Cowboy Butter Steak Sliders: The Ultimate Flavor-Packed Bites Recipe

Introduction

These Cowboy Butter Steak Sliders are packed with rich, savory flavor in every bite. Juicy steak paired with a zesty, herb-infused butter makes these sliders an irresistible treat for any occasion. Perfect for game day, parties, or a flavorful weeknight meal.

Ingredients

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 2 tablespoons fresh chives, chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 1.5 pounds sirloin steak, or your favorite cut for sliders (flank steak or ribeye also work well)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 12 slider buns, split
• 4 ounces provolone cheese, sliced (or your favorite cheese)
• Optional toppings: caramelized onions, arugula, sliced tomatoes

Instructions

1. Step 1: Prepare the Cowboy Butter by combining softened butter, minced garlic, parsley, chives, thyme, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, red pepper flakes, garlic powder, and onion powder in a medium bowl. Mix well and season with salt and pepper to taste. Chill for at least 30 minutes if time allows.
2. Step 2: Pat the steak dry with paper towels. Mix salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder in a small bowl, then sprinkle generously over both sides of the steak.
3. Step 3: Heat olive oil in a large cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the steak for 3–4 minutes per side for medium-rare, or cook longer to your preferred doneness. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature.
4. Step 4: Remove the steak from the skillet and let it rest, tented with foil, for at least 10 minutes. Then slice the steak thinly against the grain.
5. Step 5: Lightly toast the slider buns. Spread Cowboy Butter on both halves of each bun. Place a slice of provolone cheese on the bottom half, then add sliced steak and any optional toppings. For extra flavor, add a dollop of Cowboy Butter on top of the steak before placing the top bun.
6. Step 6: Serve the sliders immediately while warm and enjoy!

Tips & Variations

• Use flank steak or ribeye if you prefer a different texture or flavor profile for the sliders.
• For a smoky twist, try adding a dash of chipotle powder to the Cowboy Butter.
• Caramelized onions add a sweet contrast to the savory butter and steak—try making them ahead to save time.
• If you like your sliders spicy, increase the red pepper flakes or add a splash of hot sauce to the butter.

Storage

Store leftover sliders wrapped tightly in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or oven to retain juiciness; avoiding the microwave helps keep the bread from getting soggy. The Cowboy Butter can be stored separately in an airtight container in the fridge for up to one week.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of cheese for these sliders?

Absolutely! Provolone is recommended for its mild, melty qualities, but sharp cheddar, Swiss, or pepper jack all work well depending on your taste preferences.

How do I know when the steak is cooked to medium-rare?

Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. Medium-rare is about 130–135°F (54–57°C). Remember the steak will continue to cook slightly while resting.

Cowboy Butter Steak Sliders: The Ultimate Flavor-Packed Bites Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.5 from 115 reviews

These Cowboy Butter Steak Sliders are packed with bold and savory flavors, featuring tender seared steak topped with homemade herbed cowboy butter and melted provolone cheese, all sandwiched between toasted slider buns. Perfect for game day, parties, or a delicious appetizer.

• Author: Dana
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 12 sliders 1x
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Cowboy Butter

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 2 tablespoons fresh chives, chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Steak

• 1.5 pounds sirloin steak (or flank steak or ribeye)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder

Assembly

• 12 slider buns, split
• 4 ounces provolone cheese, sliced
• Optional toppings: caramelized onions, arugula, sliced tomatoes

Instructions

1. Prepare the Cowboy Butter: In a medium bowl, mix softened butter with minced garlic, chopped parsley, chives, thyme, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, red pepper flakes, garlic powder, and onion powder. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to your taste. Chill for at least 30 minutes to let flavors meld, or use immediately if preferred.
2. Prepare the Steak: Pat the steak dry with paper towels to ensure a good sear. In a small bowl, combine salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Generously season both sides of the steak with this spice mixture.
3. Sear the Steak: Heat olive oil in a large cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Place the steak in the skillet and sear for 3-4 minutes on each side for medium-rare doneness, or cook longer if desired. Use a meat thermometer to verify internal temperature: 130°F for medium-rare, 140°F for medium.
4. Rest and Slice: Remove the steak from the skillet and tent it loosely with foil. Let it rest for at least 10 minutes to allow juices to redistribute. Then slice the steak thinly against the grain for tender bites.
5. Assemble the Sliders: Lightly toast the slider buns to your liking. Spread a generous amount of the prepared cowboy butter on both halves of each bun. Layer a slice of provolone cheese on the bottom half, followed by a few slices of the steak. Add optional toppings such as caramelized onions, arugula, or sliced tomatoes if desired. Optionally, add another dollop of cowboy butter on top of the steak. Close the sliders with the top buns.
6. Serve: Serve the sliders immediately while warm and enjoy these flavorful bites perfect for any occasion.

Notes

• Chilling the cowboy butter allows flavors to meld but if short on time, use immediately.
• Slicing the steak against the grain ensures the slices are tender and easy to eat.
• Use a meat thermometer to achieve your preferred doneness accurately.
• Customize toppings to your liking; caramelized onions add sweetness, arugula adds a peppery bite.
• These sliders are best served fresh but can be kept warm in a low oven before serving.

Keywords: cowboy butter, steak sliders, slider recipe, appetizer, party food, steak sandwiches, provolone cheese, herbed butter