Want to know how to cook corn on the cob for the VERY BEST results? The method that yields tender, sweet corn that shucks effortlessly and tastes delicious is...oven roasting!
Today's recipe isn't exactly a recipe...it's more of a method. Nevertheless, the few basic steps are beyond easy and the results are beyond delicious. I'm convinced that if you try this method for how to cook corn on the cob, it will become your favorite way to do so from here on out.
Big talk, huh? Well, if you haven't tried this method before, prepare to be pleasantly surprised!
The Best Method
So the biggest pro of cooking fresh corn on the cob is, of course, that it tastes really good.
And the major con? It's a big, sticky, stringy mess getting that yummy corn separated from the husks and silk.
Well, this oven roasting method eliminates the mess, folks. Eliminates it! Seriously...let me walk you through how easy this is.
How to Cook PERFECT Corn on the Cob
STEP 1: Do not peel your husks of corn. Just wash them! Truthfully, you probably don't even have to worry about this step, but I'm in the habit of washing all of my produce...if not to appease my germophobia, then to rinse off any pesticide residue.
I also recommend cutting off the silk sticking out of the ends of the husks as well as any tips of leaves that are extending from the body of the corn. There's probably nothing to worry about, but doing a little trimming beforehand makes me feel better about not catching anything on fire during roasting.
STEP 2: Preheat the oven to 350° and lay your ears of corn directly on the center-position oven rack. (I have only ever cooked as many corn cobs as I can fit in a single layer, so about 8 at a time. And yes, there are only 7 here. Just making sure you're paying attention!) Cook for 30 minutes.
STEP 3: Remove the corn from the oven and allow to cool for a few minutes. (You'll know the corn is done if it gives a bit when you squeeze it.) Using an oven mitt or kitchen towel, hold the base of each ear of corn and shuck away the husk and silk. Be careful of very hot, escaping steam! The silk should peel away easily with the husk.
STEP 4: Slather with butter! Sprinkle with salt and pepper! Serve hot and scarf it down!
Okay, you are not actually required to use butter, salt, or pepper...this corn actually tastes amazing perfectly plain, as displayed above. But however you choose to eat it, I think you will love it!
So just in time for Memorial Day weekend...just in time for summer barbecues and picnics and potlucks...just in time for 4th of July festivities...you are now privy to the easiest, yummiest, most mess-free way to cook fresh, sweet, PERFECT ears of corn! Enjoy, friends!
And keep your eyes peeled (heh) for some upcoming recipes calling for fresh corn. Because now that we all know how to cook corn on the cob using this easiest, most effortless, almost magical method...well, I think we need to agree to include fresh roasted corn in our recipes all summer long. 😉
Have a wonderful long weekend with your families, and take a moment to remember the brave servicemen and women who have made the ultimate sacrifice serving our country. We are so blessed to live in America.
Ideas for Enjoying Fresh Roasted Corn
- Corn, Tomato, & Avocado Salad
- Tortellini Pasta Salad with Tomatoes, Basil, & Fresh Corn
- Tex-Mex Fresh Corn Dip
- Fiesta Pasta Salad
How to Cook Corn on the Cob
Ingredients
- Fresh ears of corn, unpeeled and in husks
Instructions
- Place rack in center position of oven. Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Wash ears of corn. Cut off any silk hanging out the ends. Trim any tips of leaves extending from sides. Do not peel.
- Place ears of corn directly on oven rack. Cook for 30 minutes.
- Remove corn from oven. Corn is done when it gives a little beneath the husk when you squeeze it. Allow to cool for a few minutes before holding with a kitchen towel or oven mitt to peel. Beware of very hot, escaping steam. The silk and husks should remove easily. Use the husks as a handle or remove them altogether.
Video
Notes
Recipe adapted from FoodNetwork.com.
Cathy
Can I do this ahead and remove from cob and heat when ready to serve?
Samantha at Five Heart Home
I don't see why that wouldn't work, Cathy...enjoy! 🙂
Amber
We picked corn a few days ago at my family farm and came across your website. We don't have a grill being in an apartment to the oven was a great option!
Today is Wednesday and the corn was picked Saturday. We kept it in a paper bag in the fridge until this evening. Then we peeled off the stray pieces, chopped the ends on both sides, then rinsed.
We actually cooked about 12-14 pieces between two racks (centered as much as possible) and they came out great after about 35 minutes. The corn was sweet and soft using this method. Thank you!
Samantha at Five Heart Home
So glad to hear that this method was a hit, Amber! I bet your fresh-off-the-farm corn is especially delicious. 🙂 Thanks for the comment and have a great week!
cindy@lifeascindy
This way of cooking corn was new to me. I love it. Every time coon the cob is on my menu plan I am using this method.
Samantha at Five Heart Home
So glad you found this method helpful, Cindy! And I totally agree...this is the only way I make corn on the cob anymore. 😉
Paula Dallas Texas.
I just tried this.. I could not believe how easy the silk and leaves came off. I did have to cook my corn a little longer but the time I save cleaning was a miracle 5
Samantha at Five Heart Home
Yay! 🙂 🙂 🙂
Helen Hopkins
First time ever roasting corn in the oven! Absolutely delicious! Will definitely make again! Husband enjoyed it as well! Thanks for the recipe! Mmmmm Mmmmm Good!
Samantha at Five Heart Home
So glad this was a hit, Helen! I can't wait to buy some fresh corn and enjoy it cooked this way all summer long. In fact, I think you've just inspired me that it's about that time... 😉
Laurie
I love this. I made a blackberry cobbler and when that was done I put my corn in the oven. I love how the silk comes right off and I don't have to stand there forever picking the silk off.
Samantha at Five Heart Home
Isn't this a great trick, Laurie? I've always hated dealing with sticky, messy silk, but this method of cooking pretty much eliminates the problem. 😉 Hope you enjoy lots of fresh corn all summer long!
Mariel @ Or so she says...
This is soooo great! I actually needed this yesterday when I cooked corn on the cob, for guess what... the FIRST TIME EVER! I was all online trying to find instructions so I didn't boil the wrong. Ha, so sad! Pinned.
Samantha at Five Heart Home
Ha, Mariel! Not sad at all...there's a first time for everything. 😉 Hope this method works well for you when you try it. Thanks so much for the pin and happy Sunday! 🙂
Bryan R
Samantha just read your oven roasted corn on the cob method and i have not tried it yet but I am now looking forward to giving it a try in the next few days. I will let you know what the family thinks about it compared to the grilled method i always do.
Samantha at Five Heart Home
Hi, Bryan! I hope this was (or will be) a hit with your family! I love the taste of grilled corn as well, but it's so much easier to cook corn this way that I just can't bring myself to messing with the silk anymore. 🙂 Thanks for taking the time to comment...hope you have a great week!
Bryan R
Hi Samantha, Bryan R again, I Loved your oven roasted corn on the cob and I was very pleased with the ease of prep and the flavor was very good. It was much easier to deal with the silk just as you had said. Thank you and hope you have a nice weekend.
Samantha at Five Heart Home
I'm so glad to hear that you had success cooking your corn this way, Bryan! I appreciate you coming back to let me know, and I hope you have a great weekend as well! 🙂
Cathy@LemonTreeDwelling
Yes! I LOVE making corn this way......it is so easy and absolutely delicious!
Samantha at Five Heart Home
I agree, Cathy...I only wish I had discovered this method years sooner! It would have saved me a lot of frustration with sticky silk. 😛
Amanda (Moming About)
I've been having my 7 year-old shuck corn whenever I bought some. How funny. Need to try this!
Samantha at Five Heart Home
Ha, Amanda...sounds like your 7-year-old will be very happy that you discovered this method! 😉 Hope it makes cooking fresh corn easier at your house!
Carrie This Home
Definitely pinning this and trying it this summer! I LOVE fresh corn on the cob and this method couldn't be any easier!
Samantha at Five Heart Home
Thanks, Carrie! I appreciate the pin, and I think you will love this method as much as you love fresh corn. 🙂 Enjoy!
Lauren
I love corn on the cob! I'm going to have to give this a try. Thanks for the tips. I'd be thrilled if you'd link up at this week's Off the Hook link party!
Samantha at Five Heart Home
Thanks so much, Lauren! And I just linked up this post...I appreciate the invite! 🙂
Julia
I've never tried roasting corn in the oven! Sounds delicious and easy! I'd love if you'd come link up at Tickle My Tastebuds!
Julia @ Mini Van Dreams
deb
My mouth is watering!
*hugs*deb
Samantha at Five Heart Home
Ha ha...thanks, Deb! Hope you enjoy your corn cooked this way! 🙂
Britni
I love this, definitely going to have to try it soon!
Samantha at Five Heart Home
Thanks, Britni...I hope you love this method as much as I do! 🙂
Marissa @ Life is Fantasmic
YUM!!! Pinned! I’d love for you to share this at my Saturday Dishes Link Party this weekend! It’s a themed link up & this week’s theme is Memorial Day & Grilling! Feel free to share other posts that fit the theme as well if you have them! (:
Samantha at Five Heart Home
Thanks so much for the invite, Marissa...I just linked up a few posts. 🙂
the cape on the corner
i actually just read about this method somewhere, and i'm excited to try it out. glad you showed how easy and good it looks!
Samantha at Five Heart Home
You should definitely give it a try...I think you'll be pleased by how well it works! 🙂
Julie
I'm definitely trying this when we have fresh corn. I always do it the messy way! Thanks!
Samantha at Five Heart Home
You'll never go back to the messy way again after trying this, Julie! 😉 Hope you're having a great weekend!
Liz
A different idea. I'll give it a try. Thank you Samantha.
Samantha at Five Heart Home
I think you'll really like this method, Liz! Every time I cook corn this way, I can't get over how easy it is and how great it tastes. 🙂 Enjoy!