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Cowboy Butter 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.

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

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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