Grilled South Dakota Corn with Chive Butter

Introduction

Fresh-picked South Dakota sweet corn is a summer staple, and when grilled to perfection on an Arteflame grill, it becomes the hero of your cookout. This recipe brings you a rich, smoky flavor enhanced by creamy chive-infused butter—all grilled without a single pot or pan. With the Arteflame’s solid steel cooktop, every bite caramelizes beautifully while soaking up that natural sweetness.

Ingredients

• 6 ears fresh South Dakota sweet corn, husks on
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3 tbsp chopped fresh chives
• 1/2 tsp sea salt
• 1/4 tsp freshly cracked black pepper
• 1 tsp lemon zest (optional, for brightness)

Instructions

Step 1: Fire Up the Arteflame Grill

1. Pour vegetable oil onto three paper napkins and place them in the center of the Arteflame grill.
2. Stack seasoned firewood over the napkins.
3. Light the napkins and allow the grill to come to temperature—about 20 minutes.

Step 2: Prep the Corn

1. Peel back but do not remove the husks on each ear of corn. Remove the silks from inside.
2. Fold the husks back over the corn and soak the cobs in water for 10 minutes to prevent burning.

Step 3: Make the Chive Butter

1. In a small bowl, mix the softened butter with chopped chives, salt, pepper, and lemon zest.
2. Set aside until ready to use. This can sit on the edge of the cooktop to gently warm.

Step 4: Grill the Corn

1. Place the soaked corn directly onto the flat griddle surface of the Arteflame, closer to the center for a richer sear.
2. Cook for 15–20 minutes, turning every 3–5 minutes to char all sides evenly.
3. Move corn to the outer edges if it begins to darken too quickly. The Arteflame’s heat zones help manage this perfectly.

Step 5: Serve

1. Carefully peel back the husks (they’ll be hot!) and slather the corn in chive butter.
2. Finish with a sprinkle of sea salt and an extra touch of chives if desired.

Tips

• Always grill corn with the husks on to trap moisture and infuse a natural smokiness.
• Let the butter sit on the cooktop’s outer edge to melt gently as you grill.
• A touch of lemon zest in the butter elevates the freshness.
• The Arteflame's flat griddle retains flavor while preventing burn—perfect for corn.

Variations

1. Parmesan Garlic Corn: Add 1/4 cup grated Parmesan and 1 minced garlic clove to the butter for a savory flavor.
2. Smoky Chipotle Corn: Mix finely chopped chipotle pepper and lime juice into the butter for a smoky-spicy twist.
3. Cilantro-Lime Corn: Use chopped cilantro and lime zest in place of chives for a southwestern kick.
4. Herb Garden Corn: Add a mix of finely chopped basil, thyme, and parsley with the butter for herbal depth.
5. Honey Butter Corn: Blend 1 tbsp of honey into the butter and omit the chives for a sweet-savory bite.

Best pairings

• Reverse-seared ribeye steak cooked on the Arteflame grill
• Grilled summer tomatoes and zucchini with herb butter
• Chilled rosé or farmhouse ale
• Rustic potato salad and a wedge of grilled lime for garnish

Conclusion

Grilled South Dakota sweet corn with chive butter is the ideal summer side—a simple yet powerful dish where the Arteflame grill shines. Its smokeless sear and large surface area let you cook everything evenly, mess-free and full of flavor. This is how corn is meant to be enjoyed—fresh, hot, and buttery!