20 Delicious Grilled Corn Toppings That Will Make You Smile Ear To Ear
Discover a world of flavors with these delicious grilled corn toppings that promise to elevate your next barbecue. From classic butter to adventurous combinations, each topping is designed to bring out the sweet, smoky essence of grilled corn. Dive into this list and find your new favorite way to enjoy an ear of corn.
1. Classic Butter & Sea Salt
The magic of simplicity lies in the classic pairing of butter and sea salt. Imagine biting into a perfectly grilled ear of corn, where the butter melts seamlessly, highlighting each kernel’s natural sweetness.
The coarse textures of sea salt not only enhance the flavor but also offer a delightful crunch. This timeless combination lets the smoky char of the grill shine, proving that simple doesn’t mean boring. Whether at a backyard barbecue or a family dinner, this pairing remains a favorite.
It’s a nod to nostalgia, yet eternally fresh and satisfying.
2. Garlic Herb Butter
Elevate your corn experience with garlic herb butter, a blend that promises more than just taste. Softened butter mingles with minced garlic, while parsley and chives lend a fresh, vibrant note.
As the butter melts into each kernel, the aroma is both inviting and comforting. This topping turns the ordinary into extraordinary, offering a gourmet twist that’s easy to love.
Perfect for those who crave a touch of elegance in their meals, it brings a sense of indulgence without overwhelming the natural sweetness of the corn.
3. Lime Mayo & Cotija (Mexican Street Corn Style)
Experience the vibrant flavors of Mexican street corn with lime mayo and cotija. The tangy mayo, infused with fresh lime juice, coats the corn, creating a creamy, zesty base.
Crumbled cotija cheese adds a salty, savory contrast that dances on your taste buds. This topping is a festival of flavors, each bite offering a burst of tangy, creamy, and salty notes.
It’s a crowd-pleaser, perfect for those who love bold, exciting tastes. Bring the festive spirit of a Mexican street fair to your own backyard with this delectable combination.
4. Chili Powder & Lime Juice
For those who crave a little heat, chili powder and lime juice offer a delightful kick. The earthy warmth of chili powder complements the sweetness of the corn, while a squeeze of lime juice adds a refreshing zip.
This combination is a symphony of flavors, each element enhancing the other. It’s the perfect topping for adventurous eaters who enjoy a bit of spice in their meals.
Ideal for sunny days and outdoor gatherings, this duo brings brightness and excitement to every bite.
5. Crumbled Feta & Fresh Mint
Transport your taste buds to the Mediterranean with crumbled feta and fresh mint. Salty feta cheese crumbles beautifully on the smoky charred corn, while mint leaves add a refreshing burst of flavor.
This topping is a dance of contrasts: salty, fresh, creamy, and cool. It’s perfect for light summer meals, offering a sophisticated yet approachable flavor profile.
The combination brings a new perspective to grilled corn, making it an elegant addition to any dining table.
6. Pesto & Grated Parmesan
Basil pesto and grated parmesan bring Italian flair to your corn on the cob. The vibrant green of the pesto lures you in, while the nutty, salty parmesan creates a rich, indulgent finish.
Each bite is a harmonious blend of basil, garlic, and cheese, turning simple grilled corn into a gourmet experience. This topping is a declaration of love for Italian cuisine, offering a fresh yet comforting taste.
Ideal for those who cherish bold flavors and aromatic herbs, it’s a delightful twist on a traditional favorite.
7. Hot Honey Drizzle
Sweet meets spicy with a hot honey drizzle. As the honey cascades over the grilled corn, it forms a glossy, enticing layer that teases the senses.
The gentle heat from the chili-infused honey complements the natural sweetness of the corn, creating a flavor profile that’s both unexpected and delightful.
It’s a treat for those who enjoy a little surprise in their meals, offering warmth and sweetness in perfect harmony. This topping is a testament to creativity and flavor exploration.
8. Sour Cream & Chives
Imagine a baked potato transformed into a grilled corn delight with sour cream and chives. The creaminess of the sour cream wraps each kernel in a luxurious layer, while the chives add a sharp, fresh contrast.
This combination is all about comfort and satisfaction, bringing familiar flavors to a new context. It’s perfect for those who love classic taste profiles with a twist.
Whether served at a casual lunch or an elegant dinner, this topping promises to please and delight.
9. Smoked Paprika & Olive Oil
Discover the smoky allure of smoked paprika and olive oil on grilled corn. The rich, earthy flavors of smoked paprika imbue the corn with a deep, savory taste that’s hard to resist.
Olive oil adds a smooth, fruity layer, balancing the intensity of the paprika. This topping is for those who appreciate bold, robust flavors that highlight the grill’s char.
Perfect for a cozy evening meal, it brings warmth and depth to every bite, making it a favorite among spice enthusiasts.
10. Ranch Dressing & Cheddar Shreds
Ranch dressing and cheddar shreds offer a low-effort, high-reward topping for grilled corn. The creamy tang of ranch dressing pairs effortlessly with the sharp, savory notes of cheddar cheese.
This combination is a hit among kids and adults alike, making it a great choice for family gatherings. It’s comfort food at its finest, offering a familiar yet exciting flavor experience.
Easy to prepare and delightful to eat, this topping is perfect for those who love cheesy, creamy textures on their corn.
11. Bacon Crumbles & Maple Butter
Indulgence takes center stage with bacon crumbles and maple butter. The salty crunch of bacon complements the sweet, velvety maple butter, creating a decadent flavor experience.
Each bite offers a delightful contrast between crispy and smooth, savory and sweet. This topping is a celebration of rich flavors, perfect for a special occasion or a treat-yourself moment.
It’s a favorite for those who appreciate the finer things in life, bringing joy and satisfaction to every kernel.
12. Sriracha Mayo & Scallions
Spice and creaminess collide with sriracha mayo and scallions. The fiery kick of sriracha mayo coats each kernel, offering a spicy contrast to the sweet grilled corn.
Scallions add a pop of color and a fresh, crisp note that elevates the overall taste. This topping is for thrill-seekers who love a bit of heat in their meals.
Bold and exciting, it’s a great choice for barbecue enthusiasts looking to spice up their corn experience.
13. Everything Bagel Seasoning
Turn your grilled corn into a crunchy, garlicky sensation with everything bagel seasoning. This unexpected topping brings a medley of flavors and textures, from sesame seeds to garlic flakes.
It’s a playful twist on a breakfast classic, offering a savory, slightly nutty taste that pairs beautifully with the corn’s sweetness. Perfect for adventurous eaters, this topping adds a delightful crunch and a burst of flavor.
It’s a unique, addictive way to enjoy your corn, bringing a touch of creativity to the table.
14. Avocado Crema & Lime Zest
Brighten your day with avocado crema and lime zest on grilled corn. The creamy avocado sauce envelops each kernel in a buttery embrace, while lime zest adds a citrusy pop.
This topping is a refreshing choice for those who love light, clean flavors with a hint of creaminess. It’s ideal for summer afternoons, bringing a cool, tropical vibe to your meal.
With its vibrant colors and flavors, this combination is as pleasing to the eye as it is to the palate.
15. Blue Cheese & Cracked Black Pepper
For those who love bold flavors, blue cheese and cracked black pepper are a match made in heaven. The tangy, creamy blue cheese pairs beautifully with the smoky corn, while black pepper adds a spicy kick.
This topping is a daring choice, perfect for those who enjoy rich, intense tastes. It serves as an excellent accompaniment to a hearty steak dinner, offering a sophisticated twist on traditional corn.
It’s a flavor adventure that promises to please the palate and ignite the senses.
16. Dijon Mustard & Honey Glaze
Sweet and tangy meet in this delightful topping of Dijon mustard and honey glaze. The mustard’s sharpness is tempered by the honey’s natural sweetness, creating a harmonious balance.
Each bite offers a playful contrast, with the glaze accentuating the corn’s smoky undertones. This topping is an elegant choice, perfect for those who enjoy a hint of sophistication in their meals.
It’s a reminder that great flavors often come from unexpected pairings, turning grilled corn into a gourmet delight.
17. Hummus & Smoked Salt
Venture into new culinary territory with hummus and smoked salt on your grilled corn. The creamy, earthy hummus provides a satisfying base, while smoked salt offers a unique depth of flavor.
This topping is perfect for those who appreciate Middle Eastern flavors and a touch of smoky allure. It’s an unexpected pairing that works beautifully, offering a savory, rich taste.
Ideal for a casual meal or a special gathering, it adds sophistication and intrigue to your corn experience.
18. Greek Yogurt, Dill & Cucumber
Freshness and lightness define this topping of Greek yogurt, dill, and cucumber. The yogurt’s creamy tang is amplified by the dill’s aromatic notes, while cucumber adds a crisp, refreshing element.
It’s like a tzatziki twist on grilled corn, bringing a taste of the Mediterranean to your table. Perfect for those who love fresh, vibrant flavors, this combination is both nutritious and satisfying.
With its cooling profile, it’s an excellent choice for hot summer days and al fresco dining.
19. Cajun Butter & Lemon
Spice up your corn with Cajun butter and lemon, a combination that promises a taste explosion. The Cajun spices infuse the butter with fiery warmth, while lemon adds a zesty zing.
This topping is for those who crave bold, exciting flavors that dance on the palate. It’s a lively choice for outdoor barbecues and family gatherings, offering a bit of southern charm.
With its vibrant and robust taste, this pairing is sure to awaken your senses and delight your taste buds.
20. Crushed Nacho Chips & Cheddar Sauce
Turn your corn into a fiesta with crushed nacho chips and cheddar sauce. The crunchy chips offer a playful contrast to the creamy cheddar sauce, bringing a touch of fun to your meal.
This topping is perfect for parties and casual gatherings, offering a taste of celebration with every bite. It’s a creative twist that transforms grilled corn into a flavor-packed snack.
Ideal for those who love a bit of crunch and cheese, it’s a delightful way to enjoy your corn.