If you’re searching for the ultimate party snack or a show-stopping main, Cowboy Butter Steak Sliders are the answer. These luscious sliders layer tender sliced steak, melty cheese, and a swoon-worthy cowboy butter bursting with garlicky, herby, and gently spicy flavors. All tucked into soft, golden buns, it’s the best kind of mess—one you’ll want to recreate at every cookout or casual gathering. Warning: once you share these, you’ll be asked to bring Cowboy Butter Steak Sliders to every event!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Let’s talk ingredients! You won’t believe how a handful of simple staples come together to make Cowboy Butter Steak Sliders taste so rich and memorable. Each component packs a punch, from the juicy steak to the irresistible cowboy butter and gooey cheese. Here’s everything you’ll need and why it matters:
- Ribeye or Sirloin Steak (1 ½ pounds, thinly sliced): Choose a well-marbled cut for tenderness and big beefy flavor—thin slices cook quickly and absorb all that cowboy butter goodness.
- Olive Oil (1 tablespoon): Helps the steak sear up nicely in the skillet, bringing out its natural flavors.
- Slider Buns or Hawaiian Rolls (12): The soft, pillowy texture is perfect for soaking up all the buttery, juicy fillings.
- Provolone or Cheddar Cheese (6 slices, halved): Choose your favorite! Both melt beautifully and add creamy richness.
- Chopped Fresh Parsley (2 tablespoons): Fresh parsley adds a bright, herby finish and a pop of color to each bite.
- Unsalted Butter (1/2 cup, softened): The base for cowboy butter—use high-quality butter for full flavor.
- Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Don’t skimp! Fresh garlic brings warmth and depth.
- Dijon Mustard (1 tablespoon): Lends a zippy, tangy brightness that cuts through the richness.
- Lemon Juice (1 tablespoon): Fresh lemon juice lifts all the flavors for a balanced bite.
- Chopped Fresh Parsley (1 tablespoon, for cowboy butter): Adds freshness to the butter and ties the flavors together.
- Paprika (1/2 teaspoon): For a gentle smokiness and beautiful color.
- Crushed Red Pepper Flakes (1/2 teaspoon): A touch of heat wakes up your tastebuds (adjust for your heat preference).
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Enhances every other ingredient.
- Black Pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Adds subtle warmth and complexity.
- Onion Powder (1/4 teaspoon): A hint of savory sweetness, rounding out the cowboy butter.
- Thyme (1/4 teaspoon): Earthy and fragrant; just a pinch gives the butter a lovely finish.
How to Make Cowboy Butter Steak Sliders
Step 1: Make the Cowboy Butter
Grab a small bowl and combine all the cowboy butter ingredients—the softened butter, garlic, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, parsley, paprika, red pepper flakes, salt, black pepper, onion powder, and thyme. Stir until smooth and well-blended. This magic mixture is what takes these sliders over the top, so make sure every spice and herb is evenly worked in. Set your cowboy butter aside; you’ll be spreading and brushing it on like gold soon.
Step 2: Sear the Steak
Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium-high. When it shimmers, in goes the thinly sliced steak. Let it sear and sizzle, tossing occasionally, until it’s browned and cooked through—about 4 to 5 minutes. Sprinkle with a pinch of salt and pepper to season every juicy morsel, then remove the skillet from heat. The steak should be tender, fragrant, and ready to star in our sliders!
Step 3: Prepare the Buns
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s warming up, slice your slider buns or Hawaiian rolls in half horizontally. Place all the bottom halves snugly into a baking dish and get ready for the fun part: slathering a generous layer of cowboy butter over them. The butter will melt right into the bread as it bakes, making every bite outrageously flavorful.
Step 4: Assemble the Sliders
Distribute the cooked steak evenly over the buttered bottom buns, followed by a layer of your chosen cheese—provolone, cheddar, or a delightful mix. Carefully add the top halves of the buns, then brush even more cowboy butter over them. This keeps the tops soft, shiny, and loaded with zesty, aromatic flavor as they toast.
Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection
Slide the whole pan into your preheated oven and bake for 10 to 12 minutes. The cheese will melt into gooey goodness, and the rolls will turn lightly golden and fragrant. After removing from the oven, sprinkle extra parsley for a burst of color and freshness. Now your Cowboy Butter Steak Sliders are irresistibly melty and ready to vanish!
How to Serve Cowboy Butter Steak Sliders
Garnishes
To make your Cowboy Butter Steak Sliders truly pop, sprinkle them with fresh chopped parsley just before serving. You can also scatter a pinch of extra crushed red pepper or a dusting of smoked paprika for a fiery kick and vibrant presentation. For texture, a few fried onions or thinly sliced jalapeños add a playful crunch.
Side Dishes
Classic choices like crispy potato wedges, sweet potato fries, or a crunchy slaw balance the richness of the sliders. If you’re feeling festive, serve with pickles or tangy coleslaw to cut through the buttery, cheesy layers. A crisp green salad also works wonders for keeping things fresh and light.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange the sliders on a wooden board with toothpicks in each, turning them into the star of your grazing table. Stack them high on a platter or serve individually wrapped in parchment for a picnic vibe. Line up a slider “bar” with toppings like sautéed onions, sliced jalapeños, or extra cowboy butter so everyone can accessorize their own!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have any sliders left, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The buns will soak up even more cowboy butter flavor, so these sliders may taste even richer the next day!
Freezing
Cowboy Butter Steak Sliders can be frozen, though the texture of the buns may soften further when thawed. Wrap each slider tightly in foil or plastic wrap, pop them in a freezer bag, and freeze for up to 1 month. For best results, reheat directly from frozen or after thawing overnight in the fridge.
Reheating
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C), arrange the sliders on a baking sheet, and loosely cover with foil to prevent over-browning. Heat for 10 to 12 minutes, or until hot all the way through and the cheese is melty. If you’re in a rush, a few seconds in the microwave will do, but the oven brings back their golden edges and gooey centers.
FAQs
What steak is best for Cowboy Butter Steak Sliders?
Ribeye and sirloin are both fantastic options; ribeye gives you big-flavored, juicy bites while sirloin is leaner but still tender. Thin slices ensure the meat cooks quickly and evenly absorbs all those cowboy-inspired flavors.
Can I make the cowboy butter ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can whip up the cowboy butter a couple days ahead and refrigerate it. Just let it sit at room temperature for about 10–15 minutes before spreading so it softens up and is easy to use.
Are Cowboy Butter Steak Sliders spicy?
They have a subtle kick thanks to the red pepper flakes, but nothing overwhelming. If your crowd prefers mild, simply use less chili or omit it entirely. For heat seekers, add extra!
Can I use different cheeses?
Definitely. While provolone and cheddar are lovely classics, feel free to experiment—Swiss, Monterey Jack, or even a pepper jack for more heat all work deliciously in Cowboy Butter Steak Sliders.
How do I keep the sliders from becoming soggy?
Spread the cowboy butter sparingly and avoid overly juicy steak. Also, a brief bake helps the buns toast up just enough to stay sturdy, so serve them fresh from the oven for the best texture.
Final Thoughts
There’s something downright irresistible about Cowboy Butter Steak Sliders—they’re gooey, buttery, and a little bit wild, in the most delicious way. Whether you’re feeding a hungry game day crowd or spicing up family dinner, grab this recipe and let every bite bring a grin. Trust me, these sliders are about to steal the spotlight at your table!
Print
Cowboy Butter Steak Sliders Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 sliders
- Category: Main Course, Appetizer
- Method: Baking, Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Cowboy Butter Steak Sliders are a delicious twist on traditional sliders, featuring thinly sliced ribeye or sirloin steak smothered in a flavorful cowboy butter, then baked to cheesy perfection on slider buns. Perfect for game day or any casual gathering!
Ingredients
Steak Sliders:
- 1 ½ pounds ribeye or sirloin steak (thinly sliced)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 12 slider buns or Hawaiian rolls
- 6 slices provolone or cheddar cheese (halved)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Cowboy Butter:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon thyme
Instructions
- Cowboy Butter: In a small bowl, mix together all the cowboy butter ingredients until well combined. Set aside.
- Steak: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sliced steak and cook for 4–5 minutes until browned. Season with salt and pepper, then remove from heat.
- Assembly: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread cowboy butter over bottom halves of slider buns. Top with steak, cheese slices, and top buns. Brush tops with more cowboy butter. Bake for 10–12 minutes until cheese is melted and tops are golden. Serve sprinkled with parsley.
Notes
- Great for game day or casual gatherings.
- You can prepare the steak and butter in advance.
- Add sautéed onions or jalapeños for extra flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slider
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 360mg
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 17g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
