Buttery Herb Spread

This rich cowboy butter turns basic meals into unforgettable food moments. The mix of herbs, butter and spices works as a go-to topping that makes everything better, from your veggies to your steak to plain bread.

I whipped up this cowboy butter when I needed to jazz up a family cookout. What began as just playing around in the kitchen turned into the #1 thing my buddies ask for - they now all keep a chunk of it in their fridges constantly.

Ingredients

• Unsalted butter: Your creamy base that soaks up all the good flavors. Go for fancy European kinds if you can.
• Dijon mustard: Gives a nice tang and helps everything mix well. Try to find the grainy kind for extra texture.
• Fresh herbs: Chives, parsley, and thyme add that garden-fresh kick. Don't swap in dried stuff - it won't taste as good.
• Minced garlic: Adds that wonderful smell and taste. Cut it yourself from whole cloves instead of buying the jarred kind.
• Lemon juice: Cuts through the richness with some zing. Squeeze it fresh for the best flavor punch.
• Paprika: Adds nice color and mild sweetness. The Spanish stuff tastes way better if you can find it.
• Spices: Salt, pepper, cayenne, and red pepper flakes work together for the perfect kick. Add more or less heat depending on what you like.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Combine ingredients:

Put room-temperature butter in a bowl with the Dijon, herbs, garlic, lemon juice, paprika, salt, pepper, cayenne, and pepper flakes. Make sure your butter sits out about 30 minutes beforehand so it's easy to mix.

Mix thoroughly:

Stir everything with a wooden spoon or spatula until it's all blended together. Take your time - you don't want any plain butter spots or clumps of herbs. When done, it should be a consistent yellow color with little green flecks throughout.

Shape for compound butter:

Dump the butter mix onto plastic wrap, then roll it up into a log about 1½ inches thick. Twist the ends tight and push out any air bubbles. Let it firm up in the fridge for 2 hours or overnight so you can slice it nicely.

Prepare for immediate serving:

If you want melted butter dip right away, microwave the mixture in short 20-second bursts, stirring between each until it's all melted. You'll notice the herbs float to the top, which looks really pretty.

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My top way to enjoy this butter is cutting it into rounds that slowly melt over hot grilled steaks. When that herby butter starts running down the sides of a juicy ribeye, it creates such an amazing meal that my family now demands it for every birthday and holiday.

Storage Solutions

You can keep your cowboy butter fresh with proper storage. For the logs, wrap in plastic and refrigerate up to a week, or freeze for three months. When freezing, add a layer of foil over the plastic and write the date on it. You can slice pieces while it's still frozen and put the rest back. For the melted dip version, keep it covered in the fridge and warm it up quickly in the microwave before using it again.

Flavor Variations

What makes cowboy butter so great is how you can change it up. Try an Italian twist by swapping in basil and oregano plus some grated parmesan. For a Mexican feel, use cilantro, lime zest, and a bit of cumin. You can even make a sweet version for breakfast foods with cinnamon, honey, and orange zest - just skip the garlic and savory stuff. Each new version keeps the basic idea but offers totally different tastes.

Serving Suggestions

Cowboy butter does way more than just top steaks. Brush the melted stuff on corn on the cob for amazing flavor. Spread it on warm rolls or dunk crusty bread in it. Mix it with hot pasta for a quick sauce or spoon it over roasted veggies right before eating. Breakfast fans will love it melting into waffle pockets or spread on toasted sourdough bread.

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This cowboy butter will make everything it touches taste better and soon become something you can't live without in your kitchen.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ What are common ways to use this butter mix?

This buttery blend works perfectly for dipping bread, coating meats like chicken or steak, or drizzling onto vegetables for added flavor.

→ Can I use different herbs instead of what's listed?

Of course! Swap parsley, chives, or similar herbs with options like cilantro or dill for unique taste combinations.

→ How long does this butter last in the refrigerator?

Kept in an airtight container, it should stay fresh for up to five days when stored in the fridge.

→ Can this butter mix be frozen for later use?

Definitely! Roll it into a log using plastic wrap, seal it, and freeze for up to 3 months. Let it thaw in the refrigerator when ready to use.

→ Is it okay to heat up this buttery mix?

Yes! Warm it up in the microwave for a quick dip or drizzle over any dish for extra richness.