Cowboy Butter Steak Sliders
Table of Contents
There’s something truly magical about the aroma of sizzling steak and the cozy, inviting scent of caramelizing onions that can instantly transport you back to a simpler time. Growing up, my family’s kitchen was always filled with laughter, warmth, and delicious smells that promised a comforting meal was on its way. Today, I’m sharing a recipe that captures that very essence — Cowboy Butter Steak Sliders. These delightful bites are more than just a meal; they’re a memory waiting to be made.
Picture this: juicy steak, lovingly seasoned and seared to perfection, nestled between soft slider buns with a generous spread of homemade cowboy butter. The rich, garlicky butter, with its hint of lemon zest and a touch of heat from cayenne, perfectly complements the creamy havarti cheese that melts over the caramelized onions. This dish is a symphony of flavors that not only satisfies the palate but also warms the heart.
These sliders are perfect for family gatherings, reminiscent of those Sunday afternoons spent sharing stories and laughter around the table. They bring a sense of togetherness, much like my grandma’s kitchen, where every meal was a celebration of love and community. Whether it’s a casual weeknight dinner or a special occasion, these Cowboy Butter Steak Sliders offer a delightful experience that’s both heartwarming and utterly delicious.
Why This Recipe Should Be on Your Table
These Cowboy Butter Steak Sliders bring a mouthwatering fusion of flavors that elevate a classic favorite, making them an irresistible choice for any occasion. Here’s why they deserve a spot on your table:
- Flavor Explosion: The combination of savory steak, tangy cowboy butter, and sweet caramelized onions creates a medley of tastes that’s simply unforgettable. Each bite delivers a blend of textures and flavors that dance on your taste buds, leaving you craving more.
- Versatile Delight: Perfect for a casual family dinner, a party appetizer, or a game day treat, these sliders fit any occasion seamlessly. Their compact size makes them ideal for gatherings, allowing guests to enjoy them without the need for utensils.
- Easy Preparation: With straightforward steps and common ingredients, these sliders are a breeze to prepare, even on busy days. The recipe is designed to minimize fuss and maximize flavor, ensuring that even novice cooks can achieve delicious results.
- Nostalgic Comfort: They evoke the warmth and comfort of home-cooked meals, bringing back fond memories of family gatherings and kitchen stories. The familiar ingredients and cozy aromas create an atmosphere of nostalgia that enhances the dining experience.
Kitchen Tools to Make This Recipe Easy Peasy
To whip up these delightful sliders, you won’t need much — just a few trusty kitchen tools, much like the ones my grandma used when teaching me the joy of homemade snacks:
- Grill or Grill Pan: Essential for cooking the steak to juicy perfection. A grill imparts a subtle smokiness that enhances the steak’s natural flavors.
- Cast Iron Skillet: Ideal for caramelizing the onions, adding depth and sweetness. The even heat distribution of cast iron ensures the onions become perfectly golden and tender.
- Mixing Bowl: For preparing the flavorful cowboy butter. A good mixing bowl helps combine the ingredients thoroughly, ensuring every bite of butter is packed with flavor.
- Baking Sheet: Perfect for broiling the sliders and melting the cheese to gooey goodness. The baking sheet provides a stable surface for assembling and finishing the sliders.
- Sharp Knife: To slice the steak thinly and evenly, ensuring each bite is tender and delicious. A sharp knife makes slicing through the steak’s fibers easier, maintaining the meat’s juiciness.
How to Make This Recipe Easy Peasy
Ingredients
FOR THE SLIDERS
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless steak such as ribeye filet, 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
FOR THE COWBOY BUTTER
- 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
- Prepare steaks by trimming excess fat and silver skin if needed. Rub with oil and season your steaks well on all sides with kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper. If steaks are thicker, be sure to season more heavily. This ensures the flavors penetrate deeply, enhancing each bite.
- Wrap steaks in plastic wrap and place in the fridge for a few hours for optimum seasoning penetration. This resting period allows the salt to work its magic, tenderizing the meat and intensifying the flavor.
MAKE COWBOY BUTTER
- In a saucepan over low heat, melt the butter and whisk continually. Add lemon juice and zest, garlic, dijon, and dry seasonings. The gentle heat helps infuse the butter with the robust flavors of the spices and herbs.
- Remove from heat and add chives and fresh parsley. Salt and pepper to taste. Fresh herbs added off heat preserve their vibrant flavors and colors.
- Spoon out a few tablespoons into a small bowl for use on the steaks as they grill. Set aside the remaining butter for slider buns. This ensures that every component of the dish is infused with the butter’s rich taste.
COOK STEAK
- Preheat grill to medium-high with an indirect heat zone. Remove steaks from the fridge and allow them to rest at room temp for 30 minutes. This step ensures even cooking throughout the steak.
- Cook steaks over direct heat for about 2-3 minutes per side, being sure not to char them. If high flames appear, move them to indirect heat until flame subsides. This prevents the outside from burning while the inside remains tender.
- Brush both sides with cowboy butter as they cook. After 5-6 minutes of total cook time, move the steaks to indirect heat until desired temperature is reached. The butter not only adds flavor but also helps achieve a beautiful crust.
- Remove and allow steaks to rest on a plate with tented foil for 10 minutes before slicing. Resting helps the juices redistribute, ensuring each slice is moist.
CARAMELIZE ONIONS
- Place a cast iron skillet on the grill over direct heat. Add a few tablespoons of butter into the skillet, once it melts add the sliced onions. Allow onions to cook until caramelized, stirring occasionally, about 15 minutes. The key is patience; low and slow cooking brings out the onions’ natural sweetness.
PREPARE & ASSEMBLE SLIDERS
- Pre-heat oven to broil. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Separate the sliders and brush the inside of the slider buns with all remaining cowboy butter. Add the havarti cheese to the top and bottom buns then add the grilled onions to the bottom buns. This layering ensures each component is experienced in every bite.
- Place a few strips of sliced steak per bottom slider. Broil for 1-2 minutes or until cheese begins to melt. Place the top sliders over the steak, slice and enjoy! Broiling briefly melts the cheese without drying out the buns.
Difficulty: Medium • Cuisine: American • Preparation Time: 20 minutes • Cooking Time: 25 minutes • Total Time: 45 minutes • Calories: 450 • Servings: 9
Note: For a spicier kick, add extra red pepper flakes to the cowboy butter.
Health and Flavor Benefits of Ingredients
These Cowboy Butter Steak Sliders not only promise delightful flavors but also come with some surprising benefits:
- Steak: Rich in protein and iron, steak provides essential nutrients that support muscle health and energy production. Its amino acids are vital for tissue repair and growth.
- Garlic: Known for its immune-boosting properties, garlic adds a robust flavor and health benefits to the butter. It’s also been linked to reducing blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
- Havarti Cheese: A creamy addition that offers calcium and a luscious melt, making each bite utterly satisfying. Its mild flavor complements the boldness of the steak and butter.
- Onions: Caramelized onions are not only sweet and tasty but also packed with antioxidants that promote heart health. They add a depth of flavor that enhances the overall dish.
Tasty Pairings to Serve with This Easy Peasy Dish
These sliders are versatile companions to various beverages and dishes, making them perfect for any occasion:
- Potato Salad: A classic side that complements the savory flavors of the sliders with its creamy texture. The softness of the potatoes pairs perfectly with the chewy steak.
- Crisp Coleslaw: Adds a refreshing crunch and tangy contrast to the rich, buttery sliders. The acidity of the coleslaw cuts through the richness, balancing the meal.
- Ice-Cold Beer: The effervescence of a chilled beer cuts through the richness, enhancing the overall experience. A light lager or pale ale works particularly well.
- Lemonade: A sweet and tart drink that pairs beautifully with the savory and spicy notes of the sliders. Its refreshing nature makes it an excellent palate cleanser.
Storage Tips and How to Enjoy Leftovers the Easy Peasy Way
To keep your Cowboy Butter Steak Sliders fresh and tasty, store them properly and enjoy the leftovers with ease:
- Refrigeration: Place any leftover sliders in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This helps maintain their freshness and prevents them from drying out.
- Reheating: For best results, reheat the sliders in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes to ensure they remain juicy and the cheese melts perfectly. Avoid microwaving as it can make the bread soggy.
- Creative Uses: Chop up leftover steak and mix with the remaining cowboy butter to create a delicious steak salad or steak tacos for a quick, easy meal. This not only prevents waste but also gives you a new dish to enjoy.
There’s something incredibly rewarding about creating a meal that brings joy and comfort to those you love. These Cowboy Butter Steak Sliders embody that spirit, offering up a taste of nostalgia with every bite. I hope you’ll find as much happiness in making and sharing them as I do. Here’s to more cherished moments and delicious meals shared around the table.
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Cowboy Butter Steak Sliders
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Prepare steaks by trimming excess fat and silver skin if needed. Rub with oil and season with kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper.
- Wrap steaks in plastic wrap and place in the fridge for a few hours for optimum seasoning penetration.
- In a saucepan over low heat, melt the butter and whisk continually. Add lemon juice and zest, garlic, dijon, and dry seasonings.
- Remove from heat and add chives and fresh parsley. Salt and pepper to taste.
- Spoon out a few tablespoons into a small bowl for use on the steaks as they grill. Set aside the remaining butter for slider buns.
- Preheat grill to medium-high with an indirect heat zone. Remove steaks from the fridge and allow them to rest at room temp for 30 minutes.
- Cook steaks over direct heat for about 2-3 minutes per side. Brush both sides with cowboy butter as they cook.
- After 5-6 minutes of total cook time, move steaks to indirect heat until desired temperature is reached.
- Remove and allow steaks to rest on a plate with tented foil for 10 minutes before slicing.
- Place a cast iron skillet on the grill over direct heat. Add a few tablespoons of butter, then add the sliced onions. Cook until caramelized, about 15 minutes.
- Preheat oven to broil. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Separate the sliders and brush the inside of the slider buns with remaining cowboy butter. Add havarti cheese and grilled onions to the buns.
- Place sliced steak on the bottom buns. Broil for 1-2 minutes or until cheese melts. Place the top sliders over the steak, slice and enjoy!
