Why is it called cowboy butter?

Legend has it that this flavor-packed spread was a favorite among ranch hands who needed a punch of taste after a long day on the range. Think hearty flavors that make simple ingredients shine. It’s kind of like channeling your inner John Wayne—bold, robust, and undeniably satisfying.

What is cowboy butter made of?

At its core, cowboy butter is a zesty blend of softened butter, fresh herbs, mustard, lemon juice, and a dash of spices. The key players are the savory herbs (parsley and thyme), which balance the tangy lemon and slightly spicy peppers. It’s a simple set of ingredients that create a next-level flavor explosion.

Is cowboy butter good on steak?

Absolutely. Slathering cowboy butter on a freshly grilled steak is like adding fireworks to the Fourth of July. The butter melts into every crevice, infusing your meat with a silky, aromatic touch. Honestly, even my picky nephew said it’s the only way he’ll eat steak now. So yep, it’s a winner.

What does cowboy butter seasoning taste like?

It’s tangy from the mustard and lemon, herbal from the parsley and thyme, and just a bit spicy from the cayenne and red pepper flakes. Some describe it as bright yet comforting. To me, it’s like that perfect campfire moment where sweet, savory, and a little heat all come together in harmony.

Cowboy Butter: The Creamy, Zesty Spread You’ll Love

Description

Cowboy Butter is a bold, buttery spread packed with fresh herbs, tangy lemon, a hit of mustard, and a spicy kick. It’s the ultimate finishing touch for steak, chicken, seafood, veggies, or bread.

Ingredients

Scale

1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (yellow mustard works too)
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried)
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon black pepper
Kosher salt, to taste
¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

Soften the butter
Remove butter from the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for 20–30 minutes until spreadable.

Mix all ingredients
In a bowl, combine butter, mustard, herbs, lemon juice, paprika, black pepper, salt, cayenne, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir until fully blended.

Taste test & adjust
Add more lemon juice, salt, or spice to taste. Make it your own!

Serve & store
Spoon into a ramekin or airtight container. Use immediately or refrigerate for up to two weeks. You can also freeze for longer storage.

Notes

Room temperature butter makes mixing easy and keeps the texture smooth.
Fresh herbs are best, but dried work in a pinch—use about 1 teaspoon per tablespoon.
Customize the spice level to fit your crowd—mild to fiery, you’re the boss!

Prep Time: PT10M
Cook Time: __
Category: Dinner
Method: Mixing
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: Serving size: 1 tablespoon (approx)
Calories: 90 kcal
Sugar: 1 g
Sodium: Varies
Fat: 10 g
Saturated Fat: 6 g
Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
Trans Fat: 1 g
Carbohydrates: 1g
Fiber: 0 g
Protein: 1g
Cholesterol: 25 mg

Keywords: cowboy butter, compound butter, dipping sauce, steak butter, easy spread