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Flavorful Grilled Corn on the Cob Recipe with Cotija and Lime

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A quick and easy grilled corn on the cob recipe featuring smoky char, crumbly Cotija cheese, and fresh lime juice for a tangy, crowd-pleasing summer side dish.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 ears fresh corn on the cob, husks on
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
  • ½ cup Cotija cheese, crumbled
  • 2 fresh limes, juiced
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, finely chopped
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, freshly ground, to taste

Instructions

  1. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat, about 375°F to 450°F (190°C to 232°C).
  2. Gently peel back the husks without removing them entirely and remove the silk strands. Fold the husks back over the corn.
  3. Optional: Soak the corn in cold water for 15 minutes to prevent burning.
  4. Place the ears on the grill and cook for about 15-20 minutes, turning every 5 minutes until husks are dark brown and kernels are tender.
  5. While the corn cooks, mix softened butter, lime juice, chili powder, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl until smooth.
  6. Carefully peel back and discard the husks once the corn is cooked. Brush the lime butter generously over each ear while still hot.
  7. Sprinkle crumbled Cotija cheese and chopped cilantro evenly over the corn.
  8. Give one last squeeze of fresh lime over the top for extra zing.

Notes

Soaking the corn before grilling helps keep kernels juicy. Use softened butter for easy spreading. Fresh lime juice is preferred over bottled for best flavor. Keep a spray bottle handy to manage grill flare-ups. Variations include adding mayonnaise for a creamy texture or using dairy-free substitutes for a vegan version.

Nutrition

Keywords: grilled corn, cotija cheese, lime, summer side dish, barbecue, easy recipe, Mexican street corn