Name: Cowboy Butter Kielbasa and Potato Skewers
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 10 oz kielbasa sausage, sliced into rounds; 12 baby potatoes, parboiled; 2 ears fresh corn, cut into rounds; 1 zucchini, thickly sliced; 6 tbsp unsalted butter, melted; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tbsp lemon juice; 1 tsp Dijon mustard; 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped; 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes; 1/2 tsp smoked paprika; Salt and pepper, to taste; 1 tbsp olive oil; Lemon wedges, for serving; Skewers, soaked if wooden

If you’re looking to fire up your grill with something bold, hearty, and dripping with flavor, these Cowboy Butter Kielbasa and Potato Skewers are a must-try. I fell in love with this combination the first time I brushed on the buttery, garlicky sauce and saw it sizzle into the caramelized edges of kielbasa and sweet corn. It’s the kind of dish that turns a casual weekend into a full-on flavor fest, especially when served with a squeeze of lemon and a good drink on the side.

What I love most is how easy it is to throw together. The prep is minimal, but the end result looks (and tastes) like something you’d get at a summer cookout hosted by a grill master. The Cowboy Butter ties everything together—corn, sausage, zucchini, and potatoes—into something smoky, rich, and utterly addictive. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just want a satisfying dinner without much hassle, this is one of those go-to recipes that never lets me down.

Why You’ll Love This Cowboy Butter Kielbasa and Potato Skewers Recipe

It’s a full meal on a stick: protein, carbs, and veggies all in one
The cowboy butter sauce is savory, garlicky, and deeply flavorful
Great for grilling, oven roasting, or air frying
Perfect for BBQs, potlucks, or quick weekday dinners
Customizable to whatever veggies or sausage you have on hand

What Kind of Sausage Should I Use?

While kielbasa is ideal for its smoky richness and perfect bite, you can easily swap in any cooked sausage. Smoked andouille brings a Cajun kick, while bratwurst adds a mild, juicy touch. Just avoid raw sausage, as it needs longer cooking time and may not pair as well with the quick-roasting vegetables.

Options for Substitutions

Corn: If corn on the cob isn’t in season, frozen corn rounds or thick-sliced bell peppers work well.
Zucchini: Yellow squash is a great alternative for similar texture and flavor.
Baby Potatoes: Cut regular potatoes into 1-inch chunks, or try sweet potatoes for a sweeter contrast.
Kielbasa: Swap with smoked turkey sausage or plant-based sausage for a vegetarian-friendly version.
Cowboy Butter: If short on time, use garlic herb butter and add a dash of lemon and chili flakes.

Ingredients for this Cowboy Butter Kielbasa and Potato Skewers Recipe

Kielbasa Sausage: Adds smoky, meaty richness that anchors the flavor of the skewers.
Baby Potatoes: Creamy and soft once cooked, they soak up the cowboy butter beautifully.
Fresh Corn on the Cob: Sweet, juicy bites that char perfectly on the grill or in the oven.
Zucchini: Adds moisture, color, and mild flavor that balances the dish.
Cowboy Butter Sauce: A blend of melted butter, garlic, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, fresh parsley, red pepper flakes, and paprika.
Salt and Pepper: Basic seasoning to enhance the flavors of all the ingredients.
Olive Oil: Helps with roasting and caramelization.
Lemon Wedges: Served on the side for a fresh, tangy finish.
Skewers: Wooden or metal skewers to hold everything together (if using wood, soak in water first).

Step 1: Parboil the Potatoes

Start by boiling the baby potatoes for about 10 minutes until just fork-tender. This step ensures they roast quickly and evenly on the skewers without remaining hard.

Step 2: Prepare the Cowboy Butter

In a small saucepan or microwave-safe bowl, melt unsalted butter and mix in minced garlic, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, chopped parsley, red pepper flakes, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. This butter will be brushed on throughout the cooking process and served on the side.

Step 3: Assemble the Skewers

Slice the kielbasa into 1-inch rounds. Cut corn into 1- to 2-inch wheels and zucchini into thick slices. Thread ingredients onto skewers in an alternating pattern: potato, kielbasa, corn, zucchini. Repeat until the skewers are full.

Step 4: Brush with Cowboy Butter

Generously brush the assembled skewers with the cowboy butter on all sides. Let them marinate briefly (about 10–15 minutes) to absorb flavor before cooking.

Step 5: Grill, Roast, or Air Fry

Grill: Preheat to medium-high and cook skewers for about 10–12 minutes, turning and brushing with more cowboy butter.
Oven: Roast at 425°F (220°C) on a lined baking sheet for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway.
Air Fryer: Cook in batches at 375°F (190°C) for 12–15 minutes, turning once.

Step 6: Serve with Extra Cowboy Butter and Lemon

Once cooked, transfer the skewers to a serving platter. Brush with remaining cowboy butter and squeeze fresh lemon juice over the top. Serve immediately while warm.

How Long to Prepare the Cowboy Butter Kielbasa and Potato Skewers

Prep Time

Preparing this dish takes about 20–25 minutes. That includes boiling the baby potatoes until tender, slicing the sausage, corn, and zucchini, and mixing up the cowboy butter. If you’re soaking wooden skewers, do that while prepping everything else.

Cook Time

Depending on your chosen method (grill, oven, or air fryer), cook time ranges from 12 to 25 minutes. On the grill or air fryer, expect around 12–15 minutes. In the oven, give it a bit longer—around 20–25 minutes for golden, crispy edges.

Tips for Perfect Cowboy Butter Skewers

Always parboil the potatoes—this avoids raw centers.
Slice ingredients evenly for uniform cooking.
Don’t skip the lemon squeeze at the end—it brightens the rich butter.
Double the cowboy butter recipe to serve on the side for dipping.
Rotate the skewers while cooking to get a nice char on all sides.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

Skipping the potato pre-boil: They won’t cook fully on the skewer.
Using raw sausage: It won’t cook through in the short time needed for veggies.
Overcrowding the skewers: This can prevent even cooking and caramelization.
Not soaking wooden skewers: They can burn quickly on the grill.
Undersalting: Cowboy butter has salt, but a little extra seasoning goes a long way.

What to Serve With Cowboy Butter Kielbasa and Potato Skewers?

1. Grilled Garlic Bread

Perfect for soaking up leftover cowboy butter.

2. Fresh Garden Salad

Adds a crisp, cool contrast to the richness of the skewers.

3. Creamy Coleslaw

A tangy, crunchy side that complements the smoky sausage.

4. Lemon Herb Rice

Light and fluffy rice infused with herbs and citrus is a great base.

5. Baked Beans

A classic BBQ side that works beautifully with sausage and corn.

Storage Instructions

Refrigeration

Let the skewers cool completely, then remove the ingredients from the skewers and store them in an airtight container. They will keep well in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Reheating

To reheat, place in a 350°F oven or air fryer until heated through. You can also sauté in a skillet with a bit of leftover cowboy butter. Avoid the microwave if possible—it makes the veggies soggy.

Freezing

Freezing is not recommended for this recipe as the potatoes and zucchini can get mushy once thawed.

Estimated Nutrition (Per Serving)

Calories: 410
Protein: 14g
Carbohydrates: 29g
Fat: 27g
Saturated Fat: 11g
Cholesterol: 50mg
Sodium: 870mg
Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 5g

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Cowboy Butter made of?

It’s a blend of melted butter, garlic, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, parsley, red pepper flakes, and a few spices. It adds big, bold flavor.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes! Swap the kielbasa for plant-based sausage and ensure your butter is dairy-free if needed.

Can I cook these in advance?

You can parboil the potatoes and prep all the ingredients ahead. Assemble and cook right before serving for best results.

Can I use different vegetables?

Absolutely. Bell peppers, mushrooms, and cherry tomatoes all grill well on skewers.

What if I don’t have a grill?

The oven or air fryer works just as well. Just adjust your cooking time and check for doneness.

Conclusion

Cowboy Butter Kielbasa and Potato Skewers are the kind of crowd-pleasing, flavor-packed dish that turns any meal into a celebration. With smoky sausage, sweet corn, creamy potatoes, and that punchy cowboy butter, each bite delivers comfort and boldness in equal measure. Whether grilled outdoors or roasted in your kitchen, this easy meal brings big BBQ vibes with very little fuss.