Sitting down at a Texas Roadhouse, greeted by a warm basket of rolls and accompanied by a ramekin of their cinnamon honey butter, is as close to a universal restaurateur experience as you can get.
With countless copycat recipes and widespread intrigue regarding why the Texas Roadhouse butter recipe is so good, you might be asking what exactly makes Texas Roadhouse butter so good and how to do it better at home (than any of the blogs you’ve read).
This legendary butter has prompted thousands of home cooks to copy it and many food bloggers to try and create the “perfect” copycat recipe.
So what’s so special about Texas Roadhouse butter recipe?
And how can you truly recreate it at home?
This guide will take you through the history, the science, and the secrets of this beloved butter. We will analyze the ingredients, discuss the best methods, answer your most common questions, and provide you with a recipe better than any copycat recipe online.
The Story Behind the Texas Roadhouse Butter Recipe
Texas Roadhouse was established in 1993 by Kent Taylor in Clarksville, Indiana. In the very beginning, the restaurant focused on homemade food and warm service.
A basket of hot yeast rolls and a ramekin of cinnamon honey butter were a signature welcome to every guest.
The inspiration for the butter comes from Southern comfort food history and the sweet, whipped spreads in homes across the South.
It’s not a side – it’s a part of the restaurant experience with the expressed intention of making every guest feel like they are at home.
What Makes It So Addictive?
Many outside of the company would share that it’s in the ingredients – Here, it’s in the harmony of those ingredients and the way Texas Roadhouse approaches creating those ingredients.
1. Flavor:
Honey, cinnamon, and just enough sugar enhance the butter’s inherent richness; the component itself is never overly sweet.
2. Texture:
The butter is whipped to a light, airy smoothness even when served cold; it is perfectly spreadable and meltable on warm rolls.
3. Aroma:
Cinnamon and honey produce an aromatic sensory event that conveys comfort for your senses and a little mouth-watering indulgence.
4. Emotional Connection
For many, this butter is tied to memories of special occasions, family dinners, and celebrations-making it more than just a condiment.
Ingredient Details: Texas Roadhouse Butter
Compared to many copycat recipes that lean into more sugar. The real Texas Roadhouse butter recipe is definitely less sweet than you would think, with just the hint of honey and cinnamon.
Here’s what you will need for the most realistic replica:
- Unsalted Butter: Must be at room temperature to whip completely.
- Honey: for sweetness and depth.
- Fine or Powdered Sugar: to make it nice and smooth, not gritty.
- Ground Cinnamon: Need a nice quality cinnamon for the best flavor.
- Kosher Salt: Add just a pinch to help with flavor balance.
Pro Tip: Some variations add a splash of milk to stretch out the butter and create that ultra-fluffy consistency, which is known as “stretched butter” in steakhouses.
The Science of Whipped Butter
Whipping butter incorporates air and makes it light and spreadable. This also allows the flavors to meld, ensuring that every bite will be balanced. The key is room temperature butter-cold butter won’t whip, and melted butter will separate.
The Most Accurate Copycat Recipe (With Pro Tips)
Ingredients:
- 1/4 lb (1 stick) unsalted butter, room temperature
- 2 tablespoons fine or powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- Optional: 1 tablespoon milk (for extra fluffiness)
Instructions:
- Soften the Butter: Place the butter out to soften at room temperature for at least 1 hour. It needs to be soft, but not melted.
- Add All The Ingredients: In a medium mixing bowl, combine the softened butter with the powdered sugar, honey, cinnamon, and salt.
- Whip the Mixture: Using a hand mixer or a stand mixer with a whisk attachment, whip on medium-high speed for about 2-3 minutes. If using, add the milk or cream halfway through whipping.
- Scrape and Whip Again: Using a spatula, scrape down the sides of the bowl. Whip for another minute to make it light and fluffy and combined.
- Taste It and Adjust: Taste the butter. Add more honey or cinnamon if you prefer, but keep in mind: less is likely more if you want it to taste authentic.
- Serve: Transfer to a serving bowl or ramekin. Serve immediately or you can store it in the refrigerator until ready to use; just cover it.
Pro Tips:
- Use natural sugar with hints of vanilla for more depth.
- Coarse kosher salt gives a crunch and pop of flavor.
- If you want to make it vegan, use plant-based butter and maple syrup (instead of honey).
Texas Roadhouse Butter Nutrition Facts
- Calories: About 243 per serving (14.8g), mostly from fat and sugar.
- Fat: 23g (35% daily value)
- Sugar: 10g (11% daily value)
- Can be made dairy-free or vegan with plant-based butter and alternative sweeteners.
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Creative Ways to Serve
Texas Roadhouse butter may be famous for its rolls, but it also shines on:
Pancakes and Waffles: Drizzle it over the top for decadent goodness.
French Toast: Remember the time in the diner? Slather it on your hot slices of French toast.
Sweet Potatoes: A dollop melts perfectly over a baked sweet potato.
Sliced Banana Bread or Muffins: A Little bit of moisture and a little bit of sweet heat over delicious banana bread and muffins.
Cornbread: What can I say? Classic Southern.
Roasted Carrots, or Squash, or any roasted veggies: The sweet + spices are perfect for roasted veggies!
Storage, Shelf Life, and Make-Ahead
Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 7 days.
Freeze: Just scoop some into small portions, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator, and if you want to, re-whip it.
Make-Ahead: For maximum fluff, whip it just before you are ready to serve it, but you can make it one or two days ahead of time if you want!
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use salted butter?
Yes, but you will need to adjust or omit the salt you need to add along the way. Taste it all along.
2. My butter isn’t light and fluffy. What happened?
Your butter was likely too cold, or you simply didn’t whip it long enough. You should always use room temperature butter.
3. Can I double or triple the recipe?
Of course! Just increase the ingredients and use a stand mixer if you’re making a batch any larger than a double batch.
4. Is this the actual Texas Roadhouse butter recipe?
The restaurant’s recipe is proprietary. This version comes from a lot of research, taste-testing, and “inside information”. It’s the closest you can get at home.
5. Can I make Texas Roadhouse butter sugar-free?
Yes, you can substitute a powdered sugar substitute for the powdered sugar, like Swerve or monk fruit, and a sugar-free honey replacement.
Conclusion & Next Steps
Texas Roadhouse butter recipe is more than just a spread- it’s Southern Hospitality on a crust of fresh yeast bread, it’s a piece of happiness, and it’s easy to copy at home.
If you follow the science in this post, use the best ingredients, and follow the instructions above, you’ll make a butter that’s not just a copycat- it’s an upgrade.
Are you ready to make your homemade Texas Roadhouse butter?
You can also make the famous yeast rolls from scratch, or play with flavors (try pumpkin spice or maple pecan) to change it up for the season.
Please share your creations and any tips below.
