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This rich cowboy butter takes normal meals to amazing new heights. The mix of herbs, spices, and butter makes a go-to topping that works wonders on everything from steaks to crusty bread to garden veggies.
I originally whipped up this cowboy butter for a summer cookout that needed a special touch. What began as a kitchen experiment quickly turned into the most asked-for recipe among my buddies who now always keep some in their fridges.
What You'll Need
- Unsalted butter: The creamy base that soaks up all those amazing flavors. Go for fancy European-style if you can find it.
- Dijon mustard: Brings a zingy kick and helps everything mix together nicely. Pick one with some texture for extra eye appeal.
- Fresh herbs: Chives, parsley, and thyme add that just-picked garden taste. Skip the dried stuff - only fresh will do.
- Minced garlic: Gives that wonderful savory punch throughout. Crush your own instead of buying the jarred kind.
- Lemon juice: Cuts through the richness with a bit of tang. Squeeze it yourself for the best flavor.
- Paprika: Adds beautiful color and gentle sweetness. Try Spanish paprika for something special.
- Spices: Salt, pepper, cayenne, and red pepper flakes work together for perfect flavor. Adjust the hot stuff to taste.
How To Make It
- Mix everything together:
- Put room-temperature butter in a bowl with Dijon mustard, all your fresh herbs, garlic, lemon juice, paprika, salt, pepper, cayenne, and red pepper flakes. Make sure your butter sits out for about 30 minutes first so it's soft enough to work with.
- Blend it all up:
- Grab a spatula or wooden spoon and mix until everything's completely combined. Take your time to make sure there aren't any plain butter streaks left and the herbs are spread out evenly. You want a nice yellow color dotted with tiny bits of herbs.
- Form into a log:
- Scoop the butter onto plastic wrap, then roll it up into a nice log about 1½ inches thick. Twist the ends tight while pushing out any air bubbles. Let it firm up in the fridge for a couple hours or overnight so it slices nicely.
- For quick serving:
- If you want it melted, pop it in the microwave in 20-second bursts, stirring each time, until it's all melty. The herbs will float to the top, making it look 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. That moment when the herby butter starts running down the sides of a juicy ribeye creates a dinner experience my family now demands whenever we celebrate anything special.
Keeping It Fresh
Your cowboy butter will stay tasty when stored right. For butter logs, keep them wrapped in plastic in the fridge for a week or freeze for up to three months. If you freeze it, add a layer of foil around the plastic and write the date on it. You can slice it while still frozen and put the rest back. For the melted dip version, keep it covered in the fridge and warm it briefly in the microwave before using it again.
Switch It Up
What's great about cowboy butter is how easy it is to change. Try an Italian twist by swapping in basil and oregano plus some grated parmesan. For Mexican flair, mix in cilantro, lime zest, and a bit of cumin. Want something sweet? Add cinnamon, honey, and orange zest while skipping the garlic and savory stuff. Each new version keeps the spirit of the original but brings totally new tastes.
Ways To Use It
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. Toss with hot pasta for a quick sauce or put some on roasted veggies right before serving. Breakfast fans will love cowboy butter 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 a must-have in your kitchen.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → What are the best ways to use cowboy butter?
Cowboy butter works great spread on bread, drizzled on veggies, or as a tasty topping for meat like steak or chicken.
- → Can I change the herbs in the butter?
You can! Replace parsley and chives with cilantro, dill, or any fresh herbs you like.
- → How long will it last in the fridge?
If stored in a sealed container, it stays good for up to five days in the fridge.
- → Is this butter okay to freeze?
Yep! Roll it into a log using plastic wrap, seal it tight, and freeze it for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before using.
- → Should cowboy butter be served warm or cold?
Both are fine! Melt it for a warm dip, or enjoy it cold on bread or veggies.