Cowboy Butter Recipe

Ways to Use Cowboy Butter

Grillers and smokers love cowboy butter because it tastes fantastic on steaks, chicken, and pretty much anything that comes hot and steamy off the grill. But it is insanely versatile, my friend.

Spread this stuff on bread, add it to a charcuterie board, or melt it as a dipping sauce. It enhances roasted veggies…you get the picture. This cowboy butter takes delicious meals and, somehow, makes them even better.

Recipe Ingredients

• Butter – For the best flavor and texture, use high-quality butter.
• Spices – Paprika, red pepper flakes, prepared horseradish, Dijon mustard, and minced garlic lay the foundation for a bold and tantalizing butter.
• Fresh Herbs – This recipe calls for parsley, thyme, and chives, but feel free to experiment with others, like cilantro or tarragon.
• Lemon Juice – Use freshly squeezed for optimal tastiness.

How to Make Cowboy Butter

Cowboy Butter Sauce

1. Mix – Add melted butter, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, horseradish, parsley, thyme, green onions or chives, pepper flakes, and paprika in a small bowl. Stir well.(Photos 1-2)
2. Adjust Seasonings – Add salt, pepper, and lemon to taste. Serve as is.

Cowboy Compound Butter 

3. Mix – Add softened butter, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, horseradish, parsley, thyme, green onions or chives, pepper flakes, and paprika in a small mixing bowl. Mix with a small rubber spatula or wooden spoon until thoroughly combined. Set aside. (Photos 1-2)
4. Form – Place the butter mixture on plastic wrap, then roll gently to form a log. Tie a knot or pinch and fold the ends of the plastic wrap. (Photo 3)
5. Chill – Store sealed in the fridge for an hour or more (until the butter firms up). (Photo 1-2)
6. Slice – Remove and slice into circles and store until needed. Serve with grilled or roasted meat, vegetables, and other dishes.
7. Store leftover cowboy butter in the refrigerator or freezer for future use.

Recipe Variations

• Adjust the spiciness. Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper to add more of a kick or reduce it for a milder butter. ❤️‍🔥
• Make it smoky. Add a touch of smokiness with a bit of smoked paprika or chipotle powder.
• Add some blue cheese. Crumble in a small amount of blue cheese, about ¼ cup for a tangy cowboy butter.
• Cowboy ghee. If you prefer to make this recipe with clarified butter for a paleo-friendlier version, be my guest.

Tips and Tricks

• Leave the butter at room temperature for an hour or two to soften it. But if you forget, as I often do, fill a glass with warm water and let it sit for a few minutes to warm the glass. Then, pour out the water and place the warm glass over the cold stick of butter so the residual warmth will soften the butter.
• Make sure your plastic wrap is large enough to wrap the butter completely. You want to seal it nice and tight before it goes into the fridge. 
• Chop your fresh herbs and garlic as finely or coarsely as you’d like. The texture of your cowboy butter is down to personal preference and totally up to you! 

Make-Ahead Instructions

You can make cowboy butter up to four months in advance. Simply pop it in the freezer (wrapped) and then thaw it in the fridge the night before you want to serve it. You can also make this ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. It will stay good until the “use by” date on the butter packaging.

Serving and Storage Instructions

Serve with grilled or roasted meats, vegetables, or other dishes. This butter goes with just about anything! You can serve it cut into discs or melted like a sauce. Store leftovers in the fridge or freezer. 

FAQs

What Goes With Cowboy Butter

A better question is, what doesn’t?! I love this butter with any steak, so I always have some on hand for my grilled ribeye. It also tastes amazing atop veggies, with smoked asparagus and smoked corn being two of my favorites. 🤤

More Yummy Sides and Sauces to Try

• Carolina Gold BBQ Sauce
• Tender Grilled Zucchini
• Homemade Honey BBQ Sauce
• Smoked Brussels Sprouts
• Remoulade Sauce

Conclusion

Take your time savoring this incredible compound cowboy butter on top of all 👏 the 👏foods. 👏 And don’t forget to tell me your favorite way to use this insanely delicious cowboy butter in the comment section below.