Baking Corn On The Cob At 350
Corn on the cob is a delicious and nutritious vegetable that has been a staple in many American households for centuries. It can be enjoyed in various ways, such as boiled, grilled, or baked, and can be served as a side dish or even as a main course. One of the easiest and most popular ways to cook corn on the cob is by baking it in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit. This article will provide you with a step-by-step guide on how to bake corn on the cob at 350 degrees Fahrenheit, along with some tips and tricks to ensure that your corn is perfectly cooked and full of flavor.
Why Bake Corn on the Cob?
Baking corn on the cob is an excellent way to cook it because it keeps the kernels moist and tender while also allowing them to roast and caramelize slightly. This process brings out the natural sweetness of the corn and creates a delicious, slightly smoky flavor that pairs well with many different seasonings and toppings.
Furthermore, baking corn on the cob is a hands-off approach, which makes it a convenient cooking method for busy individuals and families. Once the corn is in the oven, you can focus on other tasks or even prepare other parts of your meal while it cooks.
Ingredients and Equipment
To bake corn on the cob at 350 degrees Fahrenheit, you will need the following ingredients and equipment:
- 4-6 ears of corn on the cob, husked and cleaned
- 2-4 tablespoons of butter, melted (or olive oil, if preferred)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Foil
- Baking sheet or casserole dish
Make sure that you remove all of the husk and silk from the corn before baking. This will ensure that the corn is evenly cooked and that there are no stray bits of silk left on the cob.
Instructions
Follow these simple steps to bake corn on the cob at 350 degrees Fahrenheit:
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Line a baking sheet or casserole dish with foil.
- Brush each ear of corn with melted butter (or olive oil) and sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste.
- Place the ears of corn on the baking sheet or casserole dish.
- Cover the baking sheet or casserole dish with another sheet of foil, crimping the edges to create a seal.
- Bake the corn in the oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the kernels are tender when pierced with a fork.
- Remove the corn from the oven and carefully remove the top layer of foil.
- Serve hot, garnished with additional butter, salt, and pepper as desired.
Tips and Tricks
Here are some additional tips and tricks to help you bake corn on the cob at 350 degrees Fahrenheit like a pro:
- If you prefer your corn to be slightly charred or caramelized, you can remove the top layer of foil during the last 5-10 minutes of baking to allow the corn to roast. Be careful not to let it burn.
- If you want to infuse additional flavor into your corn, you can season it with various herbs and spices before baking. Some popular options include garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and cumin.
- If you want to make cleanup even easier, you can skip the foil and bake the corn directly on a baking sheet or casserole dish. Just make sure to brush the dish with some oil or butter first to prevent sticking.
- For even more flavor, you can try brushing your corn with a mixture of melted butter and honey or maple syrup before baking. This will create a sweet and savory glaze that is sure to impress.
Conclusion
Baking corn on the cob at 350 degrees Fahrenheit is a simple and tasty way to enjoy this classic American vegetable. With a few basic ingredients and some easy-to-follow instructions, you can have perfectly cooked and flavorful corn on the cob in just 30-35 minutes. Whether you're serving it as a side dish at a summer BBQ or using it as the star of your main course, baked corn on the cob is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.