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; 3 sweet onions, thinly sliced; Butter, a few tablespoons for cooking onions; 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

Introduction

These Cowboy Butter Steak Sliders are a perfect blend of juicy, flavorful steak, rich buttery sauce, and sweet caramelized onions. Ready in about 40 minutes, they’re an irresistible treat for gatherings or a hearty weeknight meal. You’ll love the balance of bold spices and melted Havarti cheese in every bite.

A close-up view of a small sandwich held by a woman's hand shows three main layers: the top layer is a soft, golden-brown bun with a slightly shiny surface and tiny pieces of herbs; the middle layer is thick, juicy slices of medium-rare steak with a reddish-pink center and a dark brown crust; under the steak is a layer of caramelized onions, slightly translucent and golden. The sandwich is held over a wooden board with more sandwiches blurred in the background, all placed on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

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

3 sweet onions, thinly sliced

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

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

Instructions

Step 1: Trim any excess fat and silver skin from the steaks. Rub evenly with neutral oil, then season generously with kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper on all sides. For thicker steaks, use more seasoning.

Step 2: Wrap the steaks tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for a few hours to enhance flavor penetration.

Step 3: Make the cowboy butter by melting the butter in a saucepan over low heat, whisking constantly. Stir in the lemon juice and zest, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, paprika, cayenne, dried thyme, and red pepper flakes.

Step 4: Remove from heat and mix in the minced chives and fresh parsley. Season with kosher salt and pepper to taste.

Step 5: Scoop out a few tablespoons of the cowboy butter into a small bowl for basting the steaks while grilling. Reserve the remaining butter for brushing the slider buns later.

Step 6: Preheat your grill to medium-high with an indirect heat zone. Let the steaks sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before cooking.

Step 7: Grill the steaks over direct heat for 2-3 minutes per side, avoiding charring. If flames flare up, move steaks to indirect heat until flames subside.

Step 8: Brush both sides of the steaks with the reserved cowboy butter while cooking. After 5-6 minutes total, transfer steaks to indirect heat to finish cooking to your preferred doneness.

Step 9: Remove steaks from grill and tent loosely with foil. Let rest for 10 minutes before slicing thinly.

Step 10: While steaks rest, caramelize the onions. Place a cast iron skillet on the grill over direct heat and melt a few tablespoons of butter. Add the sliced onions and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened and golden, about 15 minutes.

Step 11: Preheat your oven’s broiler and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 12: Separate the slider buns and brush the inside of each with the remaining cowboy butter. Layer Havarti cheese on both top and bottom buns, then add caramelized onions to the bottom buns.

Step 13: Pile sliced steak onto the bottom buns. Place sliders on the baking sheet and broil for 1-2 minutes until the cheese melts.

Step 14: Complete sliders by topping with the top buns, slice as desired, and serve immediately.

Tips & Variations

For extra smoky flavor, add a few wood chips to your grill during cooking.

Swap Havarti for sharp cheddar or pepper jack cheese for a different flavor profile.

Leftover cowboy butter can be used as a flavorful spread for vegetables or baked potatoes.

To make sliders spicier, increase cayenne and red pepper flakes in the butter.

FAQs

Can I make the cowboy butter ahead of time?

Absolutely! Cowboy butter can be prepared a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Bring it to room temperature before using to ensure easy spreading and basting.