have Parmesan cheese, you can use Pecorino Romano or Grana Padano as a delicious alternative. For a dairy-free option, try nutritional yeast, which provides a similar flavor profile. Just sprinkle it generously over the corn after pouring on the butter and garlic mixture.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover Garlic Parm Corn in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes or in the microwave until heated through. Add a sprinkle of extra Parmesan or butter to freshen it up!
Can I Add Other Vegetables to This Dish?
Definitely! Feel free to mix in some other veggies like bell peppers, zucchini, or cherry tomatoes for added color and flavor. Just cut them into bite-sized pieces and toss them in with the corn before adding the garlic and cheese mixture. You may need to adjust the baking time slightly depending on the vegetables you add.
