Cowboy Butter Steak Sliders

Introduction

There’s something undeniably satisfying about a great slider, especially when it’s packed with juicy steak, gooey cheese, and a flavor-packed butter that takes it over the top. Recently, I decided to whip up Cowboy Butter Steak Sliders for a family gathering, and the reaction was nothing short of euphoric. The combination of savory steak, caramelized onions, and the rich, zesty cowboy butter made these sliders an instant hit. My family couldn’t get enough, and I was thrilled to share such a delicious recipe that’s perfect for gatherings or a cozy night in.

Ingredients

For the Sliders:

• 1 1/2 lbs boneless steak (ribeye, filet, or 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 lb sliced Havarti cheese

For the Cowboy Butter:

• 1 stick unsalted butter, at room temperature
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• Zest and juice of 1/2 lemon
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
• 1/2 tsp dried thyme
• 1 tsp red pepper flakes
• 1 tbsp chives, minced
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, minced
• Kosher salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

Prepare the Steaks

1. Trim excess fat and silver skin from the steaks. Rub them with a neutral oil and season generously with kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper.
2. Wrap the seasoned steaks in plastic wrap and refrigerate for a few hours, allowing the flavors to meld.

Make the Cowboy Butter

1. Melt the stick of unsalted butter in a saucepan over low heat.
2. Add the lemon juice and zest, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, and all dry seasonings (paprika, cayenne, thyme, and red pepper flakes). Whisk until well combined.
3. Remove from heat and fold in the minced chives and parsley. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Set aside a few tablespoons of this cowboy butter for grilling, and reserve the rest for brushing on the slider buns.

Cook the Steak

1. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat, creating an indirect heat zone.
2. Allow the steaks to sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes.
3. Grill the steaks over direct heat for about 2-3 minutes per side, brushing them with cowboy butter as they cook.
4. After 5-6 minutes, move the steaks to the indirect heat zone until they reach your desired doneness.
5. Let the steaks rest under tented foil for about 10 minutes before slicing them into strips.

Caramelize the Onions

1. Place a cast iron skillet on the grill over direct heat.
2. Add a few tablespoons of butter to the skillet, then add the sliced sweet onions.
3. Cook the onions, stirring occasionally, for about 15 minutes until they are beautifully caramelized and golden brown.

Assemble the Sliders

1. Preheat your oven to broil and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Separate the slider buns and brush the insides generously with the remaining cowboy butter.
3. Place sliced Havarti cheese on both sides of the buns, then layer the caramelized onions on the bottom buns.
4. Add the sliced steak on top of the onions and broil for 1-2 minutes until the cheese melts and is bubbly.
5. Top with the other half of the buns, slice, and serve warm.

Nutrition Facts

• Servings: 9 sliders
• Calories: Approximately 450 calories per slider
• Total Fat: 27g
• Saturated Fat: 15g
• Cholesterol: 75mg
• Sodium: 680mg
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 3g
• Protein: 20g

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 30 minutes (plus marinating time)
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour

How to Serve

• Serve warm sliders on a platter with napkins.
• Offer extra cowboy butter on the side for dipping.
• Pair with side dishes like:
• Potato wedges
• Coleslaw
• Pickles
• Chips

Additional Tips

1. Choose Your Steak Wisely: Ribeye offers a great flavor and fat content, but filet mignon will give you a more tender bite.
2. Adjust the Spice Level: Modify the cayenne and red pepper flakes based on your heat tolerance.
3. Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh herbs in the cowboy butter elevate the flavor profile significantly.
4. Resting Time is Key: Always allow the steak to rest after grilling to keep it juicy.
5. Leftover Butter: The cowboy butter can be stored in the fridge for a week or frozen for future use.

Recipe Variations

• Cheese Alternatives: Try Swiss or pepper jack cheese for a different flavor profile.
• Vegetarian Option: Substitute steak with grilled portobello mushrooms and keep the cowboy butter for a flavorful experience.
• Different Buns: Experiment with different slider buns, like brioche or pretzel buns, for added flavor.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair with a robust red wine, like Cabernet Sauvignon, to complement the steak.
• Serve alongside a fresh salad for a balanced meal.
• Consider a light beer or cocktail for a fun gathering.

Freezing and Storage

• Leftovers: Store any leftover sliders in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: You can freeze cooked steak and caramelized onions separately for up to 2 months. Reheat before serving.

FAQ Section

1. Can I use frozen steak?

• Yes, but make sure to thaw it completely before cooking for even results.

1. What if I don’t have a grill?

• You can cook the steak in a skillet or broiler for similar results.

1. How do I know when my steak is done?

• Use a meat thermometer: 130°F for medium-rare, 140°F for medium, and 150°F for medium-well.

1. Can I prepare the cowboy butter ahead of time?

• Absolutely! Cowboy butter can be made a few days in advance and stored in the fridge.

1. What if I don’t have sweet onions?

• You can use yellow onions, but sweet onions provide a better flavor for caramelization.

1. Can I add other toppings?

• Yes! Feel free to add jalapeños, arugula, or a fried egg for extra toppings.

1. What kind of mustard can I use?

• You can use whole grain or spicy brown mustard if you prefer.

1. How do I reheat leftover sliders?

• Reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes until warmed through.

1. What can I serve with these sliders?

• Great side options include fries, onion rings, or a garden salad.

1. Can I make these sliders spicy?
   • Yes! Add more cayenne pepper or some hot sauce to the cowboy butter for extra heat.

Conclusion

Cowboy Butter Steak Sliders are a fantastic addition to any gathering, packed with flavor and sure to impress your guests. With the richness of the cowboy butter, the savory taste of the grilled steak, and the creamy Havarti cheese, these sliders will be a hit every time. Enjoy making these sliders for your next get-together, and watch as everyone comes back for seconds!

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