Kentucky Bourbon Butter Grilled Corn

Introduction

If you’ve never tried grilling sweet corn with bourbon butter, you’re in for a treat. Grilling fresh corn on the Arteflame flat cooktop perfectly chars the outer kernels while keeping the inside juicy and full of flavor. The rich bourbon butter glaze adds a smoky sweetness that enhances the grill’s natural flavor. This Bluegrass-inspired dish will be the star of your next barbecue.

Ingredients

• 6 ears fresh sweet corn, husked
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 2 tbsp bourbon
• 1 tbsp brown sugar
• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Grill

1. Fire up the Arteflame grill by soaking three paper napkins in vegetable oil and placing them inside the grill.
2. Stack firewood over the soaked napkins and ignite the paper.
3. Wait about 20 minutes for the fire to establish a solid ember base and for the cooktop to heat up to grilling temperature.

Step 2: Prepare the Bourbon Butter

1. In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, bourbon, brown sugar, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
2. Set the mixture aside for basting.

Step 3: Grill the Corn

1. Place the corn directly on the flat cooktop griddle.
2. Rotate the corn every 3-4 minutes to achieve an even char. This should take about 12-15 minutes.
3. As the corn cooks, brush it occasionally with the bourbon butter mixture.

Step 4: Finish and Serve

1. Remove the grilled corn from the Arteflame cooktop once evenly charred and tender.
2. Brush with a final layer of bourbon butter.
3. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
4. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Tips

• For extra smokiness, use a hardwood like hickory or oak in the Arteflame fire.
• If you like spicier flavors, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the bourbon butter.
• Don't rush turning the corn—let it get a good sear before rotating.

Variations

1. Spicy Honey Bourbon Corn: Replace brown sugar with honey and add a pinch of cayenne for a sweet and spicy kick.
2. Garlic Herb Butter Corn: Substitute bourbon with garlic-infused butter and add chopped fresh thyme and rosemary.
3. Mexican Street Corn Style: After grilling, add a layer of crumbled cotija cheese, lime juice, and a sprinkle of Tajín seasoning.
4. Smoky BBQ Corn: Mix the butter with a tablespoon of your favorite BBQ sauce for a tangy, smoky flavor.
5. Cheddar Bacon Grilled Corn: Top hot corn with shredded sharp cheddar and crumbled crispy bacon.

Best Pairings

• Grilled ribeye steak with bourbon glaze
• Smoked brisket sliders
• Garlic butter shrimp skewers
• Sweet potato fries
• Kentucky bourbon lemonade

Conclusion

Grilling corn on the Arteflame gives it a deep, caramelized flavor that’s hard to beat. The smoldering fire and steel cooktop create the perfect sear while keeping the kernels juicy. With the rich bourbon butter glaze, this dish is a must-have at any Kentucky-inspired cookout.