Cowboy Butter Creamed Corn
I can’t begin to tell you how much I adore this Cowboy Butter Creamed Corn. It’s indulgent, rich, and kissed with just enough heat to make you reach for a second helping before you even finish your first. I made this on a whim one evening when I had a bowl of fresh sweet corn and a craving for something bold, buttery, and unforgettable. What resulted was a dish that stole the spotlight from everything else on the table.
Cowboy butter is already magical on its own—a vibrant blend of butter, garlic, Dijon, lemon juice, herbs, and a hint of spice. But swirling it into creamed corn? That was a game changer. It adds a complex, savory dimension that balances the natural sweetness of the corn beautifully. With every spoonful, you get creamy richness, vibrant herbs, and a zesty, buttery warmth that lingers delightfully.
Whether I’m hosting friends for a casual dinner or just making a comforting side on a chilly evening, this dish has quickly become my go-to. It pairs with just about anything, from grilled steaks to roasted chicken, and it’s one of those recipes that makes people beg for the secret. Trust me, once you try it, you won’t go back to ordinary creamed corn.
Before we dive in, if you’re into cozy comfort food, you might also love creamy garlic chicken breasts, creamy Tuscan sausage pasta, or shipwreck dinner for more bold, family-favorite flavors.
Why You’ll Love This Cowboy Butter Creamed Corn
This Cowboy Butter Creamed Corn is more than just a side dish—it’s a flavor experience. The sweetness of the corn is amplified by the creamy texture, and the cowboy butter adds that wow factor that elevates every bite. It’s incredibly easy to make, yet it delivers restaurant-level depth of flavor. Whether you’re looking to impress guests or just treat yourself to something special, this recipe checks every box. Plus, it’s easily adaptable for spicy food lovers or those who prefer a milder taste.
Ingredients
Sweet Corn: The heart of the dish. Fresh corn off the cob adds texture and natural sweetness, but frozen or canned works in a pinch.
Heavy Cream: Creates the luxurious, velvety base that makes the dish comforting and rich.
Cream Cheese: Adds tang and creaminess, helping to thicken the sauce without needing flour.
Cowboy Butter: The soul of the flavor. A mix of butter, garlic, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, herbs like parsley and thyme, crushed red pepper flakes, and a touch of paprika.
Parmesan Cheese: Boosts umami and lends a salty, nutty depth that ties everything together.
Salt and Black Pepper: Essential for balance and enhancing all the bold flavors.
How to Make Cowboy Butter Creamed Corn
Step 1: Make the Cowboy Butter
In a small saucepan, melt butter and add minced garlic, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, chopped parsley, thyme, crushed red pepper flakes, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook on low until aromatic. Set aside.
Step 2: Sauté the Corn
In a large skillet, heat a bit of oil or butter and add the corn. Cook until slightly charred in spots to enhance its sweetness and add texture.
Step 3: Add Cream Base
Lower the heat and pour in the heavy cream and cream cheese. Stir gently until the cheese melts and everything is well combined.
Step 4: Stir in Cowboy Butter
Add the prepared cowboy butter and mix it into the creamed corn, letting it simmer for a few more minutes.
Step 5: Finish with Parmesan
Sprinkle in grated Parmesan cheese and stir until it melts into the sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions
This Cowboy Butter Creamed Corn is pretty flexible if you want to make some changes. You can easily make it spicier by increasing the red pepper flakes or adding a dash of hot sauce. Not into spice? Skip the flakes and stick with the herbs for a more mellow flavor. If you want to make it lighter, substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half or even whole milk, though it will be less rich. For a dairy-free version, coconut cream and a vegan butter alternative can work, although the flavor will slightly change. Want more texture? Toss in crispy bacon bits or roasted poblano peppers.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
This dish is a dream alongside grilled meats like steak or ribs, but it’s also lovely with simple roasted chicken or baked salmon. For a Southern-inspired dinner, serve it with cornbread and collard greens. It makes a hearty addition to any holiday spread and is always a hit at potlucks or summer BBQs.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Let the Cowboy Butter Creamed Corn cool before storing in an airtight container. It will keep in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat it gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of cream or milk to loosen it up. Avoid microwaving on high, as it may separate. Freezing is not ideal, as the cream-based sauce can become grainy.
FAQs
Can I use canned corn for Cowboy Butter Creamed Corn?
Yes, canned corn is a convenient substitute. Just be sure to drain it well and pat dry for better caramelization when sautéing.
How spicy is Cowboy Butter Creamed Corn?
It has a gentle kick from the red pepper flakes, but you can adjust the heat level easily to suit your taste.
Can I make Cowboy Butter Creamed Corn ahead of time?
Absolutely! Prepare it a day in advance and reheat gently on the stove before serving.
What can I use instead of cream cheese in Cowboy Butter Creamed Corn?
You can substitute it with mascarpone, ricotta, or a bit of sour cream, though each will slightly alter the flavor and texture.
Related Recipe You’ll Like
If you’re loving the bold flavor of this dish, don’t miss trying cheesy Mexican rice casserole, buffalo roasted cauliflower, or creamy garlic butter chicken rotini. These are all flavorful, comforting, and sure to hit the spot.
Save and Share This Recipe for Later
Make sure to pin this Cowboy Butter Creamed Corn recipe to your favorite Pinterest board so you can come back to it anytime. If you loved the recipe, share it with your friends on Facebook or send it directly to someone who needs a new go-to side dish. It’s always a good time to spread delicious inspiration!
Cowboy Butter Creamed Corn
Cowboy Butter Creamed Corn is a rich, savory, and utterly irresistible side dish that blends sweet corn with a decadent base of cream, cream cheese, and flavorful homemade cowboy butter. The cowboy butter—made from butter, garlic, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, herbs, and a hint of heat—transforms ordinary creamed corn into a zesty, creamy masterpiece. Perfect for barbecues, family dinners, or holiday spreads, this dish adds a bold, buttery twist to traditional comfort food. It's easy to make, crowd-pleasing, and full of flavor.
Ingredients
- 4 cups sweet corn (fresh, frozen, or canned)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 4 oz cream cheese
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme
- 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- In a small saucepan, melt the butter and add garlic, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, parsley, thyme, red pepper flakes, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir and cook on low heat until fragrant. Set aside.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, add corn and lightly sauté until some kernels are slightly charred.
- Lower heat, then add the heavy cream and cream cheese. Stir until the cheese is fully melted and incorporated.
- Pour in the prepared cowboy butter. Stir well and let the mixture simmer for about 5 minutes.
- Add the Parmesan cheese, stir to melt, and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Remove from heat and let sit a few minutes before serving to enhance flavors.
Notes
- For extra spice, increase red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce.
- For a lighter version, use half-and-half or whole milk instead of heavy cream.
- Can be prepared ahead and gently reheated on the stove.
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
6Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 393Total Fat: 32gSaturated Fat: 19gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 11gCholesterol: 87mgSodium: 288mgCarbohydrates: 24gFiber: 3gSugar: 6gProtein: 7g
