What’s Cowboy Butter and When Can You Use it In The Kitchen?

A condiment that comes from our American cuisine and that is driving chefs and cooking enthusiasts crazy: it is cowboy butter but, despite the name, it has little to do with cowboys. It is in fact a rich and tasty condiment, perfect to accompany a substantial meal, which connects it with images of cowboy life: the term itself was probably coined by some chef or cooking enthusiast to make this preparation more appetizing. But what is cowboy butter and how is it prepared? And in which recipes does it express itself best?

What is Cowboy Butter?

Cowboy butter is a more or less creamy mixture of butter, aromatic herbs and spices, which is spread on bread or used to season grilled meats, potatoes and vegetables. Flavored butter is not an American invention, on the contrary: in many gastronomic cultures similar condiments are used. First of all France, which has a long tradition of flavored butter to be served with meat or with escargot, but also in Italy and Germany there are similar examples, as well as in China, Lebanon and India, just to distance ourselves from Europe. So, why all this success?

Most likely, cowboy butter became popular thanks to word of mouth and social media: it presents itself as a unique product, with a combination of ingredients and particular flavors that distinguish it from other condiments. This originality has intrigued many consumers: the name, then, evokes images of authenticity, simplicity and rustic flavors.

Why is It Called Cowboy Butter?

As we have said, cowboy butter is not an ancient recipe or one that can be linked to the life of cowboys, if only because of the perishability of the product: cowboys needed long-lasting products, so that they could carry them with them for long periods. The name chosen for this preparation is clearly linked to a marketing idea: an attractive product that evokes an image of authenticity and simplicity, characteristics that American consumers like more today than they used to.

How to Make Cowboy Butter

Making cowboy butter is very simple and requires just a few ingredients.

• Butter. It is best to use a high-quality butter, preferably salted.
• Herbs. Rosemary, thyme, oregano, parsley are some of the most used herbs, but you can have fun with your favorites.
• Spices. Garlic powder, onion powder, sweet or smoked paprika, black pepper are some of the spices that give a little extra kick to your cowboy butter.
• Other ingredients. You can also add other ingredients to taste, such as grated lemon zest, mustard, honey or chili pepper.

Soften the butter: leave it at room temperature until it is soft and spreadable. Mix the ingredients: in a bowl, mix the softened butter with the aromatic herbs, spices and other ingredients you have chosen. You can decide whether to wrap it in plastic wrap, so as to create a tube to slice, or leave it in the form of a cream, in an airtight container. In any case, put everything in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, so that it compacts.

How to Use Cowboy Butter

Cowboy butter is a very versatile condiment that can be used in many different ways. For best results, leave the cowboy butter at room temperature for a few minutes before using it, so that it softens slightly. Feel free to customize it by adding other ingredients to your liking, such as grated lemon zest, chili pepper or honey. Store the cowboy butter in the refrigerator in an airtight container. Of course, take into account its caloric and nutritional impact, since it is a condiment composed mainly of fat.

Here are some of the most common ways to make the most of cowboy butter in the kitchen:

1. On Grilled Meats

This is the most classic use of cowboy butter and comes from a long gastronomic tradition in which butter is paired with certain types of meat, typical of French cuisine. Spread it on steaks, hamburgers, chicken or pork fresh off the grill: the heat of the meat will melt the butter, releasing all its aroma and creating a crispy and tasty crust.

2. On Fish

Cowboy butter is also excellent on fish, especially grilled or baked fish:  its intense flavor pairs well with the delicate taste of the fish, creating a pleasant contrast.

3. On Vegetables and Potatoes

Grilled, pan-fried, or baked vegetables take on a smoky, slightly caramelized flavor: adding a pat of cowboy butter will make them even more tasty. Add a pat of cowboy butter to potato salad, mashed potatoes, or melted potatoes for an extra touch of flavor.

4. On Toast or Croutons

Spread on toast or croutons, cowboy butter becomes a delicious appetizer or snack: you can accompany it with cheeses, cured meats or jams, or pair it with quality anchovies, caramelized onions or mushrooms.

5. As a Base for Sauces

Cowboy butter can be used as a base to prepare more complex sauces, adding sour cream, yogurt or other ingredients: you can create variations of butter sauces such as béarnaise or hollandaise.