For a fun twist on classic corn on the cob, these BBQ Corn Fingers are the perfect shareable snack. These bite-sized corn segments are slathered in tangy barbecue sauce and grilled to smoky perfection, creating the ultimate party food that’s both playful and packed with flavor. Whether you’re hosting a backyard cookout or need a crowd-pleasing appetizer, these BBQ Corn Fingers will disappear fast from any platter.
What makes these BBQ Corn Fingers special is their irresistible combination of textures and flavors. The natural sweetness of fresh corn gets enhanced by the smoky barbecue glaze, while the edges caramelize beautifully on the grill. With these BBQ Corn Fingers, you can customize them with different spice levels – from sweet and sticky to spicy and bold – to suit any taste preference. The finger-sized portions make them perfect for dipping in extra sauce too.
The first time I served these BBQ Corn Fingers at a summer gathering, I couldn’t believe how quickly they were devoured. The smoky aroma from the grill had everyone gathering around in anticipation. Now, they’re my secret weapon for potlucks and game day snacks – always the first dish to empty.
Now, I love experimenting with different variations of these BBQ Corn Fingers – sometimes adding crumbled cotija cheese and lime juice for a Mexican twist, or sprinkling with crispy bacon bits for extra indulgence. They’ve become my go-to when I need a vegetable side that’s anything but boring, proving that BBQ Corn Fingers can steal the show at any gathering.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love BBQ Corn Fingers
- Addictive Flavor – Perfect balance of sweet and smoky
- Fun Finger Food – Easy to eat and share
- Quick Prep – Ready in under 30 minutes
- Customizable – Use your favorite BBQ sauce
- Crowd-Pleasing – Always a hit at parties
Nutritional Benefits
- Fiber-Rich – Supports healthy digestion
- Vitamin C – From fresh corn
- Plant-Based – Naturally vegetarian
- No Artificial Additives – When using homemade sauce
- Gluten-Free Option – With GF BBQ sauce
Perfect Occasions
- Backyard BBQs – Essential grill side dish
- Game Day Spreads – Perfect sports-watching snack
- Summer Potlucks – Always disappears fast
- Kids’ Parties – Fun finger food they’ll love
- Weekend Grilling – Elevates any cookout
Chef’s Notes: BBQ Corn Fingers
• Corn Cutting Hack – Microwave whole cobs for 1 minute before cutting to soften the core and make quartering easier and safer.
• Spice Blooming – Toast your spice blend in a dry pan for 30 seconds before mixing with butter to intensify flavors.
• Butter Application – Use a pastry brush to get butter into every groove of the corn ribs for maximum flavor adhesion.
• Baking Sheet Prep – Line with parchment paper AND lightly grease to prevent sticking and ensure easy flipping.
• Crispness Trick – For extra crunch, place a wire rack on your baking sheet to elevate the corn fingers while cooking.
• Air Fryer Alert – Cook in single layers and shake basket halfway through – they cook faster than oven version (about 12 mins total).
• Dipping Sauce Tip – Make sauce ahead and chill for 1 hour to allow flavors to meld beautifully.
• Garnish Timing – Add fresh parsley just before serving to maintain vibrant color and freshness.
• Leftover Revival – Reheat in air fryer at 370°F for 3-4 minutes to restore crispness better than a microwave.
• Kid-Friendly Swap – Replace chili powder with sweet paprika in the rub for milder flavor that kids will love
BBQ Corn Fingers
Get ready to fall in love with these crunchy, spice-kissed corn fingers! In under 40 minutes, you’ll transform humble corn into a crowd-pleasing appetizer or side that’s bursting with smoky BBQ flavor. Think perfectly curled, golden-brown edges, slathered in a buttery-spice blend and served alongside a tangy lime-kissed dip. It’s simple enough for a weekday meal, yet impressive enough for a summer BBQ or game-day gathering. You’ll master the art of cutting corn “ribs” like a pro and dive into a recipe that even top chefs would envy—without ever leaving your kitchen!
4
servings15
minutes25
minutes380
kcal40
minutesKeep the screen of your device on
Ingredients
- Corn Ribs
4 fresh corn cobs, husks and silk removed, each cob quartered lengthwise into 4 hearty wedges
- Butter Glaze
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted until just liquefied
1 tablespoon lime juice, freshly squeezed for brightness
- Smoke-Spice Rub
3 tablespoons pre-mixed BBQ seasoning (see rub below)
3/4 teaspoon kosher salt
1 teaspoon brown sugar
- Homemade BBQ Seasoning (Makes Extra)
1 1/2 tablespoons chili powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Zesty Dip (Optional)
1/4 cup mayonnaise (or sour cream for tang)
1 tablespoon barbecue sauce (choose your favorite)
Pinch of kosher salt
- Fresh Garnish
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley or cilantro
- Alternative Ingredients
Butter: swap with coconut oil or vegan margarine replaces butter
BBQ seasoning: use taco seasoning or Cajun blend replaces rub
Mayonnaise: substitute plain Greek yogurt or vegan mayo replaces mayo
Lime juice: lemon juice in equal parts replaces lime
Brown sugar: coconut sugar or honey replaces sugar
Gluten-free: verify your BBQ sauce and spice mix are certified replaces non-certified
Dairy-free: use oil-based spread and vegan yogurt dip replaces dairy
High-protein: add a sprinkle of nutritional yeast to dip boosts protein
Directions
- Corn Preparation – Start by trimming both ends of each cob so they stand upright on your board (about 5 minutes). Remove all husks and silk, then lay each cob on its side and slice into four thick strips with a sharp chef’s knife. Even wedges ensure uniform cooking and consistent crisping; practice a gentle rocking motion for clean cuts.
- Spice Blend Assembly – In a small bowl (2–3 minutes), whisk together chili powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, ground cumin, brown sugar, kosher salt, and black pepper. Toasting spices for 30 seconds in a dry pan before mixing can bloom their flavors (optional). Homemade rub adds balanced heat and sweetness without preservatives.
- Glazing Corn Ribs – Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) while you work (2 minutes). Combine melted butter and lime juice, then use a pastry brush to coat each corn rib generously—don’t be shy, those curves hold liquid well. Immediately dust with 3 tablespoons of BBQ seasoning, ensuring grooves catch every speck (about 3 minutes).
- Baking or Air-Frying – For oven: arrange ribs on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake at 375°F for 25 minutes until edges curl and caramelize (25 minutes). For air fryer: preheat to 400°F and cook in a single layer for 12 minutes, flipping halfway through for even browning (12 minutes). The high heat triggers the Maillard reaction, deepening color and flavor. Optional: finish under a broiler for 1–2 minutes to intensify crispness.
- Dippable Sauce Creation – While the corn cooks (2 minutes), whisk together mayonnaise, barbecue sauce, a pinch of salt, and a squeeze of lime. This creamy condiment balances smoky ribs with tang and smooth texture. Chill briefly if you prefer a cooler contrast.
- Plating Garnish – Once corn fingers are piping hot, transfer to a serving platter and sprinkle chopped parsley over the top (1 minute). Offer the zesty dip alongside in a shallow bowl. Serve immediately to enjoy the ideal crunch; leftovers soften.
Equipment
- chef’s knife
- cutting board
- Pastry Brush
- baking sheet
- mixing bowls
- measuring cups and spoons
Notes
- • Ensure uniform corn wedges for even cooking—uneven pieces will char too quickly or remain underdone.
• Serve with extra lime wedges or sprinkle with cotija cheese for a Mexican-inspired twist.
• Add a pinch of cayenne to the butter glaze if you crave more heat.
• These are perfect alongside grilled meats, in a snack bowl at game day, or paired with a fresh salad for a summer feast.
• Leftovers can be reheated in an air fryer at 370°F for 4 minutes to revive crisp edges.
Nutrition Facts
- Calories: 380kcal
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 8g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
- Sodium: 650mg
- Potassium: 450mg
- Carbohydrates: 31g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sugar: 7g
- Protein: 5g
- Vitamin A: 600IU
- Vitamin C: 10mg
- Calcium: 40mg
- Iron: 1mg
FAQs: BBQ Corn Fingers
Can I use frozen corn instead of fresh?
Yes, but thaw frozen corn first and pat it dry to remove excess moisture. Fresh corn is preferred for the best texture and flavor.
What if I don’t have a BBQ seasoning blend?
You can substitute with taco seasoning or a Cajun spice blend. Adjust to taste for heat and flavor balance.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Yes! Replace butter with coconut oil or vegan margarine, and use vegan mayo or Greek yogurt for the dipping sauce. Ensure your BBQ seasoning is vegan-friendly.
How do I prevent the corn from sticking to the baking sheet?
Line the baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with oil to prevent sticking.
Can I prepare the corn ahead of time?
Yes, slice and season the corn ribs up to 2 hours in advance. Store them in an airtight container until ready to bake.
Why are my corn ribs not crispy?
This could be due to overcrowding on the baking sheet or insufficient glaze. Ensure corn ribs are spread out and well-coated with the butter-spice mixture.
Can I make the dipping sauce sweeter?
Yes, add a drizzle of honey or a pinch of brown sugar to the dipping sauce for a sweeter flavor profile.
How do I store leftovers?
Store leftover corn ribs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer to restore crispiness.
Can I grill the corn instead of baking?
Absolutely! Grill the corn ribs over medium heat for 5-7 minutes per side, until slightly charred and caramelized. Brush with extra glaze during grilling for added flavor.
More Corn Recipes You Might Like
Spiced Corn Ribs
Cooks in 40 minutesDifficulty: EasyGet ready to elevate your corn game with these vibrant, oven-roasted Spiced Corn Ribs! This crowd-pleasing snack brings together sweet maple, warming cinnamon, and a kick of chili—delivering that perfect balance of smoky, sweet, and savory. Imagine slicing fresh ears into riblets, brushing them with a zesty spice blend, then baking until golden and crisp on the edges. It’s effortless, colorful, and irresistibly finger-licking in under 40 minutes. Perfect for weeknight dinners, casual gatherings, or a standout side at your next barbecue!
Grilled Corn Ribs
Cooks in 45 minutesGet ready to wow your taste buds with this innovative twist on classic street corn! These grilled corn ribs, bursting with tangy lime and fresh cilantro, are expertly prepared for a crisp, smoky finish. The creamy, zesty drizzle and crunchy toppings elevate this vegan delight into a gourmet appetizer that’s both healthy and irresistibly flavorful. Perfect for a dinner party or a casual picnic, this recipe is designed to impress while remaining delightfully simple.
Air Fried Corn Ribs
Cooks in 20 minutesDifficulty: EasyDiscover the vibrant flavors of our Air Fried Corn Ribs – a healthy vegan twist on a street-food favorite. This recipe delivers a burst of tangy lime, creamy vegan topping, and a hint of smoky spice that transforms simple corn into a gourmet appetizer. Brilliantly crisped in an air fryer, each bite is a celebration of flavor and texture. Perfect for a light snack or as a dazzling side dish at your next dinner party, these corn ribs are designed to excite your taste buds with minimal fuss.
