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Savory Brown Butter Roasted Corn with Cotija Cheese

brown butter roasted corn with cotija cheese - featured image

A quick and easy recipe featuring roasted corn with nutty brown butter, tangy Cotija cheese, and a hint of chili powder for a perfect savory side dish.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 ears fresh corn on the cob, husked and cleaned
  • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • ½ cup Cotija cheese, crumbled
  • Juice of 1 lime
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
  • Salt to taste
  • 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat for easier cleanup.
  2. Husk and clean 4 ears of fresh corn, removing all silk. Halve the ears if desired for easier roasting and eating.
  3. Place the corn evenly spaced on the baking sheet. Roast in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes, turning once halfway through, until kernels are tender and lightly browned.
  4. While the corn roasts, melt 6 tablespoons of unsalted butter in a small skillet over medium heat. Stir or swirl frequently until the butter foams and turns golden with a nutty aroma, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat immediately to prevent burning.
  5. Transfer the roasted corn to a large bowl. Drizzle the brown butter over the hot corn and toss gently to coat.
  6. Add ½ cup crumbled Cotija cheese, 1 teaspoon chili powder, and juice of 1 lime. Toss again to combine evenly. Taste and add salt if needed.
  7. Garnish with chopped cilantro if using, and serve warm.

Notes

Watch the butter closely when browning to avoid burning; swirl the pan instead of stirring. For a dairy-free option, substitute Cotija cheese with toasted nutritional yeast and use plant-based butter. Frozen corn kernels can be roasted for about 15 minutes as a substitute for fresh corn. To add texture, sprinkle toasted pepitas on top. Grilling the corn is a great alternative to oven roasting.

Nutrition

Keywords: brown butter, roasted corn, Cotija cheese, chili powder, summer side dish, easy recipe, savory corn