The Ultimate Guide to Cooking Corn on the Cob in the Oven
Corn on the cob is a summer staple that has been enjoyed for generations. While grilling is the most common way to cook corn, oven-baking is a great alternative when you don’t have a grill or when the weather isn’t cooperating. However, many people struggle with cooking corn on the cob in the oven and end up with chewy, overcooked corn. In this article, we’ll provide a foolproof method for oven-roasting corn, as well as tips for seasoning, wrapping, and cooking corn to perfection. We’ll also cover eco-friendly alternatives to aluminum foil, easy and quick recipes for solo chefs, and a fun twist on classic Mexican street corn. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or a crowd, you’ll find everything you need to know about cooking corn on the cob in the oven.
Oven Roasted Corn on the Cob: A Foolproof Method
The key to oven-baking corn on the cob is to wrap it in foil and cook it for the right amount of time. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F.
- Remove the husks and silk from the corn, leaving the stem intact.
- Brush melted butter or oil onto each ear of corn, then sprinkle with salt and pepper.
- Wrap each ear of corn in aluminum foil, making sure it’s tightly sealed.
- Place the wrapped corn on a baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, depending on the size and freshness of the corn.
- Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes before serving.
Adjust the cooking time if your corn is smaller or larger than average, and keep in mind that fresher corn will require less time to cook. To make your corn extra tender, you can soak it in water for a few hours before cooking it in the oven. This will help prevent it from drying out.
Top 5 Seasonings for Oven-Baked Corn on the Cob
While butter, salt, and pepper are classic seasonings for corn, there are plenty of other options to experiment with when oven-baking it. Here are our top five favorite seasonings for corn on the cob:
Garlic and Herb Seasoning
Mix minced garlic, chopped fresh herbs (such as parsley, thyme, and rosemary), grated parmesan cheese, and melted butter. Spread the mixture onto each ear of corn before wrapping in foil and baking in the oven.
Cajun Seasoning
Mix cajun seasoning (store-bought or homemade), melted butter, and a squeeze of lime juice. Brush the mixture onto each ear of corn before wrapping in foil and baking in the oven.
Parmesan Seasoning
Mix grated parmesan cheese, garlic powder, dried basil, dried oregano, and melted butter. Spread the mixture onto each ear of corn before wrapping in foil and baking in the oven.
Old Bay Seasoning
Mix Old Bay seasoning, melted butter, and a squeeze of lemon juice. Brush the mixture onto each ear of corn before wrapping in foil and baking in the oven.
Chili Powder and Lime Seasoning
Mix chili powder, smoked paprika, lime zest, lime juice, and melted butter. Brush the mixture onto each ear of corn before wrapping in foil and baking in the oven.
Feel free to experiment with different seasonings and spices to find your perfect combination. You can apply the seasonings directly to the corn before wrapping it in foil, or mix them with melted butter and brush the mixture onto the corn.
How to Bake Corn on the Cob Without Aluminum Foil
Some people prefer not to use aluminum foil when cooking or baking due to environmental concerns. Luckily, there are several eco-friendly alternatives to aluminum foil that you can use to wrap your corn:
Parchment Paper
Cut a large piece of parchment paper and fold it in half. Place the corn in the center of the fold and fold the paper over the corn to create a packet. Use kitchen twine to tie the ends together to keep the packet closed. Bake as directed in the oven.
Reusable Silicone Bags
There are several brands of reusable silicone bags that are perfect for cooking corn. Place the corn in the bag, seal it, and bake as directed in the oven. These bags can be washed and reused multiple times, making them a great alternative to aluminum foil.
These eco-friendly substitutes not only reduce waste but also provide a healthier option for cooking and baking food.
Quick and Easy Oven-Baked Corn on the Cob for One
If you’re cooking for yourself and don’t want to go through the hassle of seasoning or wrapping corn, this simple method is for you:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F.
- Place one or two ears of corn directly on the oven rack (no need to wrap them in foil).
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the corn is tender and slightly browned.
- Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes before serving.
This method is quick, easy, and perfect for solo chefs or people in a hurry.
Grilled vs. Baked Corn: Which One is Better?
Grilling and baking are both great ways to cook corn on the cob, but they have their pros and cons:
Grilling Corn
- Pros: Grilling adds a smoky flavor to the corn and is a great way to cook larger batches at once.
- Cons: Grilling can be time-consuming and requires a grill. It’s also weather-dependent, which can be a problem if it’s raining or windy.
Baking Corn
- Pros: Baking is a quick and easy alternative to grilling, especially when cooking for only a few people. It doesn’t require any special equipment and can be done in the oven.
- Cons: Baking doesn’t add the same smoky flavor to the corn as grilling does.
The choice between grilling and baking ultimately comes down to personal preference, time constraints, and environmental factors. If you don’t have a grill or the weather isn’t cooperating, oven-baking is a great alternative that produces delicious results.
Oven-Baked Mexican Street Corn: A Delicious Twist on a Classic
Mexican street corn, or elote, is a popular street food in Mexico that has gained popularity in the US in recent years. This oven-baked twist on traditional elote is easy to make and bursting with flavor.
Ingredients:
- 6 ears of corn, husks removed
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup crumbled cotija cheese
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 1 lime, cut into wedges
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F.
- Place the corn directly on the oven rack and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until tender and slightly browned.
- In a small bowl, mix the mayonnaise, sour cream, and chili powder. Set aside.
- When the corn is done, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes.
- Using a brush, spread the mayonnaise mixture onto each ear of corn.
- Sprinkle the cotija cheese and chopped cilantro over the mayonnaise mixture.
- Squeeze some lime juice over the corn and serve immediately.
This Mexican street corn is a delicious and unique twist on classic corn on the cob. It’s perfect for summer barbecues or as a side dish for a Mexican-themed dinner.
Oven-Baked Corn for a Crowd: A Time-Saving Trick
If you’re cooking for a large crowd, baking several ears of corn at once can be a time-consuming task. Here’s a trick to save time and ensure that all the corn cooks evenly:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F.
- Place the ears of corn directly on the oven rack.
- Stack the ears of corn on top of each other, making sure that they’re touching but not overlapping.
- Cover the corn with a layer of aluminum foil (or substitute).
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the corn is tender and slightly browned.
- Remove from the oven and separate the ears of corn before serving.
This method allows you to cook several ears of corn at once, saving time and oven space. Just make sure that the ears of corn are touching but not overlapping to ensure even cooking.
Conclusion
Cooking corn on the cob in the oven is a great alternative to grilling and can produce delicious, tender corn when done right. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or a crowd, there are several options for seasoning, wrapping, and cooking corn that can suit your needs. Try out different seasonings, eco-friendly wraps, and recipes to find your perfect match.
