Cowboy Butter Steak Sliders are a mouthwatering combination of perfectly grilled steak, rich caramelized onions, and the zesty, herby goodness of cowboy butter—all nestled between soft, cheesy slider buns. Whether you’re hosting a party or enjoying a cozy night in, these sliders are an indulgent treat that will leave everyone wanting more.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These sliders offer a perfect balance of flavors and textures. The smoky, tender steak is complemented by the sweetness of the caramelized onions, and the decadent cowboy butter brings everything together with its bold, garlicky, and herby kick. The havarti cheese adds a creamy finish, while the slider buns soak up all the delicious flavors. With simple steps and a few key ingredients, these sliders are sure to impress anyone at your table! Cowboy Butter Steak Sliders

Ingredients

For the Sliders:

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
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

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Prepare the Steaks:

Trim excess fat and silver skin from the steaks if needed. Rub the steaks with neutral oil, then season with kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper.
Wrap the steaks in plastic wrap and refrigerate for a few hours for optimal seasoning.

Make the Cowboy Butter:

In a saucepan over low heat, melt the butter, whisking continually.
Add the lemon juice and zest, garlic, dijon mustard, paprika, cayenne, thyme, and red pepper flakes. Stir well and remove from heat.
Stir in the chives and parsley, then season with kosher salt and pepper to taste.
Spoon out a few tablespoons of the cowboy butter into a small bowl for use on the steaks as they grill. Set aside the remaining butter for the slider buns.

Cook the Steaks:

Preheat the grill to medium-high heat with an indirect heat zone. Allow the steaks to rest at room temperature for 30 minutes.
Grill the steaks over direct heat for about 2-3 minutes per side. If high flames appear, move the steaks to indirect heat until the flames subside. Brush both sides with cowboy butter while cooking.
After 5-6 minutes of total cook time, move the steaks to indirect heat until they reach your desired level of doneness.
Remove the steaks and let them rest for 10 minutes under tented foil before slicing.

Caramelize the Onions:

Place a cast iron skillet on the grill over direct heat. Add a few tablespoons of butter.
Once the butter melts, add the sliced onions. Cook for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions are golden brown and caramelized.

Assemble the Sliders:

Preheat the oven to broil and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Brush the inside of the slider buns with the remaining cowboy butter. Place a slice of havarti cheese on the top and bottom buns.
Layer the grilled caramelized onions onto the bottom buns, then add a few strips of sliced steak.
Broil the sliders for 1-2 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Top with the top buns, slice, and enjoy!

Servings and Timing

Servings: 4 servings
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes

Variations

Cheese Options: While havarti is delicious, you can experiment with other cheeses such as cheddar, Swiss, or provolone for a different flavor profile.
Grilled Veggies: Add grilled mushrooms, bell peppers, or arugula for extra layers of flavor and texture.
Spicy Kick: If you like heat, add a few slices of fresh jalapeños to the sliders before broiling.
Herb Alternatives: Swap out the parsley and chives in the cowboy butter for fresh thyme or rosemary for a different herbaceous twist.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Leftover steak sliders can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes, or until the buns are toasted and the steak is warmed through.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of steak for these sliders?

Yes, you can use other cuts of steak, such as flank steak, New York strip, or porterhouse, depending on your preference. Just adjust the cooking time to ensure the steak reaches your desired level of doneness.

2. Can I make cowboy butter ahead of time?

Yes, cowboy butter can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Just allow it to come to room temperature before using it on the buns or steak.

3. Can I use store-bought slider buns?

Yes, store-bought slider buns work perfectly for this recipe. You can choose from regular or whole wheat buns, or even try brioche for a richer flavor.

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

Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the steak: 120°F for rare, 130°F for medium-rare, 140°F for medium, and 150°F for well-done. Remember that the steak will continue to cook as it rests.

5. Can I use a grill pan instead of an outdoor grill?

Yes, a grill pan on the stovetop works well for cooking the steaks. Just preheat it over medium-high heat and follow the same instructions for grilling.

6. Can I prepare the steak in advance?

While it’s best to grill the steak fresh, you can prepare the steak up to 1 day ahead by grilling it, then storing it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to slice and assemble the sliders.

7. Can I make these sliders without cheese?

Absolutely! If you prefer dairy-free sliders, simply leave out the cheese or use a dairy-free alternative.

8. How do I caramelize the onions faster?

If you’re in a hurry, you can speed up the caramelization process by cooking the onions over higher heat and stirring more frequently. However, low and slow is the best method for achieving that rich, sweet flavor.

9. Can I make these sliders without grilling?

Yes, you can cook the steak and caramelize the onions in a cast-iron skillet on the stovetop. You can also toast the buns in the oven instead of broiling them.

10. Can I add other toppings to the sliders?

Feel free to add other toppings like pickles, arugula, or a drizzle of barbecue sauce for extra flavor.

Conclusion

Cowboy Butter Steak Sliders are the ultimate indulgence, combining the richness of steak, the sweetness of caramelized onions, and the zesty freshness of cowboy butter. Whether you’re grilling for a crowd or preparing a special treat for yourself, these sliders are sure to impress. With a perfect balance of bold flavors and textures, they’re a delicious, fun, and satisfying meal everyone will love!