Name: Crispy Baked Corn Ribs Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted, ¼ stick); 1 tablespoon olive oil; ½ teaspoon kosher salt; ½ teaspoon ground paprika; ½ teaspoon garlic powder; ½ teaspoon onion powder; 3 ears fresh corn on the cob (shucked and silks removed)

There’s something irresistibly fun about digging into these golden, crispy strips of corn. This Crispy Baked Corn Ribs Recipe turns ordinary corn on the cob into a fun finger food with a smoky, buttery crunch—that’s exactly why I keep making it whenever fresh corn is in season.

The image shows a white plate filled with several pieces of roasted corn on the cob, cut into long sticks. The corn is golden yellow with some charred brown spots, giving it a roasted look, and is sprinkled with small green herb flakes. There is a small white bowl on the plate with a creamy white dipping sauce, also sprinkled with green herbs. The plate sits on a white marbled surface photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Crispy Baked Corn Ribs Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Crispy Baked Corn Ribs Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Crispy Baked Corn Ribs Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This Crispy Baked Corn Ribs Recipe has completely changed how I enjoy corn—it's the perfect blend of crispy edges and tender kernels, plus it’s super simple to make and beautifully snackable whether you’re hosting a BBQ or just craving something savory and satisfying.

Fun to Eat: The “ribs” shape makes corn easy to hold and enjoy without the mess of traditional corn on the cob.
Flavor-Packed: A buttery, smoky spice blend elevates the corn’s natural sweetness and makes every bite irresistible.
Simple Prep: You only need a handful of ingredients and one baking sheet, so cleanup is a breeze.
Versatile Side or Snack: These work just as well as a tasty appetizer or alongside your favorite main course.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this Crispy Baked Corn Ribs Recipe plays a role in boosting flavor or texture. The combination of butter and olive oil ensures the corn crisps up nicely without drying out, while the seasonings add that just-right balance of warmth and savoriness.

Flat lay of three ears of fresh corn on the cob shucked and silks removed, a small white ceramic bowl with melted golden butter, a small white ceramic bowl with glossy olive oil, a small white ceramic bowl containing reddish paprika powder, a small white ceramic bowl with fine white kosher salt, a small white ceramic bowl with light beige garlic powder, a small white ceramic bowl with pale off-white onion powder, all ingredients arranged in perfect symmetry on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Unsalted Butter: Adds richness and helps the seasonings stick while promoting browning.
Olive Oil: Keeps the corn juicy and helps achieve that crisp crust.
Kosher Salt: Enhances the natural sweetness of corn and rounds out the flavors.
Ground Paprika: Brings a mild smoky depth—opt for smoked paprika if you want an extra kick.
Garlic Powder: Offers a subtle garlicky aroma without overpowering.
Onion Powder: Adds complexity and a touch of sweetness.
Fresh Corn on the Cob: The star of the show—choose ears that feel heavy and have bright green husks for the best sweetness.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I love tweaking this recipe based on what’s in my pantry or mood—I encourage you to get creative and tailor the spices or add toppings that remind you of your favorite flavors. It’s all about making this recipe your own!

Variation: I often sprinkle a bit of grated Parmesan over the corn ribs just after baking for an extra cheesy, crispy finish.
Spice it up: Adding a pinch of cayenne or chili powder brings a fun heat that balances the sweet corn beautifully.
Herb boost: Freshly chopped cilantro or parsley sprinkled on top brightens the dish and adds lovely freshness.
Vegan swap: Use vegan butter or coconut oil in place of butter to keep this recipe plant-based without losing that buttery goodness.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Crispy Baked Corn Ribs Recipe

The image shows a white plate filled with several pieces of grilled corn cut into short segments. The corn is golden yellow with light brown grill marks and small green herb sprinkles on top. Some pieces show a slightly charred texture, giving a rustic feel. In the upper left corner of the plate, there is a small white cup containing a creamy white dipping sauce. The plate is set on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Get Ready

Start by preheating your oven to 425°F, and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier. While that’s heating up, you can prep the corn ribs—it’s a fun part, trust me!

Step 2: Shape Corn Into “Ribs”

Take each ear of corn and cut it in half lengthwise, then cut each half into two-inch wide strips. These “ribs” look so cool and make the corn easier to eat—you’ll thank me later. Make sure your knife is sharp and steady to avoid slipping.

Step 3: Mix the Flavorful Butter Coating

In a small bowl, whisk together melted butter, olive oil, kosher salt, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder. This blend will give the corn ribs their signature crispy, savory crust. Give it a taste—you’ll get a good sense of how yum it’s going to be!

Step 4: Arrange and Season Your Corn Ribs

Place the corn ribs cut side down on your prepared baking sheet, then brush each one generously with your seasoned butter mixture. Make sure every ridge gets coated so you get maximum flavor in every bite.

Step 5: Bake Until Golden and Crispy

Bake the corn ribs for about 30 to 35 minutes. You want to watch for golden brown edges that turn crisp—but be careful not to overcook or they’ll dry out. When done, they’ll smell amazing, and you'll see toasted spots that scream “eat me now.”

Step 6: Cool, Garnish, and Serve

Let the corn ribs cool for a few minutes so they firm up slightly, then serve with extra butter or your favorite dipping sauce. Fresh herbs sprinkled on top add a pretty pop of color and a fresh finish.

Top Tip

From my many attempts at perfecting this Crispy Baked Corn Ribs Recipe, a few little tricks have really upped my game and helped me get those crispy, flavorful ribs every time. These tips can save you from common pitfalls and make the process more enjoyable.

Sharp Knife for Easy Cuts: Using a sharp chef’s knife makes it easier to slice the corn neatly without squashing the kernels or risking your fingers.
Don’t Skip the Parchment: It prevents sticking and helps the ribs brown evenly without messy bake-on bits.
Brush Butter Thoroughly: Be generous with the seasoned butter—cover every ridge and crevice for flavorful, crispy perfection.
Oven Timing Matters: Keep an eye past the 30-minute mark; every oven’s different, and a golden-brown color is your best indicator of doneness.

How to Serve Crispy Baked Corn Ribs Recipe

Garnishes

I usually throw on a handful of freshly chopped parsley or cilantro for color and brightness. Sometimes a sprinkle of crumbled cotija cheese or a dash of chili powder gives them a tasty Mexican street corn vibe. Squeeze a little lime on top for a zing that wakes up the whole dish.

Side Dishes

I pair these corn ribs with grilled meats or BBQ for an unbeatable summer combo. They also shine with a fresh green salad or creamy coleslaw on the side. Trust me, their crispy texture balances softer sides perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, I’ve lined up the corn ribs in a fan shape on a rustic wooden board with small dipping bowls filled with aioli, spicy mayo, and salsa verde—makes for a vibrant, shareable snack platter that always gets compliments.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover corn ribs store well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I recommend reheating them in the oven or air fryer to bring back their crispness instead of the microwave, which can make them soggy.

Freezing

I’ve frozen these corn ribs successfully by flash freezing them on a tray first, then transferring to a sealed bag. When ready to eat, bake them straight from frozen at 425°F until hot and crispy again — it’s a handy shortcut for busy days.

Reheating

To reheat, I preheat my oven to 400°F and place the corn ribs on a baking sheet for 8 to 10 minutes, flipping once halfway through. This refreshes the crisp crust and warms the inside beautifully, bringing back that fresh-from-the-oven vibe.

Frequently Asked Questions:

What exactly are corn ribs?

Corn ribs are sections of corn on the cob that are sliced lengthwise into rib-like strips, making them easier to hold and eat. They’re seasoned and baked or grilled until crispy, offering a fun twist on the classic corn on the cob.

Can I make this recipe without butter?

Absolutely! You can substitute butter with olive oil, vegan butter, or other plant-based oils if you want a dairy-free or vegan version. Just make sure to use enough oil to help the spices stick and the corn crisp up nicely.

How do I get the corn ribs extra crispy?

To get extra crispy corn ribs, make sure to brush the seasoned butter generously and bake the ribs on a parchment-lined sheet so they roast evenly. Keep an eye on oven timing and flip them halfway through if needed to promote even browning.

Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?

You can prep the corn ribs in advance by slicing and topping them with the seasoned butter, then refrigerate them uncovered for up to a few hours before baking. To keep them crispy, bake just before serving.

Final Thoughts

This Crispy Baked Corn Ribs Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen—not just because it’s delicious, but because it makes eating corn fun again. I hope you’ll enjoy making and sharing these crispy, flavorful ribs as much as I do, whether it’s a casual snack or part of a festive meal. Give it a try and let me know how yours turn out!