Herb Compound Butter is a simple yet luxurious way to elevate any dish in just 10 minutes. This velvety blend of softened butter and fresh herbs creates a rich, aromatic spread that melts beautifully over warm bread, grilled meats, or roasted vegetables. The vibrant flavors of parsley, thyme, and chives mingle with a hint of garlic, offering a burst of freshness in every bite. Its creamy texture and bold taste make it a versatile kitchen staple that’s as easy to prepare as it is impressive to serve.
Perfect for busy cooks, this recipe requires minimal effort but delivers maximum impact. Whether you’re dressing up a weeknight dinner or adding flair to a special occasion, Herb Compound Butter brings a gourmet touch to your table. Its smooth consistency and herbaceous aroma make it irresistible, while its quick prep time ensures you can whip it up whenever inspiration strikes. Once you try it, you’ll wonder how you ever cooked without it.
Ingredients for Herb Compound Butter
- Garlic Chive Dill:
- ½ cup unsalted butter (at room temperature)
- 1 tablespoon finely chopped dill
- 1 tablespoon finely chopped chives
- ½ clove garlic, grated
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
- Lemon Thyme:
- ½ cup unsalted butter (at room temperature)
- 2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves
- ¼ teaspoon lemon zest
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
- Pinch red pepper flakes (optional for a hint of spice)
- Honey Rosemary Sage:
- ½ cup unsalted butter (at room temperature)
- 1 teaspoon finely chopped rosemary
- 1 teaspoon finely chopped sage
- 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup (for sweetness)
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
- Sun Dried Tomato Basil:
- ½ cup unsalted butter (at room temperature)
- 1 tablespoon finely chopped basil leaves
- 1 tablespoon finely chopped sun dried tomatoes
- ½ garlic clove, grated
- ¼ teaspoon sea salt
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Butter: In a small bowl, combine the softened butter with the ingredients from your chosen herb combination. Mix thoroughly until evenly distributed.
- Shape the Butter: Scoop the herb butter onto a piece of parchment paper or plastic wrap. Roll it into a log shape, twisting the ends to seal.
- Chill: Place the butter log in the refrigerator and chill overnight, or until firm. (Tip: For quicker chilling, place in the freezer for 1-2 hours.)
- Serve or Store: Slice the chilled butter into rounds and use as desired. Store any leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks or freeze for up to 3 months.
Ways to Use Your Herb Compound Butter
This versatile butter can elevate so many dishes! Spread it on warm bread, melt it over grilled steak, or toss it with roasted vegetables. For a quick pasta upgrade, stir a tablespoon into hot noodles. You can also use it to baste chicken or fish while cooking for extra flavor.
Storage Tips for Maximum Freshness
Wrap your butter log tightly in parchment or plastic wrap, then store it in the fridge for up to 2 weeks. For longer storage, freeze it for up to 3 months. When ready to use, simply slice off what you need and let it soften slightly at room temperature.
Quick Prep Shortcuts
To save time, use pre-minced garlic or garlic paste instead of grating fresh cloves. If you’re short on fresh herbs, dried herbs work too—just use half the amount since they’re more concentrated. Soften butter quickly by cutting it into small cubes and letting it sit at room temperature for 10 minutes.
Fun Flavor Variations to Try
Experiment with different herb and spice combos! Add a pinch of smoked paprika for a smoky twist, or mix in a teaspoon of pesto for an Italian-inspired version. For a sweet option, try cinnamon, honey, and orange zest. The possibilities are endless!
Perfect Pairings for Each Butter
Pair Garlic Chive Dill butter with grilled salmon, Lemon Thyme with roasted chicken, and Honey Rosemary Sage with warm cornbread. Sun Dried Tomato Basil butter is fantastic on crusty bread or stirred into risotto. Each combo brings its own unique flair to your meals!
Herb Compound Butter
Ingredients
Garlic Chive Dill
- ½ cup unsalted butter, at room temp
- 1 tablespoon finely chopped dill
- 1 tablespoon finely chopped chives
- ½ clove garlic, grated
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
Lemon Thyme
- ½ cup unsalted butter, at room temp
- 2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves
- ¼ teaspoon lemon zest
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
- Pinch red pepper flakes
Honey Rosemary Sage
- ½ cup unsalted butter, at room temp
- 1 teaspoon finely chopped rosemary
- 1 teaspoon finely chopped sage
- 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
Sun Dried Tomato Basil
- ½ cup unsalted butter, at room temp
- 1 tablespoon finely chopped basil leaves
- 1 tablespoon finely chopped sun dried tomatoes
- ½ clove garlic, grated
- ¼ teaspoon sea salt
Instructions
- In a small bowl, stir together the softened butter and the ingredients from one of the herb combinations above.
- Scoop the herb butter onto a piece of parchment paper or plastic wrap, roll into a log and twist the ends to close. Chill overnight, or until firm.