Easy Cowboy Butter Recipe to Level Up Your Grill Game

Ready to take your grilling game to the next level? Whip up some homemade cowboy butter. 

It’s a zingy, buttery combo of lemon, Dijon, and a medley of fresh herbs. It’s perfect for jazzing up steak or giving Texas toast a little oomph. 

The best part? It’s super easy to make! So grab those ingredients, and make some kitchen magic with cowboy butter. Let’s dive in!

What Is Cowboy Butter?

Have you heard of cowboy butter? It’s a flavor-packed sensation! It’s bold, daring, and absolutely delicious.

The recipe is packed with tantalizing ingredients. Garlic, lemon, spices, and fresh herbs turn ordinary butter into the star of any dish. Every spoonful bursts with flavor. 

It’s so versatile and has plenty of uses, too. It can jazz up a grilled steak or roasted veggies. Drizzle it over popcorn or even spread it on warm bread. It’s versatile, fun, and instantly takes your meal from “meh” to “yeehaw!”

Making cowboy butter is a breeze. All you need is a handful of ingredients and a bit of whisking power. Melt the butter, toss in the goods, and stir. It’s that simple! 

Plus, you can customize it. Not a fan of heat? Hold the cayenne. Want it tangier? Add more lemon. It’s all up to you!

Cowboy butter is a tasty, easy-to-make condiment no one can resist.

Ingredients

• Butter: It’s rich, creamy, and provides the perfect base. Use your favorite kind of unsalted or salted butter. 
• Lemon Juice & Zest: They bring a zesty tang and a vibrant freshness to cut through the richness. They keep your tastebuds on their toes.
• Garlic: You can use either freshly minced garlic or garlic powder. 
• Dijon Mustard: It adds a subtle depth and tangy twist to the buttery concoction. You can also use brown mustard. 
• Spices: Paprika, cayenne pepper, and chili flakes make up this blend.
• Fresh Herbs: Parsley, chives, and thyme add a layer of flavor, freshness, and a pop of color. 
• Salt and Pepper: Season to taste. 

How to Make Cowboy Butter

1. First, get the butter melting. Crank your stove to medium heat and toss the butter in a saucepan. Let it melt nice and slowly.
2. Add the seasonings. Pour in the lemon juice and zest. Then, add the garlic, Dijon mustard, paprika, and cayenne. Grab a whisk and mix everything together. Don’t stop till it’s smooth and well blended.
3. Add the rest of the herbs and spices. Sprinkle in the parsley, chives, thyme, and chili flakes. Add the salt and pepper, too.
4. Last, let it cool before serving. Cowboy butter needs a little chill time. Once it’s cooled down, it’s ready to be served. Spoon it over your main dish and watch the flavors burst.

Tips for the Best Cowboy Butter

• Is your cowboy butter separating? A good whisk and a bowl of ice water should bring it back together. Mix it well and keep it cool!
• Too salty? Try unsalted butter to keep the reins on flavor. You can always add more salt, but you can’t take it out. 
• If your cowboy butter’s as tough as a cowboy’s boots, leave it at room temperature for half an hour. Or, you can heat it in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds.
• Don’t be shy. Taste your cowboy butter as you make it. Add more seasoning if needed.
• Mince the garlic and herbs finely. You want a bit of everything in each bite.
• Feel free to make your cowboy butter your own. Try different herbs, spices, and maybe even some hot sauce.
• Want it thicker? Add more Dijon. Thinner? More butter should do it.

Variations

Here are some exciting ways to switch up your cowboy butter:

• Try Chives: Swap out green onions for chives for a flavor change.
• Dried vs. Fresh: Fresh is best, but dried herbs work like a charm, too.
• Spice it Up: Add a dash of hot sauce, chili powder, or chipotle seasoning. Feel free to spice things up!
• Other Herbs: Dill, basil, and rosemary will add an extra herby kick.
• Dairy-Free: Swap regular butter for a dairy-free version if that’s your thing!
• Vegan Version: Use dairy-free butter and vegan Worcestershire sauce for a vegan-friendly twist.
• Cowboy Compound Butter: For a gourmet spin, roll your thickened butter mixture into a log using plastic wrap. Refrigerate it until firm, and slice it up. It’s a great topping for proteins!

Serving Suggestions

There are no wrong answers for serving cowboy butter! Slather it on a sizzling steak. Melt it over grilled veggies. Or spread it on crusty bread for a tasty kick. 

There is no bad way to serve up this lip-smackin’ cowboy butter. It’s perfect for any recipe that needs an extra buttery kick.

So, whip up some cowboy butter and try out these recipes: 

• T-Bone Steak
• Squaw Bread
• Corn on the Cob
• Sirloin Steak
• Whipped Sweet Potatoes
• Cornbread

Storing, Freezing, & Reheating

Here’s how to keep your cowboy butter fresh:

Refrigerate it: Have some leftover butter? Toss it in an air-tight container and pop it in the fridge. It’ll keep for a week.

Want a butter roll? Cool the mixture in the fridge first. Spoon it onto plastic wrap or wax paper. Roll it up into a log, and put it back in the fridge. It’ll last a week, or freeze it for up to 3 months. It’s perfect for slicing and adding to the top of resting steaks!

Warming Up: Need to heat it up? Use a saucepan on low heat or the microwave in short bursts. Remember to stir it often.