Grilled Corn with Beer Butter: Charred, Buttery, and Brushed With Beer-Infused Flavor

Grilled Corn with Beer Butter is the kind of side dish that steals the show — fresh ears of corn grilled until smoky and sweet, then slathered in a warm, malty beer butter spiked with garlic, herbs, and just enough salt to keep you licking your fingers.

It’s backyard BBQ perfection, simple to make and impossible to stop eating.

Ingredients (Serves 4)

• 4 ears fresh corn, husks removed
• 1 tbsp oil (for brushing corn before grilling)
• Salt and pepper

Beer Butter

• ½ cup unsalted butter
• ¼ cup beer (amber ale, pale ale, or wheat beer — not too bitter)
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp chopped fresh herbs (parsley, chives, or thyme)
• ½ tsp smoked paprika or chili flakes (optional)
• Salt to taste
• Optional: squeeze of lime or lemon

Instructions

Step 1: Make the Beer Butter

1. In a small saucepan, melt butter over low heat.
2. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Stir in beer and simmer gently for 2–3 minutes to reduce slightly.
4. Add herbs, paprika or chili (if using), and a pinch of salt. Keep warm or set aside.

Step 2: Grill the Corn

1. Preheat grill to medium-high.
2. Brush corn lightly with oil and season with salt and pepper.
3. Grill 10–12 minutes, turning every few minutes, until charred in spots and tender.

Step 3: Brush With Beer Butter

1. As soon as the corn comes off the grill, brush generously with warm beer butter.
2. Serve with extra butter on the side, a sprinkle of herbs, or lime wedges for squeezing.

Flavor Variations

• Add grated Parmesan or cotija for a street corn vibe
• Sprinkle with smoked salt or crushed red pepper for heat
• Stir a spoonful of honey or brown sugar into the beer butter for a sweet glaze
• Top with fresh cilantro and lime zest for brightness

Beer Pairing

In the Butter

• Amber ale or wheat beer for smooth, malty support
• Pale ale for a hint of brightness
• Avoid IPAs — bitterness can get sharp in reduction

In Your Glass

• Same beer used in the butter
• Cream ale or blonde ale for a clean finish
• Vienna lager with smoky char and paprika
• Saison for a spicy-herbal match with garlic and herbs

Final Thoughts

Grilled Corn with Beer Butter is smoky, juicy, and full of flavor — the kind of simple upgrade that turns corn into a side worth fighting over. It’s buttery, beer-infused, and built for patios, fire pits, and chilled pints on the side.

Cheers to sweet corn, sizzling grills, and beer in every buttery bite! 🌽🍺🔥

Explore Our Top Cooking-with-Beer Recipes 🍺 🍺

From crispy beer-battered classics to bold mains, cheesy dips, breads, and even desserts — these roundups bring together the best of beer-infused cooking. Whether you’re hosting a game day, planning a backyard BBQ, or just experimenting in the kitchen, there’s a beer recipe collection for every craving.

• 🍽️ Cooking with Beer (Main Hub) – Your ultimate guide to cooking with beer, from mains to apps and desserts.
• 🥨 Beer-Battered Appetizers and Sides – – Crispy onion rings, fried pickles, mushrooms, zucchini, & more pub-style favorites with a golden beer crunch.
• 🍞 Beer Bread Recipes – From 2-ingredient quick breads to jalapeño cheese loaves.
• 🧀 Beer Cheese & Dips – Beer cheese soup, queso, nachos, ranch dip & more.
• 🍖 Beer Can Chicken & Grilled Mains – Bold, juicy recipes straight from the grill.
• 🌶️ Beer Infused Chili’s – Hearty, bold, and slow-simmered beer-infused chili.
• 🍻 Beer Mac & Cheese – Creamy, quick& easy, made to impress.
• 🍰 Beer-Infused Desserts & Sweets – Sweet treats made better with beer.
• 🎉 Oktoberfest & Seasonal Ideas – Perfect pairings for parties, fall feasts, and festive gatherings.