If you are craving a bold, savory treat that brings the perfect balance of smoky steak and rich, buttery flavor, the Cowboy Butter Steak Sliders Recipe is going to be your new go-to. These sliders marry tender, juicy steak with a decadent homemade cowboy butter spiked with zesty lemon, garlic, and fresh herbs, all nestled inside soft slider buns layered with melted Havarti and sweet caramelized onions. It’s a fun, crowd-pleasing dish that’s great for casual get-togethers or whenever you want a little taste of steakhouse magic at home. Trust me, once you try this recipe, you’ll find yourself reaching for these sliders again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its straightforward but carefully chosen ingredients. Each element — from the juicy steak to the rich Havarti cheese and flavorful cowboy butter — plays a vital role in creating layers of texture and taste that will make your sliders unforgettable.
- 1 1/2 lbs boneless steak (ribeye, filet, or sirloin): Choose a tender cut for juicy, flavorful meat that slices easily for sliders.
- Neutral oil: For rubbing on the steak to help with seasoning adherence and achieving a beautiful sear.
- Kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper: Essential seasonings that bring out the natural flavors of the steak and cowboy butter.
- 3 sweet onions, thinly sliced: Slowly caramelized to add a delicious, sweet counterpoint to the savory steak.
- 9 slider buns: Soft, buttery buns that hold all the delicious fillings together perfectly.
- 3/4 lb sliced Havarti cheese: Melts beautifully, offering a smooth, creamy texture with subtle nuttiness.
- 1 stick unsalted butter, room temperature: The base for the cowboy butter, providing richness and moisture.
- 4 garlic cloves, minced: Adds a punch of aromatic flavor to the butter.
- Zest and juice of 1/2 lemon: Brightens the butter with fresh citrus notes.
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard: Contributes tang and depth to the cowboy butter sauce.
- 1 tsp paprika: Adds warmth and mild smokiness to the butter seasoning.
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper: A subtle heat for that signature cowboy kick.
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme: Earthy herbal notes that balance the richness.
- 1 tsp red pepper flakes: For a little extra zing and depth.
- 1 tbsp chives, minced: Freshness and mild onion flavor brightens the butter.
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, minced: Adds a pop of color and fresh herbal aroma.
How to Make Cowboy Butter Steak Sliders Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Steaks
Start by trimming any excess fat and silver skin from your chosen steak cut. Rubbing the steak with a little neutral oil helps the kosher salt and cracked black pepper stick evenly, ensuring every bite bursts with flavor. Wrap the seasoned steaks tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for a few hours — this step helps develop even seasoning and tenderizes the meat before cooking.
Step 2: Make Cowboy Butter
Next, melt unsalted butter slowly over low heat to avoid browning. To this luscious melted butter, add the bright lemon zest and juice, minced garlic, tangy Dijon mustard, and your warm dry spices—paprika, cayenne, dried thyme, and red pepper flakes. Whisk everything together until beautifully combined and remove from heat. Stir in minced chives and parsley, then salt and pepper to perfect the flavor. Save a few tablespoons for grilling the steak and keep the rest for brushing on the slider buns — this is what makes these sliders so irresistibly flavorful.
Step 3: Cook the Steak
Get your grill fired up to medium-high heat with a designated indirect heat zone. Allow your steaks to come to room temperature for about 30 minutes — this helps them cook evenly. Grill the steaks directly for roughly 2 to 3 minutes on each side, generously basting with cowboy butter as you go for a beautiful glaze and flavor infusion. After the initial sear, move the steaks to indirect heat to finish cooking until reaching your preferred doneness. Rest the steaks tented with foil for 10 minutes before slicing them thinly into strips — this rest time is crucial for juicy, tender slices.
Step 4: Caramelize Onions
While the steaks rest, place a cast iron skillet on the grill over direct heat and melt a few tablespoons of butter. Toss in the thinly sliced sweet onions and stir occasionally to prevent burning. Cook gently for about 15 minutes until the onions transform into a beautiful deep golden color with rich, sweet caramelization — these onions add a delightful contrast to the savory steak and butter.
Step 5: Assemble Sliders
Preheat your oven’s broiler and prepare a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Carefully separate the slider buns and brush the insides generously with the leftover cowboy butter — this seals in moisture and adds rich flavor. Layer sliced Havarti cheese on both the top and bottom of the buns for that irresistible melty goodness. On the bottom buns, pile on the caramelized onions, then stack tender steak slices on top. Place the slider halves open-faced under the broiler for 1 to 2 minutes to melt the cheese beautifully, then crown them with their other buttery half.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Now for the best part: slice and serve these warm sliders immediately so you can enjoy the perfect harmony of juicy steak, buttery herbs, sweet onions, and melted cheese all in one delightful bite. These sliders truly bring a bit of cowboy charm and steakhouse decadence to your table.
How to Serve Cowboy Butter Steak Sliders Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your sliders even more, a sprinkle of fresh parsley or chives adds vibrant color and herbal freshness. For a hint of heat, scatter some extra red pepper flakes or a drizzle of a smoky barbecue sauce. If you want to play with texture, pickles or crispy fried onions make excellent toppings that complement the buttery richness.
Side Dishes
The bold flavors of the Cowboy Butter Steak Sliders deserve sides that complement but don’t overwhelm. Think classic coleslaw, crunchy dill pickle spears, or a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette. For heartier options, crispy fries or roasted potatoes are perfect to soak up any leftover buttery juices from the sliders.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve these sliders on a large rustic wooden board with small bowls of extra cowboy butter for dipping. You can also create a slider bar at your next party, allowing guests to customize with a variety of toppings and sauces. Wrapping each slider in parchment paper tied with twine is a charming way to serve them at picnics or casual outdoor gatherings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any sliders left (and believe me, you might!), wrap them tightly in foil or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep well for up to 2 days while maintaining their juiciness and flavor.
Freezing
You can freeze the sliced steak and caramelized onions separately in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. The buns and cowboy butter are best kept fresh, so assemble sliders fresh from thawed ingredients when you’re ready.
Reheating
To reheat leftover sliders, remove any buns and warm the steak slices and onions gently in the oven or on a skillet to preserve moisture. Then assemble with fresh buns and a little extra cowboy butter for a delicious second round.
FAQs
Can I use another type of cheese instead of Havarti?
Absolutely! While Havarti melts wonderfully and has a mild flavor, cheeses like provolone, Monterey Jack, or even a sharp cheddar can be delicious alternatives depending on your preference.
Is it necessary to use boneless steak?
Yes, boneless steak cuts like ribeye, filet, or sirloin are ideal for sliders since they are tender and easy to slice thinly. Bone-in cuts can be more challenging to slice and assemble in slider form.
Can I make the cowboy butter ahead of time?
Yes, cowboy butter can be made a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator. Bring it to room temperature and whisk before using for best consistency and flavor.
What level of spiciness does the cowboy butter have?
The blend includes cayenne and red pepper flakes for a gentle kick, but it is not overwhelmingly spicy. You can easily adjust the heat level by adding more or less to suit your taste.
Can I cook the steak indoors instead of on a grill?
Definitely! You can sear the steak in a hot cast iron skillet on the stove, then finish it in the oven to reach your desired doneness. Just be sure to baste with the cowboy butter for that signature flavor.
Final Thoughts
This Cowboy Butter Steak Sliders Recipe is more than just a snack — it’s a celebration of bold flavors, tender steak, and comforting, buttery goodness all wrapped up in a perfect little bun. Whether you’re serving these sliders up for a backyard party or a cozy weekend treat, they have a way of bringing people together and creating moments worth savoring. Give them a try soon, and I promise, they’ll become a cherished favorite in your recipe collection too.
Print
Cowboy Butter Steak Sliders Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 9 sliders
- Category: Sandwiches
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Cowboy Butter Steak Sliders feature tender grilled steak strips topped with rich, garlicky cowboy butter, sweet caramelized onions, and creamy Havarti cheese, all nestled inside buttery slider buns. Perfect for casual gatherings, these sliders balance bold smoky flavors with fresh herbs and a touch of spice.
Ingredients
Steak and Seasoning
- 1 1/2 lbs boneless steak (ribeye, filet, or sirloin)
- Neutral oil, as needed
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
Cowboy Butter
- 1 stick unsalted butter, at room temperature
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- Zest and juice of 1/2 lemon
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1 tbsp chives, minced
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, minced
- Kosher salt and pepper, to taste
Other
- 3 sweet onions, thinly sliced
- 9 slider buns
- 3/4 lb sliced Havarti cheese
- Butter (a few tablespoons) for caramelizing onions
Instructions
- Prepare Steaks: Trim any excess fat and silver skin from the steaks. Rub them lightly with neutral oil, then season generously with kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper. Wrap the steaks in plastic wrap and refrigerate for a few hours to allow flavors to settle.
- Make Cowboy Butter: In a saucepan over low heat, melt the room temperature unsalted butter. Stir in the lemon zest, lemon juice, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, paprika, cayenne pepper, dried thyme, and red pepper flakes, whisking until fully combined. Remove from heat, then mix in minced chives and fresh parsley. Season with kosher salt and black pepper to taste. Set aside a few tablespoons of this butter for grilling the steak and reserve the rest for brushing the slider buns later.
- Cook Steak: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat and set up an indirect heat zone. Remove the steaks from the refrigerator and let them come to room temperature for about 30 minutes. Grill the steaks directly over high heat for about 2 to 3 minutes per side, brushing them generously with the cowboy butter as they cook. After 5 to 6 minutes, move the steaks to the indirect heat area to finish cooking until your desired doneness is reached (typically medium-rare or medium). Let the steaks rest covered loosely with foil for 10 minutes, then slice them into thin strips suitable for sliders.
- Caramelize Onions: Place a cast iron skillet directly on the grill over direct heat. Add a few tablespoons of butter to the skillet, then toss in the thinly sliced sweet onions. Stir occasionally and cook the onions for about 15 minutes until they are soft, golden, and beautifully caramelized.
- Assemble Sliders: Preheat your oven’s broiler and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Slice each slider bun in half and brush the insides generously with the reserved cowboy butter. Add a slice of Havarti cheese to both the bottom and top halves of each bun. On the bottom buns, layer the caramelized onions followed by the sliced steak. Place the assembled bottoms on the baking sheet and broil for 1 to 2 minutes or until the cheese melts slightly. Remove from the oven and top each with the other bun half.
- Serve: Slice the completed sliders if desired, and serve them warm for a delicious and satisfying meal that highlights smoky, buttery, and savory flavors all in one bite.
Notes
- Allowing the steaks to rest at room temperature before grilling helps them cook more evenly.
- Cowboy butter can be made ahead and stored refrigerated for up to 3 days.
- Use a cast iron skillet for caramelizing onions to get even heat distribution and rich flavor.
- If you don’t have a grill, you can cook the steak strips in a hot cast iron skillet on the stovetop.
- Adjust cayenne and red pepper flakes to control the spiciness of the cowboy butter.
- Havarti cheese melts beautifully and adds a creamy texture; you can substitute with Swiss or Monterey Jack if desired.
