Corn on the cob is a delicious summer treat that can be enjoyed oven-roasted without any butter or oil. Roasting corn in the oven intensifies its natural sweetness and allows the kernels to caramelize slightly for a wonderful charred flavor.
While slathering on the butter may seem traditional, oven-roasting corn without any added fats allows the true corn flavor to shine. With just a few simple seasonings and the dry heat of the oven, you can enjoy tender, juicy corn on the cob any time of year.
Below you’ll find step-by-step instructions for oven-roasting corn on the cob without butter or oil. We’ll also cover how to select the best corn, recommended oven temperatures and cook times, plus seasoning ideas and serving suggestions.
How to Choose Good Corn for Roasting
Choosing peak-season, just-picked corn is key for the absolute best flavor when oven-roasting. Here are a few tips for selecting corn:
- Look for plump, tightly packed kernels. The kernels should have a milky juice when pierced. Avoid dried out, mushy, or browned kernels.
- Opt for small to medium sized ears. Larger ears tend to be more starchy and less sweet. Petite 5-6 inch ears are ideal.
- Feel the husks. Look for green, pliable husks that aren’t dried out. Gently peel back the husks to inspect the kernels before purchasing.
- Buy locally if possible. The sugars in corn quickly convert to starches after picking. Locally grown corn sold soon after harvest will be sweetest.
- Choose ears with green stems. The stem end should look fresh, not dry and browned. This indicates fresher corn.
Getting corn as soon as possible after harvest will provide the most flavorful, sweetest results when oven-roasting.
Can You Cook Corn on the Cob Without Husks?
Yes, you can absolutely roast corn on the cob without the husks! For oven roasting, removing the husks ahead of time allows for more even cooking and better caramelization on the kernels.
Here are some benefits to roasting corn without the husks:
- The corn silk can be removed ahead of time so you don’t have to deal with it at the table.
- Seasonings and oils (if using) can adhered directly to the corn kernels.
- Heat circulation in the oven is improved, preventing steamy husks.
- The corn kernels will roast and caramelize evenly for better flavor.
- It reduces cooking time since you don’t have to wait for heat to pass through the husks.
Simply remove the husks and silk just before cooking. Place the cleaned corncobs directly on a baking sheet and roast according to recipe directions. Enjoy the full sweet corn flavor in no time!
How Long to Cook Corn on the Cob in the Oven
The exact oven roasting time for corn on the cob will vary depending on a few factors:
- Oven temperature – A hotter oven in the 400°F range will roast faster than a lower 325°F oven.
- Size of corn – Larger, thicker cobs will take a little longer than smaller thin ears.
- With or without husks – Removing husks reduces roast time.
For optimum flavor and texture when roasting without husks, follow these general timelines:
- At 400°F, roast for 15-20 minutes
- At 375°F, roast for 18-22 minutes.
- At 350°F, roast for 22-28 minutes.
To test for doneness, check kernels in the thickest part of the cob. They should be brightly colored and caramelized, not dried out. The cob should feel tender when pierced with a fork.
Roasting any longer will result in dried out, overcooked corn. Erring on the lower end of the time range helps ensures juicy, perfectly done corn.
Oven Roasting Times for Corn With Husks
If oven-roasting corn on the cob while still in the husks, extend roast times by 5-10 minutes. For example, at 400°F roast for 20-25 minutes.
The additional time allows for heat to fully penetrate the husks to cook through the kernels. Just be careful not to overcook.
Key Tips for Roasting Corn in the Husks
- Pull back husks, remove silk, and tie husks back in place with kitchen twine.
- Soak corncobs in water briefly before roasting if desired.
- Roast at 400°F, turning halfway for even cooking.
- Check for doneness early to prevent overcooking.
Roasting with the husks on can provide great flavor. Just be sure to allow extra time and watch closely to pull ears as soon as kernels are tender.
Seasoning Oven-Roasted Corn on the Cob
One of the best parts of oven roasting corn is getting to add flavorful spices and herbs straight onto the kernels. Feel free to get creative and try out flavor combos!
Here are some easy seasoning ideas to try:
- Smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper
- Chili powder, lime juice, cilantro, and red pepper flakes
- Brown sugar, ground cumin, and cayenne
- Italian seasoning or herbes de provence
- Ground coriander, garam masala, salt
- Finely grated parmesan, parsley, and lemon zest
Brush the corn with oil first to help the seasoning adhere. Spice blends like barbecue rubs, ranch dressing mixes, or taco seasoning also pair well with roasted corn.
Don’t be afraid to give a good coating of your favorite spices for tons of flavor without the butter!
Flavoring Ideas Beyond Seasonings
In addition to dry spices and herbs, try these flavor boosters:
- Coat with oil or oil-based dressing – Coconut oil, avocado oil, or vinaigrettes add moisture and flavor.
- Finish with fresh lime or lemon juice – Squirt over corn right before serving.
- Grate parmesan over the top – Choose fresh parmesan for a delicious nutty, salty accent.
- Drizzle with hot sauce, tapatio, or tajin – Great for a spicy kick!
- Dollop salsas, chutneys, or relishes on top – Adds a tangy,fresh contrast.
So don’t limit yourself to just spices – play around with oils, citrus, cheese, herbs, and other creative toppings in lieu of butter!
Best Oven Temperature for Roasting Corn
The optimal oven temperature for roasting corn on the cob without husks ranges from 375°F to 400°F. This level of heat helps the kernels evenly caramelize and turn golden brown without burning or drying out.
Higher heat is ideal when oven roasting without husks, as the kernels get direct exposure to the hot air.
Some tips when setting your oven temperature:
- For a standard conventional oven, 400°F provides the best results.
- For convection ovens that run hot, set closer to 375°F.
- Large batches may require slightly lower heat – around 350°F.
- If corn has some husk on, drop temperature 25 degrees to prevent burning.
In most cases, 400°F is perfect for bringing out the corn’s sweetness and achieving that sought after roasted taste. Adjust higher or lower as needed based on your specific oven.
The key is to keep the heat high enough to caramelize and intensify flavors, without scorching the corn. Let your nose guide you – roasting corn should smell nutty and sweet!
Step-By-Step Guide
Follow these simple steps for oven roasted corn on the cob without butter or oil:
Ingredients
- 6 ears of corn, husks and silk removed
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or oil of choice
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1⁄2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1⁄4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1⁄4 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro
- Lime wedges, for serving
Directions
- Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a rimmed baking sheet with foil.
- Brush corn all over with olive oil and place directly onto baking sheet.
- In a small bowl, combine chili powder, paprika, garlic powder and cayenne pepper. Sprinkle seasoning mix evenly over corn, patting to adhere.
- Roast for 18-22 minutes, turning cobs halfway through. Corn should be lightly browned with kernels caramelized and tender.
- Remove from oven and immediately squeeze lime juice over corn. Sprinkle parmesan cheese and cilantro evenly on top.
- Serve warm with additional lime wedges. Enjoy!
Common Roasting Mistakes
Oven roasting corn without husks makes getting perfectly caramelized, juicy kernels easy. Just avoid these common pitfalls:
- Overcrowding the pan – Give corn room so hot air circulates freely around each ear.
- Roasting at too low a temp – Cranking up the heat helps corn caramelize. Aim for at least 375°F.
- Not turning halfway – Turning ensures even browning; don’t forget this step!
- Ignoring seasoning – Plain roasted corn needs a flavor boost. Don’t skip spices and herbs.
- Roasting too long – Corn can go from tender to dried out quickly. Stay vigilant.
- Letting corn steam – Removing from pan right after roasting prevents sogginess.
With a few easy techniques, you’ll get perfectly caramelized oven-roasted corn worthy of any summer cookout!
Conclusion
Oven roasted corn on the cob can be an easy, delicious side dish with minimal prep required. By roasting corn out of the husks at 400°F and using bold seasonings in lieu of butter, you can highlight corn’s inherent sweetness and achieve tender, caramelized results.
Avoid overcrowding corn during roasting and watch closely to prevent drying. With a few simple precautions, oven roasting without butter or oil makes enjoying summer-fresh corn flavor possible all year round.
Experiment with the spice combinations and flavor accents that best complement fresh corn’s flavor. The oven’s dry heat works to beautifully caramelize the kernels without the need for extra fats.
Next time you’re craving that irresistible charred corn taste, skip the grill or stovetop methods. Simply pop plump, in-season ears straight into a hot oven and let the natural sugars shine through. In just 20 minutes, you’ll have irresistibly kissable corn with no silk, no mess, and no need for butter!
Frequently Asked questions
Here are some frequently asked questions given below:
How do you keep corn on the cob from drying out in the oven?
- Roast at a high enough temperature (at least 375°F) to caramelize kernels before drying.
- Spray or brush with oil before roasting to keep moist.
- Watch carefully and don’t overcook. Remove immediately once tender.
- Tent foil over corn for 5 minutes after roasting to further steam.
Should you soak corn before roasting?
- Soaking isn’t required but can help corn roast more evenly.
- Soak for 10-30 minutes. Any longer can make kernels too soggy.
- Just soak husked corn. Don’t soak if roasting in husks.
What is the best way to season oven roasted corn?
- Coat shucked corn with oil first so seasoning adheres.
- Spice combos like chili powder, cumin, garlic, and cayenne add lots of flavor.
- Finish with grated parmesan, fresh herbs, lime juice, or hot sauce.
- Compound butters with blended herbs and spices are also delicious.
How can you tell when corn on the cob is done roasting?
- Kernels will be tender when pierced with a fork
- Silks should be lightly browned and caramelized
- Corn should feel soft but not mushy when squeezed
- Roasted aroma with sweet, nutty notes
Can you roast corn in a convection oven?
Yes, absolutely! Convection ovens circulate hot air very efficiently for even roasting. Some tips:
- Reduce temperature by 25-50°F compared to conventional oven.
- Roast corn for closer to 15-18 minutes in a convection oven.
- Check frequently as they can go from perfect to overdone quickly.
- Place corn in single layer on middle rack.