Garlic & Herb Compound Butter
This Garlic & Herb Compound Butter is a simple yet powerful flavor booster, perfect for elevating grilled meats, roasted vegetables, or crusty bread with minimal effort.
For 12 servings
Ensure the unsalted butter is at true room temperature and very soft, but not melted. This makes it easy to mix evenly with the other ingredients.
Finely mince the fresh garlic cloves, and finely chop the fresh parsley, chives, and thyme. The finer the chop, the better the flavors will distribute.
In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the softened butter, minced garlic, chopped parsley, chives, thyme, fine sea salt, and freshly ground black pepper.
Using a spatula or a sturdy spoon, thoroughly mix all ingredients until they are uniformly combined and the butter is smooth. Scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure no ingredients are left unmixed.
Spoon the seasoned butter mixture onto a piece of parchment paper or plastic wrap. Shape it into a log, approximately 1.5 to 2 inches in diameter.
Roll the parchment paper or plastic wrap tightly around the butter log, twisting the ends to seal it securely. This helps create a firm, uniform shape.
Place the butter log in the refrigerator for at least 1-2 hours, or until it is completely firm. This allows the flavors to meld and makes it easy to slice.
Once firm, the compound butter can be sliced into discs as needed. Store any unused portion tightly wrapped in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks, or in the freezer for up to 3 months.
What to keep in mind.
4 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For best results, use high-quality unsalted butter. The flavor of the butter is a foundational component of the compound butter.
- 2Experiment with different herb combinations. Rosemary, sage, dill, or oregano can all be fantastic additions depending on what you're pairing the butter with.
- 3If you forget to soften your butter, cut it into small pieces and let it sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes, or gently warm it in a microwave for 5-10 seconds (be careful not to melt it).
- 4To make slicing easier, use a piece of unflavored dental floss or a thin, sharp knife after the butter has fully chilled.
Adapt it for your goals.
Spicy Chipotle-Lime Butter
Add 1 tsp chipotle powder, 1/2 tsp smoked paprika, and the zest of one lime for a smoky, spicy, and zesty butter perfect for corn on the cob or grilled chicken.
Sweet Honey Cinnamon ButterSweet Honey-Cinnamon Butter
For a sweet version, omit garlic and savory herbs. Mix 1 stick softened butter with 2 tbsp honey, 1 tsp ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Great for toast, pancakes, or sweet potatoes.
Mediterranean Olive Feta ButterMediterranean Olive-Feta Butter
Incorporate 2 tbsp finely chopped Kalamata olives, 1 tbsp crumbled feta cheese, and 1 tsp dried oregano for a savory, briny butter ideal for fish or lamb.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Vitamin A
Butter is a good source of fat-soluble Vitamin A, essential for vision, immune function, and skin health.
Antioxidant Properties
Garlic and fresh herbs like parsley and chives are packed with antioxidants that help protect the body's cells from damage.
Flavor Enhancement
Using compound butter can enhance the natural flavors of dishes, potentially reducing the need for excessive added salt or unhealthy fats in cooking.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can, but you may want to reduce or omit the added 1/2 tsp of fine sea salt to avoid making the compound butter too salty. Taste and adjust accordingly.
