Name: Cowboy Butter Dipping Sauce
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 10 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: ½ cup unsalted butter; 3 garlic cloves, minced or grated; 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard; 1 tablespoon lemon juice; 1 teaspoon lemon zest; ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (or more to taste); ¼ teaspoon paprika; 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped; 1 tablespoon fresh chives, chopped; Salt and black pepper, to taste; Optional: ½ teaspoon thyme, tarragon, or rosemary, finely chopped

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Cowboy Butter Dipping Sauce is one of those bold, flavor-packed condiments I keep coming back to. It’s rich, garlicky, slightly spicy, and loaded with herbs and citrus—perfect for dipping everything from steak to bread to roasted veggies. I love how quickly it comes together and how it instantly elevates any dish.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how this sauce is ridiculously easy to make and yet so full of character. It’s buttery and indulgent with layers of flavor from fresh herbs, garlic, Dijon, and lemon. It’s versatile too—I serve it as a dipping sauce, use it to brush over grilled meats, or drizzle it over roasted vegetables. It’s my secret weapon for adding a restaurant-level touch to any meal.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Unsalted butter
Garlic cloves, minced or grated
Dijon mustard
Lemon juice and zest
Red pepper flakes
Paprika
Fresh parsley, chopped
Fresh chives, chopped
Salt and black pepper
Optional: thyme, tarragon, or rosemary for added herb depth

Directions

I melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat.
I stir in the garlic and cook for about 1 minute, just until fragrant—not browned.
I remove the pan from heat and whisk in the Dijon mustard, lemon juice, lemon zest, red pepper flakes, and paprika.
I stir in the chopped herbs, then season with salt and pepper to taste.
I pour the sauce into a small bowl and serve warm as a dip or drizzle.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about ¾ cup of sauce, enough for 4–6 servings, and takes only 10 minutes from start to finish.

Variations

I make it spicy by adding extra red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne.
I swap lemon for lime for a different citrusy twist.
I add grated Parmesan or a spoonful of horseradish for extra bite.
Sometimes I use ghee instead of butter for a richer, nutty flavor.

Storage/Reheating

I store any leftover sauce in a sealed jar in the fridge for up to 5 days. When I want to use it again, I reheat it gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until melted and warm—stirring to recombine any separated ingredients.

FAQs

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, I often make it earlier in the day and reheat it just before serving. It stores well in the fridge.

What do I serve with cowboy butter?

I love it with grilled steak, shrimp, chicken, or crusty bread. It’s also great on potatoes, corn, or even pasta.

Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh?

Fresh herbs are best for brightness, but in a pinch, I use dried—just in smaller quantities since they’re more potent.

Is it spicy?

It has a mild kick from the red pepper flakes, but I adjust that depending on who I’m serving. I can always add more if I want more heat.

Can I use plant-based butter?

Absolutely. I’ve made this with vegan butter and it still tastes incredible.

Conclusion

Cowboy Butter Dipping Sauce is the kind of recipe that turns a simple meal into something crave-worthy. Whether I’m grilling, roasting, or just slicing up a baguette, this bold, buttery sauce never fails to impress. It’s quick, flexible, and always a hit on the table.