By Krista Teigen
Updated Dec 18, 2025
This Cowboy Butter is a bold, garlicky, herb-packed dipping sauce (or compound butter) that takes just 15 minutes to pull together. It’s made with softened butter, fresh chives and parsley, Dijon mustard, lemon zest, smoked paprika, black pepper, and garlic. It’s the perfect topping for steaks, chicken, roasted veggies, or simply dipping bread. Whether you’re grilling or looking for a quick flavor upgrade, this cowboy butter recipe brings big taste with very little effort.
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Tips for Beginners
- Start with room-temperature butter. The butter needs to be soft enough so that everything mixes smoothly. Soft butter helps the herbs blend evenly and keeps the garlic from clumping in one spot.
- Mix before melting. If you’re using this as a dipping sauce, combine all ingredients with softened butter first. Mixing while the butter is soft helps the garlic and herbs blend evenly. Melt the finished cowboy butter gently when you are ready to serve it as a dipping sauce.
- For a more garlicky flavor. Grate the garlic on a microplane instead of mincing it. This releases more flavor and gives the butter a deeper, more savory taste.
- If the flavor feels a little flat . Try a tiny pinch of salt or an extra sprinkle of lemon zest. Both brighten the butter and make the herbs pop.
- For a thicker, more spreadable texture . Chill the cowboy butter for at least 30 minutes. This helps it firm up enough to slice cleanly or spread over warm veggies or steak.
Ingredients1x2x3x
- ▢ 8 tbsp unsalted butter softened
- ▢ 1 tbsp chopped fresh chives
- ▢ 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
- ▢ ½ tbsp dijon mustard
- ▢ ½ tsp lemon zest
- ▢ ½ tsp smoked paprika
- ▢ ¼ tsp black pepper
- ▢ 2 cloves garlic
Video
Instructions
- Add all ingredients to a medium bowl. Use a spatula to combine. 8 tbsp unsalted butter, 1 tbsp chopped fresh chives, 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley, ½ tbsp dijon mustard, ½ tsp lemon zest, ½ tsp smoked paprika, ¼ tsp black pepper, 2 cloves garlic
- To serve as a dipping sauce, melt the butter in a dish.
- To make compound butter, spread out a piece of plastic wrap on a flat surface, and transfer the butter to the middle. Shape the butter into a log and wrap it up into a tight roll. Secure each end by twisting. Store in the refrigerator until it firms up. Slice off coins of butter to top your meats and veggies.
Becky’s Tips
- Replace fresh herbs with dried (use ⅓ the amount) and let the butter sit 10 minutes to soften the flavors.
- Tweak the garlic and spice level to fit your preferences. Add red pepper flakes if you want a spicy cowboy butter.
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
How to Make Cowboy Butter Step by Step
Gather all the ingredients together.
Combine the ingredients: Add 8 tbsp softened unsalted butter, 1 tbsp chopped chives, 1 tbsp chopped parsley, ½ tbsp Dijon mustard, ½ tsp lemon zest, ½ tsp smoked paprika, ¼ tsp black pepper, and 2 minced garlic cloves to a medium bowl.
Mix until smooth: Using a spatula, fold everything together until evenly mixed and smooth.
Roll and chill: To make compound cowboy butter, spoon the mixture onto plastic wrap, shape it into a log, and roll it tightly. Chill until firm, then slice into coins for topping steak, chicken, or veggies. I also like to roll and chill the butter even when I plan to use it as a dipping sauce, because it lets me portion it out easily and melt only what I need when I’m ready to serve.
Cut and serve: Once the butter is fully chilled, unwrap the log and slice it into coins. Use the slices to top hot steak, chicken, or veggies, or melt a few pieces for an easy dipping sauce.
For dipping sauce: For melted cowboy butter, transfer the mixture, or a portion size, into a small dish and warm gently in increments, until fully melted.
How to Store and Reheat
Store cowboy butter in an airtight container or tightly wrapped log in the refrigerator for 5 to 7 days. For longer storage, freeze the butter for up to 2 months by wrapping it in plastic wrap and placing it in a freezer-safe bag. If you are melting the butter for dipping, warm it in short intervals so it does not separate. Slice the chilled compound butter as needed and return any unused portions to the fridge to keep it fresh.
Serving Suggestions
I love serving cowboy butter with anything fresh off the grill because it melts into the most delicious, garlicky sauce. I’ll drizzle the melted version over steak bites or chicken thighs , and I keep a chilled log in the fridge to slice over roasted veggies, baked potatoes , or even warm bread. It is also a fun dipping sauce for shrimp or poured over baked fish when I want something quick but flavorful.
More Steak and Dipping sauces to try
BBQ Brisket Sauce
Homemade Chimichurri Sauce
Korean BBQ Sauce
Yum Yum Sauce
Cowboy Butter
Ingredients
- 8 tbsp unsalted butter softened
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh chives
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
- ½ tbsp dijon mustard
- ½ tsp lemon zest
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 2 cloves garlic
Instructions
- Add all ingredients to a medium bowl. Use a spatula to combine. 8 tbsp unsalted butter, 1 tbsp chopped fresh chives, 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley, ½ tbsp dijon mustard, ½ tsp lemon zest, ½ tsp smoked paprika, ¼ tsp black pepper, 2 cloves garlic
- To serve as a dipping sauce, melt the butter in a dish.
- To make compound butter, spread out a piece of plastic wrap on a flat surface, and transfer the butter to the middle. Shape the butter into a log and wrap it up into a tight roll. Secure each end by twisting. Store in the refrigerator until it firms up. Slice off coins of butter to top your meats and veggies.
Video
Notes
- Replace fresh herbs with dried (use ⅓ the amount) and let the butter sit 10 minutes to soften the flavors.
- Tweak the garlic and spice level to fit your preferences. Add red pepper flakes if you want a spicy cowboy butter.
Nutrition
By Becky Hardin
Published Jul 12, 2017
This Essential Grocery List is an absolute life saver for my family on the busy weeks. When I started this journey to learn how to cook, I quickly realized that the first step in cooking is having staple ingredients on hand. I want to avoid having to run out to the grocery store every single time I prepare a new recipe. Having a well-stocked pantry has made my life in the kitchen so much simpler, because when it’s time to cook, I have what I need.
Essential Grocery List
It’s so helpful to have a basic grocery list to help me remember which foods to buy at the store. This food shopping list is my go-to!
It’s better to stock up on things like grains, seasonings and spices, baking essentials, oils, condiments, canned and frozen foods, etc. so I can just grab them when I need them. These things have a long shelf life , so I keep them in my kitchen for convenience.
However, I do have to go to the supermarket sometimes, and there’s a way to make that trip easy and hassle-free: I keep a grocery list! If I go in blindly, I’ll leave with things I don’t need, and nothing that actually helps me prepare a good meal.
In the list below, I’ve compiled everything I always have on my stock-up grocery list.
I’ve got you covered! I created an easy grocery list filled with all of the essentials. Plus there’s a free printable version that you can take with you to the grocery store. It has everything you need to stock your pantry, your freezer, and your refrigerator.
Click to get my Free Printable Grocery List
What to Buy at the Grocery Store
This is the perfect grocery list filled with all the basics and essentials. It should help get you going if you’re new to cooking, or if you’re just left staring helplessly at an empty pantry and don’t know how to fill it.
When I first started cooking, things could seem overwhelming. I quickly realized that they more prepared I could be, the more confident I felt. If you already have the basics in your kitchen, then you can shop stress-free.
So print out our easy grocery list, stock up your pantry and fridge, and you’ll be cooking in no time!
Click to get my Free Printable Grocery List for the perfectly stocked pantry and freezer!
Fresh Produce
- Apples
- Bananas
- Strawberries
- Avocados
- Bell Peppers
- Carrots
- Broccoli
- Garlic
- Lemons/Limes
- Onion
- Parsley
- Cilantro
- Basil
- Potatoes
- Spinach
- Tomatoes
GRAINS
- Breadcrumbs
- Pasta
- Quinoa
- Rice
- Sandwich Bread
- Tortillas
MEAT/PROTEIN
- Chicken
- Eggs
- Ground Beef
- Sliced Turkey
- Lunch Meat
DAIRY
- Butter
- Sliced Cheese
- Shredded Cheese
- Milk
- Sour Cream
- Greek Yogurt
BAKING GOODS
- Baking powder
- Baking Soda
- Granulated Sugar
- Brown Sugar
- Flour
- Honey
- Vanilla Extract
- Dry Yeast
- Chocolate Chips
- Cocoa Powder
- Powdered Sugar
FREEZER
- Fruit and Berries
- Frozen Veggies (Corn, Peas, Broccoli, etc)
- Juice Concentrate
- Pizza or Other Convenience Meals
- Pie Crust
- Cookie Dough
CANNED/DRIED GOODS
- Chicken stock/broth
- Salsa
- Diced Tomatoes
- Jam/Jelly
- Peanut Butter
- Pasta Sauce
- Beans (Black Beans, Chickpeas, Baked Beans, etc)
- Soups
- Tuna
- Green Chiles
- Canned Veggies
- Coffee or Tea
Get more details on the best non-perishable and pantry foods
CONDIMENTS/SPICES
- Black Pepper
- Chili Powder
- Cinnamon
- Crushed Red Pepper
- Cumin
- Garlic Powder
- Ketchup
- Mustard
- Mayo
- Nutmeg
- Paprika
- Salt (Course Sea Salt and Kosher Salt)
- Soy Sauce
- Steak Sauce
- Hot Sauce/ Buffalo Sauce
- Salad Dressings
OILS/VINEGARS
- Apple cider vinegar
- Balsamic vinegar
- Coconut Oil
- Olive Oil
- Vegetable/Canola Oil
- Red Wine Vinegar
- White Vinegar
- Cooking Wine
- White Wine Vinegar
SNACKS
- Crackers
- Nuts
- Quick Oats
- Popcorn
- Tortilla Chips
- Cereal
Click to get my Free Printable Grocery List for the perfectly stocked pantry and freezer!
Click ☝🏻 for my FREE Grocery List Printable!
I hope this essential grocery list can help you buy what you need and make your home cooking so much easier!
Stock Your Kitchen
Find more ideas for your grocery list, stock up your kitchen, and print more cooking guides and charts to keep handy!
Non-Perishable Foods to Stock Up On
Frozen Vegetables to Stock Up On (and Recipes to Make)
Ultimate List of Cooking Herbs for Your Kitchen
Ultimate List of Cooking Spices for Your Kitchen
Cooking Oil 101: Types of Cooking Oils to Use
26 Types of Pasta and When to Use Them
What Fruits and Vegetables are in Season?
Meat Temperature Chart (Free Printable)
How to Meal Prep (Guide for Beginners)
Basic Cooking Measurements & Kitchen Conversion Chart
