Why This Bourbon Butter Grilled Corn Recipe is a Must-Try

This Bourbon Butter Grilled Corn recipe transforms a simple vegetable into an extraordinary side dish with minimal effort. The secret lies in cooking the corn in aluminum foil, which steams it to tender perfection while allowing it to bathe in a luxurious, homemade maple-bourbon butter. This ingenious method ensures the corn stays incredibly moist and succulent, never drying out on the grill, and absorbing all the wonderful flavors.

The combination of rich butter, sweet maple syrup, and the distinctive smoky notes of bourbon creates a symphony of flavors that perfectly complements the natural sweetness of the corn. After its initial steam in the foil, a quick finish directly on the grill adds those coveted char marks and a delightful smoky BBQ taste that truly makes this dish irresistible. Once you try it, you’ll understand why this grilled corn recipe quickly becomes a beloved favorite at every gathering.

It’s an ideal choice for busy hosts, as the prep is quick, and the cooking is mostly hands-off. Whether you’re hosting a large summer party or simply enjoying a quiet evening barbecue, this sweet and buttery grilled corn promises to be a standout addition to your meal.

Essential Ingredients for Maple Bourbon Butter Grilled Corn

To create this sensational Bourbon Butter Grilled Corn, you’ll need a handful of simple yet impactful ingredients. The beauty of this recipe lies in how these core components combine to produce such a rich and complex flavor profile. You can find the precise measurements in the comprehensive recipe card located at the bottom of this page.

• Corn on the Cob: For this recipe, we recommend using fresh, uncooked corn on the cob with the husks removed. Look for plump, bright yellow kernels. If you happen to have pre-boiled corn, you’ll simply need to adjust the cooking time down to about 8 minutes in the foil, as they are already partially cooked. Using uncooked corn allows it to absorb more of that delicious butter mixture during the steaming process, resulting in a deeper flavor.
• Butter (Unsalted): Room temperature unsalted butter is crucial. It ensures that the butter mixes smoothly with the maple syrup and bourbon, creating a uniform, creamy spread. Unsalted butter gives you control over the final seasoning. If using salted butter, reduce the added salt.
• Maple Syrup: This natural sweetener, extracted from the maple tree, brings a light brown, soft caramel-like taste that perfectly complements the bourbon. Opt for pure maple syrup for the best flavor; avoid artificial pancake syrups. Its subtle sweetness balances the richness of the butter and the kick of the bourbon.
• Bourbon (Whiskey): Choose a good quality smoky bourbon or whiskey. The smoky undertones and caramel notes of bourbon marry beautifully with the sweet corn and maple syrup, adding an incredible depth of flavor. If you prefer to skip the alcohol, you can simply omit it or use a non-alcoholic bourbon extract or a touch of vanilla extract with a dash of smoked paprika for a similar effect.
• Salt and Pepper: These humble seasonings are vital for balancing the sweetness and enhancing all the other flavors. A good pinch of salt brings out the corn’s natural sugars, while freshly ground black pepper adds a subtle warmth and aromatic finish. Season to taste, as personal preference varies.
• Fresh Parsley (Optional Garnish): A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley just before serving adds a vibrant pop of color and a fresh, herbaceous note that brightens the overall dish. While optional, it’s a simple touch that makes a big difference in presentation and taste.

Having these ingredients ready will ensure a smooth and enjoyable cooking process, leading to the best grilled corn you’ve ever tasted!

Step-by-Step: How to Prepare Sweet Corn with Maple-Bourbon Butter on the BBQ

Preparing this incredibly flavorful sweet corn with maple-bourbon butter is surprisingly simple, making it a perfect last-minute addition to your barbecue menu. Follow these easy steps to achieve perfectly cooked, buttery, and smoky grilled corn. For a detailed, printable version with precise measurements, please refer to the recipe card at the end of this blog post.

1. Prepare the Bourbon Maple Butter: In a small mixing bowl, combine the room temperature unsalted butter with the maple syrup and bourbon. Mix these ingredients thoroughly until they are well combined and smooth. A fork or a small whisk works perfectly for this. Ensure the butter is soft enough to integrate easily with the liquids. This flavorful compound butter is the heart of our recipe!
2. Wrap the Corn: Tear off two generously sized pieces of aluminum foil, large enough to fully wrap a corn cob. Place one corn on the cob in the center of each foil sheet. Take half of your prepared bourbon butter mixture and generously brush it all over the surface of the first corn cob. Make sure every kernel gets coated.
3. Season and Seal: Sprinkle the buttered corn with a pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper. Now, carefully fold the aluminum foil around the corn cob, creating a tightly sealed parcel. This foil packet will trap the steam and the melting butter, allowing the corn to cook perfectly and infuse with flavor. Repeat this process for the second corn cob with the remaining butter mixture and seasonings.
4. Initial Grill (Steam Cook): Preheat your barbecue to a medium-high heat. Place the sealed aluminum foil packets directly onto the hot grill grates. Allow them to cook for approximately 15 minutes. During this time, the corn will steam in its own buttery, flavorful juices, becoming incredibly tender and juicy.
5. Direct Grill (For Char & Smoke): After 15 minutes, carefully remove the foil packets from the grill. Be cautious as steam will escape. Gently unwrap the corn cobs. Now, place the unwrapped, buttered corn cobs directly onto the hot grill for another three minutes. Turn them occasionally to ensure even charring. This crucial step adds beautiful grill marks, a delightful smoky flavor, and a slight caramelization to the kernels.
6. Serve and Garnish: Remove the corn from the grill. For an optional touch of freshness and vibrant color, garnish the corn on the cob with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley.

Serving Suggestions: This Bourbon Butter Grilled Corn is a versatile and crowd-pleasing side dish that pairs wonderfully with a variety of barbecue favorites. Serve it hot at any BBQ party alongside:

• Amish Potato Salad: A creamy, sweet, and tangy potato salad that offers a delightful contrast to the smoky corn.
• Ground Beef Kebabs with Bacon: Savory, juicy kebabs wrapped in crispy bacon, a hearty main that complements the corn’s sweetness.
• Pork Tenderloin and Chicken BBQ Shashlik: Tender pieces of pork and chicken, marinated and grilled on skewers, perfect with the flavorful corn.
• Grilled Ribs or Brisket: The richness of the corn cuts through the fatty richness of slow-cooked meats beautifully.
• Other Grilled Vegetables: Alongside grilled zucchini, bell peppers, or asparagus for a full grilled vegetable feast.

No matter what you pair it with, this Bourbon Butter Grilled Corn is sure to be a hit!

Did you make this delicious recipe? Tag #byandreajanssen via Instagram! I love to see what your creation looks like and regularly share the most beautiful photos of you! Did you like this recipe? Then leave a rating on the recipe card! Your feedback helps other home cooks and me enormously.

Need more inspiration?

• You can find video recipes on my YouTube channel.
• And don’t forget to save the recipes on Pinterest, so you can easily find them again next time!

Andréa

More BBQ Side Dish & Main Course Inspiration

Looking for more delicious recipes to complete your ultimate barbecue feast? Here are some other fantastic options that pair perfectly with our Bourbon Butter Grilled Corn: