Name: Cowboy Butter Steak Sliders Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1½ – 2 lbs steak (ribeye, sirloin, or flank work great); Salt & pepper, to taste; 1 tbsp olive oil; Slider buns or mini brioche rolls; Optional toppings: cheese slices, sautéed onions, arugula, pickles; ½ cup unsalted butter, melted; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped; 1 tsp Dijon mustard; ½ tsp red pepper flakes; 1 tsp lemon juice; ½ tsp paprika; ¼ tsp salt; ¼ tsp black pepper

Jump to Recipe

If you’re ready to upgrade your next party platter or wow your family at dinnertime, look no further than these irresistible Cowboy Butter Steak Sliders. Juicy slices of perfectly seared steak meet heaps of zesty, garlicky cowboy butter, all tucked into soft slider buns—each bite is a seriously flavor-packed mini sandwich adventure! These sliders beg to be dipped, scooped, and devoured straight from the platter, making them the ultimate crowd-pleaser for cookouts, game nights, or laid-back weeknight dinners.

Cowboy Butter Steak Sliders Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the best things about Cowboy Butter Steak Sliders is just how approachable the ingredients are—they might all be in your kitchen already. Each element, from the juicy steak to the aromatic butter, plays an important role in bringing this crave-worthy dish together with big flavor and loads of color.

Steak (1½ – 2 lbs, ribeye, sirloin, or flank): Go for well-marbled cuts for the juiciest, most flavorful sliders.
Salt & Pepper: The foundation for seasoning your steak, ensuring every bite is perfectly balanced.
Olive Oil (1 tbsp): Adds rich flavor and helps develop that irresistible golden crust on the steak.
Slider Buns or Mini Brioche Rolls: Soft, pillowy buns soak up the cowboy butter and stay tender every bite.
Optional Toppings (cheese slices, sautéed onions, arugula, pickles): Personalize your sliders with layers of melty cheese or zesty greens for extra texture and flavor.
Unsalted Butter (½ cup, melted): The base for that luscious cowboy butter—always go for real, creamy unsalted butter.
Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Adds robust, punchy aroma that mingles perfectly with the steak.
Fresh Parsley (1 tbsp, chopped): Brightens up the butter and adds fresh color.
Dijon Mustard (1 tsp): Brings a gentle tang that cuts through the richness.
Red Pepper Flakes (½ tsp): For just the right hint of heat—add more if you crave a kick!
Lemon Juice (1 tsp): A splash lifts all the flavors and makes the butter sing.
Paprika (½ tsp): Adds warm color and a subtle smokiness to the cowboy butter.
Salt (¼ tsp): Brings out the best in the butter mixture without overpowering.
Black Pepper (¼ tsp): A final touch of spice that ties everything together.

How to Make Cowboy Butter Steak Sliders

Step 1: Mix Up the Cowboy Butter

Grab a small bowl and combine your melted butter with the minced garlic, fresh parsley, Dijon mustard, red pepper flakes, lemon juice, paprika, salt, and pepper. Give it a good stir and set it aside—the aromas alone will get your mouth watering! This cowboy butter is the heart of the Cowboy Butter Steak Sliders, so don’t be shy with it later.

Step 2: Season and Prep the Steak

Pat your steak dry with paper towels—this helps you get a beautiful, caramelized crust. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper. Feel free to press the seasoning in to make sure it sticks. Now your steak is ready for the skillet!

Step 3: Sear the Steak

Heat the olive oil in a heavy skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering but not smoking, add your steak. Sear for 3 to 4 minutes on each side for a gorgeous golden sear and juicy medium-rare center. When cooked to your liking, let the steak rest for 5 to 10 minutes so all the tasty juices redistribute.

Step 4: Toast the Slider Buns

While the steak is resting, slice your slider buns and toast them cut-side down in the same skillet. They only need a minute or two—you’re looking for a toasty, golden edge that holds up to all the butter and steak juices.

Step 5: Assemble the Cowboy Butter Steak Sliders

Slice the rested steak thinly against the grain for maximum tenderness. Pile generous slices onto the base of each bun, then slather (don’t be shy!) the warm cowboy butter over the steak. Add your favorite toppings—gooey cheese, sweet sautéed onions, peppery arugula, or tangy pickles—then crown each slider with its top bun.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Arrange your Cowboy Butter Steak Sliders on a serving platter and bring extra cowboy butter on the side for dipping. Serve these beauties while they’re hot, melty, and utterly irresistible!

How to Serve Cowboy Butter Steak Sliders

Garnishes

Finish your sliders with an extra sprinkle of chopped parsley or a dash of red pepper flakes to highlight the flavors in the cowboy butter. If you like a bright pop, thinly sliced green onions or a squirt of lemon juice can really make each slider stand out both visually and flavor-wise.

Side Dishes

Cowboy Butter Steak Sliders are super versatile and shine next to just about anything. Try crispy sweet potato fries, a bright slaw, or even charred corn on the cob. If you’re keeping it light, a big green salad balances out all that savory richness perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

Stack the sliders high on a rustic wooden board for a casual, crowd-pleasing display or tuck skewers in each one for easy grab-and-go bites at a party. For an extra-fun touch, fill a small bowl with warm cowboy butter and set it in the center for guests to dip and dunk their sliders to their hearts’ content.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftover Cowboy Butter Steak Sliders, tuck them into an airtight container and refrigerate. It’s best to store the components separately if possible—keep the steak and cowboy butter apart from the buns and toppings to preserve texture.

Freezing

The cooked steak (without toppings or buns) freezes beautifully! Let the slices cool, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container for up to two months. The cowboy butter itself can also be frozen; just thaw overnight in the refrigerator when you’re ready for round two.

Reheating

For best results, rewarm the steak gently in a skillet over low heat until just heated through, and warm the cowboy butter in the microwave or on the stovetop. Reassemble on fresh or toasted buns for a second serving that’s just as mouthwatering as the first.

FAQs

What cut of steak works best for Cowboy Butter Steak Sliders?

You can use ribeye, sirloin, or flank steak—they each have their own charm! Ribeye gives you the juiciest, beefiest flavor, while flank and sirloin are leaner and still plenty tender if sliced thinly against the grain.

Can I make the cowboy butter ahead of time?

Absolutely! Cowboy butter can be mixed up a few days in advance and kept in the fridge. When it’s time to serve, gently rewarm it until pourable and fragrant.

Should I add cheese, or is it optional?

Cheese slices are totally optional but melt deliciously over the warm steak. If you’re a cheese lover, go for sharp cheddar, provolone, or pepper jack to add new layers of flavor.

Can these sliders be made on the grill instead of a skillet?

Yes, you can grill your steak for Cowboy Butter Steak Sliders for a smoky, chargrilled twist! Just follow the same timing and be sure to rest and slice the steak as usual.

How spicy is cowboy butter?

Cowboy butter is just mildly spicy thanks to the red pepper flakes, but you can always adjust the spice by adding more or less. Want it totally mild? Skip the flakes. Love heat? Add a pinch more!

Final Thoughts

Trust me, once you’ve tried Cowboy Butter Steak Sliders, these little beauties are destined to become a staple in your kitchen. They’re effortless, endlessly customizable, and guaranteed to make any meal or gathering ten times tastier. Treat yourself and your loved ones—you deserve this bite-sized celebration of steak and creamy cowboy butter!

Cowboy Butter Steak Sliders Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 21 reviews

Author: lina
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: None

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Description

Irresistibly flavorful Cowboy Butter Steak Sliders that are perfect for any occasion. Tender steak topped with a savory homemade cowboy butter, sandwiched between soft slider buns – a crowd-pleasing delight!

Instructions

Make the Cowboy Butter: In a small bowl, mix melted butter with garlic, parsley, mustard, red pepper flakes, lemon juice, paprika, salt, and pepper. Set aside.
Prep the Steak: Pat the steak dry and season both sides with salt and pepper.
Sear the Steak: Heat olive oil in a hot skillet over medium-high heat. Sear steak for 3–4 minutes per side (for medium-rare), then rest for 5–10 minutes. Slice thinly against the grain.
Toast the Buns: While the steak rests, toast the slider buns cut side down in the same skillet until golden.
Assemble the Sliders: Layer sliced steak onto the bottom buns. Spoon cowboy butter generously over the top. Add any extra toppings and finish with the top bun.
Serve Immediately: Serve hot with extra cowboy butter on the side for dipping.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Appetizer, Main Course
Method: Pan-frying, Toasting
Cuisine: American