Name: Cowboy Butter Steak Sliders Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 1/2 pounds boneless steak such as ribeye, filet, or sirloin; Neutral oil, as needed; Kosher salt, to taste; Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste; 9 slider buns; 3/4 pound sliced Havarti cheese; 1 stick unsalted butter, at room temperature; 4 garlic cloves, minced; 1/2 lemon, zested and juiced; 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard; 1 teaspoon paprika; 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper; 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme; 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes; 1 tablespoon chives, minced; 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, minced; Kosher salt and pepper, to taste; 3 sweet onions, thinly sliced; Butter, 2-3 tablespoons for caramelizing

Jump to Recipe

There is nothing quite as satisfying as sinking your teeth into tender, juicy steak wrapped up in a soft slider bun with a luscious rich sauce. The Cowboy Butter Steak Sliders Recipe brings together the bold, smoky flavors of perfectly grilled ribeye with a zesty, garlicky cowboy butter that elevates every bite into a mouthwatering delight. Whether you’re hosting a backyard cookout or craving a decadent game day treat, these sliders hit all the right notes of butter, spice, and savory goodness that everyone will rave about.

A woman's hand is holding a slider with four visible layers: a soft, light brown top bun with some green herbs, a thick piece of medium-rare steak with a pink center and browned edges, a layer of caramelized onions below the steak with a glossy texture, and a white bottom bun barely visible under the fillings. In the background, there are more sliders and two clear bowls containing red sliced tomatoes and green leafy greens, all set on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients You’ll Need

These simple yet essential ingredients ensure maximum flavor and texture, from buttery richness to a perfect sear on the steak and that hallmark sweetness of caramelized onions.

1 1/2 pounds boneless steak such as ribeye (filet, sirloin): Choose a well-marbled cut for juicy, tender sliders.
Neutral oil (as needed): Helps create a beautiful crust on the steak without overpowering flavors.
Kosher salt (to taste): Essential seasoning to enhance all the ingredients.
Freshly cracked black pepper (to taste): Adds a kick of spice and aroma.
3 sweet onions (thinly sliced): Caramelized to bring that irresistible sweetness and contrast.
9 slider buns: Soft and sturdy, perfect for holding all the delicious fillings.
3/4 pound sliced Havarti cheese: Melty, creamy cheese that binds the whole slider together.
1 stick unsalted butter (at room temperature): The heart and soul of cowboy butter, for richness and flavor.
4 garlic cloves (minced): Infuses the butter with a fragrant punch.
1/2 lemon (zested and juiced): Adds brightness and a subtle tang to the butter sauce.
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard: Delivers a hint of sharpness and depth.
1 teaspoon paprika: Smoky warmth that complements the beef.
1/2 teaspoon cayenne: Touch of heat to wake up your palate.
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme: Earthy herbaceous note to balance flavors.
1 teaspoon red pepper flakes: Adds a lively, subtle kick within the butter.
1 tablespoon chives (minced): Fresh, bright herbal accent.
2 tablespoons fresh parsley (minced): For color and fresh flavor in the butter.

How to Make Cowboy Butter Steak Sliders Recipe

Step 1: Season and Prepare the Steak

Start by trimming any excess fat or silver skin from your steak for even cooking. Rub the steaks generously with neutral oil, then season all sides well with kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper. Remember, thicker cuts deserve more seasoning to penetrate deeply. Wrapping the steaks in plastic wrap and chilling them for a few hours allows the seasoning to work its magic and tenderize the meat beautifully.

Step 2: Craft the Cowboy Butter

In a saucepan set to low heat, melt the stick of unsalted butter while whisking continuously to keep it smooth. Stir in freshly minced garlic, lemon zest and juice, and Dijon mustard. Then fold in all the dry seasonings: paprika, cayenne, dried thyme, and red pepper flakes. Remove from heat and add fresh herbs like chives and parsley for a burst of fresh color and flavor. Season with kosher salt and pepper to taste. Spoon a few tablespoons into a small bowl for basting while grilling, saving the rest to butter your buns later.

Step 3: Grill the Steaks to Perfection

Bring the steaks out of the fridge to let them come to room temperature for about 30 minutes before cooking to ensure even grilling. Preheat your grill to medium-high and set up an indirect heat zone. Start the steaks over direct heat for 2 to 3 minutes per side, brushing both sides frequently with the cowboy butter to lock in moisture and flavor. If flames flare, move your steaks to the indirect zone to prevent charring while reaching your preferred doneness. Once cooked, remove steaks and tent with foil to rest for 10 minutes — this step is key for juicy sliders!

Step 4: Caramelize the Sweet Onions

While the steaks rest, place a cast iron skillet on your grill over direct heat and melt a few tablespoons of butter. Add the thinly sliced sweet onions and cook slowly, stirring occasionally, until they turn golden brown and irresistibly sweet, about 15 minutes. These onions add a perfect balance of sweet to contrast the savory steak and spicy butter.

Step 5: Assemble the Sliders

Preheat your oven’s broiler and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Separate the slider buns and brush all the insides generously with the remaining cowboy butter. Layer both top and bottom buns with slices of creamy Havarti cheese, and pile the caramelized onions on the bottom halves. Thinly slice your rested steaks and arrange a few strips on each bottom bun. Broil briefly — just 1 to 2 minutes — until the cheese melts slightly and everything melds together. Cap your sliders with the tops and get ready to indulge!

How to Serve Cowboy Butter Steak Sliders Recipe

Cowboy Butter Steak Sliders Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

Simple garnishes take these sliders to the next level. Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or chives on top for a pop of color and fresh zing. A light drizzle of extra cowboy butter over the assembled sliders adds decadent richness for those buttery bites everyone loves.

Side Dishes

Pair your Cowboy Butter Steak Sliders Recipe with classic sides like crispy seasoned fries, crunchy coleslaw, or grilled vegetable skewers. Each side perfectly complements the rich and juicy sliders without competing with their bold flavors. For an extra southern touch, add baked beans or a fresh garden salad with a tangy vinaigrette.

Creative Ways to Present

For a party, serve the sliders on a rustic wooden board with toothpicks holding each together. Line the board with small bowls of extra cowboy butter, pickles, and spicy mustard for guests to customize their bites. Turn it into a slider bar by adding different cheese options and assorted toppings like jalapeños or avocado slices for fun variations.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap leftover steaks and slider components tightly in airtight containers and refrigerate. Steaks can stay juicy if not overcooked initially, while the cowboy butter keeps nicely chilled for later use. The buns are best stored separately to avoid sogginess.

Freezing

This Cowboy Butter Steak Sliders Recipe is freezer-friendly if you want to prep in advance. Freeze cooked steaks wrapped tightly and keep the cowboy butter in a sealed container. Slider buns don’t freeze as well, so purchase fresh when ready to serve.

Reheating

When it’s time to enjoy your leftovers, gently reheat steaks in the oven or on the grill over low heat to maintain tenderness. Warm the slider buns separately and brush with a little reserved cowboy butter to bring back that fresh-out-of-the-kitchen flavor before assembling again.

FAQs

Can I use a different cut of steak for this recipe?

Absolutely! Ribeye is excellent due to its marbling, but sirloin, filet mignon, or even flank steak can work well. Just adjust cooking times to avoid toughness or dryness.

What if I don’t have a grill? Can I cook the steak another way?

You can pan-sear the steaks over medium-high heat in a heavy skillet, finishing in the oven if needed. Just be sure to baste with cowboy butter frequently for that rich flavor.

How spicy is the cowboy butter? Can it be made milder?

It has a gentle kick from cayenne and red pepper flakes that can easily be reduced or omitted to suit your heat preference without losing the overall flavor complexity.

Can I make the cowboy butter ahead of time?

Yes! Cowboy butter actually benefits from sitting for a few hours as the flavors meld beautifully. Store in the fridge and bring to room temp before use.

What type of cheese pairs best with these sliders?

Havarti melts wonderfully and has a creamy texture, but you can also try Monterey Jack, cheddar, or pepper jack for different flavor profiles.

Final Thoughts

If you want to impress your friends or satisfy your own cravings, the Cowboy Butter Steak Sliders Recipe is a no-fail crowd-pleaser. The combination of perfectly cooked steak, buttery spice, sweet onions, and melty cheese creates the kind of sandwich everyone keeps asking for seconds of. Give this recipe a whirl – your taste buds will thank you!