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Cowboy Butter Roasted Corn

Cowboy butter roasted corn is a simple oven method that turns golden, caramelized kernels while a chunky compound butter melts between them. The garlic-herb butter is loaded with lemon zest, smoked paprika, and chili heat for bold BBQ corn flavor.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Calories: 310
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

corn
  • 4 corn Husked ears of corn
cowboy butter
  • 0.5 cup unsalted butter Soften to room temperature
  • 4 clove garlic Minced
  • 1 tbsp fresh parsley Chopped
  • 1 tbsp fresh chives Chopped
  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard
  • 1 tsp lemon juice
  • 0.5 tsp lemon zest
  • 0.5 tsp smoked paprika
  • 0.25 tsp red pepper flakes
  • 0.25 tsp cayenne pepper
  • 0.25 tsp salt To taste
  • 0.25 tsp black pepper To taste

Equipment

  • 1 sheet pan

Method
 

Prep and make the cowboy butter
  1. Preheat the oven to 425°F and line a baking sheet with foil.
  2. Beat the softened butter with the minced garlic, chopped parsley, chopped chives, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, lemon zest, smoked paprika, red pepper flakes, cayenne, salt, and black pepper until fully combined.
Roast and finish
  1. Coat each husked corn ear generously with about half the cowboy butter, then place the corn on the prepared baking sheet.
  2. Roast for 20–25 minutes, turning once, until the kernels are golden and caramelized.
  3. Remove from the oven and immediately slather the corn with the remaining cowboy butter so it melts into the kernels.
  4. Serve hot with any extra cowboy butter melted alongside for dipping.

Notes

Pro tip: keep the butter chunky by mashing only until combined—this helps the herb and spice bits cling to the kernels as they roast. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days; reheat on a sheet pan at 400°F until warmed through. Freezing isn’t recommended because corn texture softens. Dietary swap: use plant-based butter sticks in place of unsalted butter for a dairy-free version with similar flavor and melt.