Flavorful Cowboy Butter

Featured in: Spreads & Flavorings

This easy seasoned butter mixes spices, mustard, fresh herbs and garlic. Spread it on bread or melt it for a tasty dip.
Twistytaste.com
Updated on Fri, 11 Apr 2025 19:30:50 GMT
A juicy steak sits on a plate topped with melting herb butter, with salt, pepper, a knife and extra butter nearby. Pin it
A juicy steak sits on a plate topped with melting herb butter, with salt, pepper, a knife and extra butter nearby. | twistytaste.com

I've gotta spill my kitchen gem that's been wowing everyone at our gatherings - Cowboy Butter! I stumbled upon this awesome combo when trying to upgrade our typical steak evenings, and now the family demands it with practically everything. It's this fantastic fusion of butter, garden-fresh herbs, and just enough spice kick that makes whatever food it touches taste incredible.

Behind The Scenes Of This Buttery Wonder

Picture this as the more daring, exciting sibling of your standard butter. After testing loads of herb and spice combos in my cooking space, I've nailed this mixture that delivers that sweet spot of smooth buttery richness with a tiny tang from Dijon and some cozy spice warmth. It's become what I reach for with everything from toast to grilled steaks.

Your Shopping List

  • Butter: Grab quality unsalted kind, leave it out to soften.
  • Dijon: My hidden trick for perfect zestiness.
  • Fresh Herbs: Parsley, thyme, and chives from my backyard when I can get them.
  • Lemon: Just a bit to brighten all flavors.
  • Spices: A dash here and there for warmth, not spiciness.

Endless Tasty Possibilities

This butter turns any food into something better! I adore dropping a chunk over hot steak, watching as it forms a beautiful sauce. Spread it on warm bread and see everyone smile. I sometimes mix it with hot pasta for the easiest, yummiest meal ever. My little ones even enjoy dipping their baked potatoes in it—whether melted or just spread on toasted garlic bread.

Storage Tips

Here's a hack that cuts down my prep time. I whip up a large portion, form it into a log, wrap it snugly, and stick it in my fridge. It stays good for around five days, but truth be told, it vanishes much faster at my place! Wanna keep some for future use? Toss it in the freezer—it'll stay good for ages. Just cut off what you want while it's still rock hard.

Creating Your Own Butter Magic

Blend Everything
Begin with your softened butter, then dump in all those fantastic seasonings. I usually grab my mixer, but a regular bowl and wooden spoon do the trick too.
Roll It Nicely
This part's my fave: shape it into a log with some plastic wrap. Looks totally fancy!
Serving Suggestions
Want it as a sauce? Just zap some in the microwave, stir it around, and watch it transform into pure deliciousness.

Fan Favorite Reasons

Whenever I bring this butter to dinner gatherings, everyone wants to know how to make it. Something about that ideal mix of herbs and spices with the smooth butter just makes any food taste extra special. Even my fussy nephew, who says he hates "complicated food," always asks for more on his bread!

A slice of bread topped with creamy butter, sprinkled with herbs and black pepper, served on a wooden board alongside lemon wedges. Pin it
A slice of bread topped with creamy butter, sprinkled with herbs and black pepper, served on a wooden board alongside lemon wedges. | twistytaste.com

Custom Flavor Ideas

Let me talk about some cool tweaks I've played with. I sometimes leave out the hot ingredients when making it for the kids. Other times I'll toss in some garden-fresh rosemary or mix in some shredded parmesan. Once I swapped in grainy mustard for Dijon, and wow, it was awesome! This recipe's really just where you start your own journey.

Amazing Food Combos

You'll be shocked at how useful this butter can be! Recently, I served it with grilled prawns, and my guests couldn't get enough. It's fantastic melted over roasted veggies, creates incredible garlic bread, and totally transforms a plain baked potato. I even use it to finish off pan gravies for that extra bit of luxury.

Smart Storage Tricks

Here's my top storage wisdom from tons of butter-making experience. Keep it tightly wrapped in your fridge, and it'll stay awesome for about five days. I prefer wrapping in parchment first, then plastic—keeps the flavor just right. For storing longer, cut your butter log before freezing, then you can take only what you need without defrosting the whole batch.

Easy Butter Formula

  • Butter: A full cup of quality stuff, softened at room temp.
  • Dijon: Just one tablespoon for that perfect tang.
  • Fresh Herbs: Generous amounts of thyme, parsley, and chives.
  • Spices: That wonderful combo of paprika, cayenne, and red pepper flakes.
  • Lemon: Freshly squeezed makes all the difference.
  • Garlic: Freshly chopped—skip the pre-packaged stuff!

Ideal Food Pairings

Man, I gotta tell you my fave ways to use this butter! It's completely divine on a nicely grilled steak, changes boring chicken breasts into something memorable, and makes holiday roasts even more festive. My number one choice though? Melted into steaming mashed potatoes—it's like comfort food heaven.

Crowd-Pleasing Idea

Wanna know what makes this butter shine at gatherings? I create what I call a "butter station"—slices of cowboy butter arranged with various breads, fresh rolls, and roasted veggies. Folks enjoy mixing different combos and trying new ways to eat it. At my recent dinner party, everyone hung around the butter display, talking and tasting—total success!

Simple Steps Recap

Let me run through it again because it couldn't be easier. Take your softened butter, add all those tasty herbs and spices, mix in bright lemon and tangy Dijon. Within minutes, you've created something that improves every dish. I love how such a basic recipe can make such a huge difference.

Must-Have Kitchen Creation

This isn't your average flavored butter—it's like having a chef's trick up your sleeve. The way it changes basic meals into something remarkable is almost like magic. Whether you're cooking for family dinners or having friends over, this butter hits that sweet spot between everyday and fancy that puts smiles on faces.

A log of herb-infused butter garnished with chopped herbs sits on a dark plate. Pin it
A log of herb-infused butter garnished with chopped herbs sits on a dark plate. | twistytaste.com

Ready To Start Mixing

Believe me, after you make this cowboy butter once, you'll wonder how you ever managed without it. It's one of those simple recipes that makes you feel like a cooking pro. Get imaginative with how you use it, and remember to make plenty because everyone always wants seconds!

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I swap fresh herbs for dried ones?
Dried herbs will work but don't taste quite as good as fresh. If using dried, only use a third of what the recipe calls for since they pack more punch.
→ How long will it stay good?
It'll last about 5 days when kept in a sealed container in your fridge. Just let it sit out a bit to soften before spreading.
→ What foods go well with this butter?
It's great spread on rolls or bread, and amazing melted for dipping steak, seafood or veggies. You can also drop some on top of grilled meat.
→ Is it okay to freeze this butter?
Absolutely! Just wrap your butter log tightly in plastic, then add a layer of foil and pop it in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw it in your fridge when you need it.
→ What if I don't like hot spices?
No problem! Just skip the cayenne and red pepper flakes or use less. The butter will still taste amazing from all the other seasonings.

Herb Spiced Butter

A tasty butter mix loaded with herbs, lemon, garlic and spices that's perfect melted for dipping or used cold as a spread.

Prep Time
5 Minutes
Cook Time
~
Total Time
5 Minutes


Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: American

Yield: 10 Servings (10 tablespoons)

Dietary: Low-Carb, Vegetarian, Gluten-Free

Ingredients

01 1/2 cup (113g) soft unsalted butter
02 1 tablespoon chunky Dijon mustard
03 1 tablespoon snipped fresh chives
04 1 tablespoon diced fresh parsley
05 2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves
06 2 teaspoons crushed garlic
07 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
08 1/2 teaspoon sweet paprika
09 1/4 teaspoon coarse kosher salt
10 1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper
11 1/8 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper
12 1/8 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes

Instructions

Step 01

Stir together the soft butter with herbs and seasonings until everything's completely blended

Step 02

Wrap in plastic and form into a log, then let it firm up in the fridge for 2 hours

Step 03

Pop in the microwave for 20-second intervals until it turns into liquid

Step 04

It'll stay fresh for 5 days when kept in a sealed container in your fridge

Notes

  1. Works great as both a spread and a dip
  2. Yields roughly 2/3 cup total
  3. You can throw everything in a food processor if you want

Tools You'll Need

  • Bowl for mixing
  • Food processor (if you prefer)

Allergy Information

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

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: 10 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 1 g
  • Protein: ~