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Cowboy Butter Steak Sliders Recipe

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4.3 from 52 reviews

These Cowboy Butter Steak Sliders combine juicy, perfectly grilled ribeye steak with rich, flavorful cowboy butter and sweet caramelized onions, all nestled in soft havarti cheese-topped slider buns. An irresistible combination of smoky, savory, and tangy flavors, perfect for entertaining or casual gatherings.

Ingredients

Steak and Seasonings

  • 1 1/2 pounds boneless steak such as ribeye, filet, or sirloin
  • Neutral oil, as needed
  • Kosher salt, to taste
  • Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste

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 pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • 1 tablespoon chives, minced
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, minced
  • Kosher salt and black pepper, to taste

Other

  • 3 sweet onions, thinly sliced
  • 9 slider buns
  • 3/4 pound sliced Havarti cheese
  • Butter, a few tablespoons for caramelizing onions

Instructions

  1. Prepare Steaks: Trim any excess fat and silver skin from the steaks. Rub them all over with neutral oil and season generously with kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper. For thicker cuts, use more seasoning. Wrap the steaks tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for a few hours to allow the seasoning to penetrate thoroughly.
  2. Make Cowboy Butter: In a small saucepan over low heat, gently melt the room temperature unsalted butter while whisking continuously. Stir in the lemon juice and zest, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, paprika, cayenne, dried thyme, and red pepper flakes. Remove from heat and fold in the minced chives and fresh parsley. Season with kosher salt and black pepper to taste. Set aside a few tablespoons in a small bowl for brushing the steaks during grilling; keep the remainder for the slider buns.
  3. Cook Steaks: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat with a designated indirect heat zone. Remove the steaks from the fridge and let them come to room temperature for about 30 minutes. Grill the steaks over direct heat for 2–3 minutes per side, avoiding charring. If flare-ups occur, move the steaks to the indirect heat zone until flames subside. Brush both sides of the steaks with the prepared cowboy butter throughout cooking. After about 5–6 minutes of total direct heat cooking, transfer the steaks to the indirect heat side and continue cooking to the desired internal temperature. Remove the steaks from the grill and let them rest under tented foil for 10 minutes before slicing.
  4. Caramelize Onions: Place a cast iron skillet on the grill over direct heat. Add a few tablespoons of butter to the skillet. Once melted, add the thinly sliced sweet onions and cook, stirring occasionally, until deeply caramelized and soft, roughly 15 minutes.
  5. Prepare and Assemble Sliders: Preheat the oven to broil and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Separate the slider buns and brush the insides generously with the remaining cowboy butter. Place slices of Havarti cheese on both the top and bottom buns. Add a generous layer of the caramelized onions on the bottom buns. Slice the rested steak into strips and distribute a few strips onto each bottom bun. Place the buns on the prepared baking sheet and broil for 1–2 minutes, or until the cheese just begins to melt. Finally, cap with the top buns, slice as desired, and serve immediately while warm.

Notes

  • For the best flavor, allow the steaks to sit seasoned in the fridge for several hours or overnight.
  • Use a meat thermometer to ensure steaks are cooked to your preferred doneness (medium-rare 130-135°F, medium 135-145°F).
  • If you don't have a grill, use a cast-iron skillet on the stovetop to sear the steaks and caramelize the onions.
  • The slider buns can be toasted lightly before assembling for added texture.
  • Adjust cayenne and red pepper flakes quantity to control heat level in the cowboy butter.
  • Havarti cheese provides a mild, creamy flavor but can be swapped for other cheeses like provolone or cheddar if preferred.

Find it online: https://recipethrive.com/cowboy-butter-steak-sliders-recipe/