Learn how to create compound butter using straightforward ingredients, featuring simple sweet and savory variations! It’s ideal for steaks, vegetables, and more.
I can still recall the first occasion I experienced compound butter at a dinner gathering years ago. The burst of herby, garlicky creamy butter on a slice of crusty bread was nothing short of phenomenal.
From that moment, I committed to mastering its preparation at home — and I’ve discovered it only requires 5 minutes with no special tools! Over the years, I’ve experimented with several variations, utilizing it on bread, salmon, and even pasta for a quick sauce. It’s no surprise this French method has been a kitchen essential for centuries!
Why You’ll Adore This Recipe
– Gourmet taste: Your guests will believe you’re a culinary genius when you present it (truly! I’ve tested it)
– Highly adaptable: You can employ compound butter recipes for everything from steak to breakfast toast
– Make ahead: You can create it weeks prior and simply slice off portions as needed
How to Create Compound Butter
Compound butter is softened butter blended with flavorings such as herbs, spices, and salt. It is traditionally associated with French cuisine and can be enjoyed as a sauce or spread for bread, crackers, vegetables, steak, seafood, and more. Compound butter is remarkably easy to make at home: it requires only a few minutes and can be prepared in advance. Here are the fundamental steps:
1. Soften the butter. Slice the butter in half lengthwise, then divide it into approximately 12 pieces total. Allow it to sit at room temperature for around 15 minutes until it softens. Ensuring the butter reaches room temperature is crucial for mixing in the seasonings.
2. Combine with seasonings. Place the butter in a bowl. Add the herbs and seasonings, then mash and mix the butter until all ingredients are fully blended.
3. Use plastic wrap to mold it into a log. Position the butter on a sheet of plastic wrap or parchment paper, then roll it into a log shape using the wrap. You may need to repeat this step to achieve the desired shape. Twist the ends closed and chill until serving. This method allows for easy slicing to use in recipes.
Pro Tips: Fresh herbs yield the best results for compound butter, but if only dried herbs are available, use about one-third of the amount. If your butter appears gritty or grainy, it was likely too cold when mixed: ensure it is soft before incorporating the ingredients.
Flavor Variations
The compound butter recipe provided below features my favorite classic flavor: fresh chives, thyme, and garlic powder create an herbaceous, salty, and savory spread. Here are some creative ideas for crafting different types of compound butter:
– Lemon thyme butter: Stir in 1 tablespoon fresh grated lemon zest, 2 tablespoons chopped thyme, and a scant ½ teaspoon salt.
– Basil Parmesan butter: Incorporate ¼ cup grated Parmesan, ¼ cup chopped basil, and a scant ½ teaspoon salt.
– Jalapeño lime butter: Mix 1 finely minced jalapeño (seeds removed), 1 tablespoon lime zest, 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro, and ½ teaspoon salt. Excellent on grilled corn or sweet potatoes.
– Smoked paprika butter: Combine 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, 2 tablespoons chopped chives, and a scant ½ teaspoon salt.
– Rosemary butter: Blend in 1 tablespoon finely chopped rosemary and a scant ½ teaspoon salt.
– Honey butter: Add 1 tablespoon honey, 1 tablespoon chopped thyme, and a scant ½ teaspoon salt. Wonderful on cornbread muffins or skillet cornbread.
– Maple cinnamon butter: Introduce 1 tablespoon maple syrup, ½ teaspoon cinnamon, and a slight pinch of salt. Incredible on pancakes, waffles, or warm biscuits.
Serving Suggestions
There are numerous ways to utilize compound butter, but my favorite is straightforward: use it as a delightful appetizer with crusty no-knead bread or sourdough bread. It feels far more luxurious than the effort required! You can also feature it on a cheese board or charcuterie platter. Here are more ideas for employing compound butter:
Storage & Freezing
Although you might typically keep butter at room temperature, with the added flavorings it’s advisable to store it in the refrigerator or freezer:
– Refrigerate compound butter for up to 1 month.
– Freeze compound butter for up to 3 months. Allow to thaw at room temperature before using.
Dietary Notes
This compound butter recipe is vegetarian and gluten-free.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why use unsalted butter and add salt separately? Employing unsalted butter grants you full control over the salt content. Salted butter can greatly vary between brands: some are much saltier than others. By beginning with unsalted butter and adding salt to your preference, you can tailor the flavor.