Cowboy Butter is a versatile, flavored butter that can be used as a dipping sauce or shaped into a log to serve as a spread. It’s a delicious addition to steak, chicken, turkey, and more, making it perfect for elevating any meal. We love to serve it as a side any time we have a fresh batch of homemade rustic bread!
What is Cowboy Butter?
Cowboy Butter is a rich blend of butter infused with bold herbs and spices, giving it a little heat from cayenne pepper and crushed red pepper flakes. Also known as compound butter, this recipe offers a flavorful punch, ideal for spreading or dipping. It’s an excellent option for a Surf and Turf Butter Board or a range of savory dishes.
Ingredients Highlights:
- Butter: Unsalted butter is preferred, but if using salted butter, reduce or omit the added kosher salt.
- Mustard: Coarse dijon mustard adds a nice tang and texture, but yellow mustard can be substituted for a slightly different taste.
- Fresh Herbs: Fresh parsley and thyme are key, but if you’re using dried herbs, substitute about a teaspoon of each for a tablespoon of fresh.
- Lemon Juice: A hint of lemon adds brightness. While it’s optional for some recipes, it’s highly recommended for meats.
- Spices: Paprika, salt, black pepper, cayenne, and crushed red pepper flakes create the signature spice profile. Adjust the heat to your preference by omitting the cayenne or red pepper flakes.
How to Use Cowboy Butter
Cowboy Butter works as both a dip and a spread, complementing all kinds of meats, from chicken to pork to steak. You can also use it to sauté vegetables, add flavor to pasta or rice, or even enjoy it with air-fried French fries. Another great option is spreading it on a fresh French baguette or even ciabatta bread.
Make Ahead and Storage Tips
Cowboy Butter can easily be prepared in advance. Stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, it will keep for up to 5 days.
If you want to freeze it, roll the butter into a log and wrap it in parchment or wax paper. Then place it in a freezer-safe container, where it will last up to 4 months. When you’re ready to use it, just thaw it in the fridge overnight.
With Cowboy Butter on hand, you’ll always have a flavorful option to elevate any dish!
Cowboy Butter
Ingredients
- ½ cup 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 black pepper
- ⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- ⅛ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, combine the softened butter, Dijon mustard, chives, parsley, thyme, garlic, lemon juice, paprika, kosher salt, black pepper, cayenne pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes. Stir together until everything is well incorporated. You can also use a food processor for this step if preferred. The mixture should yield about ⅔ cup of flavored butter.
- For compound butter, scoop the mixture onto a piece of plastic wrap. Roll it into a log shape, pressing and shaping as you go until it is fully wrapped. Twist the ends of the plastic wrap tightly to secure the butter. Refrigerate until firm, at least 2 hours or up to overnight.
- For butter dip, melt the mixture in the microwave in 20-second increments, stirring between each round, until fully melted.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
This recipe was adapted from Iamhomesteader.com’s Cowboy Butter.
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