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Flavorful Grilled Corn on the Cob with Cotija Cheese and Lime

grilled corn on the cob - featured image

A quick and easy grilled corn on the cob recipe featuring smoky charred kernels, crumbly Cotija cheese, and a bright squeeze of fresh lime, perfect for summer BBQs and gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 ears fresh corn on the cob, husked
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter
  • ½ cup Cotija cheese, crumbled
  • 2 fresh limes, juiced (plus extra wedges for serving)
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder (optional)
  • ½ teaspoon ground cumin (optional)
  • Salt to taste
  • 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, finely chopped (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (around 400°F or 205°C), about 10 minutes.
  2. Husk the corn, removing all silk. Optionally soak ears in cold water for 10 minutes to prevent excessive charring.
  3. Brush each ear with olive oil or melted butter, turning to coat evenly. Season lightly with salt.
  4. Place corn directly on grill grates and cook for 10-12 minutes, turning every 2-3 minutes until golden brown with some char marks.
  5. While corn grills, combine crumbled Cotija cheese, chili powder, and cumin in a small bowl.
  6. Remove corn from grill and brush with a little more butter or oil if dry. Sprinkle generously with the cheese mixture and squeeze fresh lime juice over each ear.
  7. Garnish with chopped cilantro if desired, add lime wedges on the side, and serve hot.

Notes

Soaking corn before grilling helps prevent burning but is optional. Turn corn every 2-3 minutes for even cooking. Add cheese while corn is still warm for best adhesion. Fresh lime juice added last keeps brightness. For dairy-free, substitute vegan cheese or nutritional yeast and vegan butter. If no grill, use grill pan, cast iron skillet, or broil carefully.

Nutrition

Keywords: grilled corn, cotija cheese, lime, summer BBQ, easy side dish, Mexican corn, grilled vegetables