Cowboy Butter Sliders are not your average cheeseburger sliders. I mean the best tender steak, as in filet mignon, is just where the goodness starts. Then, a savory cowboy butter that’s garlicky, citrusy and spicy steps in to make everything taste so freakin’ delicious! As for the cheese? Don’t worry, we got that covered with gooey mozzarella.
Table of Contents
- Why You’ll Love Cowboy Butter Steak Sliders
- Cowboy Butter Steak Sliders Ingredients Round-Up
- How to Make Cowboy Butter STeak Sliders
- What to Serve with Cowboy Butter Steak Sliders
- Leftovers & Reheating
- For More Sliders
- FAQs for Cowboy Butter Steak Sliders
- Flavor X Fire & FOOD X Fire
- Cowboy Butter Sliders Recipe
Why You’ll Love Cowboy Butter Steak Sliders
First, let’s talk about the cowboy butter. Clearly, this isn’t just any ordinary butter. Unlike anything you’ve ever tasted, it’s packed with minced garlic, Dijon mustard, parsley, red chili flakes, cayenne powder, and a splash of lemon juice. It adds a punch of flavor that takes cowboy butter steak sliders to the next level. We’ll glaze the steak and the tops of the slider rolls with it, giving every bite a rich, savory kick.
Now, let’s discuss the tender steak. We’re using filet mignon for these sliders. Why filets? Because they provide that tender, juicy steak experience without being overly fatty. Filets especially ensure each slider is rich and satisfying, with just the right amount of meatiness.
Along with the gooey mozzarella, caramelized onions undoubtedly bring in a sweet and savory depth that perfectly complements the perfectly seasoned steak and spicy butter.
This isn’t my first rodeo when it comes to beef sliders. I’ve made steak sliders with beer cheese, pulled the beef for sliders and paired them with baked beans, and even added grilled corn to them for grilled steak elote sliders! For a fancier version, check out my Steak Au Poivre Sliders because it comes with a delicious dipping sauce!
Cowboy Butter Steak Sliders Ingredients Round-Up
- Steak – You’ll need to grab 3-4 filets along with some kosher salt, black pepper and garlic powder. Don’t forget the canola oil to get that perfect crust!
- Cowboy Butter – The star of this show comes together easily with unsalted butter, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, fresh parsley, red pepper flakes, cayenne powder and lemon juice.
- Caramelized Onions – Sliced white onions, beef tallow and kosher salt are all you need to create the magic of caramelized onions.
- Sliders – Some tasty dinner rolls, mozzarella cheese slices and more melted butter complete the slider recipe.
Alright, now that we know what to pick up at the grocery store (or order for delivery!), let’s get down to the business of making these tastiest of sliders using your backyard grill.
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For more cowboy-inspired recipes, check out these epic recipes: Grilled Ribeye with Cowboy Butter, Cowboy Campfire Breakfast Recipe and Cowboy Steak and Eggs.
How to Make Cowboy Butter STeak Sliders
Caramelized Onion Magic
First, let’s get those caramelized onions going. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat, around 350 degrees F, for direct cooking. Place a cast iron skillet on the grill about two minutes before you start cooking.
Melt some beef tallow in the skillet and add your white onions, thinly sliced. Season the onions and then cook them over medium heat until they caramelize. This should take about 45 to 60 minutes, so be patient with them.
Once the onions are perfectly browned, take them off the heat and keep them warm.
Steak Sliders
Now, let’s move on to the steak and sliders. Start by mixing all the ingredients for your cowboy butter in a small bowl before setting the sauce aside until you’re ready to use it.
Season steak—coated with canola oil (or a bit of olive oil)—generously with salt, pepper, garlic powder, or your favorite steak rub. Place the steaks in the fridge until it’s time to cook.
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat, around 375 degrees F, for two-zone indirect cooking. Place the filets on the grill and then cook steaks for 3 to 4 minutes per side, aiming for an internal temperature of 120 degrees F.
Once they’re done, top them with a generous amount of cowboy butter and let them rest for 10 minutes. After resting on your cutting board, take a sharp knife and then slice them to your desired thickness.
Steak Slider Assembly
Keep the slider rolls together while the steaks are resting and slice them in half to create a top and bottom layer. Place the bottom buns in a foil bin or an oven-safe skillet. Add a layer of cheese, followed by the sliced steaks, caramelized onions and another layer of cheese. Cover with the top buns and gently spread a little more cowboy butter over the top.
Adjust your grill for two-zone medium-high heat, around 350-375 degrees F, for indirect cooking. Place the foil bin with the sliders on the grill and cook until they are golden brown and crispy, about 10 to 12 minutes.
Once done, remove the sliders from the grill and let them cool for 2 to 3 minutes. Finally, slice them up and serve with the cowboy butter for your dipping sauce.
Get ready to dive in and enjoy every last bite. You’re welcome!
What to Serve with Cowboy Butter Steak Sliders
Alright, you’ve got your Cowboy Butter Sliders ready, and your mouth is watering, but what should you serve alongside these bad boys to make the meal complete? Here are some ideas to round out your feast: grilled veggies, corn on the cob, loaded potato wedges, baked beans or maybe some coleslaw. Or, just serve your sliders with pickles and chips. Sometimes, keeping it simple is best!
Leftovers & Reheating
If you find yourself with leftover Cowboy Butter Sliders, count yourself lucky. You have something to look forward to the next day!
Storing Leftovers
First, allow the sliders to cool completely before storing them. This helps prevent condensation, which can make the buns soggy. If possible, separate the meat, buns, and extra toppings like caramelized onions or cheese. Store each part in an airtight container.
Reheating Instructions
When you’re ready to reheat your sliders, fire up your grill to medium-high heat. Wrap the meat and onions in aluminum foil to retain moisture. Heat for about 10-15 minutes or until warmed through. You can also place the buns on the grill for the last 5 minutes to warm them up without making them too crispy.
For More Sliders
FAQs for Cowboy Butter Steak Sliders
Of course! Sharp cheddar cheese or pepper jack are great alternatives. Both provide a different flavor profile that can complement the sliders nicely. Sharp cheddar adds a rich, tangy taste, while pepper jack brings a bit more heat to the sandwiches.
Yes, you can definitely make Cowboy Butter Steak Sliders in the oven. Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F and follow the same preparation steps. Cook the filets on a baking sheet for about 6-8 minutes per side or until they reach your desired level of doneness. Assemble the sliders as usual, place them in an oven-safe dish, and bake for about 10-12 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the buns are golden brown.
Cowboy butter is incredibly versatile! Try brushing it on grilled vegetables or seafood. Use it to top baked potatoes or garlic bread, or toss it with pasta for a quick meal. It’s perfect for finishing grilled steaks, chops, or chicken breasts and can even be mixed into cornbread or roasted potatoes. The possibilities are endless! You may even want to try making my Grilled Ribeye with Cowboy Butter.
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Cowboy Butter Sliders
Ingredients
Steak:
- 3-4 Filets
- 1.5 tbsp Kosher Salt
- 1.5 tbsp Black Pepper
- 1 tbsp Garlic Powder
- Canola Oil as needed
Cowboy Butter:
- 2 sticks Unsalted Butter melted
- 2 tbsp Minced Garlic
- 2 tbsp Dijon Mustard
- 1.5 tbsp Chopped Parsley
- 2 tsp Red Chili Flakes
- 1 tsp Cayenne Powder
- 1 tsp Lemon Juice
Caramelized Onions:
- 2 cups Sliced White Onions
- 2 tbsp Beef Tallow
- Kosher Salt to taste
Sliders:
- 1 Slider Roll
- 8-10 Mozzarella Cheese Slices
- Melted Butter as needed
Instructions
Caramelized Onions:
- Preheat your grill to medium high heat (about 350F) for direct cooking. Add a cast iron skillet to the grill 2 minutes before cooking.
- Melt beef tallow in the skillet and add your thinly sliced white onions.
- Season the onions with salt and pepper and begin cooking on a medium heat until they are caramelized (dark brown). This should take about 45-60 minutes to achieve. When the onions are done, pull off and keep warm.
Steak & Sliders:
- Next, add all the ingredients for your cowboy butter to a bowl and mix. Set to the side until ready to use.
- Finally, slather your steaks with oil and generously season with salt, pepper and garlic powder or your favorite steak rub. Set in the fridge until ready to cook.
- Preheat a grill to medium-high heat (about 375F) for two zone indirect cooking.
- Next, add your filets to the grill and cook for 3-4 minutes per side or until they are 120F. Once the steaks are done, top with a little of the cowboy butter and pull off to let rest for 10 minutes.
- While keeping the slider rolls together, slice your slider rolls in half so there is a top side and bottom side.
- Add the bottom side into a foil bin or cooking safe skillet.
- Add a layer of cheese, sliced steaks, caramelized onions and finish with a layer of more sliced cheese plus the top part of the buns.
- Gently spread a little cowboy butter over the top of the rolls.
- Get your grill to a two zone medium high heat (around 350-375F) for indirect cooking.
- Add your sliders in the foil bin on to the smoker to cook until they are golden brown & crispy (about 10-12 minutes). Once done, pull the sliders off and let cool for 2-3 minutes.
- Slice up your sliders and serve with the cowboy butter for dipping. Enjoy!
Just found you and must add my thanks! I’ll be using your recipes forever!
Trying this weekend for my mom’s bday! I am so excited!! Glad I came across your page! Can’t wait to give you the details and pictures!
Wait, sorry. 45 – 60 minutes to caramelize the onions? Is that a typo?
No. Low heat cooking onions until dark brown takes time. It honestly might take longer than that depending on different factors.
Oh, wow, okay! Trying this this evening, thank you! ☺️