Cowboy Butter is a rich, zesty, and savory compound butter packed with herbs, garlic, lemon, and spices. It’s perfect for slathering on grilled meats, dipping crusty bread, or melting over vegetables. With bold flavors and easy preparation, it’s a favorite for barbecues and weeknight dinners alike.
ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
unsalted buttergarliclemon juicelemon zestDijon mustardpaprikared pepper flakesground cayenneblack pepperfresh parsleyfresh chivessalt
directions
Let the butter soften to room temperature for easy mixing.
In a small bowl, combine the softened butter with minced garlic, lemon juice, and lemon zest.
Stir in the Dijon mustard, paprika, red pepper flakes, cayenne, black pepper, and salt.
Fold in finely chopped parsley and chives until evenly distributed.
Transfer the cowboy butter to a serving bowl for immediate use, or shape it into a log using parchment paper and refrigerate until firm.
Use as a dipping sauce, or melt over steaks, chicken, or roasted vegetables.
Servings and timing
This recipe yields approximately 1 cup of cowboy butter.Preparation time: 10 minutesChilling time (optional): 30 minutesTotal time: 10-40 minutes
Variations
Add a splash of Worcestershire sauce for extra umami.
Use smoked paprika for a deeper, smoky flavor.
Mix in a bit of honey for a sweet-and-spicy twist.
Swap fresh herbs for dried if needed—just reduce the quantity.
Include grated Parmesan for a cheesy edge.
storage/reheating
Store cowboy butter in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.Wrap tightly in parchment or plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months.To use, allow to soften at room temperature or gently reheat in a small saucepan.
FAQs
What is cowboy butter used for?
Cowboy butter is used as a dipping sauce, compound butter for meats, or flavorful topping for vegetables and bread.
Can I use salted butter?
Yes, but reduce or omit added salt to balance the flavor.
Is cowboy butter spicy?
It has a kick from cayenne and red pepper flakes, but you can adjust the heat to your preference.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Use a plant-based butter alternative for a dairy-free version.
Do I have to chill it?
No, it’s ready to use immediately, but chilling helps it hold shape if you want to slice it.
Can I use dried herbs?
Yes, substitute dried parsley and chives using one-third the amount of fresh.
Does it melt well?
Yes, it melts beautifully over hot foods like steak or corn on the cob.
What type of mustard works best?
Dijon is preferred for its tangy smoothness, but spicy brown mustard works too.
How long can it sit out?
Leave it at room temperature no more than 2 hours to avoid spoilage.
Can I use this on seafood?
Absolutely—it pairs especially well with grilled shrimp or salmon.
Conclusion
Cowboy Butter is a bold and flavorful condiment that elevates everything from grilled meats to simple veggies. With a blend of herbs, citrus, and spice, it’s easy to whip up and endlessly versatile. Keep a batch on hand for your next cookout or weeknight dinner—you won’t regret it.
Print
Cowboy Butter
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes (includes chilling time)
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Condiment
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Description
Cowboy Butter is a zesty, savory compound butter made with garlic, herbs, and spices—perfect for slathering on grilled meats, vegetables, or bread.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh chives, chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, add the softened butter.
- Stir in the minced garlic, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, and zest.
- Add crushed red pepper flakes, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper (if using), parsley, chives, salt, and pepper.
- Mix until all ingredients are well combined.
- Transfer the butter mixture to a piece of parchment paper or plastic wrap and shape into a log.
- Refrigerate for at least 1 hour to firm up.
- Slice and serve as desired with steak, grilled chicken, vegetables, or bread.
Notes
- You can freeze Cowboy Butter for up to 3 months.
- Use it as a finishing touch for grilled meats or as a spread for warm dinner rolls.
- Adjust the spice level by increasing or reducing the cayenne and red pepper flakes.