Smoky South Carolina Grilled Corn with Carolina Gold Butter

There is something undeniable about the combination of sweet summer corn and the tangy, savory punch of South Carolina mustard sauce. This recipe for South Carolina Grilled Corn with Carolina Gold Butter brings the lowcountry right to your backyard. Unlike traditional butter-slathered corn, this version uses a mustard-based compound butter that caramelizes beautifully on the high heat of an Arteflame grill. The sugar in the sauce chars slightly, creating a complex flavor profile that balances sweetness, acidity, and heat. Whether you are hosting a large backyard barbecue or looking for a unique side dish to elevate a weeknight dinner, this corn delivers a golden, smoky experience that pays homage to one of the South's most beloved BBQ traditions. Get ready to rethink how you eat corn on the cob.

Ingredients

The Corn

• 6 to 8 ears of fresh sweet corn, husks and silk completely removed
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil or melted lard (for coating the corn before grilling)
• Kosher salt to taste

Carolina Gold Butter

• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
• 3 tablespoons yellow mustard (quality matters here)
• 1 tablespoon honey or brown sugar
• 2 teaspoons apple cider vinegar
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust for spice preference)
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• Fresh cracked black pepper to taste
• Chopped fresh parsley or chives for garnish

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Carolina Gold Butter

1. In a medium mixing bowl, combine the softened butter, yellow mustard, honey, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, and garlic powder.
2. Use a fork or a hand mixer to whip the ingredients together until fully incorporated and the mixture is a uniform golden yellow color.
3. Taste and season with a pinch of salt and black pepper if needed. Set aside at room temperature so it remains spreadable.

Step 2: Fire Up the Arteflame Grill

1. Build a medium-hot fire in the center of your Arteflame grill. You want the flat cooktop griddle to reach a searing temperature, ideally between 400°F and 450°F.
2. Wipe down the cooktop with a thin layer of oil to ensure a non-stick surface and to help conduct heat to the corn kernels.

Step 3: Sear the Corn

1. Lightly brush the husked corn ears with vegetable oil and sprinkle generously with kosher salt.
2. Place the corn directly onto the flat steel cooktop. Do not place them over the open center flame immediately, as you want to roast them, not incinerate them.
3. Roll the corn occasionally, allowing the kernels to turn a deep golden brown with spots of char. This process should take about 10 to 12 minutes depending on the heat of your fire.

Step 4: Baste and Finish

1. Once the corn is tender and charred to your liking, move the ears to the outer edge of the cooktop where the heat is lower.
2. Generously brush the Carolina Gold Butter over every inch of the corn. Let it sit on the grill for another minute, allowing the butter to melt into the crevices and the sugars in the honey to caramelize slightly.
3. Remove from the grill immediately to prevent the mustard from burning.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

1. Transfer the corn to a serving platter.
2. Slather any remaining compound butter over the top of the hot corn.
3. Sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley or chives for a pop of color and freshness. Serve immediately while piping hot.

Tips

To master this South Carolina grilled corn, temperature control is everything. The beauty of the Arteflame grill is the different heat zones; start searing closer to the center to get that attractive char, but move the corn to the cooler outer rings when you apply the butter. Mustard and honey can burn quickly if left over high heat for too long, turning bitter rather than caramelized. If you are prepping ahead of time, you can make the Carolina Gold butter up to a week in advance and store it in the refrigerator; just be sure to pull it out an hour before grilling so it is soft enough to melt instantly over the roasted corn. For the freshest taste, buy corn still in the husk and shuck it just before cooking to preserve the moisture in the kernels.

Variations

While the classic Carolina Gold profile is tangy and sweet, you can easily tweak this recipe to suit different palates without losing its Southern soul. These variations utilize the same grilling method but alter the compound butter slightly to shift the flavor profile. Here are a few ways to mix it up:

• The Spicy Lowcountry: Double the cayenne pepper and add a teaspoon of hot sauce to the butter for a fiery kick that cuts through the sweetness of the corn.
• Savory Herb Gold: Fold in a tablespoon of finely minced fresh rosemary and thyme into the mustard butter for an earthier, more aromatic finish.
• Carolina Cheesy Corn: After basting with the gold butter, roll the hot corn in grated Parmesan or Pecorino Romano cheese for a fusion of Southern BBQ and street corn styles.
• Bacon Crunch: Crumble crispy cooked bacon over the buttered corn just before serving to add a salty, crunchy texture that pairs perfectly with the mustard.
• Maple Mustard: Swap the honey for pure maple syrup and add a pinch of cinnamon for a version that leans into autumn flavors.

Best pairings

South Carolina Grilled Corn is a bold side dish that demands robust main courses. Because the flavor profile is tangy and acidic, it cuts through rich, fatty meats beautifully. It is naturally at home next to slow-smoked pulled pork, where the mustard butter complements the vinegar-based BBQ sauces often served with pork. It also pairs exceptionally well with grilled pork chops or sticky ribs, providing a bright contrast to heavy marinades. For a seafood twist, serve this alongside a Lowcountry boil or grilled shrimp skewers; the mustard acts as a zesty bridge between the sweet seafood and the char of the grill. Drink-wise, an ice-cold sweet tea or a crisp pilsner beer helps cleanse the palate between bites of the rich, buttery corn.

Conclusion

This South Carolina Grilled Corn recipe is more than just a side dish; it is a conversation starter that brings the distinct flavors of the Golden BBQ Belt to your table. The unique combination of sharp yellow mustard, sweet honey, and rich butter creates a glaze that transforms humble sweet corn into a gourmet experience. By utilizing the Arteflame grill, you achieve that coveted wood-fired flavor that oven-roasting simply cannot replicate. Whether you are a die-hard fan of mustard-based BBQ or simply looking to expand your grilling repertoire, this recipe is guaranteed to become a summer staple. Fire up the grill, whip up that gold butter, and enjoy a taste of Southern hospitality.