Cowboy Butter Roasted Corn Recipe
There’s something about the sizzle and aroma of roasted corn slathered in a rich, flavorful butter that just feels like summer on a plate. This Cowboy Butter Roasted Corn Recipe hits all the right notes — it’s smoky, buttery, and a little bit spicy, making it a total crowd-pleaser whether it’s for a backyard barbecue or a cozy family dinner. I love how it brings a simple vegetable to life with bold flavors that everyone raves about.
What’s great about this Cowboy Butter Roasted Corn Recipe is that it’s super easy to whip up but feels special enough to steal the show. From roasting the corn until it’s perfectly caramelized to slathering on that yummy Cowboy Butter, every step builds layers of flavor you won’t want to miss. Plus, you can tweak it depending on your mood or what you have on hand, which makes it a staple in my kitchen when corn’s in season.
Why This Recipe Works
- Flavor Explosion: The cowboy butter is packed with spices that elevate simple roasted corn into a savory delight.
- Versatile Cooking: You can roast, air fry, grill, or even microwave the corn to fit your kitchen setup or time constraints.
- Perfect Texture: Roasting then broiling gives the corn a tender inside with a slightly caramelized, crispy exterior.
- Easy Prep: Minimal ingredients and simple steps make it beginner-friendly but still impressive.
Ingredients & Why They Work
The ingredients in this Cowboy Butter Roasted Corn Recipe come together to create layers of buttery, slightly spicy, and fresh flavors that complement the natural sweetness of corn. When shopping, look for fresh, firm ears of corn and quality butter—you’ll taste the difference.
- Corn: Fresh corn on the cob, husked and cut, delivers juiciness and crunch; try to pick ears with bright yellow kernels.
- Cowboy Butter: This seasoned butter pack is the star — its blend of garlic, spices, and herbs adds richness and smoky heat.
- Parsley: A fresh sprinkle at the end adds a pop of color and a mild herbal lift to balance the butter.
- Aluminum Foil: Essential for wrapping the corn to steam it perfectly while roasting.
Tweak to Your Taste
I love switching things up with this Cowboy Butter Roasted Corn Recipe based on what I’m craving or what’s in my pantry. Feel free to spice it up or go mild—the butter mix is your playground!
- Variation: I often add a squeeze of fresh lime juice or a sprinkle of smoked paprika for an extra tang or smoky punch that my family adores.
- Dietary Adjustments: Use plant-based butter to make it vegan-friendly and swap fresh parsley for cilantro if you want a fresh twist.
- Spice Level: Crank up the chili powder or add a dash of cayenne for more heat, or reduce seasonings for a gentler flavor.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Cowboy Butter Roasted Corn Recipe
Step 1: Prep and Get Your Oven Ready
First, preheat your oven to 425°F—the high heat is key for roasting that perfect golden corn. Line a large baking sheet with aluminum foil; trust me, cleanup is a breeze with this step. Husk the corn and slice each ear into about 1 ½-inch sections for easier handling and even cooking.
Step 2: Butter It Up
Next, brush each corn piece generously with your melted cowboy butter. Make sure every side is coated—don’t be shy here because the butter is where all those delicious spices soak in. I usually keep extra butter handy for brushing after roasting.
Step 3: Wrap and Roast
Wrap the buttered corn tightly in the aluminum foil to create a packet, which lets the corn steam and roast at the same time. Pop that packet onto the baking sheet, then into your preheated oven. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes until the corn is perfectly tender. This slow roast really draws out the corn’s natural sweetness.
Step 4: Broil for Golden Perfection
Carefully open the foil (watch out for steam!) and spread the corn out on the sheet. Broil for 8 to 10 minutes, turning halfway through. This step crisps up the edges and gives the corn that irresistible caramelized look and flavor. Don’t walk away—broilers can be quick to burn!
Step 5: Final Butter Touch and Garnish
Remove the corn from the oven and brush on more of the warm cowboy butter—it seals in the flavor and gloss. A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley adds a fresh, vibrant finish that’s both pretty and tasty. Serve warm and watch everyone reach for seconds!
Pro Tips for Making Cowboy Butter Roasted Corn Recipe
- Even Coating Matters: Take your time brushing every side with the cowboy butter for maximum flavor infusion.
- Watch the Broil: Keep a close eye during broiling – it goes from golden to burnt quickly if left unattended.
- Don’t Skip the Resting: Let the corn rest briefly after roasting to let juices settle, making it juicier when you bite in.
- Use Fresh Corn: Fresh corn is sweeter and more tender, so try to avoid frozen or old corn for this recipe.
How to Serve Cowboy Butter Roasted Corn Recipe
Garnishes
I always go with fresh chopped parsley for color and a subtle herbal note, but feel free to add crumbled cotija cheese, a sprinkle of smoked paprika, or even a squeeze of fresh lime to brighten up the flavors. These simple garnishes make the corn feel festive and fresh.
Side Dishes
This Cowboy Butter Roasted Corn Recipe pairs beautifully with smoky grilled meats, fresh garden salads, or even a spicy black bean salsa. It’s a perfect sidekick for any Tex-Mex spread or summer picnic feast.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the corn skewered on wooden sticks as a handheld snack at parties. You could also arrange the corn sections on a rustic wooden board with small ramekins of extra cowboy butter and lime wedges for an inviting, shareable platter.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I usually wrap leftover roasted corn tightly in foil or place it in an airtight container and refrigerate it. It keeps well for about 2 days, though fresh is always best. Reheating gently helps keep that buttery goodness intact.
Freezing
Freezing roasted corn is possible but not my favorite because it changes the texture a bit. If you do freeze, wrap tightly in foil and place in a freezer bag. Thaw fully in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
The best way I’ve found to reheat leftover Cowboy Butter Roasted Corn is by wrapping it in foil and warming it in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes. You can also quickly reheat it in the air fryer for a few minutes to bring back some crispness.
FAQs
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Can I use frozen corn instead of fresh for the Cowboy Butter Roasted Corn Recipe?
While you can use frozen corn, fresh corn on the cob provides a much better texture and sweeter flavor that really shines when roasted. Frozen corn is best for other recipes like soups or casseroles.
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What exactly is cowboy butter and can I buy it pre-made?
Cowboy butter is a flavorful blend of melted butter with garlic, herbs, spices, and often a bit of citrus zest or heat. While some stores sell premade versions, it’s fun and easy to make your own so you can adjust seasonings to your taste.
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Can I make this recipe using an air fryer?
Absolutely! Just brush your corn sections with cowboy butter and air fry at 400°F for 10-12 minutes, turning halfway through. It’s a quick, convenient alternative to roasting.
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How do I avoid burning the corn when broiling?
Broiling works fast, so keep a close eye on your corn and turn it regularly. If your broiler runs hot, reduce the time and watch it carefully to get that golden color without charring.
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Can I grill the corn instead of roasting?
Yes! Grilled corn brushed with cowboy butter is delicious and adds an extra smoky flavor. Just grill over medium heat, turning often until it’s nicely charred and tender.
Final Thoughts
I genuinely believe this Cowboy Butter Roasted Corn Recipe is one of those simple dishes that always impresses without stressing you out. It’s perfect for summer gatherings, weeknight dinners, or whenever you want a tasty veggie side that feels special. Give it a try—I’m confident once you make it, you’ll be coming back to this recipe over and over, just like I do.
PrintCowboy Butter Roasted Corn Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Cowboy Butter Roasted Corn is a flavorful, buttery roasted corn dish coated in a savory cowboy butter sauce, then finished under the broiler for a golden brown caramelized finish. It’s a perfect side dish for any barbecue or weeknight meal, garnished with fresh parsley.
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
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F. Line a large baking sheet with aluminum foil, allowing enough foil at the edges to fold and create a sealed packet.
- Prepare Corn: Arrange the corn sections on the lined baking sheet. Brush each piece thoroughly with the melted cowboy butter, making sure all sides are coated for full flavor.
- Create Foil Packet: Wrap the corn tightly with the aluminum foil to form a sealed packet that will trap steam and cook the corn evenly.
- Bake Corn: Place the foil packet on the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 30 minutes to tenderize and infuse the corn with the butter flavor.
- Broil for Color: Carefully open the foil packet and place the corn under the broiler. Broil for 10 minutes, turning halfway through, until the corn develops a lovely golden brown and slight char.
- Finish with Butter: Remove the corn from the oven and brush on any remaining melted cowboy butter while the corn is hot to enhance the flavor and richness.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle chopped parsley over the roasted corn for a fresh, colorful garnish. Serve warm immediately for best taste.
Notes
- Air Fryer Option: Brush corn sections with melted cowboy butter and air fry in a single layer at 400°F for 12 minutes. Brush with more butter and garnish with parsley.
- Grilling and Microwave: This recipe also works well when corn is cooked on the grill or in the microwave for convenience.
- If cowboy butter is not prepared, you can substitute with a mixture of melted butter, garlic, and herbs.
- Be careful when opening the foil packet after baking—it will release hot steam.
- To make the dish gluten-free, ensure cowboy butter ingredients contain no gluten additives.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ear corn section
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 220 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg