If you’re looking to add a little kick to your next meal, Cowboy Butter is the perfect addition. With a mix of herbs, garlic, and spices, this buttery concoction will bring an irresistible depth of flavor to your steak, seafood, grilled veggies, and so much more. It’s the kind of spread that transforms a simple meal into something extraordinary.
Why You’ll Love Cowboy Butter
- Perfect balance of flavors – The garlic, horseradish, and Dijon mustard bring a savory punch, while the fresh herbs add a light, aromatic touch.
- Versatile – Use it as a condiment for steak, a dip for seafood, or even as a finishing touch on roasted vegetables.
- Easy to make – This butter comes together quickly and can be prepared in advance, making it ideal for last-minute flavor enhancements.
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 200 g unsalted butter, cubed and slightly softened
- ½ cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh chives, finely sliced
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 2 tsp fresh thyme leaves
- 2 tsp prepared horseradish
- 2 garlic cloves, cores removed and crushed
- 1 tsp fresh lemon juice
- ½ tsp paprika
- ½ tsp fine cooking salt
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Parchment Paper
- Cut a 30cm square piece of baking or parchment paper and set it aside. This will help you shape and store the butter later.
Step 2: Mix the Ingredients
- In a bowl, combine all the ingredients: butter, parsley, chives, Dijon mustard, thyme, horseradish, garlic, lemon juice, paprika, and salt.
- Start by using a potato masher to blend the butter and ingredients together, then switch to a fork to get a smoother consistency.
Step 3: Shape the Butter
- Once everything is mixed, roughly shape the butter mixture into a log while still in the bowl. The texture should remain somewhat chunky, allowing the herbs and spices to be evenly distributed.
Step 4: Roll It Up
- Place the butter log lengthwise toward the bottom of the prepared parchment paper.
- Roll the paper up from the bottom to enclose the butter, keeping it messy at first. Once you’ve got it started, grab both ends of the paper and twist in opposite directions to tighten and smooth it out.
Step 5: Chill the Butter
- Refrigerate the butter roll until you’re ready to use it. The chill time will help it set up nicely, making it easier to slice and spread.
How to Use Cowboy Butter
This flavorful spread is perfect for a variety of dishes:
- On Steak – Melt it over a hot steak for a burst of flavor.
- With Seafood – It pairs wonderfully with grilled shrimp, lobster, or fish.
- On Vegetables – Try it on roasted or grilled veggies like asparagus or corn on the cob for an extra kick.
- As a Dip – Serve it as a dip for bread or crackers for a party appetizer.
- On Baked Potatoes – Top your baked potatoes with a dollop of Cowboy Butter for an upgraded twist.
Tips for Success
- Use fresh herbs – For the best flavor, use fresh parsley, chives, and thyme.
- Adjust to your taste – If you like things spicier, increase the amount of horseradish or paprika.
- Make ahead – Prepare the butter in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to a week, or freeze it for up to 3 months.
- Serve at room temperature – For easier spreading, let the butter come to room temperature before using.
How to Make the Most of Cowboy Butter: Serving Suggestions
While Cowboy Butter can stand out on its own, there are so many creative ways to use it to enhance your meals. It’s incredibly versatile and can be paired with a wide variety of dishes. Let’s dive into some exciting ways to serve and enjoy this bold and flavorful butter.
1. Grilled Steak
The rich, smoky flavor of grilled steak pairs perfectly with Cowboy Butter. After your steak is grilled to perfection, simply spoon a generous amount of Cowboy Butter on top while it’s still hot. The butter will melt into the meat, infusing it with herbs, garlic, and a tangy kick from the horseradish. This is the ultimate steakhouse experience right at home.
2. Shrimp Skewers
If you’re making shrimp skewers, you’re going to love how well Cowboy Butter complements the seafood. Once the shrimp is grilled, brush them with the butter and let it melt over them for an extra layer of flavor. The creaminess of the butter paired with the delicate shrimp creates a dynamic flavor profile that’s both savory and refreshing.
3. Roasted Vegetables
Cowboy Butter works wonders with roasted vegetables like carrots, Brussels sprouts, or sweet potatoes. After your vegetables are roasted and caramelized, drizzle the Cowboy Butter over them for a rich, flavorful finish. The herbs and spices in the butter will complement the natural sweetness of the roasted vegetables, making them even more delicious.
4. Grilled Corn on the Cob
Corn on the cob is a summer favorite, and when you add Cowboy Butter, it turns into a side dish that steals the show. Grill your corn, then slather it with a generous helping of Cowboy Butter. The smoky, herby, and garlicky flavors will give the corn a whole new level of richness and depth.
5. Baked Potatoes
For an easy yet flavorful addition to your meal, try Cowboy Butter on baked potatoes. Simply scoop out the soft potato flesh and top it with a dollop of Cowboy Butter. The heat from the potato will melt the butter into a delicious sauce, which you can mix into the potato for a creamy, flavorful bite.
6. On Toast or Bread
For a simple snack or appetizer, spread Cowboy Butter on freshly baked bread or toasted baguette slices. The warm bread will soak up the butter, making for a savory, flavorful bite that will have everyone coming back for more.
7. As a Dipping Sauce
Cowboy Butter is the perfect dipping sauce for bread, crackers, or even grilled meats. Set it out at your next party as a dipping sauce and watch it disappear. It’s an easy but impressive way to serve something with bold, savory flavors that your guests will love.
8. Burger Topping
Take your burgers to the next level by spreading Cowboy Butter on the bun or melting it on the patty itself. The creamy, tangy, and herby butter will add a delightful richness that complements the savory flavors of the beef, making your burger even more satisfying.
Storage and Shelf Life of Cowboy Butter
Once you’ve made your Cowboy Butter, it’s important to store it properly to ensure it stays fresh for longer. Here’s what you need to know:
Refrigeration
Cowboy Butter can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week. Make sure to store it in an airtight container or wrapped tightly in parchment paper to prevent it from absorbing any unwanted odors from the fridge. It’s best to keep it in its rolled log form so you can easily slice off pieces as needed.
Freezing
If you want to make Cowboy Butter in advance, it’s easy to freeze it for later use. Simply wrap the butter in parchment paper and then place it in a zip-top bag or airtight container. You can store it in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to use it, just slice off what you need and let it thaw at room temperature before serving.
Final Thoughts: The Versatility of Cowboy Butter
Cowboy Butter is more than just a condiment; it’s an ingredient that can be used in a variety of ways to elevate your meals. Whether you’re serving it on a juicy steak, tossing it with vegetables, or spreading it on toast, its combination of butter, garlic, fresh herbs, and spices brings a bold, savory flavor to any dish.
It’s a must-have for anyone who loves flavorful, easy-to-make additions to their meals. Keep a batch in your fridge or freezer, and you’ll always have the perfect buttery accompaniment ready to go!
Cowboy Butter
Equipment
- 30 cm square piece of baking or parchment paper
- Bowl
- Potato masher (optional)
- Fork
- Knife
Ingredients
- 200 g unsalted butter cubed and slightly softened
- ½ cup fresh parsley finely chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh chives finely sliced
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 2 tsp fresh thyme leaves
- 2 tsp prepared horseradish
- 2 garlic cloves cores removed and crushed
- 1 tsp fresh lemon juice
- ½ tsp paprika
- ½ tsp fine cooking salt
Instructions
- Cut a 30 cm square piece of baking or parchment paper and set it aside.
- In a bowl, combine all the ingredients and mix until fully blended. Start with a potato masher, then switch to a fork for better consistency.
- Roughly shape the butter mixture into a log while still in the bowl.
- Place the butter log lengthwise toward the bottom of the prepared baking paper.
- Roll the paper up from the bottom to enclose the log, keeping it messy at first. Then, grasp both ends and twist in opposite directions to tighten and smooth it out.
- Refrigerate until needed.
- Enjoy this flavorful butter with steak, seafood, or veggies!
