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Savory Brown Sugar Glazed Corn on the Cob Recipe Easy Butter Thyme Glaze

brown sugar glazed corn on the cob - featured image

A quick and easy recipe for corn on the cob glazed with a savory brown sugar butter and fresh thyme mixture, perfect for summer cookouts and weeknight dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 ears fresh corn on the cob, husked and cleaned
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar (light or dark)
  • 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves, finely chopped
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper (optional)
  • Zest from ½ lemon (optional)

Instructions

  1. Husk and clean 4 ears of fresh corn, removing all silk threads. Rinse under cold water and set aside.
  2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the corn and boil for 6–8 minutes until tender but still crisp. Alternatively, steam the corn for 7–10 minutes. If using a grill, parboil the corn for 4 minutes before grilling.
  3. While the corn cooks, combine 4 tablespoons softened unsalted butter, 2 tablespoons brown sugar, 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh thyme leaves, ½ teaspoon salt, and optional lemon zest in a small bowl. Whisk until smooth and creamy.
  4. Drain and pat the corn dry with a clean kitchen towel to help the glaze stick better.
  5. Using a basting brush or spoon, generously coat each ear with the brown sugar butter thyme mixture. Sprinkle freshly ground black pepper on top if desired.
  6. Optionally, place the glazed corn on a hot grill or grill pan for 2–3 minutes per side to caramelize the glaze and add smoky flavor. Watch closely to prevent burning.
  7. Transfer the glazed corn to a serving platter, garnish with fresh thyme sprigs if desired, and serve immediately while warm.

Notes

Use softened butter for a smooth glaze. Dry the corn thoroughly after cooking to help the glaze stick. If glaze thickens, microwave for 10 seconds to soften. Watch the corn closely when grilling to prevent burning the sugar glaze. Fresh thyme is preferred over dried for best flavor.

Nutrition

Keywords: corn on the cob, brown sugar glaze, butter thyme glaze, summer side dish, easy corn recipe, grilled corn, savory corn