Oven Roasted Parmesan Corn on the Cob: A Deliciously Easy Recipe

Corn on the cob is a quintessential summer treat, and while grilling it is a classic, oven roasting brings out a unique sweetness and tenderness that’s hard to resist. This recipe elevates the humble corn on the cob with a generous coating of Parmesan cheese, herbs, and garlic, creating a flavorful and satisfying side dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue, preparing a simple weeknight dinner, or just craving a taste of summer, this oven-roasted Parmesan corn on the cob is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

## Why Oven Roast Corn on the Cob?

While grilling imparts a smoky char, oven roasting offers several advantages:

* **Even Cooking:** The oven’s consistent heat ensures that the corn cooks evenly, resulting in kernels that are tender and juicy throughout.
* **Hands-Off Approach:** Once the corn is in the oven, you’re free to focus on other dishes or tasks. No need to constantly monitor and flip the corn like you would on a grill.
* **Year-Round Enjoyment:** You don’t have to wait for summer to enjoy fresh corn. Oven roasting allows you to use corn on the cob any time of year, as long as you can find it at your local grocery store.
* **Enhanced Flavor:** The oven’s dry heat helps to concentrate the corn’s natural sweetness, creating a more intense flavor profile.
* **Easy Cleanup:** No messy grill grates to scrub! Simply toss the corn husks and any leftover Parmesan cheese mixture.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe is incredibly simple and requires just a few readily available ingredients:

* **Corn on the Cob:** Choose fresh corn with bright green husks and plump, milky kernels. The number of ears will depend on how many people you’re serving. Plan for about 1-2 ears per person.
* **Parmesan Cheese:** Freshly grated Parmesan cheese is the key to the cheesy, savory flavor of this dish. Avoid using pre-grated Parmesan, as it often contains cellulose and other additives that can prevent it from melting properly.
* **Butter:** Melted butter helps the Parmesan cheese adhere to the corn and adds richness and flavor. You can use salted or unsalted butter, depending on your preference.
* **Garlic:** Minced garlic infuses the corn with a pungent, aromatic flavor. Fresh garlic is always best, but you can use jarred minced garlic in a pinch.
* **Fresh Herbs:** A combination of fresh herbs, such as parsley, thyme, and oregano, adds brightness and complexity to the dish. Feel free to experiment with other herbs that you enjoy, such as basil, rosemary, or chives.
* **Salt and Pepper:** Season to taste. Be mindful of the salt content of the Parmesan cheese and adjust accordingly.
* **Optional: Red Pepper Flakes:** For a touch of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the Parmesan cheese mixture.

## Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create perfectly oven-roasted Parmesan corn on the cob:

**Step 1: Prepare the Corn**

* Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
* Shuck the corn, removing the husks and silk. Rinse the corn under cold water to remove any remaining silk.
* Pat the corn dry with paper towels.

**Step 2: Make the Parmesan Cheese Mixture**

* In a medium bowl, combine the melted butter, grated Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, chopped fresh herbs, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using).
* Stir until well combined. The mixture should be a thick paste.

**Step 3: Coat the Corn**

* Using a pastry brush or your hands, generously coat each ear of corn with the Parmesan cheese mixture.
* Make sure to get the mixture into all the crevices between the kernels.

**Step 4: Roast the Corn**

* Place the corn on the prepared baking sheet.
* Roast for 20-25 minutes, or until the corn is tender and the Parmesan cheese is golden brown and bubbly.
* Halfway through the roasting time, turn the corn to ensure even cooking and browning.

**Step 5: Serve**

* Remove the corn from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving.
* Serve immediately and enjoy!

## Tips for Perfect Oven-Roasted Parmesan Corn on the Cob

* **Choose the right corn:** Look for corn with bright green husks that are tightly wrapped around the ear. The kernels should be plump and milky when pierced with a fingernail. Avoid corn with dry, brown husks or shrunken kernels.
* **Don’t overcook the corn:** Overcooked corn can become tough and dry. Roast the corn just until it’s tender and the Parmesan cheese is golden brown.
* **Adjust the seasoning to your taste:** Feel free to adjust the amount of salt, pepper, garlic, and herbs to your liking. You can also add other spices, such as paprika, chili powder, or cumin.
* **Use fresh herbs:** Fresh herbs add a vibrant flavor that dried herbs can’t match. If you don’t have fresh herbs on hand, you can use dried herbs, but use about half the amount.
* **Add a squeeze of lemon juice:** A squeeze of fresh lemon juice just before serving adds brightness and acidity that complements the richness of the Parmesan cheese.
* **Experiment with different cheeses:** While Parmesan cheese is the classic choice, you can also experiment with other cheeses, such as Asiago, Romano, or Pecorino. Just be sure to choose a hard, grating cheese that will melt well.
* **Wrap in foil:** For extra juicy corn, you can wrap each ear in aluminum foil before roasting. This will help to trap moisture and prevent the corn from drying out.
* **Soak the corn:** Soaking the corn in cold water for 30 minutes before roasting can also help to keep it moist.
* **Broil for extra color:** For extra color and crispiness, you can broil the corn for a minute or two at the end of the roasting time. Just be sure to watch it carefully to prevent burning.

## Variations

This recipe is a great starting point, but feel free to customize it to your liking. Here are a few variations to try:

* **Spicy Parmesan Corn on the Cob:** Add a generous pinch of red pepper flakes to the Parmesan cheese mixture.
* **Garlic Herb Parmesan Corn on the Cob:** Increase the amount of garlic and add a variety of fresh herbs, such as parsley, thyme, rosemary, and oregano.
* **Lemon Parmesan Corn on the Cob:** Add the zest and juice of one lemon to the Parmesan cheese mixture.
* **Mexican Street Corn on the Cob (Elote):** After roasting, brush the corn with mayonnaise, sprinkle with cotija cheese, chili powder, and lime juice.
* **Bacon Parmesan Corn on the Cob:** Crumble cooked bacon and add it to the Parmesan cheese mixture.
* **Vegan Parmesan Corn on the Cob:** Use vegan butter and a vegan Parmesan cheese alternative. There are many great vegan Parmesan cheese options available at most grocery stores.

## Serving Suggestions

Oven-roasted Parmesan corn on the cob is a versatile side dish that pairs well with a variety of main courses. Here are a few serving suggestions:

* **Grilled Meats:** Serve alongside grilled steak, chicken, pork, or fish.
* **Barbecue:** A perfect addition to any barbecue spread, along with ribs, pulled pork, and coleslaw.
* **Burgers and Hot Dogs:** A flavorful alternative to fries or chips.
* **Salads:** Add to a summer salad for extra flavor and texture.
* **Vegetarian Mains:** Pair with veggie burgers, grilled tofu, or pasta dishes.
* **Tacos and Fajitas:** An excellent side dish for your next taco or fajita night.

## Make Ahead and Storage

* **Make Ahead:** You can prepare the Parmesan cheese mixture up to 24 hours in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Simply bring it to room temperature before coating the corn.
* **Storage:** Leftover oven-roasted Parmesan corn on the cob can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.

## Recipe Card

**Oven Roasted Parmesan Corn on the Cob**

**Prep Time:** 10 minutes
**Cook Time:** 20-25 minutes
**Yield:** Varies based on number of ears

**Ingredients:**

* Corn on the Cob: number as needed based on how many people you are serving
* 1/4 cup melted Butter
* 1/2 cup grated Parmesan Cheese
* 2 cloves minced Garlic
* 2 tablespoons chopped fresh Herbs (parsley, thyme, oregano, etc.)
* Salt and Pepper to taste
* Pinch of Red Pepper Flakes (optional)

**Instructions:**

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Shuck the corn, removing husks and silk. Rinse the corn and pat dry.
3. In a medium bowl, combine melted butter, Parmesan cheese, garlic, herbs, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using).
4. Coat each ear of corn with the Parmesan cheese mixture.
5. Place the corn on the prepared baking sheet.
6. Roast for 20-25 minutes, or until the corn is tender and the Parmesan cheese is golden brown, turning halfway through.
7. Remove from oven and let cool slightly before serving.
8. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Enjoy this delicious and easy recipe for oven-roasted Parmesan corn on the cob! It’s a simple way to elevate a classic summer favorite and add a touch of flavor to any meal. This recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen!