Cowboy Butter Roasted Corn Recipe
Let me tell you, this Cowboy Butter Roasted Corn Recipe has quickly become one of my all-time go-tos for summer gatherings and cozy dinners alike. The magic here is that rich, flavorful cowboy butter that clings to every nibble of the corn, roasting into perfectly tender, slightly caramelized bites. It’s not just a side dish; it’s a showstopper that brings a touch of rustic charm and a whole lot of buttery goodness to your plate.
What makes the Cowboy Butter Roasted Corn Recipe truly special is how versatile and easy it is. You can roast it in the oven, air fryer, or even on the grill, making it ideal for grilling season or whenever you crave a tasty, buttery ear of corn. Trust me, once you make this, you’ll be dreaming up excuses to have corn on the cob just so you can slather it generously with that cowboy butter.
Why This Recipe Works
- Bold Flavor Boost: The cowboy butter is packed with herbs and spices that elevate simple roasted corn into an unforgettable dish.
- Perfect Texture: Roasting then broiling gives you tender kernels with that lovely golden char and crunch.
- Flexible Cooking Methods: Whether you oven-roast, air-fry, or grill, the recipe adapts without losing any flavor.
- Simple Prep & Cleanup: Wrapping corn in foil means easy cooking and faster cleanup—ideal for busy days or casual cookouts.
Ingredients & Why They Work
The ingredients in this Cowboy Butter Roasted Corn Recipe are straightforward but carefully chosen to work in harmony. Fresh corn brings natural sweetness, while the cowboy butter adds a rich, savory kick you’ll love. Here’s a little insight into why each component shines.
- Corn: Fresh ears with firm, juicy kernels are essential for the best flavor and texture.
- Cowboy Butter: This flavorful butter blend is the star, loaded with seasonings and herbs that make the corn sing.
- Parsley: Fresh parsley adds a bright, herbal finish that balances the richness of the butter.
Make It Your Way
One of my favorite things about this Cowboy Butter Roasted Corn Recipe is how easy it is to customize to your taste buds or what you have on hand. I like to swap out the herb mix for something with more heat or add a squeeze of lime for a zesty twist—don’t hesitate to make it yours!
- Spicy Kick: Adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika to the cowboy butter gives it a fun smoky heat that I adore.
- Dairy-Free Version: I’ve tried coconut oil or vegan butter for a non-dairy option, and it’s still delicious (just tweak the herbs accordingly).
- Herb Variations: Swap parsley for fresh cilantro or basil to match the vibe of your meal or season.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Cowboy Butter Roasted Corn Recipe
Step 1: Prep and Cut Your Corn
Start by husking your ears of corn and trimming them into 1 ½-inch sections. Cutting the corn makes it more manageable to serve and eat, plus it helps the cowboy butter coat every kernel. I like to use a sharp knife and steady hands here—that way, you get neat pieces that roast evenly.
Step 2: Coat Generously with Cowboy Butter
Brush each corn section liberally with your melted cowboy butter, making sure every side is covered. Don’t skimp here—the butter is where all the flavor happens. A silicone brush works wonders for even coverage without making a mess.
Step 3: Wrap in Foil and Bake
Lay the buttered corn pieces on a foil-lined baking sheet and create a foil packet around them. This traps steam so the corn becomes tender and juicy as it cooks. Pop the whole packet in the oven at 425°F for 25-30 minutes—perfect time to prep the rest of your meal.
Step 4: Broil for the Perfect Golden Finish
Carefully open the foil (watch out for steam!) and switch your oven to broil. Broil the corn for about 8-10 minutes, turning halfway, until you get that gorgeous golden-brown char that takes the flavor up a notch. It’s the best part—crispy outside, tender inside.
Step 5: Final Butter Brush and Serve
Take the corn out, brush any remaining cowboy butter on while it’s hot, and sprinkle with chopped parsley for freshness. Serve warm and get ready for everyone to ask for seconds!
Tips from My Kitchen
- Don’t Rush the Broiling: Broil just long enough to get that color without burning—keep a close eye, because it can brown quickly.
- Even Butter Coverage: Use a good quality brush and rotate the corn as you coat to avoid missing spots.
- Foil Packet Magic: Wrapping the corn traps moisture, giving soft kernels that soak up the butter—a game changer for roasting.
- Steam Awareness: When opening the foil after baking, open it slowly to avoid steam burns—safety first!
How to Serve Cowboy Butter Roasted Corn Recipe
Garnishes
I’m a sucker for a sprinkle of vibrant fresh parsley or cilantro on top—it adds such a lovely pop of color and brightness that cuts through the richness of the butter. Sometimes, I toss on a bit of crumbled cotija cheese or a squeeze of fresh lime juice for an extra burst of flavor.
Side Dishes
I often pair this Cowboy Butter Roasted Corn with grilled meats like steak or chicken, but it’s equally delicious alongside a fresh garden salad or baked beans for a classic BBQ spread. It also goes surprisingly well with spicy dishes, balancing heat beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, I love serving these corn sections stacked like little towers on rustic platters, sprinkled with extra herbs and chili flakes for contrast. Wrapping each piece individually in small parchment cones makes for a charming and mess-free casual serving style that guests appreciate.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Cowboy Butter Roasted Corn tastes great when stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I like to lay the corn pieces flat so they don’t get squished, and adding a little extra butter before sealing helps keep them moist.
Freezing
I’ve frozen this roasted corn before, and it holds up pretty well! Just freeze the pieces in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently.
Reheating
To reheat, I prefer using the oven or air fryer to keep that roasted texture intact—heat at 350°F for about 10 minutes until warmed through. Microwaving is fine in a pinch, but it can make the corn a little soggy.
FAQs
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Can I make the Cowboy Butter Roasted Corn Recipe on the grill?
Absolutely! Grilling the corn adds a smoky, charred flavor that pairs wonderfully with the cowboy butter. Just brush the butter on before and after grilling, and cook the corn over medium heat, turning often until tender and nicely charred.
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Can I prepare the cowboy butter ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the cowboy butter a day or two in advance and keep it refrigerated. Just gently reheat it before brushing it onto the corn to get that perfect melting consistency.
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Is this recipe suitable for an air fryer?
Definitely. The recipe adapts perfectly to an air fryer. Just brush the corn with cowboy butter, air fry at 400°F for 10-12 minutes, and finish with an extra brush of butter and parsley garnish.
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How do I avoid burning the butter while roasting?
Keep the oven temperature controlled and don’t apply excess butter. Wrapping the corn in foil protects the butter from burning during roasting, and broiling at the end adds color without prolonged exposure to high heat.
Final Thoughts
This Cowboy Butter Roasted Corn Recipe holds a special place in my heart because it transforms everyday corn into something memorable and downright addictive. Whether you’re hosting a backyard BBQ, making a quick weeknight dinner, or just craving a buttery, herby treat, this recipe delivers every time. I really encourage you to give it a try—you’ll be amazed at how a little cowboy butter can make your corn taste like a slice of heaven!
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
Delicious cowboy butter roasted corn, featuring tender corn sections coated in rich, flavorful cowboy butter, oven-roasted to golden perfection, and garnished with fresh parsley. This easy side dish is perfect for barbecues, family dinners, or any occasion that calls for a savory, buttery treat.
Ingredients
Corn
- 4 ears corn, husked and carefully 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, leaving enough foil on the ends to create a packet for the corn sections.
- Prepare Corn: Place the corn sections onto the foil-lined baking sheet. Brush each piece generously with the melted cowboy butter, making sure all sides are evenly coated.
- Create Foil Packet: Wrap the corn sections completely in the aluminum foil to form a large sealed packet, which will help steam and roast the corn evenly.
- Bake Corn: Place the foil packet in the oven and bake for 30 minutes, allowing the corn to cook through and absorb the buttery flavors.
- Broil for Color: Carefully open the foil packet and switch the oven to broil. Broil the corn for 10 minutes, rotating halfway through to achieve a golden brown and slightly charred finish.
- Final Butter Brush: Remove the corn from the oven and brush each section with any remaining melted cowboy butter. If needed, reheat the butter before applying.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle chopped parsley over the corn as a fresh garnish. Serve the roasted corn warm for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- For Air Fryer: Brush corn sections with melted cowboy butter and place in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Air fry at 400°F for 12 minutes, working in batches if necessary. Brush with additional cowboy butter and garnish with parsley before serving.
- This recipe also works well for grilled corn—simply brush the sections with cowboy butter and grill until tender and slightly charred.
- You can microwave corn sections wrapped in damp paper towels for a quick alternative; then brush with cowboy butter and garnish.
- To make cowboy butter, blend butter with garlic, herbs, lemon juice, and spices according to your favorite recipe or choose a prepared version.
- Make sure to handle the foil packet carefully after baking as steam and hot butter can cause burns.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ear corn section
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 250 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 35 mg