If you’re craving a snack that’s bursting with bold flavors and easy to whip up, Grilled Buffalo Corn is exactly what you need. This irresistible treat combines the smoky char of grilled corn with the spicy, tangy punch of buffalo sauce, creating a mouthwatering mix that’s perfect for summer barbecues, game days, or even a quick weeknight snack. Packed with layers of flavor and just the right amount of heat, Grilled Buffalo Corn is sure to become your new go-to snack that everyone will rave about.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Satisfyingly spicy: The buffalo sauce adds a zesty kick that wakes up your taste buds and keeps you coming back for more.
- Quick and easy: Grilling the corn requires minimal prep and cook time, making it perfect for busy days or last-minute cravings.
- Perfectly smoky: Char-grilling brings out the natural sweetness of the corn and blends beautifully with the bold buffalo flavor.
- Customizable: You can easily adjust the spice level or add toppings like cheese or herbs to suit your preferences.
- Great for gatherings: This snack is a crowd-pleaser that’s simple to make in batches and share with friends and family.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe relies on a handful of straightforward, everyday ingredients that pack a ton of flavor. Each one plays an essential role in balancing spice, smokiness, and richness to deliver that perfect bite of Grilled Buffalo Corn.
- Fresh corn on the cob: Choose firm, bright yellow ears for the sweetest, juiciest base.
- Buffalo sauce: A spicy and tangy hot sauce combined with butter brings that signature buffalo flavor.
- Butter: Adds smooth richness that mellows the heat and helps the sauce cling to the corn.
- Garlic powder: A pinch enhances the savory taste without overpowering the buffalo sauce.
- Salt and pepper: Essential to season and lift all the other flavors.
- Chopped fresh parsley or cilantro: Optional, but it adds a pop of color and a fresh herbal note.
- Grated Parmesan or crumbled blue cheese: Perfect optional toppings for added creaminess and depth.
Variations for Grilled Buffalo Corn
Feel free to make this recipe your own — it’s incredibly versatile! Whether you want to tone down the heat or boost the flavor, these tweaks can help you customize Grilled Buffalo Corn to your liking.
- Mild version: Use a milder hot sauce or reduce the buffalo sauce amount for a gentler kick.
- Cheesy twist: Add crumbled blue cheese or shredded cheddar for that classic buffalo chicken wing vibe.
- Veggie boost: Top with sliced jalapeños, chopped green onions, or diced bell peppers for extra crunch and color.
- Vegan swap: Replace butter with a plant-based spread and use a vegan buffalo sauce to keep it dairy-free.
- Smoky maple glaze: Mix a bit of pure maple syrup into the buffalo sauce for a sweet and smoky combo that’s out of this world.
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How to Make Grilled Buffalo Corn
Step 1: Prepare the corn
Start by husking the corn and removing all the silk threads. Rinse each ear to get rid of any lingering silk bits, then pat dry with a clean towel for the best grilling results.
Step 2: Make the buffalo butter sauce
In a small saucepan or microwave-safe bowl, melt the butter and stir in the buffalo sauce, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well until smooth and fully combined to create a spicy, buttery glaze.
Step 3: Preheat your grill
Heat your grill to medium-high, around 375 to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. This temperature allows the corn to get a nice char without burning quickly.
Step 4: Grill the corn
Place the corn directly on the grill grates and cook for about 10 to 12 minutes, turning every 2-3 minutes to ensure even charring on all sides. You want those classic grill marks and a bit of smoky crunch.
Step 5: Brush with buffalo butter
As soon as you remove the corn from the grill, brush it generously with the buffalo butter sauce while it’s still hot. Coat every inch so each bite is full of flavor.
Step 6: Add toppings and serve
If you’re using toppings like cheese or herbs, sprinkle them on right after brushing the sauce. Serve immediately to enjoy the corn at its juiciest and most flavorful.
Pro Tips for Making Grilled Buffalo Corn
- Choose fresh corn: The sweeter and fresher the corn, the better the final result will be.
- Don’t skip drying the corn: Dry corn grills more evenly and gets those gorgeous char marks faster.
- Apply sauce while hot: Brushing the buffalo butter immediately after grilling helps it soak into the kernels for maximum flavor.
- Use tongs for turning: This prevents the corn from slipping and keeps it from getting bruised.
- Experiment with grill marks: Don’t be afraid to let the corn get a little extra char for added smoky texture.
How to Serve Grilled Buffalo Corn
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro add a delightful pop of green and fresh flavor contrast to the spicy, smoky corn. A sprinkle of grated Parmesan or crumbled blue cheese adds creamy richness that complements the buffalo sauce perfectly.
Side Dishes
Grilled Buffalo Corn pairs amazingly well with light salads, grilled chicken, or roasted veggies, balancing out the heat with refreshing or savory elements for a well-rounded meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the corn on a rustic wooden board dotted with extra buffalo sauce for dipping, or cut the kernels off the cob and toss them into a spicy corn salad for a fun twist. Wrap each ear in foil to keep warm at a picnic or party.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover Grilled Buffalo Corn in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2 days. Reapply a bit of buffalo sauce before reheating to refresh the flavor.
Freezing
While freezing grilled corn is possible, it’s not ideal for texture. If you must freeze, remove the kernels from the cob, spread them on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 1 month.
Reheating
Warm leftover corn on the grill or in the oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes, brushing again with buffalo butter to revive the taste and moisture.
FAQs
Can I make Grilled Buffalo Corn without a grill?
Absolutely! Use a grill pan or broil the corn in the oven, turning frequently until charred, then brush with the buffalo butter sauce as usual.
Is the recipe spicy? Can I make it milder?
The spicy level depends on the buffalo sauce used, but you can easily tone it down by reducing the sauce amount or choosing a milder hot sauce.
Can I prepare Grilled Buffalo Corn vegan?
Yes, just swap out the butter for a plant-based alternative and use a vegan-friendly buffalo sauce to make this snack completely dairy-free.
How long does it take to grill the corn?
It usually takes about 10 to 12 minutes on a medium-high grill, turning every few minutes to get an even char and perfect smoky flavor.
What toppings go well with Grilled Buffalo Corn?
Some favorites are crumbled blue cheese, shredded cheddar, chopped fresh herbs, sliced jalapeños, or a drizzle of ranch or blue cheese dressing.
Final Thoughts
Grilled Buffalo Corn is more than just a snack—it’s a celebration of bold, smoky, and spicy flavors that’s incredibly easy to make and irresistible to eat. Whether you’re serving it at a casual get-together or craving something quick and satisfying, this recipe hits all the right notes. Give it a try, and I guarantee it will become a favorite that lights up your taste buds every time!
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Grilled Buffalo Corn
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Grilled Buffalo Corn is a bold and flavorful snack combining smoky grilled corn with spicy, tangy buffalo butter sauce. Easy to prepare and customizable, it’s perfect for summer barbecues, game days, or quick snacks. The smoky char of fresh corn blends beautifully with the zesty buffalo glaze, making it an addictive treat that can be tailored with optional toppings and variations.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 4 ears fresh corn on the cob, husked and silk removed
- 1/4 cup buffalo sauce
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Optional Toppings
- Chopped fresh parsley or cilantro, for garnish
- Grated Parmesan cheese or crumbled blue cheese
- Sliced jalapeños, chopped green onions, or diced bell peppers (for veggie boost)
Variations
- Use milder hot sauce to reduce spice
- Plant-based butter and vegan buffalo sauce for a vegan version
- Add pure maple syrup to buffalo sauce for smoky maple glaze
- Add shredded cheddar or crumbled blue cheese for cheesy twist
Instructions
- Prepare the corn: Husk the corn and remove all silk threads. Rinse each ear to eliminate any remaining silk, then pat dry thoroughly with a clean towel for best grilling results.
- Make the buffalo butter sauce: In a small saucepan or microwave-safe bowl, melt the butter. Stir in the buffalo sauce, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until the mixture is smooth and fully combined, creating a spicy buttery glaze.
- Preheat your grill: Heat the grill to medium-high, approximately 375 to 400 degrees Fahrenheit, to achieve a nice char without burning.
- Grill the corn: Place the corn directly on the grill grates. Cook for 10 to 12 minutes, turning every 2 to 3 minutes, until all sides have even char marks and a smoky crunch develops.
- Brush with buffalo butter: Remove the hot corn from the grill and immediately brush generously with the prepared buffalo butter sauce, coating all surfaces for maximum flavor penetration.
- Add toppings and serve: Sprinkle on optional toppings such as fresh herbs or cheese right after saucing. Serve the corn immediately for the best taste and juiciness.
Notes
- Choose fresh, sweet corn for the best flavor and juiciness.
- Drying the corn after rinsing helps achieve better grill marks and even cooking.
- Brushing the corn with sauce while hot ensures deeper flavor absorption.
- Use tongs to turn corn on the grill to avoid bruising or slipping.
- Don’t hesitate to let the corn develop extra char for added smoky texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ear
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg