Alright, folks! If you’re looking for a side dish that’s creamy, dreamy, and downright irresistible, let me introduce you to my favorite indulgence: Cowboy Butter Creamed Corn! This dish is the perfect blend of sweet corn, rich creaminess, and a sprinkling of spices that will make your taste buds dance with joy. I first whipped this up during a summer BBQ, and ever since, it’s been a marquee item on my menu. Picture this: a table full of grilled meats and hearty sides, and there it sits—glistening corn that beckons everyone to dig in.
The best part about this Cowboy Butter Creamed Corn is that it’s super easy to make. Seriously, if you can melt butter, you can make this dish. It’s a crowd-pleaser that pairs perfectly with just about anything—from a succulent steak to your favorite veggie burgers. Let’s get cookin’!
What’s in Cowboy Butter Creamed Corn?
- Sweet corn: I use around 4 cups, either fresh or frozen—either works! If you’re using fresh corn, the sweetness is unbeatable.
- Unsalted butter: Half a cup of this golden goodness adds richness. Trust me, you want to stick with unsalted so you can control the seasoning!
- Heavy cream: Just half a cup gives this dish that luxurious, creamy texture. You could use half-and-half, but why would you when you can have all that creaminess?
- Sour cream: Another half cup here—this adds a tangy note that balances all the sweetness from the corn.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: A quarter cup of cheesiness elevates this dish to proper comfort food status.
- Garlic: Two cloves of minced garlic deliver a fragrant punch. You can’t go wrong with garlic!
- Smoked paprika: Just a teaspoon adds a smoky depth. If you don’t have it, regular paprika will work, but this is my go-to for extra flavor.
- Onion powder: A little bit goes a long way—adds sweetness and depth to the creamed corn.
- Salt and black pepper: Just a pinch of salt and a bit of pepper are all you need to season this beauty. Adjust to your taste.
- Red pepper flakes: A sprinkle of this brings a little heat that you can adjust based on your spice tolerance.
- Fresh parsley: A handful of this colorful herb provides brightness and contrast. Plus, it looks fancy!
Is Cowboy Butter Creamed Corn Good for You?
Now, let’s talk health! While this dish may not exactly be on a “light and lean” list, it does have some redeeming qualities. The sweet corn brings fiber and vitamins, making it a fabulous choice for added nutrients. The heavy cream and sour cream give that rich texture we all love, but they also add calories, so moderation is key! If you’re looking to lighten it up a bit, you can substitute with low-fat cream or Greek yogurt as a thickening agent. Just keep in mind that you’ll alter the flavor, but it will still be delicious!
Ingredients List
- 4 cups sweet corn (fresh or frozen)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust for spice preference)
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
How to Make Cowboy Butter Creamed Corn?
- Grab a large skillet and melt that butter over medium heat. The smell alone will have everyone gathering around the stove!
- Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Oh, and don’t walk away, or you might burn it!
- Stir in the corn and cook for 3-5 minutes, letting it heat through and get a bit caramelized. Who doesn’t love that golden color?
- Reduce the heat to low and add the heavy cream, sour cream, and Parmesan cheese. Stir until everything is combined and creamified!
- Season with smoked paprika, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Mix it up and let it simmer for 5-7 minutes until luscious and thick.
- Always taste test! Adjust the seasoning as needed for your palate.
- Remove from heat and sprinkle with fresh parsley before serving.
Tips for the Creamy Corny Goodness
- Cooking for a crowd? Just double the recipe, and you’ll be the star of the potluck!
- If you’re feeling extra indulgent, add a touch more butter or cheese for that over-the-top richness.
- This creamed corn pairs beautifully with grilled meats, roasted chicken, or even as a filling for hearty tacos.
So, there you have it! Cowboy Butter Creamed Corn is a decadent dish that’s perfect for any occasion, from family dinners to celebrations. Give it a try, and trust me—you’ll be tempted to make it time and time again. I would love to hear how it turns out for you, so don’t forget to drop your comments or pictures below! Happy cooking!
