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

This Bourbon Butter Grilled Corn recipe truly stands out as one of the easiest and most flavorful vegetable side dishes you can make on the grill. The brilliance of this method lies in its simplicity and the incredible results it delivers. By first cooking the corn on the cob wrapped in aluminum foil, we create a steaming environment that locks in moisture, ensuring the kernels become incredibly tender and juicy without drying out. This foil-steaming process also allows the rich, homemade whiskey maple butter to thoroughly penetrate each kernel, infusing the corn with its irresistible buttery taste.

After its perfectly moist bath in the foil, the corn gets a quick finish directly on the grill grates. This crucial step is where the magic truly happens, adding that coveted smoky flavor and delightful char that only a BBQ can provide. The slight caramelization on the kernels, combined with the sweet and savory notes of the bourbon butter, makes this corn super delicious and utterly addictive. It’s a recipe you’ll try once and then find yourself making over and over again, because everyone who tastes it instantly falls in love!

Essential Ingredients for Your Maple Bourbon Butter Grilled Corn

To prepare this incredibly delicious Bourbon Butter Grilled Corn, you’ll only need a handful of key ingredients, most of which are likely already in your pantry. Each component plays a vital role in building the layered flavors of this dish. The precise quantities can be found in the detailed recipe card at the bottom of this blog post. Let’s delve into what makes this recipe so special:

• Corn on the Cob: The star of our dish! This recipe is designed for fresh, uncooked corn on the cob with the husks and silk removed. Fresh corn offers the best natural sweetness and crisp-tender texture. If you happen to have pre-boiled corn on the cob on hand, you can still use it, but adjust the initial foil-cooking time down to about 8 minutes, as it will already be partially tender.
• Butter: Unsalted butter is preferred, softened to room temperature. Why room temperature? Soft butter incorporates much more smoothly and evenly with the maple syrup and bourbon, creating a perfectly blended, luscious compound butter. Unsalted butter also gives you complete control over the seasoning, allowing you to add salt to your preference.
• Maple Syrup: This natural sweetener adds a beautiful complexity. Choose pure maple syrup for its distinct light brown, soft caramel taste. It provides a natural sweetness that perfectly complements the robust flavor of the bourbon and balances the saltiness. Avoid artificial pancake syrups for the best results.
• Bourbon (Whiskey): This ingredient provides the signature smoky depth and a subtle kick that elevates the corn beyond ordinary. We recommend using a good quality, smoky bourbon that you enjoy drinking, as its flavor will shine through. If you prefer to skip the alcohol, you can simply omit the bourbon; the corn will still be deliciously buttery and sweet thanks to the maple syrup.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning! A good balance of salt and freshly ground black pepper is crucial to enhance the natural sweetness of the corn and bring out the full spectrum of flavors from the butter mixture. Season to taste, knowing that the maple syrup will provide sweetness.
• Optional Garnish – Fresh Parsley: A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley before serving adds a vibrant pop of color and a fresh, herbaceous note that beautifully contrasts with the rich and smoky flavors of the corn. It’s completely optional but highly recommended for a touch of elegance and freshness.

Mastering Sweet Corn with Maple-Bourbon Butter on the BBQ: A Step-by-Step Guide

Achieving perfectly tender, buttery, and smoky grilled corn is easier than you might think. Follow these simple steps to prepare a side dish that will steal the show at any BBQ. For a convenient, printable version of the recipe with exact measurements, please refer to the recipe card found at the bottom of this page.

1. Prepare the Maple-Bourbon Butter: In a small bowl, combine the softened butter with the maple syrup and bourbon. Mix thoroughly until you have a smooth, well-combined compound butter. This flavorful mixture is the heart of our recipe!
2. Foil Wrap the Corn: Lay out a piece of heavy-duty aluminum foil large enough to fully wrap a corn cob. Place one corn cob in the center and generously brush it all over with about half of your prepared bourbon butter mix. Season with a good pinch of salt and a dash of black pepper.
3. Seal and Repeat: Carefully fold the aluminum foil around the corn, crimping the edges tightly to form a sealed packet. This ensures no steam or butter escapes during cooking. Repeat this process for the second corn cob using the remaining butter mixture and seasoning.
4. Initial Grill (Steaming Phase): Place the sealed aluminum foil packets directly onto your preheated BBQ grill. Cook for approximately 15 minutes. This steaming process inside the foil will make the corn incredibly tender and moist. If you’re using pre-boiled corn, reduce this initial cooking time to about 8 minutes.
5. Direct Grill (Charring Phase): After 15 minutes, carefully remove the foil packets from the grill. Open them up (watch out for steam!). Now, transfer the corn cobs directly onto the hot grill grates (without the foil) for an additional 2-3 minutes. Turn them occasionally to achieve a beautiful smoky char and caramelization on all sides. This step is optional but highly recommended for that classic grilled flavor.
6. Garnish and Serve: Once the corn has achieved your desired char, remove it from the grill. For an optional but visually appealing and flavorful finish, sprinkle with some freshly chopped parsley. Serve immediately while hot and juicy!

This Bourbon Butter Grilled Corn is an outstanding complement to almost any BBQ menu. To complete your summer feast, consider pairing it with a creamy Amish Potato Salad, rich Ground Beef Kebabs with Bacon, or a hearty Pork Tenderloin and Chicken BBQ Shashlik. The sweet and savory notes of the corn will perfectly balance the other flavors on your plate.

Tips for Perfectly Grilled Corn on the Cob Every Time

While this recipe is incredibly forgiving, a few simple tips can help you achieve truly exceptional Bourbon Butter Grilled Corn:

• Select the Freshest Corn: Always choose corn that is firm, with bright green, tightly wrapped husks and moist silks. The fresher the corn, the sweeter and more succulent the kernels will be.
• Don’t Be Shy with the Butter: The maple-bourbon butter is key not only for flavor but also for moisture. It creates a protective layer that steams the corn beautifully within the foil, preventing it from drying out.
• Ensure a Tight Foil Seal: Properly sealing your aluminum foil packets is essential. This traps the steam and butter inside, ensuring that the corn cooks evenly and becomes deeply infused with flavor.
• Master Your Grill Heat: Start with medium-high indirect heat for the initial foil-cooking phase to gently steam the corn. For the final char, move the cobs directly over hotter coals or burners, watching them closely to prevent burning.
• Avoid Overcooking: Overcooked corn can turn mushy. Stick to the recommended cooking times. The goal is tender kernels with a slight bite, not soft and watery.
• Rotate for Even Char: During the direct grilling phase, use tongs to turn the corn every minute or so. This ensures an even char and smoky flavor across the entire cob.

Delicious Variations and Customizations

Our Bourbon Butter Grilled Corn recipe is a fantastic base, but don’t hesitate to experiment with different flavor profiles to suit your taste or occasion:

• Spicy Kick: For those who love a bit of heat, mix a pinch of cayenne pepper, a dash of smoked paprika, or a few drops of your favorite hot sauce into the maple-bourbon butter.
• Garlic Herb Fusion: Add a teaspoon of minced fresh garlic and a tablespoon of other finely chopped herbs like chives, cilantro, or basil to the butter mixture for an aromatic twist.
• Zesty Citrus Brightness: A squeeze of fresh lime juice or a sprinkle of lime zest over the corn after grilling, just before serving, can add a refreshing, tangy counterpoint.
• Sweet Heat: A combination of a little chili powder and a touch more maple syrup in the butter can create a delightful sweet and spicy flavor.
• Cheesy Finish: For a Mexican street corn-inspired version, sprinkle crumbled Cotija cheese, feta, or grated Parmesan over the hot grilled corn immediately after removing it from the grill.

Storing and Reheating Your Grilled Corn

Should you be lucky enough to have any leftover Bourbon Butter Grilled Corn, don’t fret! It stores and reheats beautifully, allowing you to enjoy its deliciousness another day:

• Refrigerator: To keep your grilled corn fresh, wrap individual cobs tightly in plastic wrap or place them in an airtight container. Stored this way, they will stay delicious in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days.
• Freezer: For longer storage, first wrap each cooked corn cob securely in aluminum foil. Then, place these foil-wrapped cobs into a freezer-safe bag or an airtight container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 6 months.
• Reheating in the Microwave: The quickest method for reheating is the microwave. Sprinkle the corn with a tablespoon or two of water, place it in a microwave-safe bowl, and cover it loosely. Heat on high for 20-second intervals, checking for warmth in between, until heated through. This helps prevent it from drying out.
• Reheating in the Oven: For a more even and gentle reheat, place the corn cobs in an oven-safe dish. Cover the dish with aluminum foil to trap moisture. Reheat in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 5-7 minutes, or until the corn is thoroughly warm. You can brush them with a little extra butter before serving for added richness.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

• Can I use frozen corn on the cob for this Bourbon Butter Grilled Corn recipe?
  Yes, you can! If using frozen corn on the cob, make sure to thaw it completely before starting the recipe. You might also want to slightly reduce the initial foil-cooking time, as frozen corn is often pre-blanched.
• What if I don’t have a BBQ grill? Can I still make this recipe?
  Absolutely! You can achieve a similar effect in your oven. Wrap the corn cobs in foil as directed and bake them in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 20-25 minutes. To get some char, you can then briefly place them under the broiler or use a hot grill pan on your stovetop, turning frequently.
• Is there a non-alcoholic substitute for bourbon in the butter mixture?
  Certainly! If you prefer to omit the bourbon, the maple butter alone is still incredibly flavorful. For a subtle hint of depth, you could add a very small amount of vanilla extract (a few drops) or a touch of apple cider vinegar, but it won’t entirely replicate the smoky notes of bourbon.
• How do I know when the corn is perfectly cooked?
  The corn is cooked when the kernels are tender and can be easily pierced with a fork or knife. After the initial 15 minutes in the foil, the corn should be fully cooked. The subsequent direct grilling phase is primarily for adding the smoky char and caramelization.
• Can I prepare the maple-bourbon butter ahead of time?
  Yes, you can! The maple-bourbon butter can be prepared several days in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Just let it come to room temperature before you plan to brush it on the corn for easy spreading.

Did you make this delicious Bourbon Butter Grilled Corn recipe? We’d absolutely love to hear from you! Tag #byandreajanssen via Instagram! I always enjoy seeing your culinary creations and often share the most beautiful photos from my followers. Did you enjoy this recipe? Then please consider leaving a rating on the recipe card below! Your valuable feedback greatly assists both fellow home cooks and me.

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Andréa