Cheesy Corn Ribs with Spices (Printable)

Crispy roasted corn strips spiced and topped with melted cheese, cilantro and lime.

# What You'll Need:

→ Corn

01 - 4 ears fresh corn, husked

→ Spice & Oil Mixture

02 - 2 tbsp olive oil
03 - 1 tsp smoked paprika
04 - 1/2 tsp garlic powder
05 - 1/2 tsp ground cumin
06 - 1/2 tsp salt
07 - 1/4 tsp black pepper

→ Cheese & Toppings

08 - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese or Monterey Jack
09 - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan
10 - 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro
11 - 1 lime, cut into wedges

# How To Make It:

01 - Set oven to 425°F and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
02 - Stand each ear of corn upright on a towel and carefully cut lengthwise into quarters using a sharp chef’s knife.
03 - Combine olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, cumin, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl and whisk until blended.
04 - Coat all sides of the corn ribs thoroughly with the spiced oil blend using a pastry brush.
05 - Place corn ribs cut side up on the prepared baking sheet and roast for 20 minutes, flipping halfway through until edges are crisp and corn curls.
06 - Evenly sprinkle shredded cheddar and Parmesan over the corn ribs, then return to oven for 3 to 5 minutes until the cheese melts and bubbles.
07 - Transfer to a serving platter, sprinkle with chopped cilantro, and serve with lime wedges.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • The spice coating caramelizes beautifully while the corn stays tender inside
  • These disappear faster than any other side dish I have ever served
02 -
  • Cutting the corn can feel tricky at first, but a sharp knife and a steady hand make all the difference
  • The corn really does curl as it roasts, which is exactly what you want to see happen
03 -
  • If you want extra heat, add a pinch of cayenne to the spice mixture before brushing the corn
  • The lime wedges are not optional, that bright acidity cuts through the richness perfectly
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