How to Cook Corn on the Cob in the Oven: 7 Flavorful Recipes

I. Introduction

Cooking corn on the cob in the oven can be a bit tricky. It’s easy to overcook or undercook it, leaving you with either mushy or hard corn. But with the right preparation and cooking methods, you can achieve oven-roasted corn perfection every time. This article aims to provide you with different ways to make corn on the cob in the oven, featuring seven flavorful recipes that will elevate your corn game.

II. Basic Recipe

Before we dive into the flavorful variations of oven-roasted corn, let’s start with the basic recipe:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F.
2. Peel off the husk and silks from the corn.
3. Rub each ear of corn with a little olive oil or butter.
4. Sprinkle some salt and pepper over the corn.
5. Place the corn on a baking sheet and bake for 30 minutes.
6. Flip the corn and bake for another 10-15 minutes until it’s tender and slightly golden on the edges.
7. Serve hot with more butter and seasoning if desired.

When preparing the corn, make sure to remove the silks as much as possible to prevent them from burning in the oven. Additionally, you can experiment with different herb and spice blends to customize the flavors to your liking.

III. Spiced up Corn

If you’re looking to add more flavor to your corn, spices are a great way to go. Here’s a recipe for spiced up corn on the cob:

1. Follow the basic recipe above but instead of salt and pepper, use a blend of chili powder, garlic powder, paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper.
2. After rubbing the corn with oil and seasoning, wrap each ear of corn in foil.
3. Bake in the oven for 30-40 minutes or until tender.
4. Unwrap the corn and serve hot with more seasoning or chopped cilantro on top.

When using spices, it’s best to start with a small amount and gradually add more if you want a stronger flavor. You can also mix and match different spices to create your custom blend.

IV. Cheesy Corn

Corn and cheese are a match made in heaven. Here’s how to make cheesy corn on the cob:

1. Follow the basic recipe above.
2. In a small bowl, mix together grated parmesan, garlic powder, and melted butter.
3. Brush the mixture on the corn and sprinkle more parmesan on top.
4. Bake in the oven for 20-25 minutes or until tender and cheesy.
5. Serve hot with extra parmesan or chopped herbs.

You can use different types of cheese like cheddar, mozzarella, or feta, depending on your preference. Just make sure to shred or crumble it finely so that it melts evenly.

V. Garlic Roasted Corn

Garlic lovers, this one’s for you. Here’s how to make garlic roasted corn on the cob:

1. Follow the basic recipe above.
2. In a small bowl, crush some garlic cloves, and mix with melted butter, salt, and black pepper.
3. Brush the garlic butter mixture on the corn.
4. Bake in the oven for 20-25 minutes or until tender and aromatic.
5. Top with chopped parsley or more garlic butter.

When preparing the garlic, make sure to finely chop or crush it to release the flavor. You can also add some red pepper flakes for a spicier kick.

VI. Lemon Pepper Corn

If you’re looking to add a tangy twist to your corn, try this recipe for lemon pepper corn:

1. Follow the basic recipe above.
2. In a small bowl, mix together melted butter, lemon zest, lemon juice, and black pepper.
3. Brush the lemon butter mixture on the corn.
4. Bake in the oven for 20-25 minutes or until tender and zesty.
5. Serve hot with extra lemon juice or sliced lemons.

When zesting the lemon, make sure to only remove the thin yellow layer and avoid the white pith as it can be bitter.

VII. Mexican-Style Corn

This recipe for Mexican-style corn on the cob is perfect for when you’re craving something bold and spicy:

1. Follow the basic recipe above.
2. In a small bowl, mix together melted butter, lime juice, garlic powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and chili powder.
3. Brush the mixture on the corn and sprinkle some cotija cheese on top.
4. Bake in the oven for 20-25 minutes or until tender and golden.
5. Serve hot with more cheese, lime wedges, and cilantro.

Cotija cheese is a salty, crumbly cheese that’s commonly used in Mexican cuisine. If you can’t find it, you can use feta or queso fresco instead.

VIII. Paleo Corn

For those who follow the paleo diet, here’s a recipe for a paleo-friendly corn on the cob:

1. Follow the basic recipe above but omit the butter.
2. In a small bowl, mix together melted coconut oil or ghee, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and sea salt.
3. Brush the mixture on the corn and sprinkle some chopped cilantro on top.
4. Bake in the oven for 25-30 minutes or until tender and slightly charred.
5. Serve hot with more seasoning if desired.

When following the paleo diet, it’s important to use clean and unprocessed ingredients. You can also experiment with different herb and spice blends to find your favorite flavor profile.

IX. Conclusion

Cooking corn on the cob in the oven doesn’t have to be dull and tedious. With these flavorful recipes, you can elevate your corn game and impress your taste buds. Feel free to experiment with different flavors and seasonings to find your perfect match.