Cowboy Butter Recipe

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Compound butter recipes are simple to make, fun to customize, and perfect for flavoring any dish. This cowboy butter might just be the best version we've tasted. It's vibrant in many ways, from the orangey hue, to the lemon zest notes, to the kick of heat. Cowboy butter is the dip you never knew you needed for chow time.

What Is Cowboy Butter?

As mentioned, cowboy butter is just a compound butter at its core softened butter combined with sweet or savory herbs and spices. Where cowboy butter stands out is in the ingredients that get mixed in: There is a perfect balance of acid from the lemon, tang from the mustard, spice from the chili, paprika, and red pepper, and freshness from the garlic, chives, parsley, and thyme. The result is a bold, smoky-yet-bright condiment that evokes the Wild West and a spot at the campfire with your fellow ranchers.

How to Make Cowboy Butter

The hardest part of this recipe is probably waiting for the butter to soften (we have some tricks for that) and chopping up the garlic and herbs. That being said, it couldn't be easier to put together. Simply mix all the ingredients with your favorite butter and shape it into a log or whatever form you prefer. Once your cowboy butter has firmed up, it's ready to go!

Recipe Tips:

• Make sure the butter is completely softened. Otherwise, the mixture may have streaks and will take much longer to become smooth.
• If you're serving it right away as a dip, you can use melted butter and skip the softening step entirely.

The Best Ways to Use Cowboy Butter

Cowboy butter can be added as solid slices over hot dishes, so it flavors the food as it melts. It can also be spread on cornbread or melted before serving as a dip for grilled steak, true cowboy style. Beyond the classic steak pairing, this smoky, spicy, and herbaceous butter with a hint of Dijon and lemon is delicious on chicken, pork, fish, roasted vegetables, bread, crackers, and more. It's incredibly versatile.

Our test kitchen experts also suggest that this recipe can be adapted with herb and spice variations. Try swapping cilantro and lime for a different flavor profile, use spicy brown mustard instead of Dijon, opt for dried herbs if you don't have fresh, or add cayenne or a few dashes of hot sauce to increase the heat.

How to Store Cowboy Butter

If you dont use it all in one sitting (how?!), it can be stored in a sealed in the refrigerator for up to two weeks or in the freezer for up to six months. This means you can make it ahead of time too!

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 4 medium garlic cloves, finely chopped
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh chives
• 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon grated lemon zest
• 1/2 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme
• 1/4 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper

Directions:

1. Gather all ingredients.
2. In a medium bowl, stir together the butter, garlic, parsley, chives, mustard, lemon zest, lemon juice, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, thyme, chili powder, and crushed red pepper until well combined.
3. Transfer the butter mixture to a large sheet of plastic wrap or parchment paper. Roll it into a log, shaping as needed. Twist both ends of the wrap to seal tightly and shape the log evenly.
4. Refrigerate the log for 2 hours to allow the flavors to meld and the butter to firm up.
5. Once chilled, remove the log from the refrigerator and cut into slices. Use it to top steak, seafood, vegetables, or spread onto bread. Alternatively, melt and serve as a dipping sauce.

Nutrition Facts (per serving):

Nutrient	Amount	% Daily Value
Calories	108	-
Total Fat	12g	15%
Saturated Fat	7g	36%
Cholesterol	30mg	10%
Sodium	197mg	9%
Total Carbohydrate	1g	0%
Dietary Fiber	0g	2%
Total Sugars	0g	-
Protein	0g	1%
Vitamin C	3mg	3%
Calcium	13mg	1%
Iron	0mg	1%
Potassium	31mg	1%

Cowboy butter is a versatile and flavorful compound butter that has taken the culinary world by storm. This buttery condiment, filled with an array of spices, herbs, and a touch of citrus, is not only easy to make but also elevates a variety of dishes. From grilled meats to vegetables, this bold mixture has become a staple in kitchens everywhere.

History and Origins of Cowboy Butter

While the exact origin of cowboy butter remains somewhat unclear, it is widely believed to have roots in the American West, where cowboys often used simple ingredients to prepare flavorful meals. The concept of compound butter, or a flavored butter mixed with herbs, spices, and other seasonings, is centuries old. However, the name "cowboy butter" likely emerged from the association with hearty, rustic cowboy cuisine. It evokes images of campfires, outdoor grilling, and the robust flavors enjoyed by ranchers and frontiersmen who needed a quick and flavorful addition to their meals.

Regional Features and Variations

Cowboy butter, like many traditional dishes, has regional variations. In some places, the butter may include additional ingredients such as jalapeos for extra heat, or cilantro for a touch of freshness. The base recipe typically includes ingredients like garlic, lemon zest, smoked paprika, Dijon mustard, and fresh herbs like parsley and chives. While the ingredients may vary slightly from region to region, the core flavors remain the same: smoky, tangy, with a hint of spice.

What Makes Cowboy Butter Different?

Compared to other compound butters, cowboy butter stands out due to its boldness and complexity. The combination of smoky paprika, tangy Dijon mustard, and zesty lemon makes it much more than a simple butter spread. It is often used as a dipping sauce or a topping for grilled meats, making it an ideal accompaniment for steak, seafood, and roasted vegetables. Unlike more subtle compound butters, such as garlic or herb butter, cowboy butter offers a richer, more intense flavor profile that pairs well with the smoky, charred flavors of grilled dishes.

Where Is Cowboy Butter Typically Served?

Cowboy butter is commonly served with grilled steaks, seafood, and roasted vegetables. Its rich, smoky flavor complements the charred, savory notes of meats cooked over an open flame. It can also be spread onto fresh cornbread, used as a dip for bread, or even drizzled over roasted potatoes. In many ways, cowboy butter is as much a cooking ingredient as it is a finishing touch, adding depth and complexity to any meal. In Southern and Western American cuisines, it's often found alongside hearty barbecue dishes or at outdoor cookouts, where it enhances the experience of dining al fresco.

Interesting Facts About Cowboy Butter

Did you know that cowboy butter can be prepared in advance and stored for up to two weeks in the refrigerator? It can also be frozen for up to six months, making it a great make-ahead condiment for busy cooks. In fact, some people even gift jars of homemade cowboy butter as a flavorful treat for friends and family. Its popularity has grown not only because of its bold flavor but also because of its versatility. You can customize the recipe by adjusting the level of heat or swapping out herbs to create your own variation of this tasty butter.

Another fun fact: While the name "cowboy butter" conjures images of rugged Western landscapes, the recipe has become a favorite for modern chefs who appreciate the balance of heat, smokiness, and freshness in the spread. Its become a trendy addition to upscale menus as well as casual family dinners. Whether served at a backyard barbecue or a high-end restaurant, cowboy butter adds an unforgettable kick to every dish it's paired with.

In conclusion, cowboy butter is more than just a condiment. It's a flavor-packed celebration of American culinary traditions. Whether you're cooking a steak or simply spreading it on toast, cowboy butter will bring a taste of the Wild West to your table.

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