5 Ingredients or Fewer

Effortless Oven-Roasted Corn on the Cob With Husks

July 13, 2021
4.6
20 Ratings
Photo by Linda Xiao
  • Cook time 30 minutes
  • Serves 6
Author Notes

So corn on the cob is a hot commodity for grilling, boiling, and microwaving. But here is a technique that blows all those out of the water. Not only is it simple and mess-free, but it also tastes like corn should taste: yellow kernels of candy.

Helpful tools for this recipe:
- GIR Grill Tongs
- Handmade Oval Platters
- Five Two Down-To-Earth Compost Bin


me brumbaugh

Test Kitchen Notes

Summer is definitely the best time of the year to enjoy fresh, in-season corn, and we can't get enough of it. Though you can prepare it in a variety of ways, this is by far one of our favorites. Yes, you can quickly cook your corn on the cob in a pot of boiling water or in the microwave, but the flavor payoff by roasting in the oven is well worth it, trust us. It'll take about half an hour for the corn to roast and you have to let the ears cool a little bit before husking, but it's so easy and hands-off, you'll wonder why you haven't prepared corn this way before. Plus, there's no cleanup, since you can roast the corn directly on the oven rack, so you won't have to wash any pots or pans, which is an added bonus. Roasting the corn in their husks results in the best texture and brings out the kernels' signature sweetness. This method is extremely fail-proof, and your family and friends are going to love it.

You could eat the corn on its own, or you can add the kernels to salads or pastas. Try using this handy cob corn stripper if you need to take the kernels off the cob. If you're roasting the corn as a side, we also highly recommend serving it with some flavored butter. A little garlic plus some fresh herbs from the garden would help put the butter over the top. Or try with some crushed red pepper flakes and a squeeze of fresh lime juice, but make sure that the beautifully roasted corn is the star. —The Editors

What You'll Need
Ingredients
  • 6 ears of corn
Directions
  1. Arrange a rack in the middle of the oven; preheat to 400°F. Leave the corn on the cob with its husks and silks attached. Arrange the corn on the oven rack lengthwise and spaced 1 inch apart.
  2. Roast for 30 minutes. Remove the center cob and pull back the husks just enough to test for doneness; the corn should have swollen shiny kernels with a few browned ones too.
  3. Remove the corn from the oven. Let cool for 15 minutes. Wrap a kitchen towel around the base of a corn cob to hold it without getting burned as the husks retain some heat. Pull back the husks and silks at the same time; they will come off easily.

See what other Food52ers are saying.

  • samanthaalison
    samanthaalison
  • Smaug
    Smaug
  • Danyelle Hadaway
    Danyelle Hadaway
  • Droplet
    Droplet

29 Reviews

samanthaalison August 22, 2023
This was super easy and came out good, but not significantly better than when we just boil it. Husking it was easier but probably not worth heating the oven in the summer. I'd probably do this again if we had a toaster oven or if we were making corn for a crowd.
 
trvlnsandy August 22, 2023
try the microwave version - soak (not necessary), then nuke for 4-6 min (I do it until it's too hot to handle - and the more ears the longer). Then slice at the base (just the side of the cob beyond the widest part of the base toward the pointy end), grab hold of the husk and silk at the pointy end (technical terminology) and shake the cob out.
 
Lou August 22, 2023
Utter BS!!!
Roast the corn in the husk 200 deg, 40/45 mins = cooked & ready to eat.
I don’t understand how these sites attempt to take away basic / common sense..
You will not require foil
You will not require any basic training
Just roast the corn in your oven until cooked..! 🤦‍♂️
 
trvlnsandy August 20, 2023
For just the 2 of us, I've been using a YouTube 'Grandpa' recipe for years - soak, nuke for 4 to 6 min, and then remove the husks as in this recipe. Have to make sure you cut above the 'hip', or doesn't shake out easily.
This sounds like it would be a great way for a larger group. Will try it next time I do corn for more than 2 or 3 people. Think I'd rather have the oven heat then a pot of steaming water. This would likely work as a grill method as well.
 
trvlnsandy August 20, 2023
Just re-read - this recipe just pulls the husks back. The microwave version you cut at the fat end, just above the widest part, grasp the pointed end and shake the cob out
 
Smaug August 9, 2023
I generally avoid the oven during corn season, especially in the afternoon.
 
crayesq July 4, 2023
I have used this recipe multiple times for just the family, and for guests. A HIT every time. This is so simple and easy, and the corn is fabulous. WOW.
 
CherylScheib May 24, 2023
Made the corn on the cob in oven for supper tonight and they were delicious
 
Customer September 24, 2022
I literally subscribed to Food 52 for this method, and I am so glad I did. I do not soak it first, but that's a personal preference, I'm sure!
 
Evil.Joker's.Girl May 27, 2023
Soaking it first helps prevent the husks from burning/catching fire when using grill or gas oven...
 
freefood16 August 26, 2022
This could not be easier! Perfectly delicious corn on the cob.
 
SunshineonU2 August 2, 2022
Thank you for making corn on the cob so effortless. On the grill constant turning so it won’t burn. This is a set it & forget it. Cooked so evenly or very juicy😍
 
Mary July 18, 2022
What an effortless way to cook corn on the cob for a crowd and so good too!
 
Wayteach July 10, 2022
This worked perfectly! I am so happy to learn this at age 70!
 
missaudrey June 30, 2022
Best tasting & easiest way to cook corn on the cob.
 
[email protected] October 4, 2021
So easy, delicious, and no cleanup--Absolutely Fabulous!
 
C F. August 31, 2021
Actually a question -- Should you soak the corn first to roast it in the oven?

That's what I do when grilling it outdoors.


 
Evil.Joker's.Girl May 27, 2023
It'll prevent husks from catching fire when using grill or gas oven .
 
Mainer August 22, 2021
The corn is great this way, but the oven heats the kitchen up, so not great for a hot day.
 
Evil.Joker's.Girl May 27, 2023
Using a toaster oven instead of regular one is awesome for this reason...
 
annapdx August 17, 2023
You sure have a lot of commenting/complaining to do on this post
 
DMcMullan June 21, 2021
Little tip from my childhood! Soak the corn, husks and all, in water for at least an hour before putting in the oven. It will change your life, lol 😂
 
madisontb July 25, 2021
What does this do? Does it make it easier to peel the husks and get all those stringy things?! Please explain I must know! :)
 
Sharon R. September 7, 2021
I think it's similar to brining -- hydrating the corn.
 
Danyelle H. August 27, 2020
Since seeing this method, it has been the only way I do my summer corn. Roasting the corn creates the sweetest kernels I have ever tasted. Thank you for the recipe!
 
Droplet June 21, 2013
Interesting. I have never tried doing it this way. Does it work equally well with very fresh as well as with yesterday's corn? Thank you for the idea.
 
Wayteach July 10, 2022
I used it on three-day old corn. Perfect.
 
Evil.Joker's.Girl May 27, 2023
Fresh vs day old vs three day old? Isn't it all fresh if it's still uncooked and in the husk?
 
annapdx August 17, 2023
Believe it or not girly, all vegetables go bad eventually (even unhusked corn if it's left long enough).