Perfectly Roasted Corn: How Long Should You Wait?

Oven-roasted corn on the cob is a delicious and simple dish that can be made in just a few easy steps. The corn can be cooked in its own husk or wrapped in foil and placed directly on the oven rack or a baking sheet. The cooking time varies depending on the oven temperature, but generally, it takes around 15 to 30 minutes to roast corn in the oven.

Oven-roasted corn in the husk

If you're looking for a new way to cook corn, then oven-roasting corn in the husk could be the perfect method for you. It's simple, mess-free, and gives the taste of grilled corn without actually grilling it. Plus, it's a great way to cook corn for a large group, as you can roast a bunch of corn at once.

How to oven-roast corn in the husk:

First, preheat your oven to between 350-400°F. Then, using kitchen scissors, trim the tip of the corn husk and any loose parts of the husk that may burn in the oven. You can also remove any excess silk from each ear of corn and take off any loose husks.

Next, place the corn cobs directly on the oven rack, spaced about 1 inch apart, and cook for 30-35 minutes. The corn is done when the husk's colour has changed from bright green to light green and is slightly browned. The corn kernels will be bright yellow and plump.

Be careful when handling the corn after removing it from the oven, as the outer husks will be very warm. You can then pull back the husks and silks at the same time; they will come off easily. You can also make corn husk handles to eat or snap off the bottom and eat it like a traditional corn cob.

Toppings for your oven-roasted corn:

It is recommended not to add butter to your corn before cooking it, as it is cooked in the husk. However, you can add fresh herbs to your corn after it is cooked. Butter and salt is a classic way to dress corn, or you can add a little garlic butter for extra flavour. You could also try drizzling hot honey over your corn for a sweet and spicy kick. Alternatively, sprinkle on some Tajín (chili powder seasoning) for a generous serving of heat.

How to season oven-roasted corn

There are several ways to season oven-roasted corn, and the method you choose will depend on whether you roast the corn in the husk, without the husk, or wrapped in foil.

Roasting Corn in the Husk

This method is great if you don't have a lot of prep time and want to get the corn started right away. It will take around 30 minutes to roast corn in the husk. To season the corn, you can trim the silk at the top of each cob and set the cobs on an oven rack. The husk will dry and pull away in the oven, making it easier to remove after cooking. You can also try soaking the corn in water for a few minutes before placing it in the oven.

Roasting Corn Without the Husk

Roasting corn without the husk will give it a more caramelized flavor, but it may also make the corn chewier and drier. This method takes about 25 minutes. To season the corn, remove the husk and silk, then spread a mixture of butter, parsley, garlic, rosemary, thyme, salt, and pepper onto each corn cob. You can also try olive oil and salt, or butter with original seasoning salt.

Roasting Corn in Foil

This method is great if you want to serve the corn to a crowd and keep it warm. It takes about 30 minutes. To season the corn, remove the husk and silk, then wrap each ear of corn in foil with a dab of butter. You can also add other seasonings like garlic salt or olive oil.

Other Seasoning Ideas

There are endless possibilities for seasoning oven-roasted corn. Here are some ideas:

• Smoked paprika
• Chili powder
• Parmesan cheese
• Fresh herbs (rosemary, thyme, parsley)
• Salt and pepper
• Italian seasoning
• Sour cream
• Mayo
• Feta cheese
• Anchovies

How to reheat oven-roasted corn

There are several ways to reheat oven-roasted corn, depending on whether you want to reheat it in the oven, microwave, or on a grill.

Reheating Corn in the Oven

If you want to reheat your corn in the oven, set the oven to 180C / 160C fan / gas mark 4 / 350F. Place the corn in the oven and reheat for 10 minutes or until piping hot.

Reheating Corn in the Microwave

Place the corn on a microwave-safe plate and cover it with a water-dampened paper towel. Microwave in 30-second increments at 70% power until warm.

Reheating Corn on a Grill

If you want to reheat your corn on a grill, place the corn directly on the grill over medium heat. Turn the corn every few minutes to ensure even heating.

Storing Leftover Corn

You can store leftover corn in an airtight container or zipper storage bag in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

How to remove corn husks

There are several ways to remove corn husks, and the method you choose will depend on whether you want to keep the husks intact or not. Here are some options:

• If you want to keep the husks intact, you can simply pull them back gently, being careful not to tear them. This method is useful if you plan to use the husks as a handle or for presentation.
• If you don't need to keep the husks intact, you can cut off the top of the cob and then peel away the husk, gripping the silks too. This method is quicker and more straightforward but may result in some silks remaining on the cob.
• Another method is to use a gripper pad. This is a simple, affordable, and widely accessible tool that can be used to stroke the ear of corn and remove the silks easily and effectively.
• Finally, if you're looking for a quick and easy way to remove the husks and silks, you can try soaking the corn in water for a few minutes. Soaking will loosen the husks and make them easier to remove.

Once you've removed the husks and silks, you may still find some stubborn silks remaining on the cob. To remove these, simply rub the cob down with a wet kitchen towel or paper towel until it is completely silk-free.

How long to oven-roast frozen corn

Oven-roasted corn on the cob is a simple and tasty dish to prepare, and it can be made even easier by using frozen corn, which is available all year round.

How to Roast Frozen Corn

Firstly, it is important to fully thaw and dry the frozen corn. Place it in a colander in the morning if you plan to roast it for dinner, and pat it dry with paper towels a couple of times while it is thawing.

Next, preheat your oven to 425-450°F. Line a baking tray with foil or parchment, and toss the corn with olive oil, salt, and pepper, ensuring it is thoroughly coated. Spread the corn in a single layer on the baking tray.

Place the corn in the oven and cook for 5 minutes. Stir it and cook for another 5 minutes, stirring as needed. Remove the corn from the oven once it has started to brown.

For extra browning, place the corn under the broiler for 1-2 minutes, stirring as needed to prevent burning.

How Long to Roast

The total cooking time for oven-roasted frozen corn is around 10-20 minutes, depending on how crispy and chewy you like your corn. Keep a close eye on the corn for the last 5-15 minutes of cooking to ensure it does not burn.

Seasonings and Pairings

While simple salt and pepper are delicious, you can also experiment with different seasonings and spices, such as paprika, parsley, rosemary, thyme, or garlic powder.

Oven-roasted frozen corn goes well with grilled meats and fish, lasagne, pizza, Mexican food, and barbecues. It can also be served as a side dish with Carne Asada, Grilled BBQ Chicken Quinoa Bowls, Loaded Quinoa and Edamame Salad, or Steak Salad.

Frequently asked questions