Cowboy Butter Kielbasa and Potato Skewers

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Grilled Cowboy Butter Kielbasa and Potato Skewers on a barbecue grill

WHY MAKE THIS RECIPE

Cowboy Butter Kielbasa and Potato Skewers are a fun and delicious way to enjoy grilling. This dish combines juicy kielbasa, tender potatoes, sweet corn, and fresh zucchini, all infused with a flavorful cowboy butter sauce. It’s perfect for barbecue parties, camping trips, or casual family dinners. The vibrant mix of ingredients and the ease of skewering make this recipe both appealing and simple to prepare. Plus, grilling gives everything a lovely char and smoky flavor that enhances each bite. Whether you are a seasoned grill master or a beginner, you will love how easy it is to bring this recipe to life.

HOW TO MAKE Cowboy Butter Kielbasa and Potato Skewers

Ingredients:

  • 1 pound baby potatoes
  • 5 ears of corn (husked and silks removed, then cut into 1-inch rounds)
  • 1 ring (13.9 ounces) kielbasa (cut into ½-inch rounds)
  • 1-2 medium zucchini (cut into ½-inch rounds)
  • 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 1 recipe cowboy butter
  • 11 wooden skewers (soaked in water for 30 minutes, or metal skewers)

DIRECTIONS:

  1. Boil the Ingredients
    Start by bringing a large pot of water to a boil. Carefully add the baby potatoes and corn rounds. This will help to cook them evenly and quickly. Boil for about 6-7 minutes, or until the potatoes become fork-tender. Once done, drain the water.

  2. Cool the Boiled Ingredients
    To stop the cooking, immediately transfer the potatoes and corn to a large bowl of ice water. This will cool them down quickly. After a few minutes, once they have cooled completely, drain them again and pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel or paper towels.

  3. Mix the Ingredients
    In a large mixing bowl, add the cooled potatoes, corn, kielbasa, and zucchini. Drizzle with olive oil, and then sprinkle in the kosher salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper. Gently toss everything together until all the ingredients are evenly coated with the oil and spices.

  4. Assemble the Skewers
    Thread the potatoes, corn, kielbasa, and zucchini onto the skewers. You can alternate the items as you like. Repeat the pattern about 2 or 3 times per skewer, making sure to leave a little space at each end of the skewer. This will make them easier to handle once they are on the grill.

  5. Preheat the Grill
    Preheat your grill to medium-high heat, aiming for a temperature of about 400°F. It’s important to get the grill nice and hot to achieve those lovely grill marks and a good char on your skewers.

  6. Grill the Skewers
    Clean and lightly oil the grill grates to prevent sticking. Place the skewers directly over the heat. Grill them for about 10 to 12 minutes total. Turn the skewers every 3 to 4 minutes. Watch closely to ensure the kielbasa gets good grill marks and the vegetables become tender and slightly charred. If anything starts to char too quickly, move the skewers to indirect heat.

  7. Prepare the Cowboy Butter
    While your skewers are grilling, heat the cowboy butter in the microwave. Do this in 30-second increments, stirring in between, until it is melted and warmed through. Stir well to make sure everything is combined.

  8. Finish and Serve
    As soon as the skewers come off the grill, brush the warm cowboy butter generously over them. Serve immediately, and don’t forget to offer extra cowboy butter on the side for dipping!

HOW TO SERVE Cowboy Butter Kielbasa and Potato Skewers

Cowboy Butter Kielbasa and Potato Skewers are great served straight off the grill. You can pair them with a fresh green salad or some grilled bread for a complete meal. They are also excellent for serving at summer parties or picnics. Set out extra cowboy butter for dipping, and watch everyone enjoy this tasty creation. For a fun presentation, you can arrange the skewers on a large platter with fresh herbs or sliced lemons for color.

HOW TO STORE Cowboy Butter Kielbasa and Potato Skewers

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They should stay fresh for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to eat, you can reheat the skewers in the microwave, or you can warm them up on the grill for a few minutes to regain that delicious char. Just remember to brush on a bit more cowboy butter for extra flavor!

TIPS TO MAKE Cowboy Butter Kielbasa and Potato Skewers

  1. Choose Fresh Ingredients: Using fresh vegetables and good-quality kielbasa will enhance the overall taste of the skewers.

  2. Pre-soak Wooden Skewers: Soaking wooden skewers in water for about 30 minutes before grilling prevents them from burning on the grill.

  3. Don’t Overcrowd the Skewers: While it may be tempting to pack the skewers tightly, leaving some space allows for even cooking and better char.

  4. Adjust Seasonings: Feel free to tweak the seasoning amounts, like adding more cayenne for spice or lemon zest to brighten up the flavors.

  5. Check Doneness: While grilling, use a meat thermometer to ensure the kielbasa is heated through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F.

VARIATIONS

The beauty of Cowboy Butter Kielbasa and Potato Skewers is their versatility. Here are a few variations you can try:

  • Vegetarian Option: Substitute the kielbasa with tofu or your favorite plant-based sausage. You can also add different vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or cherry tomatoes.

  • Different Meats: Instead of kielbasa, try chicken breast, shrimp, or even steak. Adjust the cooking time based on the type of meat used.

  • Spice Up the Cowboy Butter: Add fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro, or mix in some grated Parmesan for a cheesy twist.

  • Seasonal Vegetables: Depending on the season, use different vegetables such as bell peppers in the summer or root vegetables in the fall.

FAQs

1. Can I make Cowboy Butter Kielbasa and Potato Skewers in the oven?
Yes! If you don’t have a grill, you can roast these skewers in the oven. Preheat your oven to 400°F and place the skewers on a baking sheet. Cook for about 15-20 minutes, turning halfway through.

2. How do I know if my kielbasa is fully cooked?
Kielbasa is typically fully cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. You can use a meat thermometer for accuracy.

3. Can I use frozen vegetables for this recipe?
While fresh vegetables yield the best results, if you only have frozen vegetables, you can use them. Just make sure to thaw and drain them before skewering.

Cowboy Butter Kielbasa and Potato Skewers are a delightful dish that brings together great flavors and textures. Enjoy the fun of grilling and the tasty results with friends and family. With these simple steps and tips, you can create an enjoyable meal that everyone will love!