Cowboy Butter Steak Sliders

I absolutely love these Cowboy Butter Steak Sliders because they combine tender, juicy steak, melted cheese, and a bold, garlicky cowboy butter sauce — all packed into perfectly toasted slider buns. It’s the kind of recipe that feels indulgent yet easy enough to throw together for game day, family gatherings, or an impressive weekend dinner.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this dish because it’s all about big flavor in a small package. The cowboy butter — a mix of butter, garlic, lemon, herbs, and spices — adds a zesty kick that perfectly complements the savory steak and melted Havarti. These sliders strike that perfect balance of rich, buttery, and slightly spicy, and they’re as fun to make as they are to eat. Plus, they’re ideal for sharing — though I usually end up keeping a few for myself.

Ingredients

(Note: All ingredient amounts are listed in the recipe card below.)

FOR THE SLIDERS
▢ 1½ pounds boneless steak such as 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
▢ ¾ pound sliced Havarti cheese

FOR THE COWBOY BUTTER
▢ 1 stick unsalted butter, at room temperature
▢ 4 garlic cloves, minced
▢ ½ lemon, zested and juiced
▢ 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
▢ 1 teaspoon paprika
▢ ½ teaspoon cayenne
▢ ½ 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 Cowboy Butter: In a small bowl, combine the softened butter with minced garlic, lemon zest and juice, Dijon mustard, paprika, cayenne, thyme, red pepper flakes, minced chives, parsley, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix well until everything is evenly incorporated. Set aside — I sometimes refrigerate it for a few minutes so it firms up slightly.
2. Cook the Onions: Heat a drizzle of neutral oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced onions and a pinch of salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onions become soft and caramelized — about 15–20 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
3. Cook the Steak: Pat the steak dry and season both sides generously with kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper.
   • Heat a cast-iron skillet or grill pan over high heat with a bit of oil.
   • Sear the steak for about 2–3 minutes per side for medium-rare (or longer if you prefer).
   • Once cooked, transfer to a cutting board and let rest for 5–10 minutes before slicing thinly against the grain.
4. Assemble the Sliders:
   • Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
   • Slice the slider buns in half horizontally and place the bottoms on a baking sheet or baking dish.
   • Layer with slices of Havarti cheese, followed by the sliced steak and caramelized onions. Top with another layer of cheese, then place the top halves of the buns on.
5. Brush with Cowboy Butter: Melt a few tablespoons of the prepared cowboy butter (reserving some for serving) and brush it generously over the tops of the buns.
6. Bake the Sliders: Cover loosely with foil and bake for about 10–12 minutes, or until the cheese has melted and the sliders are heated through. Remove the foil and bake uncovered for an additional 3–5 minutes to toast the tops.
7. Serve: Brush again with a little warm cowboy butter for extra flavor. Slice apart and serve hot, with remaining cowboy butter on the side for dipping.

Servings and Timing

This recipe makes about 9 sliders, perfect for 4–6 servings.
Prep time: around 20 minutes.
Cook time: about 25–30 minutes.
Total time: approximately 45–50 minutes.

Variations

• I sometimes use provolone or white cheddar instead of Havarti for a sharper cheese flavor.
• For extra heat, I add a few dashes of hot sauce or increase the cayenne in the cowboy butter.
• I can swap steak for thinly sliced roast beef or even grilled chicken for a different twist.
• To make it more indulgent, I spread a little cowboy butter on both sides of the buns before assembling.
• For a smoky flavor, I grill the steak outdoors and toast the buns briefly on the grill before assembly.

Storage/Reheating

I store leftover sliders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, I wrap them in foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, or until warmed through. If I’m reheating just one or two, I use the toaster oven for a few minutes to keep the buns crisp.
The cowboy butter can be stored separately in the fridge for up to a week, or frozen for later use — I often make extra to use on vegetables, seafood, or grilled corn.

FAQs

What cut of steak works best for sliders?

I prefer ribeye or sirloin because they’re tender and flavorful, but filet or New York strip also work great.

Can I make the cowboy butter ahead of time?

Yes — I often make it a day or two in advance. It keeps well in the fridge and the flavors deepen over time.

Do I need to caramelize the onions?

I highly recommend it — the sweet onions balance the spicy butter and savory steak perfectly.

Can I grill the steak instead of pan-searing it?

Absolutely. Grilling adds a smoky depth that pairs beautifully with the buttery sauce.

How do I keep the sliders from getting soggy?

I make sure to layer cheese under and over the steak — it creates a barrier that helps keep the bread from soaking up too much juice.

What can I serve alongside these sliders?

I like to serve them with fries, roasted potatoes, or a fresh green salad for contrast.

Can I use pre-sliced deli steak?

Yes, it works in a pinch, though freshly cooked steak gives the best texture and flavor.

How spicy is the cowboy butter?

It has a mild kick from the cayenne and red pepper flakes, but I can easily adjust the heat by adding more or less.

Can I double this recipe for a party?

Definitely! I just use a larger baking dish or a sheet pan and double all the ingredients — they bake beautifully in bulk.

What else can I use cowboy butter for?

It’s fantastic on grilled shrimp, chicken, corn on the cob, vegetables, or even as a dip for bread — I like to keep a batch on hand all the time.

Conclusion

I feel these Cowboy Butter Steak Sliders are an unbeatable combination of juicy steak, melty cheese, and bold, buttery flavor. They’re simple to make, crowd-pleasing, and adaptable for any occasion — from casual get-togethers to indulgent dinners. Every bite bursts with savory richness and a hint of spice, making them a must-try recipe for any steak lover.

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