- February 23, 2025
- 30 Minute Meals
Cowboy Butter Garlic Bread
Cowboy Butter Garlic Bread takes toasted ciabatta to the next level with a bold, buttery blend of garlic, herbs, lemon, and spices, topped with gooey melted mozzarella. Add seared steak slices for an irresistible, savory twist that transforms this cheesy garlic bread into a hearty, flavor-packed bite.
Why This Recipe Works
Adaptable: The adaptability of this cowboy butter garlic bread recipe makes it a go-to option for any occasion! Whether you’re hosting a casual movie night or planning an elaborate dinner party, this garlic bread can be served as an impressive appetizer or side dish!
Packed with Flavor: The combination of cowboy butter and melted mozzarella that takes this garlic bread to a whole new level. The herb-infused compound butter melts perfectly into every crevice of the bread, while the cheese adds that satisfying pull and richness that is totally crave worthy!
Effortless Elegance: This recipe strikes the perfect balance between simplicity and sophistication. While the ingredients list might look fancy, the preparation is straightforward enough for any home cook to master, yet the results are better than any restaurant.
What Is Cowboy Butter
Cowboy butter is a compound butter that combines softened butter with fresh herbs, garlic, spices, and a hint of heat, creating a flavorful spread that can be used on garlic bread, meats, seafood, sandwiches, and more! It’s the secret ingredient that transforms this garlic bread from good to absolutely unforgettable.
Supplies Needed
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Sharp knife
- Cast iron skillet (if making the steak)
- Cutting board
Ingredients
- Ciabatta or French Bread: Choose a fresh loaf with a crispy crust and chewy interior!
- Homemade Cowboy Butter: Instead of using just garlic and butter, I highly recommend making some homemade cowboy butter which adds loads of flavor to this garlic bread.
- Mozzarella Cheese: Use shredded mozzarella cheese on top for a gooey, melty cheese layer!
- Fresh Parsley: For garnish, if desired.
- Optional: If you want to top your cowboy butter garlic bread off with some slices of steak, you will need a New York strip steak, salt, pepper, olive oil, and some extra cowboy butter for searing!
Preparation and Baking
Cowboy Butter Garlic Bread:
- Preheat: Preheat your oven to 375°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Prep Bread: Slice the ciabatta or French bread lengthwise and place it cut-side up on a baking sheet. Spread a generous layer of ½ cup Cowboy Butter divided over each half, making sure to cover the surface evenly.
- Add Cheese: Evenly sprinkle 1 cup of the shredded mozzarella cheese over each portion of buttered bread, ensuring full coverage for best results.
- Bake: Place the bread in the preheated oven and bake for 8 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Switch the oven to broil for an additional 1-2 minutes to achieve a golden, slightly crispy top. Keep a close eye to prevent burning.
Optional Seared Steak:
- Season: Pat the New York strip steak dry and season both sides with 2 tsp kosher salt and 1 tsp black pepper.
- Preheat: In a cast iron skillet (or preferred pan), heat 1 tbsp olive oil over medium-high heat until shimmering.
- Sear: Add the steak to the hot skillet and sear for 2-3 minutes per side until a golden crust forms. Reduce the heat slightly, add 2 tbsp Cowboy Butter to the pan, and spoon the melted butter over the steak as it finishes cooking to your desired doneness.
- Rest & Slice: Remove the steak from the pan and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing thinly against the grain.
Assemble & Serve:
- Assemble with Steak: If using the steak, arrange the sliced pieces over the baked garlic bread. Drizzle extra Cowboy Butter over the top for added flavor. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley.
- Serve: Slice the bread into portions and serve warm. Perfect as a hearty appetizer or a satisfying main!
Serving Suggestions
This versatile cowboy butter garlic bread recipe can be served in numerous ways for various occasions:
As an Appetizer: Cut into smaller portions for easy sharing and Serve alongside smoked tomato sauce for dipping. To feed a crowd, pair with additional appetizers like mussels in white wine sauce and fried brie!
As a Main Course: Add the optional steak for a complete meal! Serve with sides like Italian roasted vegetables, duck fat roasted potatoes, or a grilled broccoli salad.
As a Side Dish: Serve cowboy butter garlic bread as a side to Dutch oven beef barley soup, beef bourguignon, or split pea soup!
More Recipes To Try
- Steak Crostini Recipe
- Chicken Caesar Garlic Bread
- Grilled Cheese Sliders with Bruschetta
- Cheesy Garlic Bread with Steak Bruschetta
- Smoked Spinach Artichoke Dip
Cowboy Butter Garlic Bread
Ingredients
- 1 loaf Ciabatta Bread or French Bread
- 1/2 cup Cowboy Butter Spread extra for drizzling over the steak if desired
- 2 cups Mozzarella Cheese shredded
- 1 tbsp Fresh Parsley for garnish
Optional (if desired)
- 1 New York Strip Steak
- 2 tsp Kosher Salt
- 1 tsp Black Pepper
- 1 tbsp Olive Oil
- 2 tbsp Cowboy Butter Spread for pan searing the steak
Instructions
Cowboy Butter Garlic Bread
- Preheat your oven to 375°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Slice the ciabatta or French bread lengthwise and place it cut-side up on a baking sheet. Spread a generous layer of ½ cup Cowboy Butter divided over each half, making sure to cover the surface evenly.
- Evenly sprinkle 1 cup of the shredded mozzarella cheese over each portion of buttered bread, ensuring full coverage for best results.
- Place the bread in the preheated oven and bake for 8 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Switch the oven to broil for an additional 1-2 minutes to achieve a golden, slightly crispy top. Keep a close eye to prevent burning.
Optional Seared Steak:
- Pat the New York strip steak dry and season both sides with 2 tsp kosher salt and 1 tsp black pepper.
- In a cast iron skillet (or preferred pan), heat 1 tbsp olive oil over medium-high heat until shimmering.
- Add the steak to the hot skillet and sear for 2-3 minutes per side until a golden crust forms. Reduce the heat slightly, add 2 tbsp Cowboy Butter to the pan, and spoon the melted butter over the steak as it finishes cooking to your desired doneness.
- Remove the steak from the pan and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing thinly against the grain.
Assemble & Serve:
- If using the steak, arrange the sliced pieces over the baked garlic bread. Drizzle extra Cowboy Butter over the top for added flavor. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley.
- Slice the bread into portions and serve warm. Perfect as a hearty appetizer or a satisfying main!