Corn on the Carcass
Who knew corn on the cob could double as a spooky party centerpiece? These corn ribs baked with smoky spices and arranged like a rib cage are quick, flavorful, and the perfect side dish for a Halloween BBQ or dinner party.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cook Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes
Ingredients
Corn Ribs
- 4 ears of corn
- ½ cup olive oil
- 1 tsp chili powder
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ¼ tsp smoked paprika
- Pinch of salt and pepper
- ½ cup cotija cheese, crumbled
- Cilantro and lime wedges, for garnish
Smoky Mayo
- 3 tbsp mayonnaise
- 3 tbsp sour cream
- ½ tsp each: chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and salt
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp jalapeño, finely minced
- 1 tbsp cilantro, finely chopped
- 2–3 tbsp lime juice
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F with convection on.
- Prepare the corn ribs: Cut off both ends of each cob so they can stand upright. Use a chef’s knife and gently tap it with a rubber mallet through the cob to cut in half, then repeat to make four quarters per cob (16 ribs total).
- Season the corn: Place ribs on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Mix olive oil, chili powder, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper, then brush generously over the ribs.
- Bake the corn: Place in the oven for 7 minutes, flip, then continue baking for another 7–8 minutes until ribs are golden and curled slightly.
- Make smoky mayo: Mix mayonnaise, sour cream, spices, garlic powder, jalapeño, cilantro, and lime juice until smooth. Adjust lime juice for taste.
- Serve spooky-style: Arrange baked corn ribs on a platter to resemble a rib cage. Drizzle with smoky mayo, sprinkle cotija cheese, and finish with fresh cilantro and lime wedges.
Pro Tips
- Cutting Corn Safely: Always use a mallet or heavy knife when splitting corn cobs; this prevents slipping.
- Air Fryer Option: You can air fry the ribs at 375°F for 10–12 minutes for crispier edges.
- Make Ahead: Prep the smoky mayo and cut corn ribs in advance; bake just before serving for best results.
Nutrition Information
| Serving Size | Calories | Protein | Carbs | Fat | Fiber | Sugar |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 rib | 150 | 3g | 16g | 9g | 2g | 3g |
Disclaimer: Nutrition facts are estimated using online tools and may vary based on your ingredients and preparation. Please consult a nutritionist for precise dietary advice.
Corn on the Carcass
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Corn ribs baked with smoky spices, arranged like a rib cage, perfect as a spooky party centerpiece.
Ingredients
- 4 ears of corn
- ½ cup olive oil
- 1 tsp chili powder
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ¼ tsp smoked paprika
- Pinch of salt and pepper
- ½ cup cotija cheese, crumbled
- Cilantro and lime wedges, for garnish
- 3 tbsp mayonnaise
- 3 tbsp sour cream
- ½ tsp each: chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and salt
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp jalapeño, finely minced
- 1 tbsp cilantro, finely chopped
- 2–3 tbsp lime juice
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F with convection on.
- Prepare the corn ribs: Cut off both ends of each cob so they can stand upright. Use a chef’s knife and gently tap it with a rubber mallet through the cob to cut in half, then repeat to make four quarters per cob (16 ribs total).
- Season the corn: Place ribs on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Mix olive oil, chili powder, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper, then brush generously over the ribs.
- Bake the corn: Place in the oven for 7 minutes, flip, then continue baking for another 7–8 minutes until ribs are golden and curled slightly.
- Make smoky mayo: Mix mayonnaise, sour cream, spices, garlic powder, jalapeño, cilantro, and lime juice until smooth. Adjust lime juice for taste.
- Serve spooky-style: Arrange baked corn ribs on a platter to resemble a rib cage. Drizzle with smoky mayo, sprinkle cotija cheese, and finish with fresh cilantro and lime wedges.
Notes
Cutting Corn Safely: Always use a mallet or heavy knife when splitting corn cobs; this prevents slipping. Air Fryer Option: You can air fry the ribs at 375°F for 10–12 minutes for crispier edges. Make Ahead: Prep the smoky mayo and cut corn ribs in advance; bake just before serving for best results.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American