Cowboy Butter Steak Sliders

These Cowboy Butter Steak Sliders are a juicy, flavorful sandwich packed with tender steak, melted Havarti cheese, and zesty cowboy butter. The cowboy butter is infused with fresh garlic, lemon zest, and a hint of heat from cayenne and red pepper flakes. Whether grilled or cooked in a skillet, these sliders are the ultimate handheld indulgence! Perfect for game day, parties, or a cozy dinner at home, these sliders are sure to impress with their savory, melt-in-your-mouth goodness.

Full Recipe: 

Ingredients

For the Sliders:

  • 1 1/2 pounds boneless steak (ribeye, filet, sirloin)

  • Neutral oil (for searing)

  • Kosher salt and 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 (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)

Directions

  1. Prepare the Steaks:

    • Trim excess fat and silver skin from the steaks. Rub with oil and season generously with salt and pepper. Wrap in plastic and refrigerate for a few hours.

  2. Make the Cowboy Butter:

    • In a saucepan over low heat, melt the butter and whisk in lemon juice and zest, garlic, Dijon, paprika, cayenne, thyme, and red pepper flakes. Remove from heat and stir in chives and parsley. Set aside a few tablespoons for the steaks, and reserve the rest for the buns.

  3. Cook the Steaks:

    • Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Remove steaks from the fridge and let rest at room temperature for 30 minutes. Grill steaks for 2-3 minutes per side, then baste with cowboy butter as they cook. Move the steaks to indirect heat to finish cooking to your desired doneness. Let the steaks rest for 10 minutes before slicing thinly.

  4. Caramelize the Onions:

    • In a cast iron skillet, add butter and cook onions over direct heat for about 15 minutes until caramelized, stirring occasionally.

  5. Assemble the Sliders:

    • Preheat the oven to broil. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Brush the inside of the buns with remaining cowboy butter. Place Havarti cheese on the top and bottom buns, followed by caramelized onions on the bottom. Add sliced steak strips, then broil for 1-2 minutes until the cheese melts.

  6. Serve:

    • Serve the sliders immediately while warm.

Nutrients (per serving)

  • Calories: 470 kcal

  • Carbohydrates: 33g

  • Protein: 29g

  • Fat: 32g

  • Saturated Fat: 14g

  • Cholesterol: 90mg

  • Sodium: 695mg

  • Potassium: 435mg

  • Fiber: 2g

  • Sugar: 4g

  • Vitamin A: 550 IU

  • Vitamin C: 4mg

  • Calcium: 184mg

  • Iron: 2mg

Building Layers of Flavor: Havarti Cheese and Caramelized Onions

Another key element in these sliders is the melted Havarti cheese, which adds creaminess and richness to the dish. Havarti is a semi-soft cheese with a mild, buttery flavor that pairs perfectly with the boldness of the steak and cowboy butter. As the sliders bake and the cheese melts, it creates a smooth, gooey layer that binds the ingredients together and adds a delightful contrast to the caramelized onions.

Speaking of onions, the caramelized onions in these sliders are another standout feature. Slowly cooked in butter until golden and sweet, these onions provide a rich, savory depth of flavor that balances the richness of the steak and cheese. The slow caramelization process brings out the natural sugars in the onions, creating a sweet and savory component that perfectly complements the other ingredients. These onions, combined with the juicy steak and melted cheese, create a savory base that makes each bite of the slider mouthwatering.

Grilling the Steak: Achieving Perfect Doneness

Grilling the steak to the perfect doneness is essential for achieving the ideal texture and flavor in these sliders. Whether using a grill or a skillet, the key is to cook the steak quickly over high heat to develop a flavorful sear while keeping the inside tender and juicy. The grilling process should take just a few minutes per side, followed by basting the steak with the cowboy butter to infuse it with flavor as it cooks.

Once the steak has reached the desired doneness, it should be removed from the grill and allowed to rest for a few minutes before slicing. Resting the steak allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring the meat remains tender and juicy. After resting, the steak is thinly sliced against the grain, which enhances its tenderness and makes it perfect for layering in the sliders.

The Importance of the Sliders’ Assembly

When assembling the Cowboy Butter Steak Sliders, every detail counts. The slider buns play a crucial role in holding all the ingredients together while providing a soft, pillowy texture. The buns should be lightly toasted or broiled, which helps them hold up to the juicy filling without becoming soggy. Brushing the inside of the buns with some of the leftover cowboy butter before toasting them adds an extra layer of flavor, ensuring that every bite is packed with savory goodness.

After the buns are toasted, a layer of Havarti cheese is placed on both the top and bottom buns. The cheese will melt during broiling, forming a delicious, gooey layer that binds everything together. The caramelized onions are then added to the bottom bun, followed by the thinly sliced steak. The steak is generously drizzled with the remaining cowboy butter, allowing the flavorful sauce to soak into the meat and the bread.

The final step is broiling the assembled sliders for just a couple of minutes, allowing the cheese to melt and the ingredients to come together perfectly. This quick broiling step ensures the sliders are warm and the cheese is melted, creating a deliciously gooey, savory bite.

A Versatile Dish for Any Occasion

These Cowboy Butter Steak Sliders are incredibly versatile and can be served for a variety of occasions. Whether you’re serving them at a casual dinner with family or as part of a larger spread at a party, they’re sure to be a hit. The sliders are a great option for game day or any event where handheld appetizers are needed. Their combination of savory steak, creamy cheese, and tangy butter makes them perfect for a crowd.

Additionally, these sliders are easy to customize based on your preferences. If you like things spicy, you can add more jalapeños or a few extra dashes of cayenne to the cowboy butter. You can also experiment with different types of cheese, such as sharp cheddar or provolone, to suit your taste. The slider buns themselves can be swapped out for different types, like brioche or pretzel buns, depending on the flavor profile you’re going for.

Pairing Cowboy Butter Steak Sliders with Sides

These sliders are rich and indulgent on their own, but they also pair well with a variety of sides. For a balanced meal, serve the sliders with fresh vegetables or a light salad. A simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette or roasted vegetables would complement the richness of the steak and cowboy butter.

For a more hearty pairing, serve the sliders with crispy fries or onion rings. The crunchiness of the fries or rings provides a satisfying contrast to the soft buns and gooey cheese, while also adding an extra layer of flavor. For a more indulgent side, you can also serve the sliders with creamy mashed potatoes or a savory potato salad.

Why Cowboy Butter Steak Sliders Are a Must-Try

Cowboy Butter Steak Sliders are a must-try for anyone who loves rich, flavorful sandwiches. The combination of tender steak, creamy Havarti cheese, and zesty cowboy butter creates a perfect balance of savory, spicy, and tangy flavors. The crispy slider buns, caramelized onions, and melted cheese add depth and richness to the dish, making it a satisfying meal or snack that’s sure to please a crowd.

The versatility of these sliders, combined with their ease of preparation, makes them a great choice for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a party, enjoying a casual meal with family, or looking for a delicious handheld snack, these Cowboy Butter Steak Sliders deliver on all fronts. With their juicy steak, flavorful cowboy butter, and melted cheese, these sliders are an indulgence that you’ll want to make again and again.

Conclusion: An Indulgent and Flavorful Sandwich Experience

In conclusion, Cowboy Butter Steak Sliders offer an indulgent, savory experience with every bite. The combination of tender steak, zesty cowboy butter, creamy cheese, and caramelized onions makes these sliders irresistible. They’re a perfect handheld treat for any occasion, whether you’re hosting a gathering, preparing a special meal for your family, or simply craving a delicious, savory sandwich. The rich, melt-in-your-mouth goodness of these sliders will leave everyone asking for more, making them a new favorite in your recipe collection. Try these sliders today, and enjoy the mouthwatering flavors that come with every bite.

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