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Cowboy Butter Dipping Sauce for Bread – Bold, Zesty, and Ready in Minutes

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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter
  • 4 cloves garlic, finely minced or grated
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon lemon zest (from 1 large lemon)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon hot sauce (optional but recommended)
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt (or to taste)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
  • 1 tablespoon fresh chives, finely sliced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh dill, finely chopped (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon honey (optional, for balance)
  • Bread for serving: baguette, sourdough, focaccia, or soft rolls

Method
 

  1. Melt the butter gently. Add the butter to a small saucepan over low heat. Let it melt slowly so it stays silky and doesn’t brown.
  2. Bloom the spices. Stir in the smoked paprika, red pepper flakes, black pepper, and salt. Let them warm in the butter for 30–60 seconds to release their flavor.
  3. Sauté the garlic. Add the minced garlic and cook for 30–45 seconds, just until fragrant. Don’t let it brown or it may turn bitter.
  4. Add the zesty elements. Stir in Dijon, lemon zest, lemon juice, Worcestershire, and hot sauce. Whisk until smooth and emulsified.
  5. Finish with herbs. Remove from heat. Stir in parsley, chives, and dill. If using honey, whisk it in now for a touch of sweetness.
  6. Taste and adjust. Add more salt, lemon, or heat as needed. It should taste bright, buttery, and slightly spicy.
  7. Serve warm. Pour into a small bowl for dipping. Pair with warm bread so it soaks up all that flavor.