Grilled Corn on the Cob with Smoky Chipotle Cream Sauce: Your Ultimate Summer BBQ Side Dish

Summer is synonymous with vibrant flavors, outdoor gatherings, and the irresistible sweetness of fresh corn on the cob. But what if you could elevate this classic barbecue staple from simply delicious to absolutely unforgettable? Enter our Grilled Corn on the Cob with Smoky Chipotle Cream Sauce – a dish so incredibly flavorful, it promises to be the star of your next cookout. This creamy, smoky, and perfectly spiced sauce transforms ordinary corn into an extraordinary culinary experience that will have everyone asking for the recipe. (Jump straight to the full recipe below!)

The Arrival of Summer Corn: A Season of Flavor and Anticipation

There’s nothing quite like the feeling of summer truly settling in. For many, that means longer days, warmer nights, and the highly anticipated arrival of fresh corn on the cob. It’s a culinary milestone that signals the start of casual outdoor dining and joyous gatherings. Even if your garden, like mine, is still nurturing tiny corn stalks that look like this, hinting at future harvests:

…you’ve undoubtedly seen those glorious bins overflowing with plump ears of corn at your local supermarket. While this early bounty often travels from sunnier southern climates, the sheer joy radiating from shoppers as they sift through the husks is palpable. We northerners, especially, have been eagerly awaiting the crisp freshness of summer vegetables, and this early corn is incredibly sweet and tender. While the idea of a “100-mile diet” is admirable, sometimes the craving for fresh, sweet corn is simply too strong to resist. So, until our local fields ripen and offer their own golden treasures, we eagerly embrace this trucked-in delight with absolute gusto.

Transforming Corn: The Magic of Grilling, Broiling, and Chipotle Cream

If you’ve never experienced the delight of grilled or broiled corn, you’re in for an absolute revelation. The high heat caramelizes the natural sugars in the corn, creating a depth of flavor that simply isn’t present in boiled corn. This cooking method imparts a subtle smokiness and a delicious char that elevates the corn’s inherent sweetness. Add to that a generous slathering of our creamy, smoky, and subtly spicy chipotle sauce, and your family and guests will be convinced you’re a culinary wizard. These delectable chunks of corn cobs have a way of disappearing almost instantly – faster than you can say “abracadabra!”

I recently served them to a group of friends for lunch, and despite everyone being quite full, each person kept reaching for “just one more” until the bowl was completely empty. Just last night, my family and I devoured five cobs prepared this way, and honestly, we probably would have eaten more if I’d made them! Even my husband, who often claims he can “take or leave corn on the cob,” enthusiastically ate eight pieces, savoring every bite. This incredible Chipotle Cream is a delicious spin on the sauce I use for my Mexican burgers – a perfect pairing for a summer barbecue!

For me, corn is undeniably one of my all-time favorite vegetables. While my ultimate guilty pleasure is munching on a raw cob, milky and sweet, right out of the garden, these chipotle-slathered grilled cobs come in at a very close second. They are a phenomenally tasty side dish, perfect for your next backyard barbecue, a casual weeknight dinner, or any summer gathering where you want to impress with minimal effort and maximum flavor. Prepare to make these a regular on your summer menu!

Expert Tips for Perfect Chipotle Cream Corn

Kitchen Frau Notes: Grilling corn imparts a fantastic char and smoky flavor, making it a crowd favorite. However, don’t fret if the weather isn’t cooperating or if you don’t have a grill! We’ve often faced unexpected thundershowers right at dinner time, and broiling corn yields equally perfect results. The roasted, slightly charred kernels offer a much more complex, sweet, and nutty flavor profile compared to simply boiled cobs. It’s a true game-changer that transforms a humble vegetable into a gourmet experience.

Make-Ahead & Versatility of Chipotle Cream

One of the best things about this recipe is the incredible versatility of the Chipotle Cream itself. Consider making a double batch while you’re at it! This ensures you’ll have extra on hand for another round of corn in a few days, or for other culinary adventures. Stored properly in a covered container in the fridge, it will keep beautifully for up to a week, allowing you to enjoy its delightful flavors throughout your busy week. Beyond corn, this creamy, spicy, and tangy sauce is absolutely fantastic slathered onto a juicy burger, dolloped onto a baked potato, used as a vibrant spread for sandwiches, or even as a unique dip for fresh vegetables. For easier meal preparation or when entertaining guests, whip up the Chipotle Cream several hours or even a full day ahead of time and keep it chilled in the refrigerator until you’re ready to use it. This small step can significantly reduce stress and allow you more time to enjoy your company and the summer festivities.

Serving Suggestions for Effortless Enjoyment

Cutting the cooked corn cobs into smaller, manageable pieces before serving is a brilliant trick that elevates the dining experience. It makes them much easier for your guests to eat, especially in a casual BBQ setting, eliminating awkward bites and messy fingers. These bite-sized portions are less cumbersome and incredibly appealing, turning a simple side dish into a delightful finger food that encourages everyone to keep coming back for “just one more.” This small presentation detail can make a big difference in how your dish is enjoyed.

Recipe: Grilled (or Broiled) Corn on the Cob Slathered with Chipotle Cream

Ingredients:

• 4 to 5 ears of fresh corn on the cob, ideally in season
• 1-2 tablespoons high-quality olive oil
• A generous pinch of sea salt or kosher salt

For the Irresistible Chipotle Cream Sauce:

• ¼ cup (60ml) good quality mayonnaise (real mayonnaise works best for texture and flavor)
• ¼ cup (approximately 2 oz or 60g) cream cheese, softened to room temperature (about ¼ of a standard 250g block)
• 1 tablespoon finely grated fresh onion (use a microplane for best results)
• ¼ teaspoon ground chipotle pepper (start with this amount and adjust to your preferred spice level)
• 1 tablespoon fresh-squeezed lime juice (key for brightness and balance)

Instructions:

1. Prepare Your Cooking Method:

• If grilling: Preheat your barbecue grill to a medium-high heat setting. It’s crucial to ensure the grates are clean and lightly oiled to prevent sticking and achieve those beautiful grill marks.
• If broiling: Preheat your oven to the broil setting. Position an oven rack so that the tops of your corn cobs will be approximately 3 to 4 inches away from the heating element. (On most ovens, this is typically the second rack position from the top.) Line a sturdy baking sheet with aluminum foil for easy cleanup and to catch any drips.

2. Prepare the Corn:

• Carefully shuck the corn cobs, removing all the husks and silk. It’s important to get rid of all the silk for the best eating experience.
• If possible, try to leave a small portion of the stem intact; these make excellent natural handles for easy turning, oiling, and slathering the corn.
• Brush each ear of shucked corn generously with olive oil, ensuring an even coating over all kernels. This step helps with charring, prevents the corn from drying out, and ensures a beautiful golden finish.
• Lightly sprinkle each oiled cob with a pinch of salt, enhancing its natural sweetness.

3. Cook the Corn to Perfection:

• For grilling: Place the prepared corn cobs directly onto the preheated barbecue grill.
• For broiling: Arrange the prepared corn cobs on the foil-covered cookie sheet.
• Cook the corn, turning the cobs frequently (every 3-5 minutes), until all sides are nicely roasted and exhibit enticing dark brown, slightly charred spots. This caramelization is key to the complex flavor. This process usually takes anywhere from 10 to 20 minutes, depending on the intensity of your grill or broiler and the distance from the heat source.
• Important Note: When broiling, always keep a close eye on the corn to prevent burning, as ovens can vary widely. Setting an oven timer for 5-minute intervals can be very helpful as a reminder to turn them. If you’re barbecuing, assigning someone to “corn duty” (perhaps with a refreshing cold drink in hand!) ensures perfect results and allows you to socialize.

4. Prepare the Chipotle Cream Sauce:

• While the corn is cooking (or well in advance, as per the make-ahead tip above), prepare your Chipotle Cream. Ensure your cream cheese is softened to room temperature. This can be achieved by leaving it out for about an hour or by microwaving it briefly for 10-15 seconds. Softened cream cheese blends much more smoothly.
• In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and mayonnaise. Whisk them together thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and creamy, with no lumps. A rubber spatula can help scrape down the sides of the bowl.
• Using the fine holes of a grater or a microplane, grate the raw onion and measure out exactly one tablespoon. This fine grating ensures the onion flavor is evenly distributed without large pieces.
• Add the grated onion, ground chipotle pepper, and fresh lime juice to the cream cheese mixture. Whisk everything together until fully incorporated and the sauce is uniformly smooth, fragrant, and perfectly balanced in flavor. Taste and adjust chipotle or lime if desired.
• Keep the Chipotle Cream refrigerated, covered, until you are ready to apply it to the hot corn.

5. Slather and Serve:

• Once the corn cobs are perfectly roasted and browned in spots, immediately and generously slather each one with the prepared Chipotle Cream. Use a small spoon to dollop the cream onto the cob, then the back of the spoon to spread it evenly all around the kernels, ensuring every bite gets a taste of this amazing sauce.
• To hold the hot cob comfortably while slathering, use the intact stem as a convenient “handle,” or carefully stick a sturdy fork into the thick end of the cob. Alternatively, a clean kitchen towel or pot holder works perfectly to protect your hands.

• For easier serving and enjoyment, lay one coated cob at a time onto a sturdy cutting board. Using a large chef’s knife or a cleaver, carefully cut each cob into 3 or 4 bite-sized pieces. This makes them perfect for sharing and less messy to eat. Arrange them beautifully on a platter and watch them disappear before your eyes!

This recipe generously serves 4 to 5 people as a delightful side dish, or if your family is anything like ours, it might just serve 3 very happy individuals who can’t get enough of this incredible flavor combination!

Guten Appetit! (Enjoy your meal!)

There’s something truly special about sharing a meal that brings so much joy and flavor to the table. This Chipotle Cream Corn is more than just a side; it’s a celebration of summer, good company, and simple, delicious food made extraordinary. We hope you and your loved ones enjoy every creamy, smoky, and sweet bite!

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You might also like these other sensational summer recipes perfect for your next barbecue or family dinner:

Wine and Cheese Hamburgers for Barbecue Season

Mexican Burgers with Smoky Chipotle Sauce

Herb-Stuffed Barbecued Pork Chops

Homemade Red Wine Barbecue Sauce

Fish Tacos – Crispy and Flavourful