Cowboy Butter is a bold, zesty, and herb-infused butter that enhances the flavor of grilled meats, seafood, and vegetables. Packed with fresh herbs, Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, and a touch of spice, this rich butter melts into sizzling steaks, roasted veggies, or even warm bread for a mouthwatering experience.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Versatile – Perfect for steak, chicken, seafood, vegetables, and even as a dipping sauce.
- Rich and flavorful – A combination of garlic, herbs, and spices makes this butter irresistible.
- Easy to make – Simple ingredients come together in just a few minutes.
- Make-ahead friendly – Can be stored and used whenever needed.
- Melts beautifully – Adds an indulgent finishing touch to hot dishes.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Unsalted butter, softened
- Dijon mustard
- Lemon juice
- Worcestershire sauce
- Garlic, minced
- Red pepper flakes
- Smoked paprika
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Fresh chives, chopped
- Fresh thyme leaves
Directions
- Mix the Base: In a mixing bowl, combine the softened butter, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, and Worcestershire sauce.
- Add Seasonings: Stir in the minced garlic, red pepper flakes, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
- Incorporate the Herbs: Fold in the fresh parsley, chives, and thyme until evenly distributed.
- Shape the Butter: Transfer the mixture onto a sheet of parchment paper and roll it into a log shape.
- Chill: Wrap tightly and refrigerate for at least 1 hour until firm.
- Serve: Slice and use over grilled meats, seafood, vegetables, or bread.
Servings and Timing
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Chilling Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Servings: 12 servings
- Calories: 90 kcal per serving
Variations
- Spicy Version: Increase the red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce.
- Cheesy Twist: Mix in grated Parmesan for extra richness.
- Citrus Infusion: Add orange or lime zest for a bright, tangy kick.
- Smoky Depth: Use chipotle powder instead of smoked paprika for a deeper smoky flavor.
- Extra Garlic Flavor: Roast the garlic before mixing it in for a sweet, mellow taste.
Storage and Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container or wrapped in parchment paper for up to 1 week.
- Freezing: Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Slice as needed.
- Reheating: Use directly from the fridge or let it soften at room temperature for spreading.
FAQs
What can I serve with cowboy butter?
It pairs well with steak, chicken, seafood, roasted vegetables, baked potatoes, and crusty bread.
Can I make this butter dairy-free?
Yes! Use a dairy-free butter substitute for a similar texture and flavor.
How do I make cowboy butter a dipping sauce?
Melt the butter and serve it warm with grilled meats or seafood.
Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh?
Yes, but use 1 teaspoon dried herbs for every 1 tablespoon fresh herbs as dried herbs are more concentrated.
How long does cowboy butter last?
It stays fresh in the fridge for up to 1 week and in the freezer for 3 months.
What kind of mustard works best?
Dijon mustard is recommended for its smooth, tangy flavor, but spicy brown mustard can also be used.
Can I use salted butter instead?
Yes, but reduce the added salt to balance the flavor.
What’s the best way to shape and store the butter?
Rolling it into a log using parchment paper makes it easy to slice and serve.
Can I make this butter in advance?
Yes, making it ahead allows the flavors to develop and deepen.
What’s the difference between cowboy butter and garlic butter?
Cowboy butter has more bold spices, mustard, and herbs, whereas garlic butter is simpler with just garlic and butter.
Conclusion
This Cowboy Butter is a must-have condiment that enhances the flavor of grilled meats, seafood, vegetables, and more. Easy to make, full of rich seasonings, and incredibly versatile, it’s the perfect finishing touch for any dish. Make a batch today and bring bold, buttery flavor to your meals!
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Cowboy Butter
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
Description
A rich, zesty, and herb-infused butter perfect for grilled meats, seafood, and vegetables! Packed with bold flavors, this compound butter melts into a savory, spicy, and garlicky delight.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh chives, chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves
Instructions
- Mix the Base – In a mixing bowl, combine softened butter, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, and Worcestershire sauce.
- Add the Seasonings – Stir in minced garlic, red pepper flakes, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
- Incorporate the Herbs – Fold in fresh parsley, chives, and thyme until evenly distributed.
- Shape the Butter – Transfer the mixture onto a sheet of parchment paper and roll it into a log shape.
- Chill – Wrap tightly and refrigerate for at least 1 hour until firm.
- Serve & Enjoy – Slice and use over grilled meats, seafood, vegetables, or warm bread.
Notes
- For a smoky kick, add ½ tsp cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce.
- Freeze extra butter for up to 3 months for future use.
- Try it as a dipping sauce by melting it over low heat!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- chill time: 1 hour
- Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Category: Condiments & Sauces
- Method: Mixing & Chilling
- Cuisine: American, BBQ
