Name: Baked Corn Ribs with Spices Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted, 1/4 stick); 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt; 1/2 teaspoon ground paprika; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/2 teaspoon onion powder; 3 ears fresh corn on the cob (shucked and silks removed)

There's something incredibly satisfying about biting into these crispy, spiced strips of corn — they’re like corn on the cob, but way easier (and more fun) to eat. This Baked Corn Ribs with Spices Recipe turns humble ears of corn into a snack that’s got the perfect crunch, smoky spice, and buttery goodness all rolled into one.

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 Baked Corn Ribs with Spices Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Baked Corn Ribs with Spices Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Baked Corn Ribs with Spices Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I adore this recipe because it elevates simple corn on the cob into crispy, golden “ribs” that are deliciously addictive. It’s a blend of comfort and creativity, plus it’s super easy to make for any casual dinner or backyard get-together.

Crunchy texture: Baking the corn ribs makes them crispy on the edges, giving you that irresistible bite.
Flavor-packed: The combination of smoked paprika, garlic, and onion powders adds layers of smoky, savory depth.
Easy to eat: Cutting corn into ribs means no more awkward biting or buttery mess—it’s finger food at its finest.
Versatile: Perfect as a snack, side dish, or even game-day treat that everyone will rave about.

Ingredients & Why They Work

These ingredients come together to deliver buttery, crispy corn ribs that are bursting with flavor but not overpowering. The butter adds richness while olive oil helps the seasoning adhere and crisps up the edges. Each spice plays its role in layering complimentary smoky and savory notes.

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: I use unsalted so I can control the salt level perfectly. Melting it lets the flavors infuse nicely into the corn.
Olive Oil: Adds extra crisping power and helps the seasoning stick better than butter alone.
Kosher Salt: A coarse salt that seasons evenly without overpowering.
Ground Paprika: Gives a subtle smoky sweetness that makes the corn irresistible.
Garlic Powder: Adds a warm depth that complements sweet corn beautifully.
Onion Powder: Rounds out the savory notes and boosts overall flavor.
Fresh Corn on the Cob: Freshness is key here—you want firm, sweet corn for the best texture and taste.

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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

You can totally personalize this Baked Corn Ribs with Spices Recipe to suit what you love or what you have on hand. I often experiment with different spice mixes, and it’s so rewarding to make it your own.

Try it spicy: I sometimes add a pinch of cayenne or chili powder when I want a bit of heat—especially great for game day!
Cheesy twist: Sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan on the ribs in the last few minutes of baking for a savory finish I can't resist.
Herbal notes: Fresh herbs like chopped cilantro or parsley on top add brightness and a fresh contrast to the smoky spices.
Vegan option: Swap butter for vegan butter or coconut oil—still just as delicious.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Baked Corn Ribs with Spices 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 the Oven and Corn

Start by preheating your oven to a toasty 425°F—this high heat is key to getting those crispy edges. While it warms up, shuck the corn and remove all the silks because you want clean ribs without any stringy bits.

Step 2: Slice the Corn into Ribs

Lay each ear flat on a cutting board and carefully slice it lengthwise in half, then again in half, creating four “ribs” per ear. These 2-inch wide sections are perfect for crisping up evenly and are sized just right for snacking.

Step 3: Make the Spice Butter

Mix the melted butter, olive oil, kosher salt, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder in a small bowl. This blend coats the corn ribs beautifully, making them both flavorful and crispy once baked.

Step 4: Bake the Ribs

Place the corn ribs cut side down on a parchment-lined baking sheet, brush generously with the spice butter, and slide them into the oven. Bake for about 30-35 minutes until the ribs turn golden and crispy around the edges. Keep an eye on them around the 30-minute mark to avoid burning.

Step 5: Cool and Serve

Allow the baked corn ribs to rest a few minutes (they’ll crisp up even more as they cool). Serve warm, optionally topped with melted butter, freshly chopped parsley, or alongside your favorite dipping sauce. Enjoy!

Top Tip

In my experience, these tips really make a difference when baking your Baked Corn Ribs with Spices Recipe. They helped me go from “meh” corn to “wow” every time, with minimal fuss.

Cutting Technique: Use a sharp knife and steady hands for clean, even ribs. This helps them cook evenly and look beautiful.
Even Layering: Don’t let the ribs overlap on your baking sheet—crowding traps steam and prevents that coveted crispy texture.
Baste Generously: Brush lots of the butter-spice mixture on before baking and halfway through if you want to double down on flavor and crispiness.
Watch the Bake Time: Ovens can vary, so start checking at 30 minutes and remove them once golden and crisp but not burnt.

How to Serve Baked Corn Ribs with Spices Recipe

Garnishes

I love sprinkling freshly chopped parsley right after baking for a pop of color and freshness—plus a little extra melted butter on top never hurts. For a tangy contrast, a squeeze of lime or a dollop of sour cream makes a delightful addition too.

Side Dishes

These corn ribs pair wonderfully with grilled meats, fresh salads, or even as a fun side to your favorite BBQ spread. I often serve them alongside a creamy coleslaw or spicy black bean salad for a well-rounded meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, I sometimes stand the corn ribs upright in a glass or jar, making a rustic, eye-catching centerpiece. You could also arrange them on a large platter with different dipping sauces nearby for a festive appetizer vibe.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover corn ribs in an airtight container in the fridge, ideally layering them with parchment paper to avoid sogginess. They stay tasty for up to 3 days, though fresh is always best.

Freezing

Freezing corn ribs works okay if you want to save some for later. Just flash freeze on a tray first, then transfer to a freezer bag. When reheating, they won’t be quite as crispy, but still super tasty.

Reheating

The oven or air fryer is my go-to for reheating to bring back the crispiness—about 5-8 minutes at 375°F does the trick. Microwaving tends to make them soggy, so I avoid that when I want texture.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use frozen corn for this recipe?

Frozen corn kernels won’t work well for this Baked Corn Ribs with Spices Recipe because the structure is crucial— fresh ears cut into ribs hold together and crisp up. Frozen kernels lack the cob and texture needed.

How do I make these corn ribs vegan?

Simply swap the unsalted butter for a plant-based vegan butter or use olive oil alone. The spices and baking method stay the same, and you'll still get crispy, flavorful corn ribs.

Can I grill these instead of baking?

You could grill the corn ribs, but baking ensures an even crispiness on all sides. If grilling, use indirect heat and turn frequently to avoid burning, but the texture might be a bit different.

What dipping sauces pair best with baked corn ribs?

I love serving them with garlic aioli, chipotle mayo, or a simple squeeze of lime with some chili powder. Ranch dressing and cilantro-lime yogurt sauces are tasty options as well.

Final Thoughts

This Baked Corn Ribs with Spices Recipe quickly became one of my go-tos when I want something flavorful, fun, and just a little different. It’s simple enough for busy weeknights but impressive enough for guests. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll find yourself craving these golden, crunchy ribs as much as I do. So grab some fresh corn, spice up your kitchen, and enjoy every bite!