This Oven Roasted Corn is the best way to make summer corn. There’s very little prep time needed, and it comes out perfect, tender, and flavorful every time. Plus, it’s the easiest way to make corn on the cob for large parties.
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Roasting corn in the oven is the ultimate way to cook this summer treat. Nothing tops grilled corn, but this oven-roasted corn comes very close. This is my favorite method for cooking corn when you need shelter from the summer heat or don’t feel like firing up the grill.
If you haven’t roasted corn in the oven before, this will quickly become your favorite way to prepare this perfect side dish. It’s very hands-off and turns out amazing every time.
The best part is that there is no need to keep watch to ensure the corn isn’t charred, as with grilled corn. Just pop a baking sheet of cobbed corn in the oven and watch it develop into deliciously tender and caramelized corn.
Plus, this simple recipe is great to make for large crowds. You can double the recipe to accommodate guests and let the oven do the work while you have fun entertaining.
Ingredients
Making corn in the oven is incredibly easy and calls for a small handful of ingredients. Check out this simple ingredient list.
- Corn on the cob - use sweet summer corn for the best flavor
- Salted butter - melted butter to drizzle over the corn
- Fresh thyme - I love fresh thyme straight from the garden but use your favorite herbs
How to Make Oven-Roasted Corn on the Cob
This simple recipe comes together quickly in four steps. The printable recipe is in the recipe card for your convenience.
Step 1.
Preheat oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit and grease a sheet pan with cooking spray.
Step 2.
Prepare the corn by removing the husk and silk. Spread 6 ears of corn evenly across the pan.
Step 3.
Melt a quarter cup of salted butter and pour over the corn. Season with additional salt if desired.
Step 4.
Roast the corn in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes or until tender. Remove from oven and slightly cool. Garnish with fresh thyme leaves.
Variations
You can use this roasting method to make any flavor of corn on the cob. Just butter with salt is a classic option but check out these fun ways to dress up this summer vegetable:
- Cajun: add smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and a little chili powder to the melted butter for some Cajun flare
- Buffalo: go deluxe with crumbled bacon bits, finely chopped green onions, a little blue cheese, and drizzle with buffalo sauce
- Cotija: this is a spin on Mexican street corn and has those wildly refreshing flavors; combine Cotija cheese, fresh cilantro, and lime juice in a small bowl and rub the corn on the cob with this mixture.
- Garlic Parmesan: use homemade garlic butter made with Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, and fresh parsley; rub the corn with this herb mixture after roasting. Top with coarse kosher salt for a finishing touch.
Helpful Tips
This simple corn recipe is pretty hands-off and comes together quickly. But a few helpful tips may help you make this recipe.
- Hold off on the fresh herbs: Wait to add the fresh herbs (and cheese for that matter) until after you remove the corn from the heat. You want them to remain vibrant green with a zesty texture.
- No melted butter: If you don’t want to be bothered with melting butter, feel free to just brush softened butter over the cobs.
- Double the recipe: This recipe is great to double and triple for easy meal prep. Use the cork kernels in salsas and salads throughout the week.
Storage Instructions
Leftover corn on the cob can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-5 days.
You can also remove the corn kernels by standing the corn upright and running a sharp knife down the corn cob. Discard the cob and transfer the kernels to an airtight container. From there, you can use these baked corn kernels in other healthy recipes like fresh salads, salsas, nachos or taco bowls.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best temperature to roast corn in the oven?
Oven roasted corn should be baked in a preheated oven set to 425 degrees Fahrenheit. For lower temperatures, you may need to cook the corn longer.
How do you know when corn on the cob is done?
You can tell the corn on the cob is cooked through when the kernels turn bright yellow and are plump and tender. A great way to check for doneness is to insert a paring knife into the corn kernels, and corn is done when there is very little resistance.
Do I have to wrap the ears of corn with aluminum foil when roasting?
This simple oven-roasted method does not require wrapping the corn with a piece of foil. Spread the sweet ears of corn on a rimmed baking sheet and roast in a preheated oven until tender and cooked through.
Serving Suggestions
Enjoy this oven-roasted corn during the blazing summer months. They'll be the star of the show at potlucks, pool parties, and other fun gatherings.
Or quickly throw together this oven-roasted corn for dinner and pair it with another summer dish like Pineapple Grilled Chicken Skewers or Instant Pot Pork Tacos. Make it extra special by treating yourself to a refreshing Watermelon Margarita.
Need More Delicious Corn Recipes to Get You Through The Week?
- Gluten Free Corn Casserole
- Creamy Chicken Corn Soup
- Instant Pot Chicken Tortilla Soup
- Late Summer Quinoa Grain Bowl
Oven Roasted Corn
Ingredients
- 6 corn on the cob
- ¼ cup salted butter
- thyme
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425 degrees.
- Spray a sheet pan with cooking spray and place 6 ears of corn on pan.
- Melt ¼ cup salted butter and pour over the corn. Salt to taste.
- Cook for about 20 minutes or until tender. Garnish with thyme leaves.
Rebecca
LOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOVE corn, this looks delish & so easy
Karen Kelly
Thanks, Rebecca.
swathi
This is really genius idea of roasting corn in oven. I hate it when I need to do it in stove as it leaves marks in the side of burner. I will try your tips for sure as my family is corn lovers.
Karen Kelly
My family loves it too!
Karen Kelly
Thanks, Swathi.
Diana Johnson
This looks like a really easy way to roast corn! I'll have to give it a try!
Karen Kelly
Let me know how it works for you Diana.
Patty @ Spoonabilities
I love corn on the cob and have never tried roasting it. I bet this is so good!
Karen Kelly
Thanks, Patty.
Amy
I hate boiling corn too! I'm so glad I stumbled upon this post because I am totally trying this method this summer! Thank you!
Karen Kelly
Hope you love it Amy!
Geraldine | Green Valley Kitchen
I've never tried baking corn but it seems like a wonderful idea, Karen - I hate draining a giant pot of boil water! Good luck in the mattress dept - I got a new one two years ago and lucked out - super comfy - it's from a local store so no brand to recommend.
Karen Kelly
Thanks, Geraldine. I think we found a good mattress for a way better price. Woo hoo!
Mary Ann | The Beach House Kitchen
As old as I am and I've never tried roasting corn in the oven! What's wrong with me?? I can't wait to try this Karen! Great idea!
Karen Kelly
Thanks Mary Ann!
cindy
oh i agree. roasting is the way to go! our bbq situation is in the shambles right now, so i will try this baking idea in a snap. thanks for the great idea.
Karen Kelly
So is ours. Our grill is broken and hubby is trying to repair it himself. Should be interesting!
Alida | Simply Delicious
I absolutely love roasting corn too! It's such a great way to concentrate all those fabulous flavours. Your recipe looks excellent Karen.
Karen Kelly
Thanks, Alida!
Jennifer
I'm trying this tonight! Love corn!
Karen Kelly
Hope it works for you and you love it!
Debbie
I do basically the same idea, but I line a baking sheet with aluminum foil, toss on the butter and stick it in the oven while it is preheating. Just roll the corn on the butter, season and bake. Easy peasy!
Karen Kelly
Sounds great Debbie!
Michelle | The Secret Ingredient Is
I don't envy you for mattress shopping - I'm so indecisive when it comes to a big purchase like that, it takes me forever to decide! Fingers crossed you find something good. How have I NEVER tried roasting corn before? This is so genius, I'm definitely doing it next time!
Ann
This is one of the best ways to prepare corn on the cob. Great recipe for the summer! Thanks for the share!
Jamie
Oh my, this will be an instant favorite for me! This roasted corn looks amazingly delicious! I totally love this! A perfect treat for any time of the day or any given occasion! Plus the best part it's Vegan! Loved it!
Amy Liu Dong
I have never tried roasting my corn into an oven but this sounds like a great idea. It looks really easy!