There’s nothing quite like fresh roasted corn on the cob during summer! This roasted corn recipe is so incredibly simple yet absolutely delicious. The corn becomes caramelized, tender, and bursting with natural sweetness when roasted in the oven. It’s the perfect side dish for any meal, and honestly, it’s become my go-to way to prepare corn because it’s foolproof and requires minimal effort.
What I love most about roasting corn instead of boiling it is that you get to enjoy the natural corn flavor without it becoming waterlogged. The kernels develop a slight char and a beautiful golden color that just makes them taste even better. Plus, unlike grilling corn, you don’t need to worry about the husks catching fire or standing over a hot grill in the summer heat.
This method is so straightforward that even beginners can master it. You’ll only need a few basic ingredients: fresh corn on the cob, butter, salt, and pepper. Some people like to add garlic powder, paprika, or fresh herbs, but honestly, the simplicity is part of what makes this recipe so special. The focus stays on the quality of the corn itself.
I’ve made this recipe countless times for family gatherings, backyard barbecues, and simple weeknight dinners. It’s always a crowd-pleaser, and people are often surprised at how flavorful corn can be when prepared this way. My kids actually ask for roasted corn now instead of other side dishes!
If you’re looking for other amazing side dishes to pair with your roasted corn, you might love my Best White Queso Dip Recipe for a delicious appetizer, or my Best Seasoning Salt Recipe to add even more flavor to your corn. And if you want to round out your meal with something sweet, check out my Best White Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipe or my Best Crumbl Cookie Copycat Recipe for dessert!
Let me walk you through exactly how to make this amazing roasted corn. You’ll be amazed at how restaurant-quality this tastes, and your family will be asking for seconds. According to Serious Eats, roasting is actually one of the best methods for bringing out corn’s natural sweetness. I’ve also found that Bon Appétit’s approach to charred corn pairs beautifully with simple butter and seasonings. The New York Times also has wonderful insights on how to achieve the perfect char on corn.
Ingredients
- 4-6 ears of fresh corn, husked and cleaned
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- Fresh chopped cilantro or parsley for garnish (optional)
- Lime wedges for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). While the oven is preheating, prepare your corn by carefully removing all the husks and silk strands. Rinse the corn under cool running water to ensure all the silk is removed, then pat dry with paper towels. Dry corn will roast better and develop a nicer color.
- Line a large baking sheet with aluminum foil or parchment paper for easy cleanup. This step is optional but highly recommended, as it makes washing up afterward so much easier.
- In a small bowl, combine the softened butter with kosher salt, freshly ground black pepper, and garlic powder and smoked paprika if you’re using them. Mix everything together until well combined. This seasoned butter is what will make your corn absolutely delicious.
- Take each ear of corn and generously brush the seasoned butter all over the entire surface, making sure to coat between the rows of kernels as much as possible. Don’t be shy with the butter – this is where all the flavor comes from!
- Arrange the buttered corn ears in a single layer on your prepared baking sheet. Make sure they’re not overcrowded and have a little space between them so the heat can circulate properly around each ear.
- Place the baking sheet in your preheated 400°F oven and roast for 20-25 minutes, depending on the size of your corn ears. You’ll know they’re done when the kernels are tender and some of the outer kernels have started to char slightly and turn a beautiful golden-brown color.
- Halfway through roasting (around the 12-13 minute mark), open the oven and use a pastry brush or your hands to turn each ear of corn so that it roasts evenly on all sides. This ensures that all sides get that gorgeous caramelization.
- Once the corn is finished roasting, carefully remove it from the oven using tongs or oven mitts, as the baking sheet will be very hot. Transfer the roasted corn to a serving platter.
- If desired, garnish your roasted corn with fresh chopped cilantro or parsley for a pop of color and extra flavor. You can also serve lime wedges on the side for squeezing over the top.
- Serve immediately while the corn is hot and the butter is still melted and delicious. This roasted corn is best enjoyed fresh from the oven!
Pro Tips
Storage Instructions: Leftover roasted corn can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can reheat it gently in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes, wrapped in foil to prevent it from drying out. You can also remove the kernels from the cob and use them in other dishes like salads, pasta, or grain bowls.
Flavor Variations: While this recipe is delicious in its simplicity, you can absolutely customize it to your taste preferences. Try adding cayenne pepper for a little heat, fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary mixed into the butter, or even a squeeze of fresh lemon juice. Cotija cheese is another popular topping for roasted corn if you want to make it more indulgent.
Grill Alternative: If you prefer to grill your corn instead of roasting it, you can absolutely do that! Just wrap each buttered ear loosely in foil and place on a medium-hot grill for about 15-20 minutes, turning occasionally. The foil protects the corn from burning while still allowing it to cook through and develop flavor.
Make-Ahead Tip: You can prepare the butter mixture the day before and store it in the refrigerator. You can also shuck and clean the corn in advance, storing it in the fridge until you’re ready to roast. This makes preparing dinner on busy nights much easier.
Serving Suggestions: Roasted corn pairs beautifully with grilled meats, fresh salads, and summer sides. It’s perfect for barbecues, picnics, and casual family dinners. Consider pairing it with my white queso dip for an appetizer course, or serve alongside grilled chicken or steak.
Nutritional Benefits: Corn is actually quite nutritious! It provides fiber, B vitamins, and antioxidants. When you roast it instead of boiling, you retain more of these beneficial nutrients.