Golden Oven-Roasted Corn on the Cob
Experience the sweet, buttery flavor of freshly roasted corn on the cob with this incredibly simple yet satisfying recipe. Each ear of corn is generously coated in softened butter, wrapped in foil, and roasted to juicy perfection in the oven. The high heat enhances the natural sweetness of the corn, making it a delightful side dish or snack. Feel free to customize it with your favorite seasonings, like garlic powder, paprika, or grated Parmesan for an extra kick of flavor.
4
Servings
N/A
Calories
2
Ingredients
Ingredients
corn
4 (ears, husked and silks removed)
butter
2 (tablespoons, softened)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C).
2
Carefully remove the husks and silks from each ear of corn.
3
In a small bowl, mix the softened butter until creamy. Use a brush or your hands to apply a generous layer of butter to each ear of corn.
4
Wrap each buttered ear of corn tightly in aluminum foil to seal in moisture.
5
Place the wrapped corn on a cookie sheet to catch any drips and transfer to the preheated oven.
6
Roast the corn for 20 to 25 minutes, or until tender. For extra caramelization, you can unwrap the corn for the last 5 minutes of cooking.
7
Carefully unwrap the foil, being cautious of the hot steam. Enjoy your corn hot, with additional butter and your favorite seasonings.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best oven temperature for roasting corn on the cob?
The ideal temperature for oven-roasting corn on the cob is 450°F (230°C) to ensure it stays juicy while developing a sweet flavor.
How long does it take to roast corn in the oven?
It typically takes 20 to 25 minutes to roast corn in the oven until it is tender.
Do I need to remove the husks before roasting?
Yes, for this recipe, you should carefully remove both the husks and the silks from each ear of corn before buttering and wrapping.
Why should I wrap the corn in aluminum foil?
Wrapping the corn tightly in foil helps seal in the moisture and the butter, allowing the corn to steam and roast simultaneously.
How much butter is needed for four ears of corn?
The recipe calls for 2 tablespoons of softened butter to generously coat four ears of corn.
Can I get caramelization on oven-roasted corn?
Yes, for extra caramelization, you can unwrap the foil for the last 5 minutes of the cooking time.
What seasonings go well with roasted corn?
Common seasonings include garlic powder, paprika, salt, pepper, or even grated Parmesan cheese.
Is it necessary to use a cookie sheet?
Using a cookie sheet is recommended to catch any potential butter drips and to make transferring the corn in and out of the oven easier.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Yes, you can easily make this vegan by substituting the butter with a plant-based butter alternative or olive oil.
How do I know when the corn is finished cooking?
The corn is done when the kernels are tender and juicy, which usually happens after about 20-25 minutes at 450°F.
Should the butter be melted or softened?
The butter should be softened until creamy so that it can be easily brushed or spread onto the corn.
Can I prepare the corn ahead of time?
Yes, you can husk, silk, and butter the corn, then wrap it in foil and keep it refrigerated until you are ready to roast.
How do I remove the silks from the corn easily?
After removing the husks, you can use a damp paper towel or a soft-bristled brush to gently rub the ear of corn to remove the remaining silks.
What is the serving size for this recipe?
This recipe is designed for 4 servings, which typically equates to one ear of corn per person.
Can I roast more than 4 ears at once?
Yes, you can roast as many ears as will fit on your cookie sheet in a single layer, as long as they are wrapped individually.
Is this recipe suitable for a BBQ?
While this is an oven recipe, it is considered a BBQ favorite side dish and the foil-wrapped corn can also be cooked on a grill.
Does the foil need to be wrapped tightly?
Yes, wrapping the foil tightly ensures the steam stays inside, preventing the corn from drying out in the high heat.
Can I use salted butter?
Yes, salted butter works perfectly well and adds a nice foundational flavor to the corn.
Is this a healthy side dish?
Corn is a nutritious vegetable providing fiber, though the overall health profile will depend on the amount of butter and salt added.
Can I add herbs to the butter?
Absolutely, mixing chopped parsley, chives, or cilantro into the softened butter is a great way to add more flavor.
What if I don't have aluminum foil?
If you don't have foil, the corn will roast differently and may become drier or charred; foil is essential for the 'juicy perfection' described.
How should I store leftovers?
Leftover corn should be removed from the foil and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
How do I reheat roasted corn on the cob?
You can reheat it in the microwave for about 1-2 minutes or wrap it in foil and place it in a 350°F oven until warmed through.
Can I use frozen corn on the cob?
Yes, but you should thaw it completely and pat it dry before applying the butter for the best results.
Is it okay to use a higher or lower temperature?
450°F is recommended for a quick roast that enhances sweetness; lower temperatures will require significantly longer cooking times.
What type of corn is best for roasting?
Sweet corn varieties, such as yellow, white, or bi-color corn, are the best choices for oven roasting.
Can I use a brush to apply the butter?
Yes, a pastry brush is an excellent tool for applying a generous and even layer of butter to the kernels.
Does the corn need to be washed?
It is a good idea to rinse the corn after removing the silks to ensure it is clean before buttering.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, corn and butter are naturally gluten-free ingredients.
Can I roast the corn with the husks on?
While some recipes allow for roasting in the husk, this specific recipe requires removing them to apply butter directly to the kernels.