Get ready to transform your ordinary corn on the cob into a mouthwatering masterpiece that will have your guests begging for seconds! This Grilled Corn with Spiced Bacon Butter isn't just a side dish – it's a flavor explosion that combines the smoky sweetness of perfectly grilled corn with the irresistible richness of bacon-infused butter. Whether you're hosting a summer barbecue or looking to elevate your weeknight dinner, this recipe promises to be your new go-to crowd-pleaser that takes just 20 minutes from start to finish.
Prep Time: 5 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 20 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 ears of corn, husked
- 4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the bacon by cooking it in a skillet over medium heat until crisp and golden brown. Once cooked, drain on paper towels and finely crumble when cool.
- In a medium bowl, mix softened butter with crumbled bacon, smoked paprika, and a pinch of salt. Blend thoroughly until ingredients are well combined.
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (around 400°F). Clean and oil the grill grates to prevent sticking.
- Husk the corn ears completely, removing all silk strands. Pat the corn dry with paper towels to ensure good grill marks.
- Place corn directly on the hot grill grates. Cook for 10-12 minutes, rotating every 3-4 minutes to ensure even charring on all sides.
- Remove corn from grill when kernels are tender and have nice golden-brown char marks.
- Immediately brush each ear of corn generously with the prepared spiced bacon butter while still hot.
- Sprinkle additional salt to taste and serve immediately while warm.
Tips
- Choose Fresh Corn: Select ears with bright green, tightly wrapped husks and plump, milky kernels for the best flavor and texture.
- Bacon Butter Prep: Make the bacon butter ahead of time and refrigerate to let the flavors meld. Let it soften slightly before serving for easy spreading.
- Grill Temperature Matters: Maintain a medium-high heat (around 400°F) to get those perfect char marks without burning the corn.
- Rotation is Key: Turn the corn every 3-4 minutes to ensure even cooking and beautiful, consistent grill marks.
- Pat Corn Dry: Ensure corn is completely dry before grilling to help achieve those beautiful caramelized spots.
- Serve Immediately: The magic of this dish is in serving it piping hot with the butter melting into the kernels. Pro Tip: For an extra flavor boost, try adding a sprinkle of fresh herbs like chives or parsley to the bacon butter for added complexity!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 7g
Fat: 28g
Saturated Fat: 15g
Cholesterol: 70mg
