Introduction

Cowboy Butter is a flavorful compound butter packed with herbs, spices, and a hint of heat. It’s perfect for enhancing grilled meats, vegetables, or simply spreading on warm bread. Easy to prepare and versatile, this butter adds a bold, zesty kick to your meals.

A close-up view of a cooked steak with a rich brown, slightly crispy outer layer, resting in a dark pan with some oil and herbs around. On top of the steak, there is a melted ball of light yellow herb butter mixed with green chopped herbs and small bits of mustard seeds, slightly oozing over the meat. The steak's texture looks juicy and tender with a glossy shine from the butter. The background is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

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

Step 1: In a medium bowl, combine the softened butter, Dijon mustard, chives, parsley, thyme, garlic, lemon juice, paprika, kosher salt, pepper, cayenne pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated.
Step 2: To form a compound butter, scoop the mixture onto a piece of plastic wrap. Shape it into a log by pressing and rolling until fully wrapped. Twist the ends of the wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight until firm.
Step 3: Alternatively, melt the mixture in the microwave using 20-second intervals, stirring between each until fully melted, to use as a flavorful butter dip.

Tips & Variations

For a smoother texture, use a food processor to blend the ingredients instead of mixing by hand.
Add a splash of hot sauce or smoked paprika for an extra smoky, spicy flavor.
Try swapping fresh herbs for dried if unavailable, but reduce the quantity by half for a balanced taste.

Storage

Store cowboy butter in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. If shaped into a log, keep it wrapped tightly in plastic wrap. To reheat as a dip, gently melt in the microwave in short bursts, stirring frequently to prevent burning.

How to Serve

A thick, juicy steak with a dark brown, seared crust sits on a white plate, topped with two round pats of creamy herb butter mixed with green parsley and small mustard seeds, one pat is slightly cut to show its soft texture; the plate also holds some roasted rosemary sprigs, and a shiny, serrated steak knife with a black and silver handle rests on the plate’s edge, all set against a white marbled textured surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I freeze Cowboy Butter?

Yes, you can freeze cowboy butter wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and placed in an airtight container or freezer bag. It will keep well for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before use.

What dishes pair well with Cowboy Butter?

Cowboy Butter complements grilled steaks, chicken, roasted vegetables, baked potatoes, and seafood. It also works well melted over corn on the cob or stirred into warm pasta for extra flavor.

Cowboy Butter Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 64 reviews

Cowboy Butter is a flavorful compound butter blend bursting with fresh herbs, garlic, Dijon mustard, and spices. This versatile butter enhances grilled meats, vegetables, or serves as a tasty melted dip. It can be shaped into a log and chilled for easy slicing or melted for dipping, offering a rich, zesty kick to your dishes.

Author: Daniel
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes plus chilling time
Yield: Approximately ⅔ cup (about 10 tablespoons) of cowboy butter 1x
Category: Condiment
Method: No-Cook
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

Cowboy Butter

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, chopped
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

Combine Ingredients: In a medium bowl, add the softened butter, Dijon mustard, chives, parsley, thyme, garlic, lemon juice, paprika, kosher salt, pepper, cayenne pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly incorporated and the mixture is smooth. You can also pulse these ingredients together in a food processor for quicker blending.
Form Compound Butter Log: Scoop the combined butter onto a sheet of plastic wrap. Carefully roll it into a log shape by pressing and shaping the butter, ensuring it is tightly wrapped in the plastic wrap. Twist both ends of the wrap to seal the butter log completely. Place it in the refrigerator to firm up for at least 2 hours or up to overnight for best results.
Make Butter Dip: To use as a dip, transfer the mixed butter to a microwave-safe bowl and heat in 20-second increments, stirring well between each interval until fully melted and smooth.
Storage: Store the cowboy butter tightly wrapped in the refrigerator in an airtight container. Use within 5 days for optimal freshness and flavor.

Notes

Using softened butter at room temperature makes mixing easier and ensures even distribution of herbs and spices.
Adjust cayenne pepper and red pepper flakes to your preferred level of heat.
This compound butter pairs excellently with grilled steaks, roasted vegetables, baked potatoes, or freshly baked bread.
You can freeze the butter log for up to 1 month; thaw in the refrigerator before use.
Fresh herbs provide the best flavor, but dried herbs can be substituted at half the quantity.

Keywords: compound butter, cowboy butter, flavored butter, herb butter, savory butter, dipping butter, steak butter, grilling condiment