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Cowboy Butter Roasted Corn Recipe

Ah, Cowboy Butter Roasted Corn Recipe – it’s one of those dishes that just hits different when you want something simple yet bursting with rich, buttery flavor. The combination of smoky roasted corn and that luscious cowboy butter makes it a perfect side for summer barbecues, cozy family dinners, or whenever you’re craving something comforting but easy to whip up. I’ve made this recipe countless times, and each time it brings a little celebration to the table.

What I love most about this Cowboy Butter Roasted Corn Recipe is how versatile it is. You can pop this in the oven or air fryer, and it’ll come out golden and juicy every time. Plus, that cowboy butter – it’s like the secret sauce that makes these sweet corn bites so addictive. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll want to make it again and again, whether it’s for a casual weeknight meal or a festive get-together.

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Why This Recipe Works

  • Bold Flavor Boost: The cowboy butter adds a rich, savory kick that complements the sweetness of the roasted corn perfectly.
  • Easy Prep, Big Impact: Just a few steps and simple ingredients, yet the results look and taste like you spent hours.
  • Versatile Cooking Methods: Whether you bake, broil, air fry, or grill, this recipe adapts beautifully without losing its charm.
  • Perfect Crowd Pleaser: Cut into smaller sections, it’s ideal for sharing and makes a fun finger-food at parties.

Ingredients & Why They Work

The magic behind the Cowboy Butter Roasted Corn Recipe is really in how the ingredients play off each other. Fresh corn brings juicy sweetness, while the cowboy butter – a blend of herbs, spices, and butter – adds savory depth, creating a beautifully balanced flavor.

  • Corn: Fresh ears deliver natural sweetness and a satisfying crunch; look for bright, plump kernels when shopping.
  • Cowboy Butter: This is the star – made from butter infused with garlic, herbs, and spices, it coats each corn piece with rich flavor.
  • Parsley: Adds a fresh, herbal brightness and a lovely pop of color to finish the dish.
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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

One of the best things about the Cowboy Butter Roasted Corn Recipe is how easily you can tweak it to fit your taste or the occasion. I often experiment with adding a little smoked paprika or cayenne for a smoky, spicy twist that my family loves.

  • Variation: Adding a sprinkle of shredded Parmesan after baking gives the corn a savory, cheesy twist that’s a total crowd-pleaser.
  • Dietary Adjustment: Use a plant-based butter for a vegan-friendly version; the roasting still delivers that deep flavor.
  • Seasonal Swap: Fresh herbs like cilantro or chives can replace parsley for a different herbal note depending on what you have on hand.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Cowboy Butter Roasted Corn Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Corn and Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 425°F – this high heat is key for roasting perfectly tender and slightly caramelized corn sections. Meanwhile, husk the corn and cut each ear into 1 ½-inch chunks. I find cutting them smaller makes the roasting more even and the corn easier to eat as finger food.

Step 2: Coat with Cowboy Butter

Brush each corn chunk generously with melted cowboy butter. Don’t be shy here – that butter brings all the flavor and helps the corn roast to a beautiful golden brown. Make sure to coat every side so you get even coverage.

Step 3: Wrap and Roast

Place the buttered corn on a foil-lined baking sheet. Then, wrap the corn in aluminum foil, creating a sealed packet. This traps steam for tender kernels while roasting. Bake for 25-30 minutes until the corn is cooked through and tender.

Step 4: Finish with Broil

Carefully open the foil packet (watch out for steam!) and place the corn under the broiler for 8-10 minutes, turning halfway through. This step adds a gorgeous golden char and depth of flavor that makes this Cowboy Butter Roasted Corn Recipe unforgettable.

Step 5: Final Touches and Serve

Brush on any remaining cowboy butter while the corn is hot for an extra flavor punch. Sprinkle chopped parsley on top to brighten the dish, and serve immediately while warm and juicy.

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Tips from My Kitchen

  • Don’t Skip the Broil: That last broiling step adds caramelized flavor and a slight char that takes this recipe from good to unforgettable.
  • Keep Butter Warm: Reheat your cowboy butter gently if it cools and solidifies, so it spreads easily for the final brushing.
  • Use Fresh Corn: Sweetness and texture shine brightest with fresh, in-season corn—frozen just won’t give the same result.
  • Foil Packet Safety: Open the foil slowly to avoid steam burns—it builds up more than you’d expect!

How to Serve Cowboy Butter Roasted Corn Recipe

Cowboy Butter Roasted Corn Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

I usually garnish the corn with chopped fresh parsley because it adds a pop of color and fresh herbiness that balances the richness of the butter. Sometimes, I throw on a little crumbled cotija cheese or a squeeze of fresh lime for a zesty twist that’s especially fun in summer.

Side Dishes

This Cowboy Butter Roasted Corn Recipe pairs beautifully with grilled meats, like steak or chicken, and smoky roasted vegetables. I adore serving it alongside a fresh salad and some baked potatoes for a wholesome, satisfying meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For a party, I arrange the roasted corn chunks on a large platter with little skewers or toothpicks stuck in for easy grabbing. You can even serve them in mini cast-iron skillets or wooden boards lined with parchment for a rustic, Western vibe that matches the cowboy butter theme perfectly.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I keep leftover roasted corn in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When stored properly, it stays juicy, though the texture softens a bit compared to fresh-roasted.

Freezing

While I haven’t frozen the roasted corn itself much (it tends to lose some texture), you can freeze the cowboy butter separately in small portions for quick melt-and-brush flavor boosts anytime you want.

Reheating

For reheating, I recommend warming the corn in the oven wrapped in foil at 350°F for about 10 minutes to maintain its moisture. Then, brush fresh melted cowboy butter over it before serving to refresh that rich taste.

FAQs

  1. Can I make the Cowboy Butter Roasted Corn Recipe on the grill?

    Absolutely! This recipe works wonderfully on the grill. Just brush the corn sections with the cowboy butter and cook them over medium-high heat, turning occasionally until charred and tender – roughly 10-12 minutes. It adds a smoky depth that’s perfect for summer cookouts.

  2. What is cowboy butter?

    Cowboy butter is a savory compound butter usually made with butter mixed with garlic, herbs like parsley or chives, lemon juice, and spices such as smoked paprika and cayenne. It’s rich and flavorful, perfect for slathering on corn, meats, or veggies.

  3. Can I use frozen corn for this recipe?

    While fresh corn gives the best flavor and texture, you can use frozen corn if needed. Just thaw it well and pat dry, then toss with cowboy butter and roast or air fry. The texture will be softer but still tasty.

  4. How do I make cowboy butter from scratch?

    Making cowboy butter is easy: soften butter, then mix in minced garlic, chopped parsley, lemon juice, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Adjust seasonings to taste, then use immediately or chill for later.

Final Thoughts

This Cowboy Butter Roasted Corn Recipe is one of those simple pleasures that reminds me of good times with friends and family gathered around the table. The marriage of sweet roasted corn and that bold, flavorful butter never fails to please. Seriously, it’s a recipe I recommend you try exactly as is first — then make it your own as you go. You’ll find it’s a trusty go-to side that brings warmth and a little bit of cowboy spirit to your meals.

Print
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Cowboy Butter Roasted Corn Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.5 from 12 reviews
  • Author: Caroline
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Category: Side Dish
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Description

Enjoy sweet, tender corn sections roasted to perfection with a rich, flavorful cowboy butter. This recipe features cubed corn ears brushed with a savory homemade butter blend, baked in foil packets, then broiled for a golden finish. Garnished with fresh parsley, it’s a perfect side for summer dinners or BBQs.


Ingredients

Corn

  • 4 ears corn, husked and cut into 1 1/2-inch sections

Cowboy Butter

  • 1 recipe cowboy butter, melted

Garnish

  • parsley, chopped for garnish

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F and line a large baking sheet with aluminum foil, ensuring there is enough foil to create a packet to wrap the corn later.
  2. Prepare Corn: Arrange the cut corn sections on the lined baking sheet. Generously brush the melted cowboy butter over each corn piece, making sure all sides are coated thoroughly.
  3. Wrap Corn: Carefully wrap the corn in the aluminum foil, forming a sealed packet to lock in moisture during baking.
  4. Bake: Place the foil packet on the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes to allow the corn to cook evenly.
  5. Broil: After baking, carefully open the foil packet and switch your oven to broil. Broil the corn for 10 minutes, turning halfway through to achieve a golden brown color on all sides.
  6. Brush with Butter: Remove the corn from the oven and brush each piece again with the remaining melted cowboy butter, reheating the butter if needed for easier spreading.
  7. Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle chopped parsley over the roasted corn sections and serve warm as a delicious side dish.

Notes

  • For air fryer preparation, brush the corn sections with melted cowboy butter and air fry them at 400°F for 12 minutes in a single layer. Brush with additional cowboy butter after cooking and garnish with parsley.
  • This recipe also works well using grilled corn or microwave-cooked corn for versatile serving options.
  • Make sure to carefully open the foil after baking to avoid steam burns.
  • If you prefer extra smoky flavor, briefly char the corn on a grill after broiling.
  • Adjust the amount of cowboy butter according to your taste preference for richness and spice level.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 ear section
  • Calories: 150 kcal
  • Sugar: 4 g
  • Sodium: 180 mg
  • Fat: 10 g
  • Saturated Fat: 5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 12 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 3 g
  • Cholesterol: 25 mg

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