Cowboy Butter Steak Sliders: The Ultimate Flavor-Packed Bites Recipe
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.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 12 sliders 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
