Corn on the cob with Parmigiano is a simple yet indulgent twist on the classic summer side dish. The sweet, tender corn is complemented by the rich, salty flavor of freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, creating a delicious contrast of flavors that takes this traditional treat to the next level.
To make this dish, start by boiling or grilling fresh ears of corn until they are perfectly cooked – tender yet slightly crisp. Grilling the corn adds a smoky depth that enhances the natural sweetness, while boiling keeps the corn juicy and tender. Once cooked, slather the hot corn with a bit of butter to add richness and ensure the cheese sticks.
Next, generously sprinkle grated Parmigiano-Reggiano over the corn, allowing the warm butter to melt the cheese into every crevice. The sharp, nutty flavor of the Parmigiano pairs beautifully with the sweetness of the corn, giving it a savory, slightly tangy kick. For an extra burst of flavor, sprinkle a little fresh black pepper and a pinch of sea salt on top, or add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to brighten it up.
For a more gourmet touch, you can also add chopped fresh herbs like basil, parsley, or thyme to the corn for added freshness. Some recipes even include a drizzle of olive oil or a sprinkle of paprika for extra flavor and color.
Corn on the cob with Parmigiano is a fantastic side dish for a variety of meals. It pairs beautifully with grilled meats like steak, chicken, or fish, and makes a great addition to summer barbecues or picnics. It’s an easy yet impressive dish that elevates the humble corn on the cob into a flavorful, crowd-pleasing favorite.
Ingredients
- 4 ears corn fresh, husked
- 1/2 cup Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese grated
- 2 tablespoons butter melted
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper freshly ground
- 1 tablespoon parsley chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add corn and cook for about 10 minutes, or until tender.
- Remove corn from the water and pat dry with paper towels.
- Brush the corn with melted butter, ensuring even coverage.
- Sprinkle grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese evenly over the corn.
- Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
- Garnish with chopped parsley and serve immediately.
Nutrition
This is my go-to recipe for summer BBQs! So tasty and easy to make! Highly recommend sharing with friends.
I totally agree! This corn is a hit at every BBQ! Love the cheese on it!
Wait, corn with cheese? That sounds kinda weird, don’t you think?
Yum! I made this for my family, and they loved it! Just remember to use fresh corn, it makes a big difference!
I don’t get why people put cheese on corn. Corn is sweet enough on its own! Can’t believe it’s a thing.
I tried it but forgot the butter. Corn was kinda dry and weird. Anyone else have that problem?
I thought parsley would be pointless but it actually adds a fresh pop. Would make again!
10 minutes boiled corn—mine was still a bit underdone. I think my cobs were thicker. Otherwise the seasoning was on point.
Just 5 ingredients and it’s still restaurant-level. Chef energy. 100% making again for BBQs.
Chef energy indeed 😄 5 ingredients but the Parm + butter combo makes it feel super fancy. Definitely trying this at our next BBQ!
I made this but forgot the butter… still tasted amazing! Will definitely add the butter next time.
That’s awesome! I’m glad it still turned out great! Butter will def make it richer next time. 🍽️
Fantastic! I didn’t have parsley but it was still yum!
Only 1/2 cup cheese for 4 ears seems a bit low… I ended up doubling it. Otherwise, solid.
Corn on the cob isn’t my favorite, but this recipe is solid. I tried it and it’s better than I expected!
Not sure about cheese on corn… Isn’t that a bit weird? I’ll stick to butter.
I love corn on the cob! This recipe sounds delish, I gotta try it soon!
This is the best way to enjoy corn! The cheese adds such a great flavor! 😍
Tried this recipe and it was a flop. Corn too soggy.
Bleh, didn’t really taste anything special. Corn is corn after all. 🤷♀️
This was soooo good! The cheese really made it fancy. Will do again!
I agree! The cheese is a game changer. Makes everything taste fancier, right? 🍽️
So simple yet so good! My kids loved it! Will be making this again for sure.
I followed it pretty much exactly and it came out sweet and cheesy, not greasy. Great summer side dish.
But why cheese on corn? In my country, we just boil it and eat. Seems unnecessary.
Why would you ruin corn with cheese? Keep it simple, folks.
Cheese makes everything better! Try it before knocking it.
Corn should be just corn! Don’t need no fancy stuff like cheese.
I made this for a BBQ and people loved it! Just add some chili flakes for a kick!
Is this how u make corn? I usually just boil it and eat it plain. This sounds kinda extra for veggies.
Why do you need parsley? Seems unnecessary. Just corn, butter, and cheese is good.
I think parsley adds a nice color and a bit of freshness! 🙌
Maybe I’m doing something wrong, but mine got a bit watery after boiling. Still tasted good, just not as ‘toasty’ as I expected.
Corn is a vegetable and butter is dairy. How is this healthy? I don’t get it.
Did you really need to boil them? Seems pointless to me! Just grill it and add butter.
Could be good, but Parmigiano is expensive. I used a cheaper hard Italian cheese and it was still decent—just not as fancy.
This is the best way to eat corn! The cheese just makes it so flavorful!
Yummy! Love corn, love cheese! Gonna make this every week, so good!
I can’t wait to try this! Corn and cheese are a match made in heaven. Thanks for sharing!
Sounds good but isn’t there an easier way? I mean, do we really need all that cheese? 🤔
I mean, corn is corn. Can’t believe people rave about this. It’s just butter and cheese.
I tried this recipe but used cheddar instead of Parmigiano. It was okay, but not really what I expected. Corn needs to be fresh, tho!
Cheddar can be hit or miss with corn, huh? I agree fresh corn is a must! Maybe try it again with Parmigiano next time.
Simple and delicious, perfect for summer BBQs! 10/10 would recommend 🙂
Why put cheese on corn? That sounds nasty. Just stick to the butter people – it’s tried and tested.
OMG! Made this for a picnic, everyone asked for the recipe! Thanks a lot!
That’s awesome! Corn on the cob is always a hit. Did you use fresh corn? It’s the best!
I dunno, it sounds too simple. I prefer more complex recipes, you know?
Tasty corn dish, never thought of cheese on corn! 👍
Easy to make and a big hit at my BBQ party! Will definitely make it again! 🎉
So easy to make and delicious! My kids even ate their veggies!
This corn recipe is bomb! The cheese took it to another level. It’s a hit at my BBQs!
My friend said to boil corn for 10 minutes, but mine took longer? Oops!
I didn’t have Parmigiano so I used regular parmesan and it was… fine. Next time I’ll splurge because I think that’s the key.
Hmm, I think “fine” is being generous 😅 Parmesan vs Parmigiano isn’t just fancy—texture and flavor can be different. I’d try using less regular parm so it doesn’t get too salty, and maybe add a pinch of garlic powder too.
Totally get that—regular parmesan usually works in a pinch. Parmigiano-Reggiano is just more intense/savory, so the upgrade is real. Nice call on splurging next time!
I tried this recipe, but I don’t think it needed the cheese. Just butter and salt are fine with me!
I totally get where you’re coming from! Sometimes simple is better, and just butter and salt make corn taste so fresh. But I think the cheese adds a nice kick, ya know? Just personal taste!
I dunno, man. Cheese on corn? It sounds weird to me. But to each their own, I guess.
Tried this last night—so simple but the Parmigiano really makes it taste fancy. Perfect amount of salt too.
My family loved this! Easy to make and perfect for summer BBQs! I added extra cheese cause why not?
Corn on the cob! Yum! I just can’t. 10/10 recommend!
I mean, corn is corn. It was okay but didn’t wow me. 2 stars.
Corn is just corn? Nah! That butter and cheese combo is divine! Your taste buds need a wake-up call!
I respect your opinion, but for me, the cheese really elevates it! Maybe try it again with a bit more seasoning?
Not gonna lie, I was skeptical about just boiling corn and then cheese/ butter. But it actually works. I used pre-grated Parm and it still slapped.
Totally get the skepticism—boiled corn + butter + cheese sounds too simple. But yeah, once the corn’s tender, the Parm just clings and turns it into basically “fancy” comfort food. I’m trying this with whole Parm chunks next time!
Yum! I added some chili powder for a kick, it was excellent!
Mine burnt! I don’t know what went wrong. Should I put it in longer or shorter next time?
Where do I find this Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese? I can only find the regular stuff.
Omg yesss!! Can’t believe how easy it was! My fam loved it. Will definitely make again.
Easy to make but I forgot about the parsley. Still looked great tho!
Way too much cheese for me. Tastes salty. Maybe reduce Parmigiano next time and add more pepper.
YUM! I added some chili powder too and it was fire! 🔥🔥
I dunno about the cheese on corn… Don’t think it works. Just butter is fine for me.
Okay, but corn isn’t a real vegetable tho, right? It’s more like a grain, or am I wrong?
Nah, it’s a vegetable! My grandma always called it one. Who cares what the science says, it’s delicious! 😋
You’re kinda right! Corn is technically a grain, but we treat it like a veggie. It’s confusing! 😅
Um, isn’t corn already sweet? Adding cheese seems weird. What’s next, chocolate on corn?
Meh, not for me. I think corn is best with butter only. Cheese on corn sounds weird.
This was sooo delicious! Never thought of adding cheese to corn, but it works wonders! 😍
Mine looked nothing like the picture. Mine was kinda messy!
This is such a simple upgrade to plain corn. The Parmigiano + butter combo tastes way more “fancy” than the effort suggests.
Totally agree—this tastes restaurant-level with basically zero hassle. Parmesan + butter is the cheat code.
Not bad, but too much butter for me. Also I only had grated Parmesan, not Parmigiano-Reggiano—still fine though.
I tried this recipe but my corn came out too chewy. Maybe I cooked it too long?
Yum! Best corn I’ve ever had! I can’t stop making it!
This is basic. Like… corn plus butter plus cheese. Nothing wrong with that, just don’t expect miracles lol.
corn plus butter plus cheese? i mean… yeah lol. I tried something like this once but I think I overcooked it, it got kinda mushy. still sounds good tho, just dont boil too long.
Honestly this is the best kind of basic. Corn’s sweet enough, and Parmigiano + butter makes it feel fancy without trying too hard. I’d probably add a squeeze of lemon but your version is solid.
I didn’t have parsley, so I used cilantro instead. It was different, but good. Still tasted nice.
I love corn so much! It’s the best vegatable ever! This recipe is perfect for summer.
Disappointed… The cheese didn’t melt like I thought it would, guess I messed up somewhere.
Cheese is tricky sometimes! Don’t give up, maybe try a different kind next time? 😊
I had the same issue! I think maybe the cheese needs to be finer or at room temp? It didn’t melt for me either.
I’m just here for the butter. Corn’s good but the cheese overpowers it.
Eh, it was okay but I think it needed more seasoning. Don’t know why everyone loves it.
I thought it was great! Maybe you just have a different taste. Can’t please everyone, right?
I totally agree! I added garlic powder and it made a huge difference. Give that a try next time!
Perfect for summer barbecues! So delicious! 🌽❤️
This was a hit at my BBQ! The cheese adds so much flavor, love it!!
Is it just me or does powdered cheese work too? 🤔
I followed it pretty closely and it came out tender and flavorful. I’d maybe use a little more pepper next time, but overall great.
I thought this was going to be a chef’s special but ended up being just okay. Disappointed.
I thought this was gonna b plain corn, but wow! The Parmigiano makes it fancy! Nice touch.
I totally agree! Parmigiano elevates everything! Can’t wait to try this!
I dunno, kinda bland for me. Just corn and cheese? No thanks.
But it’s supposed to be simple! Sometimes less is more, ya know?
I think the cheese adds a nice flavor! You should give it another try with some spices or a squeeze of lime.
So simple yet sooo tasty! Just like my grandma made! 😊
I agree! It’s the little things that remind us of home. This recipe is definitely a keeper! ❤️
Simple and tasty! Even my picky kids loved it. Thanks for sharing!
I’m so glad your kids enjoyed it! It’s super easy and a favorite in our house too!
Easy to make! My kids loved it! Will def make again. 👍
Yummy! But I didn’t have parsley, used cilantro instead, and it still tasted great!
This was delicious! I never thought corn could taste this good. The cheese gives it a nice kick!
Wait, you boil it in salted water AND add salt later? Seems like overkill to me. But I guess it’s fine.
Maybe 1/2 teaspoon salt later is too much? I just do a pinch at the end. Also some people use unsalted butter, so the timing matters.
I totally get your point, but the salt in the water is for seasoning the corn itself. Then the final salt is just a finishing touch—small difference, big flavor.
Made this tonight—super easy and the Parmigiano flavor is legit. I didn’t have fresh parsley so I used dried and it still worked. 10/10 for a quick side.
Made this tonight—so simple but it tastes like something from a fancy market. The Parmigiano really brings it together. Next time I’ll add a squeeze of lemon too.
Nah, too cheesy! I mean who puts THAT much cheese on corn? Not for me.
This sounds delicious! I can’t wait to try it at my next BBQ. Parmigiano is the best!
I love corn on the cob! But isn’t Parmigiano a bit fancy for BBQ? I usually just use regular cheese.
Came out good, but I think I added too much butter. Made it kinda greasy.
Could’ve used a little more salt in my opinion, but the flavor is solid. Next time I’ll probably do 3-4 pinches extra pepper too.
Hmmm I wouldn’t add more salt… unless your Parm is super salty already? Also 10 mins feels like maybe not enough for thick cobs. I usually do like 15. But the parm combo is still nice.
I agree on the salt—mine always benefits from an extra pinch or two. I also found that cracking fresh pepper right at the end helps it taste “brighter.”
This is a game changer! The cheese adds such a nice flavor!
I dunno, this sounds fancy but my family didn’t like it. They prefer plain corn. Ugh.
Not gonna lie, I was skeptical about boiling then adding cheese—sounds like it would get clumpy. It didn’t though, and the flavor was nice.
I was skeptical too—cheese after boiling usually turns into a clumpy mess for me. But I guess patting it dry helps? Either way, I agree the flavor must be great.
Yummy! I added some chili flakes for a kick and it was a big hit with my family!
Recipe is simple but way too cheesy for my taste. I like milder stuff.
I followed the instructions to the letter and it turned out amazing! Thanks for sharing!
Honestly, I’d rather do mayo + chili powder like everyone else. This is too “plain”.
Simple but not boring. I used a little extra cheese and black pepper, and it tasted like something you’d get at a fancy market stand.
Totally agree—this doesn’t taste “plain” at all. The Parmigiano + black pepper combo is chef-y in the best way. Fancy market stand vibes is exactly it 😄
Parm on corn is a weird combo to me, but I tried it and now I get why people do it. The black pepper helps a lot.
I followed the steps exactly, but my corn was kinda bland at first. After more salt and pepper it got much better—maybe my Parmigiano wasn’t salty enough.
I was skeptical about just boiling and then piling cheese on, but wow. The cheese melts enough to cling. Delicious.
Tried this with some spices instead of pepper, still turned out delish! Will experiment more next time.
Followed the steps exactly and mine came out a bit bland, even with salt. Maybe my corn wasn’t sweet enough? Still decent though.
This is a quick and easy side, perfect for barbecue season! Totally recommend! 😊
I totally agree! This corn is a hit at our BBQs! 🌽🔥
We don’t have parmigiano at my store, can I use regular cheese? Like cheddar?
Yum! Perfect for summer BBQs. I added some chili powder for a kick. 🙂
This is just corn with cheese! How’s that a recipe? Not impressed.
Corn good. Me like this recipe.
This recipe sounds amazing! Love corn, gonna try it soon!
Corn is good, but cheese on it? Really? Sounds weird to me!
Corn on the cob is supposed to be sweet, not cheesy! Not my thing.
Corn dont need no cheese. Just grab some butter and dont complicate things…
This seems too easy, I feel like I’m missing something. Is it really that good?
Looks simple, but how can just corn and cheese be that good? 🤔
I was skeptical too, but it turned out sooo delicious! Trust the recipe!
Um… what’s Parmigiano? Can I just use regular cheese?
I didn’t have fresh corn so I used canned. It was okay but not the same.
What even is Parmigiano-Reggiano? I’m just gonna use regular Parmesan. Hope it works!
Using regular Parmesan is fine, but it might not have the same flavor! Try it and let us know how it turns out!
I forgot to pat it dry and the butter just slid off. Learned my lesson 😅 Tasted good anyway, but next time I’ll do it right.
Is this for real? You put cheese on corn? That feels wrong. Corn should be sweet, not savory!
Idk, 10 minutes felt too short my corn was kinda hard. Also I used regular parmesan and it didn’t taste the same. Still ate it tho.
Gonna try this with some spices… make it more kick like fiery corn!
Simple & delicious! Love the fresh parsley touch. This recipe is a keeper!
I totally agree! The fresh parsley really elevates the dish. Can’t wait to try it myself!
The instructions are super clear, but 10 minutes feels long for my pot. I’m afraid of overcooking—could anyone say if it varies by corn size?
It’s corn, not rocket science 😂. But still tasty!
This is ridiculously good! The cheese adds such a nice flavor. Never thought of using parmesan on corn before.
I totally agree! The parmesan makes it feel so fancy! 😍
I’m not a fan of Parmigiano… could I use cheddar instead??