Hey there, fellow food lovers! I’m thrilled to share one of my absolute favorite recipes with you: Cowboy Butter Steak Sliders. These little bites of heaven are packed with juicy steak, flavorful cowboy butter, and melty cheese, all nestled in soft slider buns. Whether you’re hosting a game-day party, need a quick weeknight dinner, or just want to treat yourself, these sliders are guaranteed to hit the spot3.
Why You’ll Love These Sliders
- Flavor Explosion: The combination of tender steak and rich cowboy butter is simply irresistible34.
- Quick and Easy: Ready in under an hour, these sliders are perfect for busy weeknights1.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Everyone loves sliders, and the unique flavor of cowboy butter will have them coming back for more34.
- Customizable: Easily adaptable to your preferences with different cheeses, toppings, and types of steak1.
Quick Facts
Ingredients
For the Sliders:
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless steak (ribeye, sirloin, or filet)13
- Neutral oil, as needed1
- Kosher salt, to taste1
- Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste1
- 3 sweet onions, thinly sliced1
- 9 slider buns (Brioche or King’s Hawaiian)13
- 3/4 pound sliced Havarti cheese (or your favorite)1
For the Cowboy Butter:
- 1 stick (1/2 cup) unsalted butter, at room temperature1
- 4 garlic cloves, minced1
- 1/2 lemon, zested and juiced1
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard1
- 1 teaspoon paprika1
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne1
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme1
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes1
- 1 tablespoon chives, minced1
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, minced1
- Kosher salt and pepper, to taste1
Instructions
Get Started with the Steak
- Prepare the steaks by trimming excess fat and silver skin, if needed1.
- Rub with oil and season generously on all sides with kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper1. For thicker steaks, season more heavily1.
- Wrap the steaks in plastic wrap and refrigerate for a few hours to allow the seasoning to penetrate1.
Make the Cowboy Butter
- In a saucepan over low heat, melt the butter while whisking continuously1.
- Add lemon juice and zest, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, paprika, cayenne, dried thyme, and red pepper flakes1.
- Remove from heat and stir in the chives and fresh parsley1. Season with salt and pepper to taste1.
- Spoon out a few tablespoons of the cowboy butter into a small bowl for basting the steaks as they grill1. Set aside the remaining butter for the slider buns1.
Prepare & Assemble the Sliders
- Preheat your oven to broil and line a baking sheet with parchment paper13.
- Separate the slider buns and brush the inside of each bun with the remaining cowboy butter1.
- Add a layer of Havarti cheese to both the top and bottom buns, then add the grilled onions to the bottom buns1.
- Grill the steak to your desired level of doneness. Pro tip: For medium-rare, aim for an internal temperature of 120°F5.
- Place a few strips of sliced steak on each bottom slider1.
- Broil for 1-2 minutes, or until the cheese begins to melt13.
- Place the top sliders over the steak, slice, and enjoy immediately1!
Tips for Customization
- Cheese: Try different cheeses such as cheddar, mozzarella, or provolone24.
- Spice: Adjust the amount of cayenne and red pepper flakes in the cowboy butter to control the heat1.
- Onions: Caramelize the onions for a sweeter flavor, or add pickled jalapeños for a spicy kick24.
- Steak: Experiment with different cuts of steak like sirloin, ribeye, or even flank steak13.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with a side of crispy fries or sweet potato fries.
- Pair with a fresh salad for a balanced meal.
- Offer a variety of dipping sauces like ranch, blue cheese, or BBQ sauce.
FAQs
Can I make the cowboy butter ahead of time?
- Absolutely! Cowboy butter can be made a few days in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Just warm it up before using1.
What’s the best way to cook the steak?
- I prefer grilling the steak for that smoky flavor, but you can also pan-sear it on the stovetop or broil it in the oven4.
Can I use regular butter instead of unsalted butter?
- Yes, but you may want to reduce the amount of salt you add to the cowboy butter1.
How do I store leftover sliders?
- Store leftover sliders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
Nutritional Information (per slider)
- Calories: Approximately 450-550
- Protein: 30-40g
- Fat: 25-35g
- Carbohydrates: 20-30g
Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.I hope you enjoy making and devouring these Cowboy Butter Steak Sliders as much as I do! They’re a guaranteed crowd-pleaser and a delicious way to elevate any meal. Happy cooking!
