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Cowboy Butter Steak Sliders Recipe | Juicy & Flavorful Appetizers

I just pulled cowboy butter steak sliders recipe out of the oven and let me tell you — I’m thrilled with how they turned out. I made them for a casual get-together, and the rich buttery flavor combined with juicy steak and melty cheese hit perfectly. The process was fun and not too complicated, so I felt confident trying this recipe.

I’m excited to share everything I learned so you can recreate it easily at home. Let’s dive into the details of this delicious slider recipe. You can also enjoy Hot Honey Chicken Slider Sandwich Recipe for a sweet and spicy alternative.

Ingredients

Here are all the ingredients you need, including helpful hints so your sliders come out great.
Note: Serves several (around 12 sliders).

2 pounds beef sirloin, trimmed of fat — I prefer sirloin because it’s tender yet cost-effective; you could also use ribeye or flank steak for more richness.
2 teaspoons kosher salt — using kosher ensures proper flavor and doesn’t overload the sliders.
2 teaspoons black pepper — fresh-ground gives the best steak crust.
3 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided — unsalted lets you control salt, and dividing means you’ll use some for onions and some for steak.
1 large yellow onion, cut in half and thinly sliced into half-moon shapes — yellow onions caramelize beautifully, giving sweet depth.
1 medium jalapeño pepper, sliced — I remove the seeds if I want just mild warmth, but you can leave them for extra kick.
1 cup (113 g) sharp cheddar cheese, shredded — sharp cheddar stands out nicely among rich flavors; Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack are good alternatives.
1 package (12-count) brioche slider rolls — brioche gives a soft, buttery bun; Hawaiian rolls or pretzel buns work too.
1 recipe cowboy butter, melted and divided — this special compound butter with herbs, cayenne and red pepper flakes brings everything to life. You may also love trying the Best Bourbon Chicken Recipe for a bold, flavorful chicken option.

Variations

Want to mix it up or accommodate dietary preferences? Here are some options:

For dairy-free: Use a plant-based butter in place of the unsalted butter and a dairy-free cheese. The cowboy butter concept still works with vegan butter plus herbs/spices.
For a lower-heat version: Skip the jalapeño seeds or swap the jalapeño completely for thin-sliced bell pepper.
For extra flavor: Add a smoky chipotle powder into the cowboy butter, or top the sliders with pickled red onions for tang.
For increased protein: Mix in thin slices of smoked brisket along with the steak for a heartier slider.
For a gluten-free bun option: Use gluten-free slider rolls or even lettuce wraps for a lighter version.

Cooking Time

Here are the times you’ll need:

Prep Time: 10 minutes (for seasoning, slicing, prepping onions)
Cooking Time: 55 minutes (includes skillet work + oven bake)
Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes (including resting time)

Equipment You Need

9×13-inch baking dish — for assembling and baking the sliders.
Large non-stick skillet — for caramelizing the onions and cooking the steak.
Cutting board & sharp knife — for slicing the steak thin and prepping vegetables.
Meat thermometer (optional but helpful) — to check steak doneness accurately.
Aluminum foil — to cover the baking dish during part of the bake to keep sliders moist.

How to Make Cowboy Butter Steak Sliders Recipe Name?

Step 1: Season and rest the steak

Start by seasoning your trimmed sirloin with salt and pepper, and let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes. This rest ensures more even cooking and better flavor absorption.

Step 2: Caramelize the onions

While the steak rests, melt two tablespoons of the butter in your skillet over medium-low heat. Add the thinly sliced onion and cook for 25-30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until soft and golden brown.

Step 3: Cook the steak

Increase heat to medium-high, melt the remaining butter, and add the steak to the skillet. Cook approximately 4-5 minutes per side (or until your desired doneness). Spoon melted butter over the steak as it cooks.

Step 4: Slice steak and assemble sliders

Let the steak rest about 5 minutes, then slice across the grain as thinly as possible. Spray the baking dish, split your brioche rolls horizontally, and place the bottom halves into the dish. Pour about ¼ cup of melted cowboy butter over them.

Add the steak slices, jalapeño slices, shredded cheddar, caramelized onions, then top with the roll tops. Brush another ¼ cup of cowboy butter over the tops.

Step 5: Bake and finish

Cover the dish with foil and bake at 350°F until cheese is hot and bubbly (about 15 minutes). Remove foil and bake an additional 3-5 minutes until the tops are golden brown. Remove the sliders, brush remaining cowboy butter over them, slice and serve.

Additional Tips for Making this Recipe Better

Here are some things I learned from making it that helped elevate the dish:

I found that letting the steak rest after cooking before slicing helps maintain juicy meat instead of letting all the juices run out.
I always swipe a little extra cowboy butter over the tops of the buns after baking — that extra layer of flavor makes a big difference.
I recommend slicing the steak thinly — thicker slices tend to make the sliders bulky and harder to eat comfortably.
I caramelized the onions while the steak rested, so everything was ready at once, which kept the workflow smooth in my kitchen.
I keep some extra sliced jalapeños on the side — guests can add more heat if they like, and those who prefer milder can skip.

How to Serve Cowboy Butter Steak Sliders?

These sliders are perfect for a crowd or as a fun weeknight meal. Serve them on the baking dish or transfer to a rustic wooden platter. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley or cilantro for color. Offer extra toppings like lettuce, tomato slices, pickles, and additional jalapeño rounds so guests can customize.

You can serve condiments like BBQ sauce, aioli, or ketchup in small ramekins beside the platter. To make it even more festive, tie each slider with a small cocktail pick for easy grabbing.

Nutritional Information

Here’s a quick snapshot of the nutrition per slider (approximately):

Calories: 374 kcal
Protein: ~ 20-25 g (from the steak and cheddar)
Carbohydrates: ~ 24 g (from the brioche roll and onion)
Fat: ~ 20-22 g (from the butter, cheese and steak)

Make Ahead and Storage

Storage (Refrigerator): Once assembled and baked, let the sliders cool completely, then wrap tightly or store in an airtight container. They’ll stay fresh in the fridge for about 3-4 days.
Freezing: If you want to freeze, assemble but don’t bake; wrap the dish well and freeze. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge and then bake as directed, adding a few minutes if still chilled.
Reheating: To reheat, place the sliders in a preheated oven at ~325°F until warmed through and the cheese is melty. The microwave works for quick reheating but the bun may get soggy.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe?

Here are some reasons this slider recipe stands out:

It’s incredibly easy to prepare yet delivers restaurant‐level flavor with minimal complexity.
The cowboy butter adds a bold, herb-and-spice richness that elevates ordinary sliders into something special.
It’s highly adaptable — you can tweak the cheese, type of bun, or pepper level to suit your taste or dietary needs.
It works well for both casual gatherings and family dinners, making it versatile.
The sliders are visually appealing and appealing to both adults and kids, which means fewer complaints and happier guests.

Ben Carraoli