Cowboy Butter Dipping Sauce

Ingredients:

1 cup unsalted butter, melted

2 tbsp olive oil

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 tbsp Dijon mustard (optional, for tang)

1 tbsp fresh lemon juice

1 tbsp lemon zest

2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley

1 tbsp chopped fresh chives

1 tsp smoked paprika (or regular paprika)

1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust for spice level)

1/2 tsp onion powder

1/4 tsp salt (or to taste)

1/4 tsp black pepper (or to taste)

Instructions:

Melt the Butter:

In a medium saucepan or skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, stir in the olive oil.

Add the Garlic and Spices:

Add the minced garlic to the butter and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.

Stir in the Dijon mustard (if using), lemon juice, lemon zest, paprika, cayenne pepper, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Let the sauce simmer gently for 1-2 minutes to combine the flavors.

Stir in the Fresh Herbs:

Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the fresh parsley and chives.

Serve:

Pour the cowboy butter into a serving bowl. Serve warm with your favorite meats, seafood, bread, or veggies. It's perfect drizzled over grilled chicken, shrimp, or steak for an extra flavor boost.