Roasted Garlic Cowboy Butter
Roasted Garlic Cowboy Butter is a rich, savory compound butter that blends sweet roasted garlic, fresh parsley, and a kick of red pepper flakes with bright lemon juice. It’s the perfect finishing touch for grilled steaks, crusty bread, or roasted vegetables.
Equipment
- Oven
- Small baking dish or sheet pan
- Aluminum foil
- Mixing bowl
- Fork or spatula
- Plastic wrap (optional)
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter softened
- 1 head garlic for roasting
- 2 tbsp fresh Italian flat-leaf parsley finely minced
- 1 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tsp extra virgin olive oil
- 0.5 tsp kosher salt
- 2 cloves garlic raw, finely minced
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Slice the top off the whole garlic head, drizzle with olive oil, and sprinkle with a pinch of salt. Wrap loosely in foil and roast for 30-35 minutes until soft and golden. Let cool slightly, then squeeze cloves into a bowl and mash.
- Place softened butter in a mixing bowl. Add the mashed roasted garlic, minced raw garlic, parsley, red pepper flakes, lemon juice, and kosher salt. Mix with a fork or spatula until evenly combined.
- Transfer to a serving dish or spoon onto plastic wrap and roll into a log. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour to firm up before slicing or serving.
Notes
Storage: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks. For longer storage, roll into a log, wrap in plastic and foil, and freeze for up to 3 months.
Reheating: This butter is best used cold or at room temperature. To soften quickly, slice off a portion and let it sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes.
Best Tips: Use high-quality European-style butter for the creamiest texture. Don't over-roast the garlic—it should be golden and soft, not browned or bitter. Let the flavors meld in the fridge for at least an hour before serving.
Variations: Swap parsley for chives or cilantro. Add smoked paprika for a smoky twist. Use lime juice instead of lemon for a brighter flavor. Mix in grated Parmesan for a cheesy upgrade.