Would you like to save this?
We'll email this post to you, so you can come back to it later!
Outline:
- Title: Cowboy Butter Recipe
- Short Intro Paragraph
- Full Recipe Introduction
- H2: Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- H2: Ingredients
- Image
- H2: Directions
- H2: Servings & Timing
- H2: Variations
- H2: Storage & Reheating
- H2: Notes
- H2: FAQs
- H2: Conclusion
Cowboy Butter Recipe
Short Intro Paragraph
This Cowboy Butter Recipe whips up a zesty, garlicky, herb-packed spread that transforms everyday dishes into backyard-party stars.
Full Recipe Introduction
Picture yourself under a big sky, a cold drink in hand, flipping perfectly seared steaks on the grill. You know what ties it all together? Cowboy butter—a compound butter bursting with garlic, fresh herbs, and a hint of heat. This flavored butter isn’t just for steak; it jazzes up veggies, seafood, and even warm crusty bread. As a 50-year-old home cook, I’ve turned to this twist on garlic herb butter so often that my family jokes I’ve written a cowboy novella in every bite.
I first discovered this recipe at a local Texas cook-off, and honestly, I was smitten instantly. What’s special here is the balance: cool butter meets bright parsley, tangy lemon zest, and smoky paprika. It’s seasonal in that it shines at summer cookouts, but I’ll spread it on everything year-round. Plus, making compound butter is surprisingly simple—no baking required, just mixing and chilling.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ready in under 15 minutes—perfect for last-minute gatherings
- No fancy equipment—just a bowl, spoon, and knife
- Versatile flavored butter fits steaks, corn on the cob, shrimp, and more
- Customizable heat: mild or spicy depending on your paprika or chili flakes
- Make ahead and freeze for quick weekday dinners
- Family-friendly: kids love the buttery garlic taste
- Impressive gift idea: roll it into logs, slice, and package in jars
- Nutrient boost: fresh herbs add vitamins and antioxidants
- Gluten-free, keto-friendly, and easy to adapt to dairy-free versions
- Always a conversation starter—“What’s in this butter?”
Ingredients
• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened at room temperature (Land O’Lakes recommended)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced (substitute 1 tsp garlic powder if you’re in a pinch)
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped (or 1 tbsp dried parsley)
• 1 tbsp fresh chives, thinly sliced (green onion works too)
• 1 tsp lemon zest (grate from an organic lemon for best flavor)
• ½ tsp smoked paprika (or sweet paprika for a milder touch)
• ¼ tsp cayenne pepper (omit or reduce for no heat)
• ¼ tsp kosher salt (Diamond Crystal if you prefer flakes)
• 1 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice (brightens the whole mix)
• Optional: 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce for a savory depth
Tips: Let butter sit out for 15–20 minutes so it’s easy to whip; fresh herbs pack more flavor than dried.
Directions
- Stir and Cream: In a medium bowl, use a spatula or hand mixer to cream together softened butter, garlic, and Worcestershire sauce (if using). Mix until smooth and well combined.
- Add Herbs & Zest: Fold in parsley, chives, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Keep stirring until the herbs are evenly distributed—watch for those green flecks.
- Spice It Up: Sprinkle in smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, and kosher salt. Give it one more good stir. Taste a tiny bit on a cracker, adjust salt or heat to your liking.
- Shape the Butter: Scoop the mixture onto a sheet of plastic wrap or parchment paper. Roll it into a log about 1.5 inches thick, twisting the ends to seal (like a candy wrapper).
- Chill: Pop the log into the fridge for at least 1 hour, or transfer to the freezer for 20–30 minutes if you need it sooner. That way, the butter firms up and slices beautifully.
- Serve: Slice into rounds and place on hot grilled steak, roasted veggies, or slather on warm bread. Watch it melt and sizzle!
Servings & Timing
Makes: about 10 servings of butter rounds
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Chill Time: 1 hour (or 20–30 minutes in freezer)
Total Time: roughly 1 hour 10 minutes
Variations
• Chipotle Cowboy Butter: Swap smoked paprika for 1 tsp chipotle powder for smoky heat.
• Lemon-Dill Twist: Replace parsley with dill and skip cayenne for a garden-fresh profile.
• Vegan Version: Use plant-based margarine and coconut aminos in place of Worcestershire.
• Garlic-Citrus Burst: Add 1 tsp orange zest and drop lemon juice to elevate the citrus notes.
• Herbes de Provence: Stir in ½ tsp Herbes de Provence and ditch the cayenne for a French flair.
Storage & Reheating
Refrigerator: Keep wrapped butter log in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks.
Freezer: Store logs in freezer-safe bags for up to 3 months—thaw in fridge before slicing.
Make-Ahead: Whip up multiple logs over the weekend to breeze through weeknight dinners.
Reheating: No reheating needed—just slice and let residual heat from hot food melt it.
Notes
• Testing Tip: I found that chopping herbs super fine avoids those big leafy bites—keeps the texture smooth.
• Flavor Balance: If your butter tastes flat, a squeeze of extra lemon juice brightens it right up.
• Cleanup Hack: I use a silicone spatula for scraping every bit of butter so nothing goes to waste.
• Experiment: Try stirring in a splash of honey if you crave a sweet-savory twist.
FAQs
Q: Can I use salted butter?
A: Sure—just skip or cut the added kosher salt so it doesn’t get too salty.
Q: How do I keep the butter from turning greasy?
A: Ensure your bowl and tools are cool; overly warm butter can separate fats.
Q: Is cowboy butter gluten-free?
A: Yes—this recipe is naturally gluten-free and suits keto and low-carb diets.
Q: What’s the best way to mince garlic?
A: Use a sharp knife or garlic press for a fine mince; no big chunks, please!
Q: Can I freeze individual slices?
A: Absolutely—lay slices flat on parchment, freeze for 10 minutes, then bag them loosely.
Q: How spicy is it?
A: With ¼ tsp cayenne, it’s a gentle kick; reduce or omit for no heat at all.
Q: Will this butter brown nicely on a steak?
A: Yes—the mix of paprika and butter juices creates a gorgeous, caramelized crust.
Q: Can I double the recipe?
A: Of course—just scale up ingredients and use a larger bowl to mix.
Conclusion
This Cowboy Butter Recipe brings that homemade flair to every meal, whether you’re hosting Sunday dinner or craving a quick flavor boost. Give it a try, slice off a round, and let the rich, garlicky herby goodness do its thing. Don’t forget to leave a comment sharing your favorite way to use this compound butter or hop over to my garlic herb butter and flavored butter posts for more tasty ideas!
Cowboy Butter Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter softened at room temperature
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley finely chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh chives thinly sliced
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
- 1/4 tsp kosher salt
- 1 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
- Optional 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce for a savory depth
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, cream together softened butter, garlic, and Worcestershire sauce (if using) until smooth.
- Fold in parsley, chives, lemon zest, and lemon juice until evenly distributed.
- Sprinkle in smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, and kosher salt. Stir well and adjust salt or heat to taste.
- Scoop the mixture onto plastic wrap, roll into a log, and chill in the fridge until firm.
- Slice and place on grilled steak, roasted veggies, or warm bread. Enjoy the flavorful melt!
