Transform any ordinary meal into an extraordinary one with this flavor-packed Cowboy Butter! This savory, spicy compound butter adds a kick of heat and a burst of fresh herbs to everything from grilled meats to fresh bread and roasted veggies.
Ingredients
This compound butter combines fresh herbs, spices, and aromatics to create the perfect blend of flavors.
- Unsalted Butter – Starting with room temperature butter ensures all of the ingredients blend together smoothly and evenly. A quality butter creates the best foundation for this recipe — we like European butter with its gorgeous yellow hue, but you can use any variety that you like. You can even make your own easy homemade butter.
- Lemon Zest – The oils in the zest add bright, concentrated citrusy notes.
- Fresh Garlic – The sharp, pungent flavor of fresh garlic adds savory depth to the butter. Grating or pressing the garlic cloves releases more oils than chopping.
- Fresh Parsley – This herb brings a clean, fresh taste and a pop of gorgeous green color. Mincing finely helps distribute the flavor evenly.
- Fresh Chives – This tender herb adds a subtle oniony flavor. Snipping them with kitchen shears creates the cleanest cuts.
- Dijon Mustard – Mustard adds a tangy depth and helps to emulsify the mixture.
- Kosher Salt – The coarse texture of kosher salt makes it easy to distribute the seasoning evenly.
- Smoked Paprika – Using this variety of paprika adds smokiness and a bit of color, too.
- Crushed Red Pepper Flakes – These add texture and a bit of heat throughout the butter.
- Cayenne Pepper – This spice provides consistent heat throughout. Adjust the amount for your palate.
Variations
Make this cowboy butter recipe your own by trying these creative twists.
- Mediterranean – Add oregano, basil, and sun-dried tomatoes.
- Mexican-Inspired – Mix in cilantro, lime zest, and chipotle powder.
- Steakhouse-Style – Incorporate fresh thyme, rosemary, and cracked black pepper. Add Worcestershire sauce for an added touch of umami flavor.
- Asian – Blend with ginger, sesame oil, and green onions.
- Herbs – Add dill, tarragon, and sage for an herb-forward flavor.
- Citrus – Mix orange and lime zest with the lemon for even more citrusy goodness. Or, add a little bit of lemon juice.
How to Make Cowboy Butter
Creating this flavorful butter is quick and simple!
- Soften the butter. Let the butter reach room temperature for easy mixing.
- Combine the ingredients. Mix all of the other ingredients with the softened butter in a small bowl.
- Shape and chill. Form the butter mixture into a log wrapped in parchment paper or plastic wrap, or store it in a container.
What to Serve With Cowboy Butter
This versatile butter elevates practically any dish it touches. Slather it on warm, crusty bread, toss it with hot roasted veggies, or spread it on our favorite steak sandwich. The possibilities are endless with this flavor-packed butter!
For proteins, try it on chicken dishes or seafood. It’s especially amazing on a perfectly grilled steak. The butter melts into the proteins, creating an instant sauce that’s both spicy and rich.
You can also use melt it and use it as a dipping sauce for bread, chicken wings, veggies, french fries, and more!
Common Questions about Homemade Cowboy Butter
Compound butter is a type of butter that’s been infused with herbs, seasonings, and other ingredients. Cowboy butter is one variety of compound butter.
The name comes from its bold, spicy flavors that were popular in Western ranch cooking.
The heat level is customizable – you can adjust the amount of cayenne and red pepper flakes to make it as mild or spicy as you prefer. Or, add other ingredients like a dash of Sriracha or hot sauce, or a sprinkle of chili powder.
Storage and Freezing
Here’s everything you need to know about storing this delicious cowboy butter properly so it’s ready when you need it! Since it’s so easy to make and store, make a big batch so that you have it arround to add extra flavor to any weeknight dinner or to take your side dishes to a whole new level.
Make Ahead
Prepare this butter up to 3 days before you plan to use it. The flavors will actually develop and improve over time.
How to Store
You can store in an airtight container or wrapped tightly in parchment paper for up to two weeks.
Can I Freeze Cowboy Butter?
Form the butter into the shape of a log and wrap it tightly with plastic wrap, parchment paper, or wax paper; then tightly wrap it with foil. Alternatively, you can spoon it into a freezer-safe container. Store for up to 6 months. Then, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before using.
More Butter-Based Recipes
Looking for more ways to add buttery goodness to your life? From appetizers to spreads worthy of slathering on anything from warm bread to veggies and steaks, we have you covered!
Cowboy Butter Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter 2 sticks , room temperature
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest about 1 lemon
- 4-5 cloves garlic pressed or grated
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh chives minced
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 3/4 teaspoon coarse Kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
Instructions
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine the butter, lemon, garlic, parsley, chives, mustard, salt, paprika, red pepper flakes and cayenne pepper. This works best to mash with a fork or the back of a spoon. You can also combine it using a paddle attachment on a stand mixer.
- Place the butter in an airtight container or roll into a log on parchment or wax paper and refrigerate for 1 hour before using.
- If you’ve tried this recipe, come back and let us know how it was in the comments or star ratings.
Nutrition
