Oven Roasted Corn

Oven Roasted Corn is an incredibly simple yet delicious side dish that captures the essence of summer with sweet, caramelized kernels and a slightly smoky flavor—all without needing a grill. Roasting corn in the oven brings out its natural sugars and creates a golden, tender bite that complements nearly any main course.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• No grill required—roast indoors anytime
• Intensifies the corn’s natural sweetness
• Quick prep and hands-off cooking
• Perfect as a side, salad add-in, or taco topping
• Easily customizable with your favorite seasonings or toppings

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Fresh ears of corn, husked
• Butter or olive oil
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Optional: garlic powder, paprika, chili powder, grated parmesan, or fresh herbs

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Line a baking sheet with foil or parchment paper.
3. Place husked corn on the sheet and brush with melted butter or olive oil.
4. Season with salt, pepper, and any additional spices you like.
5. Roast in the oven for 25–30 minutes, turning halfway through, until corn is golden and slightly browned.
6. Remove and serve hot, optionally topping with more butter or grated cheese.

Servings and timing

Servings: 4
Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 25–30 minutes
Total time: 30–35 minutes

Variations

• Add a sprinkle of chili powder and lime for a Mexican-inspired twist
• Top with cotija cheese and cilantro for elote-style corn
• Use smoked paprika for a deep, earthy flavor
• Brush with garlic butter for added richness
• Slice kernels off and toss into salads or pasta dishes

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store leftover corn in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 10 minutes or microwave on high for 1–2 minutes, wrapped in a damp paper towel to retain moisture.

FAQs

Can I roast corn in the oven with the husk on?

Yes, roasting with the husk on steams the corn and adds a slightly different flavor. Simply soak the corn first and bake it whole.

Should I use fresh or frozen corn?

Fresh corn is ideal for oven roasting, but you can also roast frozen corn kernels on a baking sheet.

Can I use foil when roasting?

Yes, foil helps with cleanup and can be wrapped around each cob for a steamed-roasted effect.

Do I need to boil the corn first?

No pre-boiling is necessary; oven roasting fully cooks the corn and adds flavor.

What temperature is best for roasting corn?

400°F (200°C) is perfect for achieving caramelization without drying out the corn.

How do I know when the corn is done?

It will be golden, slightly browned in spots, and tender when pierced with a fork.

What’s the best way to season oven roasted corn?

Simple salt and pepper work well, but you can also add herbs, spices, cheese, or lime juice.

Can I cook the corn ahead of time?

Yes, you can roast it earlier in the day and reheat before serving.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, oven roasted corn is naturally gluten-free—just check any toppings you add.

Can I use a convection oven?

Absolutely. Just reduce the cooking time slightly and monitor for browning.

Conclusion

Oven Roasted Corn is a flavorful, low-effort side dish that transforms basic corn into something truly special. Whether you’re serving it straight off the cob or cutting it into salads, tacos, or pastas, this method guarantees delicious results every time. Give it a try and make it your go-to method when grilling isn’t an option.

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