Cowboy Butter is a delightful, creamy spread that adds warmth and flavor to many dishes. It’s rich and savory with a bit of brightness from fresh herbs and lemon juice. This butter is so easy to whip up that it can be ready in just a few minutes. Whether you’re grilling meats, spreading on bread, or drizzling over vegetables, this butter will brighten up any meal.
Why You Will Love This Cowboy Butter
This recipe is truly a gem for busy families. It comes together quickly and uses everyday ingredients you likely already have at home. It’s also incredibly versatile—perfect for grilled meats, warm bread, or even as a topping for baked potatoes. Plus, it’s a great way to elevate simple dishes without much effort. You’ll appreciate how easy it is to customize based on what your family loves.
How to Make Cowboy Butter
Making this delicious spread is super straightforward. You’ll just mix all the ingredients together, roll it into a log, and let it chill. The chilling step allows the flavors to meld beautifully, enhancing every bite. No need for complicated techniques—anyone can do this!
What You Need
- ½ cup (1 stick / 113 g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 tablespoon coarse Dijon Mustard
- 1 tablespoon fresh chives, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves, finely chopped
- 2 teaspoons fresh garlic, minced very finely
- 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ¼ teaspoon sea salt
- ⅛ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- ⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- ⅛ teaspoon red pepper flakes
Step-by-Step
- Ensure your unsalted butter is softened to true room temperature. It should be soft enough to easily indent but not melted or greasy. This is crucial for smooth incorporation.
- In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the softened butter with your very finely minced fresh garlic, finely chopped fresh parsley, finely chopped fresh chives, and finely chopped fresh thyme leaves.
- Next, incorporate the coarse Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, and red pepper flakes. These spices give the butter its signature warmth and depth.
- Pour in the fresh lemon juice. Its acidity brightens the rich, savory flavors and cuts through the butter’s richness beautifully.
- Finally, add the sea salt and freshly ground black pepper. Start with the recommended amounts and adjust to your personal preference.
- Using a sturdy spatula or wooden spoon, thoroughly mix all the ingredients together until they are completely combined and evenly distributed throughout the butter. Scrape down the sides of the bowl periodically.
- For best results and to allow the flavors to meld beautifully, transfer the mixed butter to a piece of parchment paper or plastic wrap. Roll it into a log shape, twisting the ends to seal. Pop this log into the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or even better, a few hours. This chilling process deepens its complexity and makes it easier to slice.
How to Serve Cowboy Butter
There are so many ways to enjoy this butter! It pairs wonderfully with grilled steaks, chicken, or even fish. Spread it on warm, crusty bread for a delicious appetizer. You can also use it to enhance the flavor of roasted vegetables or baked potatoes. It’s perfect for summer barbecues and cozy family dinners alike!
How to Store Cowboy Butter
To keep your leftover butter fresh, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container in the fridge. It should last for about a week. If you want to store it longer, you can freeze it. Just slice what you need and thaw it as needed. This way, you always have a buttery treat ready to go!
Recipe Tips
- Ensure your butter is at the right softness to mix easily.
- Feel free to adjust the herbs based on what you have on hand.
- For a milder flavor, reduce the amount of garlic or omit the cayenne pepper.
- You can also try adding a bit of grated cheese for a richer taste.
- If you’re short on time, skip the chilling step, but the butter will be easier to slice if you chill it first.
Variations & Swaps
- For a spicy kick, add more cayenne or a few dashes of hot sauce.
- If you prefer a fresher taste, try incorporating lemon zest along with the lemon juice.
- You can substitute fresh herbs with dried ones if that’s all you have, just use less since dried herbs are more potent.
- Try adding chopped sun-dried tomatoes or olives for an extra flavor burst.
- For a vegetarian option, this recipe is naturally suitable; just stick to plant-based butter.
FAQs
Can I make this butter ahead of time?
Yes! Cowboy Butter can be made a few days in advance. Just store it wrapped in the fridge until you’re ready to use it. Chilling it overnight also enhances the flavors.
Can I freeze Cowboy Butter?
Absolutely! Freezing it is a great way to keep it for longer. Simply wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and it can be frozen for up to three months. Thaw in the fridge before using.
How do I reheat Cowboy Butter?
If you want to use it warm, you can let it sit at room temperature for a bit or microwave it for a very short time (just 5-10 seconds) until slightly softened. Be careful not to melt it completely!
What if I don’t have fresh herbs?
You can replace fresh herbs with dried ones, but use less. A good rule of thumb is to use 1/3 of the amount when substituting dried herbs for fresh.
What should I serve this butter with?
This butter is delightful on grilled meats, fish, and roasted vegetables. It can also elevate simple sides like bread or baked potatoes. It’s perfect for summer barbeques or cozy dinners alike.
Cowboy Butter
Ingredients
Butter Base
- ½ cup ½ cup (1 stick / 113 g) unsalted butter, softened Ensure the butter is at true room temperature.
Seasoning and Flavorings
- 1 tablespoon 1 tablespoon coarse Dijon Mustard
- 1 tablespoon 1 tablespoon fresh chives, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 2 teaspoons 2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves, finely chopped
- 2 teaspoons 2 teaspoons fresh garlic, minced very finely
- 1 teaspoon 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ¼ teaspoon ¼ teaspoon sea salt Adjust to taste.
- ⅛ teaspoon ⅛ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper Adjust to taste.
- ⅛ teaspoon ⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper Optional for heat.
- ⅛ teaspoon ⅛ teaspoon red pepper flakes Optional for heat.
Instructions
Preparation
- Ensure your unsalted butter is softened to true room temperature. It should be soft enough to easily indent but not melted or greasy.
- In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the softened butter with minced garlic, chopped parsley, chives, and thyme.
- Incorporate the Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, and red pepper flakes.
- Pour in the lemon juice, which brightens the rich flavors.
- Add the sea salt and black pepper, starting with the recommended amounts and adjusting to taste.
- Using a spatula or wooden spoon, mix all the ingredients until thoroughly combined.
- Transfer the mixed butter onto parchment paper or plastic wrap, roll it into a log, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
