Easy Cowboy Butter

Featured in Food That Makes People Think You've Got Life Figured Out.

Yummy butter mix in 5 mins. Makes 10 tablespoons.
Clare Recipes
Updated on Sat, 17 May 2025 12:11:32 GMT
Cowboy Herb Butter Pin it
Cowboy Herb Butter | recipesclare.com

This bold, multipurpose Cowboy Butter turns everyday butter into a taste-loaded spread that'll turn any meal into something to remember. Once I tried it, I started stashing a roll in my fridge on the regular—you just can't get enough.

Just last week, I brought this out at a dinner and everyone was fighting to grab the last swipe for their steak. The way the herbs mix with the little heat from cayenne always wins people over.

Tasty Ingredients Rundown

  • Spices: That combo of cayenne and chili flakes is just the right warmth
  • Garlic: Use freshly minced, it's a world apart from the pre-chopped tub
  • Dijon Mustard: Brings a bit of zing but stays subtle—grainy is especially great
  • Fresh Herbs: Use whatever's freshest—backyard herbs if you've got 'em make this sing
  • Butter: Let it soften on the counter so it blends perfectly—don't even try with cold butter
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Cowboy Butter Spread | recipesclare.com

Let's Jump In

For Dipping:
Pop into the microwave in short bursts, stirring in between, and don't let it get too hot
Chilling Out:
Let it hang out in the fridge until firm—at least a couple hours, though overnight is even better
Get Shaping:
Lay some plastic wrap out, pile the butter on, and roll it up tight—twist those ends good
Put Everything Together:
Toss all your goodies in one bowl and stir, taste, and tweak the flavors til you're happy
Get Your Stuff Ready:
Let that butter soften on its own, run your knife through those herbs, and mince your fresh garlic as chunky or fine as you like

Here's why this butter is always in my fridge. One Sunday while grilling steaks, I added a few slices on top. Now every time my grandson visits, he begs for what he calls "cowboy steak." It's wild how such a simple thing turns into a family favorite.

Ways I Use It

After trying it out basically everywhere, I've found this butter is a game changer. A pat tossed on roast veggies, spread on piping hot cornbread, or swirled into pasta is unbeatable. Last Thanksgiving, I snuck some under the turkey skin—and wow, I swear it made the bird legendary!

Keep It Fresh

To keep things simple, I break the butter into smaller bits before I stick it in the freezer. That way, it's easy to grab just what I need. Little paper cups work like a charm—just toss them all in a bag and pop it in the freezer.

Cowboy Butter – Bold Dipping and Spread Pin it
Cowboy Butter – Bold Dipping and Spread | recipesclare.com

Make It Yours

I love swapping in herbs depending on what’s out back. Rosemary gives it a cozy winter vibe, basil is perfect come summer. My daughter loves loading up with extra garlic—she jokes it's her secret to avoiding vampires!

Top Pairings

  • Perfect slathered on grilled corn for sunny days
  • Drizzle it over baked potatoes for instant comfort
  • Basic bread with this—total upgrade
  • Throw some on grilled shrimp—trust me, it's something else

This isn't just a butter around here—it's a little tradition. Whether I'm jazzing up basic chicken or trying to wow the crowd at a BBQ, it always takes things up a notch. The real win? It's so easy that even my brother-in-law (who can't cook to save his life!) has mastered it. Just don’t tell him I said so!

Simple Cowboy Butter

Butter blended with herbs and spices, perfect as a dip or spread.

Prep Time
5 Minutes
Cook Time
~
Total Time
5 Minutes

Category: Party & Snacks

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: American

Yield: 10 Servings (10 tablespoons)

Dietary: Low-Carb, Vegetarian, Gluten-Free

Ingredients

→ Base

01 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard, coarse variety
02 ½ cup softened unsalted butter

→ Fresh Herbs

03 1 tablespoon parsley, chopped fresh
04 1 tablespoon fresh chives
05 2 teaspoons thyme, fresh
06 2 teaspoons garlic, finely minced

→ Seasonings

07 ⅛ teaspoon pepper flakes
08 ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
09 ¼ teaspoon salt, kosher
10 1 teaspoon lemon juice
11 ⅛ teaspoon cracked black pepper
12 ⅛ teaspoon cayenne

Instructions

Step 01

Toss everything into a medium bowl or food processor and mix until it all comes together.

Step 02

Shape into a log using plastic wrap and pop it in the fridge for at least 2 hours or overnight.

Step 03

Heat in the microwave in short bursts of 20 seconds and stir well in between until melted.

Notes

  1. You can make it work in two different ways
  2. Stays good for 5 days if chilled
  3. Fresh herbs make it better

Tools You'll Need

  • Food processor or medium-sized bowl
  • Plastic wrap for shaping

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains butter (dairy)

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 94
  • Total Fat: ~
  • Total Carbohydrate: ~
  • Protein: ~