Gourmet Grilled Corn Topping Ideas for Your Summer BBQ

Madison
Jul 2
3 min read

Updated: 23 hours ago

We all love classic summer staples—but this year, let’s not phone it in. Grilled corn deserves more than a quick swipe of butter and a dash of salt. It’s got that smoky-charred potential, that juicy, sweet bite… it’s begging to be treated like the star it truly is.

So, we’re dressing it up. Think bold, global flavors and unexpected crunch. We’re talking miso butter with scallion confetti, hot honey drips over salty cotija, and shaved parmesan melting into truffle-kissed kernels. It’s still corn on the cob—but it’s extra in the best way possible.

Whether you’re hosting the backyard bash of the year or showing up with a dish that’ll dominate the group chat, these gourmet grilled corn combos are your new grill flex.

Warning: these cheesy grill hacks may cause extreme snacking and serious compliments.

Grill Like You Mean It

Start with fresh, in-season corn. Peel back the husks and remove the silk (or leave a bit of husk on for extra smoky flavor). Brush the ears lightly with avocado or olive oil. Grill over medium-high heat for 10–12 minutes, turning every few minutes until they’ve got golden char marks and the kernels are tender.

Once they’re hot off the grill, go wild with the toppings:

1. Miso Butter + Scallion + Toasted Sesame

This combo is buttery, umami-packed, and ultra-satisfying.

How to make it: Mash 2 tbsp of softened unsalted butter with 1 tbsp of white miso paste.
Top it off: Brush the hot corn generously with the miso butter, then sprinkle on thin-sliced scallions and toasted sesame seeds. Add a pinch of chili flakes if you want a little heat.

2. Hot Honey + Cotija + Lime Zest

Sweet, salty, tangy, and fiery—this one hits every taste bud.

How to make it: Warm up some hot honey (or mix regular honey with your favorite hot sauce).
Top it off: Drizzle over grilled corn, crumble a generous handful of cotija cheese on top (a salty, crumbly Mexican cheese), and finish with fresh lime zest and chopped cilantro.

3. Truffle Salt + Shaved Parmesan + Chives

Decadent and elegant, but still backyard-friendly.

How to make it: While the corn’s still warm, sprinkle with truffle salt (or a few drops of truffle oil if you're feeling bold).
Top it off: Add shaved Parmigiano-Reggiano—use a vegetable peeler for wide, melty ribbons—and a sprinkle of fresh snipped chives.

4. Smoked Paprika Aioli + Feta + Fresh Dill

Creamy, smoky, tangy, and fresh—this one’s a total hit.

How to make it: Whip up a quick aioli by mixing 1/4 cup mayo with 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1 clove of grated garlic, and a squeeze of lemon juice.
Top it off: Slather it on hot corn, then sprinkle with crumbled feta and freshly chopped dill. Optional: add a few pink pickled onions for contrast and zing.

5. Buffalo Sauce + Blue Cheese Crumbles + Celery Ribbons

All the flavor of wings—without the meat.

How to make it: Toss or brush your grilled corn with warm buffalo sauce (Frank’s RedHot is a classic).
Top it off: Add a few generous spoonfuls of crumbled blue cheese, then garnish with paper-thin celery ribbons (use a vegetable peeler).

6. Brown Butter + Maple Syrup + Flaky Salt

This one’s for the dessert-leaning foodies—and yes, it works.

How to make it: Brown 3 tbsp of unsalted butter in a saucepan until golden and nutty-smelling.
Top it off: Drizzle the brown butter and maple syrup over the corn, then sprinkle with a pinch of flaky sea salt (like Maldon).

Give Your Corn Main-Character Energy

This Fourth of July, let your corn do more than just show up. These gourmet combos are a chance to play, experiment, and impress. So light the grill, cue the playlist, and serve up something that sparks conversation (and, let’s be honest, a few Instagram stories).