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Flavorful Grilled Corn on the Cob Recipe with Chili Lime Butter and Cotija Cheese

grilled corn on the cob - featured image

This grilled corn on the cob is slathered in zesty chili lime butter and sprinkled with crumbly Cotija cheese, creating a smoky, spicy, and tangy summer favorite that’s quick and easy to prepare.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 ears fresh corn on the cob
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 lime, zest and juice
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder (mild or medium, ancho recommended)
  • ½ teaspoon ground cumin (optional)
  • Pinch of garlic powder
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • ½ cup Cotija cheese, crumbled
  • 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
  • Optional: smoked paprika, jalapeño or cayenne pepper, mayonnaise

Instructions

  1. Peel back the husks of the corn without removing them completely and remove the silk threads. Fold the husks back over the corn or remove husks entirely for more charred effect.
  2. In a mixing bowl, combine softened butter, lime zest, lime juice, chili powder, cumin (if using), garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until creamy and well blended.
  3. Preheat grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F). If using charcoal, wait until coals are glowing with light ash.
  4. Place corn on grill grates and turn every 2-3 minutes, grilling for 10-12 minutes until evenly charred and kernels are slightly blackened.
  5. Remove corn from grill and immediately spread chili lime butter evenly over each ear while still hot.
  6. Sprinkle crumbled Cotija cheese generously over the buttered corn.
  7. Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime if desired. Serve immediately.

Notes

For more char, remove husks completely before grilling. Butter should be softened to spread evenly. Chili powder heat can be adjusted to taste. If no grill is available, use a grill pan or broil in the oven. Leftovers can be refrigerated up to 2 days and reheated gently on grill or oven wrapped in foil. Optional add-ins include smoked paprika, jalapeño, or mayonnaise for elote style. Vegan and dairy-free versions possible with substitutions.

Nutrition

Keywords: grilled corn on the cob, chili lime butter, Cotija cheese, summer recipe, barbecue side dish, Mexican street corn, easy grilled corn