This savory, zesty, and slightly spicy Cowboy Butter Seasoning blend combines bold ingredients like garlic, herbs, lemon, and a touch of heat to create a taste sensation you won’t forget. It’s inspired by the famous cowboy butter that’s been a favorite of grilling enthusiasts everywhere—and it’s about to become your go-to seasoning for just about everything.
Table of Contents
How to make Cowboy Butter Seasoning
Cowboy Butter Seasoning is a dry seasoning blend inspired by cowboy butter, a compound butter used to enhance meats, seafood, veggies, bread, and more.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients:
- Garlic Powder – 2 tablespoons
- Onion Powder – 1 tablespoon
- Smoked Paprika (or Regular Paprika) – 1 tablespoon
- Red Pepper Flakes – 1 teaspoon (adjust to taste)
- Salt – 1½ teaspoons
- Ground Black Pepper – 1 teaspoon
- Dried Parsley or Chopped Fresh Parsley – 1 tablespoon
- Dried Dill – ½ teaspoon
- Lemon Zest (dried or fresh) – 1 teaspoon
Optional Wet Ingredients (if turning it into a paste or compound butter):
- Melted Butter (unsalted) – ½ cup (if combining with wet ingredients)
- Dijon Mustard – 1 teaspoon
Instructions
For a Dry Cowboy Butter Seasoning Mix (Longer Shelf Life):
- Measure the Ingredients: Gather all your dry ingredients and measure them precisely to maintain a balanced taste.
- Combine: Mix all the dry ingredients in a small bowl until thoroughly combined. Make sure the spices are evenly distributed.
- Store: Transfer your Cowboy Butter Seasoning mix into an airtight spice jar or container. Store it in a cool, dark place to keep it fresh for up to 3 months.
- Shake Before Each Use: The spices might settle over time, so give the jar a good shake before sprinkling it over your food.
For a Fresh Cowboy Butter Paste or Sauce:
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Melt the unsalted butter and mix in 2-3 tablespoons of your prepared Cowboy Butter Seasoning. Add Dijon mustard and stir until combined.
- Optional Extras: For extra brightness, squeeze in a bit of fresh lemon juice or add freshly minced garlic.
- Use Immediately: Brush it over grilled meats, use it as a dipping sauce, or toss it with roasted vegetables for an indulgent flavor boost.
Tips for Making the Best Cowboy Butter Seasoning
- Customizing the Heat: Like it spicy? Increase the red pepper flakes to 2 teaspoons, or replace them with cayenne pepper for extra heat. Prefer it milder? You can omit the heat entirely.
- Fresh vs. Dried: Fresh herbs and lemon zest are great if you’re using the seasoning immediately, but stick to dried versions for a longer shelf life.
- Double the Batch: This seasoning is so versatile that you’ll find yourself reaching for it all the time. Go ahead and double or triple the batch for convenience!
- Creative Uses: Sprinkle over popcorn, roasted potatoes, or even eggs for a burst of flavor. It also makes a fantastic rub for grilling chicken, beef, or seafood.
Final Thoughts
Cowboy Butter Seasoning is a simple yet powerful blend of spices and herbs that can take your cooking to the next level.
More Seasoning Recipes:
- Chimichurri Seasoning Recipe
- Cherry Powder Recipe
- Homemade Dan O’s Seasoning Recipe
- Copycat Dan O’s Cheesoning Seasoning Recipe
- Chipotle Chicken Seasoning Recipe

Ingredients
Dry Ingredients:
- Garlic Powder – 2 tablespoons
- Onion Powder – 1 tablespoon
- Smoked Paprika – 1 tablespoon
- Red Pepper Flakes – 1 teaspoon
- Salt – 1½ teaspoons
- Ground Black Pepper – 1 teaspoon
- Dried Parsley – 1 tablespoon
- Dried Dill – ½ teaspoon
- Lemon Zest – 1 teaspoon
Optional Wet IngredientsÂ
- Melted Butter (unsalted) – ½ cup
- Dijon Mustard – 1 teaspoon
Instructions
For a Dry Cowboy Butter Seasoning Mix (Longer Shelf Life):
- Measure the Ingredients: Gather all your dry ingredients and measure them precisely to maintain a balanced taste.
- Combine: Mix all the dry ingredients in a small bowl until thoroughly combined. Make sure the spices are evenly distributed.
- Store: Transfer your Cowboy Butter Seasoning mix into an airtight spice jar or container. Store it in a cool, dark place to keep it fresh for up to 3 months.
- Shake Before Each Use: The spices might settle over time, so give the jar a good shake before sprinkling it over your food.
For a Fresh Cowboy Butter Paste or Sauce:
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Melt the unsalted butter and mix in 2-3 tablespoons of your prepared Cowboy Butter Seasoning. Add Dijon mustard and stir until combined.
- Optional Extras: For extra brightness, squeeze in a bit of fresh lemon juice or add freshly minced garlic.
- Use Immediately: Brush it over grilled meats, use it as a dipping sauce, or toss it with roasted vegetables for an indulgent flavor boost.