Description
Cowboy Butter Roasted Corn combines sweet corn with spiced garlic and smoky seasonings for a rich, savory side dish. The spiced butter melts into tender kernels, ideal for backyard barbecues and casual meals. Using smoked paprika, cumin, and herbs, this recipe balances depth and corn’s natural sweetness with a charred finish.
Ingredients
Fresh corn, 4 ears (prefer firm, sweet kernels)
Unsalted butter, 1/4 cup (room temperature)
Smoked paprika, 1 tbsp (or 1 tbsp ground cumin as substitute)
Finely chopped cilantro, 2 tbsp (or parsley for herb alternate)
Salt, 1/2 tsp (adjust final seasoning after roasting)
Instructions
Melt butter in microwave or double boiler at low heat until fully liquid
Whisk in smoked paprika or cumin and 1/2 tsp salt until well combined
Let butter mixture cool to room temperature for 10 minutes
Peel corn husks but keep them intact for moisture retention
Evenly apply chilled spiced butter to kernels using a pastry brush
Sprinkle 1 tbsp of remaining cilantro over the prepared corn
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) while butter cools
Place seasoned corn directly on center oven rack
Roast 25-30 minutes until kernels are tender and lightly charred
Sprinkle with final 1 tbsp cilantro after roasting
Rest corn 5 minutes in oven with door closed before serving
Provide paper towels to catch melted butter during plating
Notes
If using cold corn from refrigerator, butter adhesion improves significantly
Optional: Use corn rack or oven-safe utensil to rotate ears for even coloring
Check for doneness at 20 minutes by piercing a kernel with a fork
Additional flavor tip: Mix in 1/2 tsp garlic powder with spices
Husk moisture creates a natural basting effect—do not remove completely before roasting
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 30
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American/Barbecue
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ear of corn with 2 tbsp spiced butter
- Calories: 165
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 375mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7.5g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 2.5g
- Cholesterol: 35mg