Cowboy Butter Recipe

Introduction

Cowboy Butter is a flavorful compound butter packed with fresh herbs, spices, and a hint of heat. It’s perfect for adding a zesty kick to grilled meats, vegetables, or simply spreading on warm bread.

Ingredients

• ½ cup (1 stick / 113 g) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 tablespoon coarse Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon fresh chives, chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
• 2 teaspoons fresh thyme
• 2 teaspoons garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
• ⅛ teaspoon pepper
• ⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper
• ⅛ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a medium bowl, add the softened butter, Dijon mustard, chives, parsley, thyme, garlic, lemon juice, paprika, salt, pepper, cayenne, and red pepper flakes.
2. Step 2: Whisk all ingredients together until thoroughly combined. You can also use a food processor for easier mixing.
3. Step 3: Scoop the butter mixture onto a piece of plastic wrap.
4. Step 4: Roll the butter into a log shape, pressing and shaping as you go until it is fully wrapped in the plastic. Twist the ends tightly to seal.
5. Step 5: Refrigerate the butter log until firm, for at least 2 hours or up to overnight.
6. Step 6: To use as a dip, melt the cowboy butter in the microwave in 20-second increments, stirring between each until fully melted.

Tips & Variations

• Swap fresh herbs with dried if needed, but reduce amounts to about one-third for concentrated flavor.
• Add a splash of hot sauce for extra heat and tanginess.
• Use smoked paprika instead of regular paprika for a smoky twist.
• Serve melted over grilled steak or baked potatoes for a delicious finishing touch.

Storage

Store cowboy butter wrapped in plastic or in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze the butter log for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before using. Melt gently in the microwave or use directly as a chilled spread.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?

While unsalted butter is preferred to control salt levels, you can use salted butter but reduce or omit the added kosher salt to avoid over-salting.

How spicy is cowboy butter?

It has a mild to moderate heat from cayenne and red pepper flakes, but the fresh herbs and lemon juice balance the spice, making it flavorful but not overpowering.

Cowboy Butter Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 112 reviews

Cowboy Butter is a savory, flavorful compound butter infused with herbs, Dijon mustard, garlic, and a touch of heat from cayenne and red pepper flakes. Perfect for melting over grilled meats, vegetables, or as a zesty spread, this versatile butter adds a delicious punch to any dish. It can be shaped into a log and refrigerated for easy slicing or melted into a flavorful dip.

• Author: Naya
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Total Time: 10 minutes plus refrigeration time
• Yield: Approximately ⅔ cup of cowboy butter 1x
• Category: Condiment
• Method: No-Cook
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Cowboy Butter Ingredients

• ½ cup (1 stick / 113 g) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 tablespoon coarse Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon fresh chives, chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
• 2 teaspoons fresh thyme
• 2 teaspoons garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
• ⅛ teaspoon pepper
• ⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper
• ⅛ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes

Instructions

1. Combine Ingredients: In a medium bowl, add the softened butter, Dijon mustard, chopped chives, parsley, thyme, minced garlic, lemon juice, paprika, kosher salt, pepper, cayenne pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes.
2. Whisk Together: Mix all the ingredients thoroughly until well combined, creating a smooth, evenly blended butter mixture. Alternatively, you can process the ingredients in a food processor for a finer texture.
3. Scoop and Shape: Scoop the butter mixture onto a piece of plastic wrap.
4. Form into a Log: Roll and press the butter tightly into a log shape using the plastic wrap, twisting the ends to seal the butter completely inside.
5. Refrigerate: Chill the wrapped butter log in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours or overnight until firm. This allows the flavors to meld.
6. Use as Compound Butter: Slice the cooled butter log as desired to top grilled meats, vegetables, or bread.
7. Make a Butter Dip: For a dipping sauce, melt the cowboy butter mixture in the microwave in 20-second increments, stirring between each, until fully melted and smooth.
8. Store: Transfer any unused butter or melted dip to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Notes

• The compound butter can be customized with additional herbs or spices according to taste.
• Butter logs can be frozen for up to 3 months and sliced as needed.
• Use high-quality fresh herbs to maximize flavor.
• Melting the butter gradually prevents burning and preserves flavor.
• This butter is excellent on steaks, seafood, roasted vegetables, or toasted bread.

Keywords: cowboy butter, compound butter, herb butter, spicy butter, Dijon mustard butter, grilling butter, butter dip, flavored butter