Appetizers & Snacks

Garlic Roasted Sweet Corn Skewers

Garlic Roasted Sweet Corn Skewers are the perfect blend of rustic charm and bold flavor. Think golden corn kernels roasted to perfection, brushed with aromatic garlic butter, and finished with herbs and a touch of spice. These skewers bring the comforting flavors of backyard barbecues and summer fairs into a simple, everyday dish you can enjoy year-round.

These aren’t just ordinary corn cobs — the roasting deepens their natural sweetness, creating crispy edges and juicy bites with layers of smoky garlic goodness. Whether served as a snack, appetizer, or side dish, these skewers are always a crowd pleaser.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s incredibly versatile, packed with flavor, and so fun to eat. The combination of tender sweet corn with buttery garlic creates a taste that is both nostalgic and irresistible. It works perfectly for:

  • Grilling season
  • Parties and gatherings
  • Quick snack cravings
  • Elegant dinner sides

Best of all, it’s simple — yet feels gourmet.

Why You Must Try It

This recipe is worth trying because:

✔ It turns simple corn into a flavor-packed dish
✔ It requires minimal ingredients
✔ It works for vegetarian diets and can easily be made vegan
✔ It’s affordable, beginner-friendly, and impressive to serve
✔ The garlic butter enhances natural sweetness rather than overpowering it

If you love flavorful, comforting, and fun-to-eat food, this recipe is a must.

Recipe Details

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cooking Time: 20–25 minutes
  • Total Time: 30–35 minutes
  • Servings: 4
  • Calories: ~180–220 per serving
  • Course: Side Dish | Snack | Appetizer
  • Cuisine: American | Grilling/BBQ Inspired

Ingredients

For the Corn Skewers

  • 4 fresh sweet corn cobs (cut into 2–3 inch chunks)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Salt to taste
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper

Garlic Butter Glaze

  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter (or vegan butter)
  • 3–4 garlic cloves, minced
  • ½ teaspoon paprika (optional)
  • ½ teaspoon dried oregano or parsley
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • Additional salt to taste

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Prepare the Corn
    • Cut corn cobs into smaller pieces and pat dry.
    • Thread onto wooden or metal skewers.
  2. Season
    • Brush with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
  3. Roast or Grill
    • Oven: Roast at 400°F (200°C) for 18–22 minutes, flipping halfway.
    • Grill: Grill for 10–15 minutes over medium heat until charred and golden.
  4. Make Garlic Butter
    • Melt butter in a small saucepan.
    • Add minced garlic and cook on low until fragrant (about 1–2 min).
    • Stir in paprika, herbs, and lemon juice.
  5. Combine
    • Brush warm roasted corn generously with garlic butter.
  6. Optional Finish
    • Sprinkle fresh parsley, parmesan cheese, or extra chili flakes before serving.

How to Serve

Serve immediately while warm.

Perfect pairings:

  • Grilled meats or BBQ
  • Salads
  • Burgers
  • Pasta dishes
  • Summer cocktails
  • Lemon wedges for squeezing

Recipe Tips

  • Soak wooden skewers in water for 10 minutes if using a grill to prevent burning.
  • Don’t burn the garlic — it becomes bitter.
  • Use fresh corn for the juiciest results.
  • Brush garlic butter after cooking for best flavor absorption.

Variations

VariationDescription
Spicy FiestaAdd chili powder, Tajín, and lime juice for a Mexican street food vibe
Cheesy Corn SkewersSprinkle parmesan, cotija, or cheddar after brushing
Herb & LemonAdd basil, rosemary, or thyme instead of paprika
Asian FusionMix garlic butter with soy sauce, honey, and sesame seeds
VeganUse vegan butter and nutritional yeast instead of cheese

Storage & Freezing

  • Refrigerate: Store leftovers in airtight container for 2–3 days.
  • Reheat: Warm in oven or air fryer until crisp.
  • Freezing: Freeze cooked corn without butter for up to 2 months; thaw and brush with butter after reheating.

Special Equipment

  • Skewers (metal or wooden)
  • Oven or outdoor grill
  • Basting brush
  • Small saucepan (for garlic butter)

FAQ

Q: Can I use frozen corn?
Yes — thaw first and pat dry before grilling.

Q: Can I make this without skewers?
Yes — roast whole corn and brush afterward.

Q: Can I make it dairy-free?
Absolutely — substitute vegan butter.

Q: What if I don’t have fresh garlic?
Use ½ teaspoon garlic powder as a substitute.

Conclusion

Garlic Roasted Sweet Corn Skewers are simple, flavorful, and absolutely irresistible. They capture the joy of outdoor cooking, the comfort of warm buttery flavors, and the fun of finger food — all in one easy-to-make dish. Whether you’re hosting a summer cookout, planning a family dinner, or just craving something savory and satisfying, this recipe delivers every time.

Garlic Roasted Sweet Corn Skewers

Recipe by Rhonda AndersonCourse: AppetizersCuisine: ItalianDifficulty: Easy
Servings

4

servings
Prep time

10

minutes
Cooking time

20

minutes
Total time

30

minutes

Ingredients

  • For the Corn Skewers

  • 4 fresh sweet corn cobs (cut into 2–3 inch chunks)

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

  • Salt to taste

  • ½ teaspoon black pepper

  • Garlic Butter Glaze

  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter (or vegan butter)

  • 3–4 garlic cloves, minced

  • ½ teaspoon paprika (optional)

  • ½ teaspoon dried oregano or parsley

  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice

  • Additional salt to taste

Directions

  • Prepare the Corn : Cut corn cobs into smaller pieces and pat dry. Thread onto wooden or metal skewers.
  • Season : Brush with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
  • Roast or Grill : Oven: Roast at 400°F (200°C) for 18–22 minutes, flipping halfway. Grill: Grill for 10–15 minutes over medium heat until charred and golden.
  • Make Garlic Butter : Melt butter in a small saucepan. Add minced garlic and cook on low until fragrant (about 1–2 min). Stir in paprika, herbs, and lemon juice.
  • Combine : Brush warm roasted corn generously with garlic butter.
  • Optional Finish : Sprinkle fresh parsley, parmesan cheese, or extra chili flakes before serving.