Cowboy Sauce (Cowboy Butter Ranch Dressing)

Cowboy Sauce is a bold, creamy dressing inspired by cowboy butter, packed with herbs, spices, and attitude. Perfect for dipping wings, slathering on burgers, or drizzling over salads.

What is Cowboy Sauce?

Cowboy Sauce is a spiced-up, herby dressing that draws inspiration from the wildly popular cowboy butter, which is usually a melted compound butter loaded with herbs, garlic, and chiles. This version flips that concept into a creamy, pourable sauce using a base of mayonnaise and buttermilk. Think of it as cowboy butter ranch, with more attitude and less whisper.

We’re keeping the fresh herbs, garlic flavor, and punch of lemon, but transforming it into a bold sauce that can go on almost anything. It’s ranch dressing’s rugged cousin. The one that grills with the lid open.

Key Ingredients

This bold and creamy sauce brings together a mix of classic ranch vibes with the fiery kick of cowboy butter. Here’s what makes it stand out:

• Mayonnaise and Buttermilk: The creamy base that gives this sauce its rich, smooth texture. Buttermilk adds a tangy balance that helps cut through the heat and herbs.
• Dijon Mustard: A small but mighty ingredient that adds a sharp, slightly spicy edge and brings the flavors together.
• Fresh Herbs: Chives, parsley, and thyme give this sauce a burst of freshness that balances the richness. Don’t skip the fresh stuff — it makes a big difference.
• Garlic and Lemon: Garlic powder adds depth without being overwhelming, and lemon juice brightens everything up with a punch of citrus. You can use fresh grated garlic, just be aware it’s more pungent in this sauce.
• Spices and Heat: Paprika for smoky warmth, cayenne for fire, and crushed red pepper flakes to keep things interesting. It’s bold, but you’re in control of the burn.
• Salt and Pepper: Finish it off with just enough seasoning to make those flavors pop.

How to Make Cowboy Ranch Sauce

• Mix it all together. In a bowl, combine mayo, buttermilk, Dijon, lemon juice, herbs, and spices.
• Season it. Taste, then add salt and pepper as needed.
• Let it chill. For best results, refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving. It helps the flavors meld together. Of course, you’ve got to finger dip to test it!

Serving Ideas for Cowboy Butter Ranch

• Dip steak fries or grilled sweet potato wedges
• Drizzle over grilled ribeye, smoked chicken breast, or pork chops
• Spread on BBQ sandwiches for a zesty upgrade. See above for the grilled chicken wraps!
• Use it as a veggie dip that blows ranch out of the water.
• Spoon it into breakfast burritos for a morning wake-up call.
• Swap out the dressing in the creamy Southwestern coleslaw for this.

Other Saucy Recipes

• Creamy Buffalo Sauce
• Homemade Hot Honey
• Red Chimichurri Sauce
• Restaurant-Style Salsa
• Homemade Blue Cheese Dressing
• Korean BBQ Sauce