If you’re looking for a homemade spread to elevate your meals, try the cowboy butter recipe. It’s a flavorful compound butter made with herbs, spices, and garlic. It’s great as a buttery herb dip for grilled meats, bread, or as a dipping sauce.

With just 11 ingredients and simple steps, making a batch is easy. It’s perfect for your next barbecue or outdoor gathering. Let’s explore the history, how to make it, and how to serve it.

Key Takeaways

• The cowboy butter recipe includes a simple 1:1 ratio of unsalted butter to other ingredients.
• You’ll enjoy about 10 tablespoons or approximately 2/3 cup of the finished product.
• Customization options allow for unique flavors like Worcestershire sauce or horseradish.
• This compound butter lasts up to 5 days in the refrigerator and can be frozen for up to 4 months.
• Nutritional information indicates that each serving contains 107 calories, primarily from fat.

What is Cowboy Butter?

Cowboy butter is a tasty flavorful spread made with butter, fresh herbs, and spices. It’s also known as compound butter. This spread brings a rich taste to many dishes. TikTok has made it famous, with over 67 million views.

People love it for its bold flavor, saying it’s the “best steak sauce ever.” It’s also great for dipping sauces.

The ingredients in cowboy butter are garlic, parsley, chives, thyme, and Dijon mustard. You’ll also find lemon zest and juice, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, red pepper flakes, and chili powder. This mix gives it a bold taste, perfect for grilled steak, chicken, or veggies.

Cowboy butter can be a firm compound butter or a creamy sauce. It’s versatile for many dishes. Keep leftovers in the fridge for two weeks or freeze for six months. This way, you’ll always have it ready for your next meal.

History of Cowboy Butter

The history of cowboy butter is deeply rooted in the western culinary tradition. It started in American cowboy culture, where big meals were key for energy during long cattle drives. Cowboys were creative, making tasty sides with what they had. They mixed spices and herbs with butter, creating cowboy butter.

Classic cowboy butter recipes include lemon juice, mustard, paprika, and herbs like chives and thyme. It’s simple to make, just mixing butter with herbs and spices at room temperature. Now, cowboy butter is loved across the United States, moving from cowboy food to a favorite everywhere.

Cowboy butter’s special taste is great with grilled meats, bread, and veggies. You can find it in barbecue places and fancy restaurants. Its growing fame shows how cowboy butter’s appeal is still strong, drawing people into its rich history and American cowboy traditions.

Ingredients for Cowboy Butter Recipe

Making the perfect Cowboy Butter means picking the right ingredients. Use unsalted butter for better flavor control. This lets you adjust the taste without salt getting in the way. Herbs and spices add a rich, buttery taste and a fresh aroma.

Butter Type: Unsalted vs. Salted

Choosing between unsalted and salted butter changes your Cowboy Butter. Unsalted butter is best because it lets you season freely. If you use salted butter, you might need to adjust the salt to get it right.

Essential Herbs and Spices

The taste of Cowboy Butter comes from key herbs and spices:

• Fresh parsley
• Chives
• Thyme
• Smoked paprika
• Cayenne pepper
• Minced garlic
• Black pepper

These ingredients mix to make a tasty, spicy, and aromatic spread. It’s great for many dishes.

Optional Ingredients to Customize Your Spread

Customizing your cowboy butter adds a personal touch. Think about adding:

• Lemon juice and zest for brightness
• Dijon mustard for a tangy kick
• Red pepper flakes for more heat
• Worcestershire sauce for deep flavor

These extras can make your Cowboy Butter special. They help it pair well with meats, veggies, and more.

How to Make Cowboy Butter

Making cowboy butter is easy and fun. It’s a mix of unsalted butter, herbs, spices, and more. This spread or sauce is great on steak or pasta. It’s a favorite among food lovers.

Step-by-Step Preparation Guide

1. Begin with unsalted butter at room temperature. Whip it in a stand mixer for 5 to 7 minutes until it’s light and fluffy.
2. Heat diced garlic and onion in a pan for 4 to 6 minutes until they’re soft and lightly browned.
3. Add the cooked garlic and onion to the whipped butter.
4. Mix in Dijon mustard, lemon juice, fresh herbs, and spices until everything is well combined.
5. To make a compound butter, shape the mix into a log with plastic wrap. Chill it until it’s firm.
6. If you want a dipping sauce, melt the cowboy butter a bit before serving.

Alternative Methods: Compound Butter vs. Dipping Sauce

You can use cowboy butter in different ways. As a compound butter, it’s great on steaks or veggies. Just remember, once melted, it can’t be solid again.

As a dipping sauce, it’s softer and perfect for chicken, pork, or fish. It adds a spicy, citrusy flavor.

Serving Suggestions for Cowboy Butter

Cowboy butter is great for many dishes, making meals better. It’s perfect for grilled meats. A little on a steak or chicken makes it taste amazing.

Seafood fans will love it with shrimp or fish. Just melt it over the seafood before serving. It’s also great as a dip for veggies, perfect for a healthy snack.

It’s also good on side dishes. Try it on roasted veggies or grilled corn. Or use it on warm rolls or cornbread muffins for a tasty dinner.

With so many uses, cowboy butter makes meals more flavorful. It’s a hit at gatherings or family dinners, offering a special taste experience.

Cowboy Butter Recipe: Perfect Pairings

Cowboy butter pairs well with grilled meats, adding zesty flavors. It brings out the smoky taste of barbecued foods. Try it with juicy steaks, succulent chicken, and flavorful shrimp for a delicious twist.

Looking for vegetarian options? Cowboy butter is great with roasted veggies. It also makes pasta dishes creamy and flavorful. This butter can turn simple sides into main courses.

Whether you’re grilling or cooking a quick meal, cowboy butter is a game-changer. It makes every dish more exciting and flavorful.

Storing and Freezing Cowboy Butter

Learning how to store cowboy butter right can make a big difference. It keeps the butter fresh and ready to use. Knowing how to store it in the fridge and freeze it will always have it ready.

How Long Does It Last in the Refrigerator?

Cowboy butter can last a long time in the fridge. If you store it in an airtight container, it can last up to 2 weeks. Make sure the container seals well to keep it fresh.

If you mix it with lemon juice and herbs, it can last even longer. This way, you can enjoy your homemade cowboy butter for a longer time.

Freezing Tips for Longer Shelf Life

Freezing cowboy butter is a great way to keep it longer. Slice it into portions before freezing for easy use later. Wrap each portion in plastic wrap and put them in a freezer-safe container or bag.

Adding an extra layer of foil helps keep the flavor and prevents freezer burn. When you want to use it, thaw it in the fridge overnight. This way, the flavors will get better as it thaws.

Properly frozen cowboy butter can last up to 3 months. This makes it a great option for future meals.

Why You Should Try Cowboy Butter

Cowboy butter is special because it’s versatile and tastes great. It makes meats and veggies taste better, turning simple meals into something amazing. Even beginners can make it at home with just a few ingredients.

Home cooks love cowboy butter, especially for outdoor meals. It turns grilled steak, roasted corn, or even bread into a show-stopping dish. People say it adds a next-level flavor, making it a must-have for any event.

Making cowboy butter is quick, taking only 10 minutes. You can also make it ahead and keep it in the fridge for 2-3 days. Sharing this recipe with friends can lead to new flavor adventures.

• Enhances the flavor of any dish.
• Easy to prepare with readily available ingredients.
• Long-lasting storage options allow for consistent flavor availability.
• Customization potential with different herbs and spices.
• Perfect for grilling and outdoor cooking.

Cowboy Butter for Outdoor Cooking and Camping

Cowboy Butter is a must-have for outdoor cooking. It turns campfire meals into gourmet dishes. Made from unsalted butter, garlic, Dijon mustard, parsley, red chili flakes, cayenne powder, and lemon juice, it’s great for grilling meats and veggies.

Think about topping ribeye steaks with Cowboy Butter. The flavors mix well, making the meat even tastier. It’s not just for steaks; it also makes grilled seafood and roasted veggies taste amazing.

Make Cowboy Butter before your camping trip for easy flavor. It’s perfect for adding taste to your dishes outdoors. Enjoy it on filet mignon sliders or fresh bread to make your outdoor meals unforgettable.