These Cowboy Butter Steak Sliders are mini sandwiches packed with juicy steak and a buttery, zesty spread that will make your taste buds dance! Perfect for a party or a cozy dinner.
Every bite is a tasty adventure! I love serving them with crispy fries on the side. And trust me, you might want to hide a few for yourself—they’re that good! 😉
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Steak: Flank steak or sirloin works great! If you want to switch it up, try roast beef or even grilled chicken for a different flavor. Sometimes, I even use leftover steak for this recipe to save time!
Slider Buns: I love using Hawaiian rolls for their sweetness. But feel free to swap with dinner rolls or even whole wheat buns if looking for a healthier choice. Just ensure they’re soft and fluffy!
Mozzarella Cheese: Shredded mozzarella adds a nice gooey texture. You could also use provolone for a sharper bite, or mix in cheddar for an extra cheesy experience. Remember, cheese can make or break a slider!
Cowboy Butter: The cowboy butter is essential for flavor. If you’re out of some ingredients, try substituting fresh herbs with dried ones, or use mayonnaise instead of butter for a lighter option. It’s all about making it your own!
How Do I Caramelize Onions Perfectly?
Caramelizing onions adds a sweet depth that makes your sliders irresistible. The key is patience. Here’s how to do it:
- Start with medium heat to avoid burning.
- Add a pinch of salt right away to draw out moisture.
- Stir occasionally, letting them cook for about 10-15 minutes until golden brown. The longer they cook, the sweeter they get!
If you want to speed it up, try using a splash of broth or sugar to motivate the caramelization without compromising the flavor!
How to Make Cowboy Butter Steak Sliders?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Sliders:
- 1 lb cooked steak (such as flank steak or sirloin), sliced thin
- 12 slider buns (such as Hawaiian or dinner rolls)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup cowboy butter (see below for the recipe)
- 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Cowboy Butter:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tablespoon garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for a spicy kick)
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 20 minutes of prep time and about 25-30 minutes to cook, for a total of approximately 50-55 minutes from start to finish. You’ll spend some time mixing the cowboy butter and caramelizing the onions, but the rest is simple assembly and baking!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Cowboy Butter:
In a bowl, blend the softened butter with chopped parsley, garlic, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper. Mix well until everything is combined and creamy. Set this delicious cowboy butter aside; it’s going to make your sliders amazing!
2. Caramelize the Onions:
Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced onion and a pinch of salt. Stir occasionally as the onions cook until they turn soft and caramelized, which should take about 10-15 minutes. When they’re golden and sweet, take them off the heat.
3. Toast the Buns:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Slice the slider buns in half and place the bottom halves on a baking sheet. Spread a generous layer of cowboy butter on each of the bottom buns to start creating those flavorful layers.
4. Assemble the Sliders:
On each bun, layer on some of the sliced steak, followed by a good scoop of caramelized onions, and finish with a sprinkle of shredded mozzarella cheese. Place the top halves of the buns over the sliders and spread another layer of cowboy butter on top. Yum!
5. Bake the Sliders:
Cover the assembled sliders with aluminum foil and pop them in the preheated oven for about 15 minutes, or until the cheese is all melted and gooey. After that, take off the foil and bake for an extra 5 minutes to give the tops a nice, crispy finish.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Once they’re out of the oven, let them cool slightly. Garnish with some chopped parsley for a fresh touch, then serve warm. Enjoy your Cowboy Butter Steak Sliders—perfect for sharing!
Can I Use Different Types of Meat for These Sliders?
Absolutely! While flank steak or sirloin works great, you can use any cooked meat you prefer, such as roast beef, chicken, or even pulled pork. Just make sure to slice it thinly so it fits well on the slider buns.
What If I Don’t Have All the Ingredients for Cowboy Butter?
No worries! You can create a simplified version of cowboy butter by mixing softened butter with just garlic and a pinch of salt. If you want to jazz it up, you can add lemon juice or hot sauce for some extra flavor.
How to Store Leftover Sliders?
Store any leftover sliders in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, wrap them in foil and place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through. This helps keep the buns soft!
Can I Prepare Cowboy Butter in Advance?
Definitely! You can make cowboy butter up to a week in advance. Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge. Let it come to room temperature before using it to spread easily on the buns.
