Unraveling the Mystery: Why Is Everyone Making Cowboy Butter?

Move over cowboy caviar, there's a new sheriff in town – Cowboy Butter. It seems like everyone is lassoing up this flavorful concoction lately. But what's the buzz all about? Saddle up and let’s take a wild ride through the world of cowboy butter. But don’t worry, no horses are needed to unravel the secrets behind this popular culinary trend.

What is Cowboy Butter?

First things first, let's decode it – what exactly is cowboy butter?

Is it the secret sauce of ranchers and cowboys on the open range? Well, not quite. Cowboy butter is a tasty, savory, and compound butter infused with fresh herbs. And it just so happens to be making waves in kitchens across the country. Think of it as the close cousin of regular butter, with a bold and adventurous flavor profile.

How Can You Use Cowboy Butter?

Now that we've corralled the concept of cowboy butter, the next question is – how the heck do you use it?

The answer? Well, pretty much any way your taste buds desire! Cowboy butter is a versatile and a great companion for lots of food. It adds a burst of flavor to a variety of dishes from grilled meats to dipping sauces. Here are just a few ideas…

A plate of grilled chicken with vegetables. There is a fork and knife on the plate.

Grilling Galore:

A classic way to unleash the savory side of cowboy butter is on the grill. Slather it generously on your favorite cuts of meat – a sizzling steak, a juicy burger, a grilled chicken breast – or other grill-worthy foods. The heat brings out the rich flavors of the butter, creating a mouthwatering, smoky taste.

A pan of vegetables including broccoli, carrots, potatoes, and cauliflower. The pan is resting on a place mat on a table.

Vegetable Vigor:

Vegetables are a good part of any well-balanced diet, but who said they have to be boring?! Toss your veggie sauté with a dollop of this cowboy butter as they cook or after they’re done. Then watch as they transform into a side dish that steals the spotlight.

A basket of popovers. The basket is sitting on a table.

Bread Bliss:

Bread and butter are a staple in many well-patroned restaurants. Elevate your bread game at home by spreading cowboy butter on warm, toasty slices of your favorite baked variety. The infusion of herbs and spices will turn a simple piece of bread into a delectable treat good enough to stand on its own.

A plate of salmon on top of rice and vegetables.

Seafood Swagger:

If you love seafood, you’re in for a special treat! Cowboy butter can be your go-to companion to enhancing the flavors of grilled shrimp, lobster tails, or a flaky filet of salmon. The combination of sea and the buttery wild west has never tasted so good.

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How to Make Cowboy Butter (with a True Lemon-y Twist)

Now that you’re hooked, it's time to try your hand at making this rancher sensation. The beauty of cowboy butter lies in its simplicity. It lets you become the culinary cowboy or cowgirl you were born to be. There are many, many varieties of butter recipes using different herbs and ingredients like cayenne pepper, lemon zest, hot sauce, Dijon mustard and more. We whipped up a simple tried-and-true cowboy butter recipe to try out the next time you want to impress your friends and family.

A small cup of butter is on top of a cutting board. In the background is a larger block of butter.

Ingredients

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
1 tablespoon fresh chives, chopped
2 packets True Lemon, dissolved in water
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust for your preferred spice level)
Salt and pepper to taste

On a piece of parchment paper are three slices of herb butter that are shaped into rounds.

Directions:

In a bowl, combine the softened butter with all your herbs and spices (garlic, parsley, chives, True Lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper.)
Mix the ingredients thoroughly until well combined. You can use a spoon or spatula, but don't be afraid to get your hands in there for the full cowboy experience.
Once mixed, transfer the cowboy butter onto a sheet of parchment paper, wax paper, or plastic wrap. Shape it into a log and roll it tightly, sealing the ends. Refrigerate the butter for at least one hour to allow the flavors to meld together.
Unveil your homemade cowboy butter, slice off a pat, and let your culinary journey begin. You can serve the butter cold or softened at room temperature.

Written by

Amy Cimo

Amy Cimo is a Nutrition Coach, Personal Trainer and Wellness Enthusiast based out of Baton Rouge, Louisiana. After going through her own health journey, she found her passion in helping others find balance between nutrition, physical activity and mindset to live healthy and be truly happy. Amy attended Louisiana State University where she received a Bachelor of Arts in Mass Communication and a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration. She became a Certified Personal Trainer in 2021 through the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM) and a Certified Nutrition Coach in 2022 through Precision Nutrition.