There is something about taste and texture difference when it comes to oven roasted corn. The kernels are more tender, chewier, and caramelized with deep sweetness that cannot be achieve when boiling or steaming.
The possibilities to cook corn on the cob in the oven are endless. With or without husk are foil wrapping are common techniques, there are various ways to cook in oven to satisfy everyone’s tastebuds.
How do you cook corn on the cob in the oven? Simply, roast corn in the husk, without husk, or wrapped in foil with butter inside.
Regardless of the preference, preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit or 190 degrees Celsius, and roast for 20 to 30 minutes. The doneness depends on the preparation method you choose.
Check to see whether the corn kernels are easy to poke with the tip of a pairing knife. Observe the color and texture carefully with oven mittens to prevent burning yourself.
Freshly cooked corn on the cob is a healthy and delicious side to pair with BBQ or any meat and veggie dishes. The subtle sweetness blends well with savory flavors without overpowering.
Answered below are frequently asked questions about the proper way to cook corn on the cob in the oven. Included are guidelines to set temperature and check the doneness to make the corn juicy, sweet, tender, and beautifully golden color.
Can you cook corn on the cob in the oven?
Yes, you can cook corn on the cob in the oven. In fact, roasting corn in the oven is more flavorful than boiling or steaming corn on the cob.
By oven roasting, the corn brings out the crispy texture and natural caramelized sweetness that cannot be achieved when boiling on stovetop. There are various ways to cook corn in the oven producing a crispy texture with moist and tender flavor.
Furthermore, some water soluble nutrients leech into the water when boiling corn. Therefore, boiling may not be themes nutritious cooking method.
Is it better to boil or roast corn?
Roasted corn is better than boiled corn. In terms of flavor, roasting method brings out the crispy texture and natural caramelized sweetness.
On the other hand, the boiling method makes the corn tender and juicier, but not nearly as flavorful.
Boiling corn is an easy and popular way to prepare food, but many nutrients get lost in the hot water during the cooking process.
Some of the water soluble nutrients such as folate in the corn will leech into the water, and not be consumed. Therefore, you will miss out on some of the nutritional benefits.
How do you cook corn on the cob in oven?
Cooking corn on the cob in oven is the easiest and most delicious way compared to stovetop. However, there are three different ways to cook corn on the cob in oven.
- With husk: Arrange a rack in the middle of oven and preheat to 375 degrees Fahrenheit or 190 degrees Celsius. Leave the corn on the cob with husk and silk still attached.
Place the corn on the oven rack lengthwise and space 1” apart from each other. Roast for 25 minutes and test the doneness by pulling back the husk to see the swollen and shiny corn kernels. Once done, remove and let cool for 15 minutes before serving. - Without husk: Preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit or 190 degrees Celsius. Prepare a baking sheet with nonstick aluminum foil.
Remove the husks and silk from the corn. Mix butter, salt, and pepper to brush over the corn. Place evenly apart on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 30 minutes and turn halfway through cooking time. Check the doneness before removing from the oven. - Foil: Place the peeled corn on the cob on a sheet of aluminum foil. Smear about one teaspoon of butter over each ear of corn and individually wrap the foil around each corn cob.
Place foil wrapped corn on the cob in a baking pan. Bake for 30 minutes at 375 degrees Fahrenheit or 190 degrees Celsius. Once done, carefully unwrap the corn and serve with butter and salt.
What temperature do you bake corn?
When using oven to bake corn, 375 degrees Fahrenheit or 190 degrees Celsius is preferred. Depend on how you prepare the corn, the cooking time may vary from 20 minutes to 30 minutes.
Furthermore, the temperature setting may vary based on recipe or condition of oven.
Here are a range of temperatures to bake corn in the oven including how long it takes to fully cook:
- 350 degrees Fahrenheit or 176 degrees Celsius: 30 minutes
- 400 degrees Fahrenheit or 204 degrees Celsius: 15-20 minutes
- 450 degrees Fahrenheit or 232 degrees Celsius: 12-15 minutes
When in doubt, place an oven thermometer in the back of the oven. By doing so, you will get accurate temperature to better understand the timing to prevent from overcooking.
How to tell if corn is done in oven?
Remove the husk or foil to test the corn kernels with the tip of a paring knife, and they should look swollen and shiny with a few brown spots. The knife tip will poke easily without any resistance, signifying the corn is done.
Checking the doneness of corn is crucial before turning off the oven, however it needs to be done carefully due to extreme heat. Use oven mitten when handling the corn on the cob with, without husk, or in foil to prevent from burning.
Tips to cook corn on the cob in the oven
Cooking corn on the cob requires more than just following a recipe. There are some techniques to prevent hard or tough kernels due to being overcooked or undercooked.
Here are useful tips to oven cook corn on the cob:
- Use oven wire rack to place corn on the cob with husk to evenly heat all around.
- For juicy and tender results, wrap foil around each cob to allow steam to cook inside.
- When the oven has hotspots, rotate the corn on the cob or pan for even cooking.
- Place an oven thermometer inside the oven to get precise temperature measurement.
- Rinse the corn to scrub away any dirt or debris before roasting in the oven.
- Keep the corn on the cob in a single layer to avoid increasing overall cooking time.
Baking Corn on Cob in Oven: Conclusion
In order to cook corn on the cob in the oven, decide whether to roast with, without, or inside foil. Depending on the preparation, the cooking time will vary.
Removing the husk, brushing with butter all around and roasting directly on a sheet pan will give the richest caramelized flavor.
Always preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit or 190 degrees Celsius, then bake for 20 to 30 minutes.
Testing the corn is done based on visual color, and texture or tenderness by sticking a fork or knife tip into a kernel. If necessary, add more cooking time to achieve your preferred doneness.
Oven makes cooking easy to create delicious, nutritious, and deep roasted flavor in corn on the cob. Use these tips and techniques to cook corn on the cob in the oven, and serve as a side dish with your favorite meals.