Easy Compound Butter Recipe
These easy compound butter recipes are a great way to add tons of flavor to your meals. A garlic herb compound butter pairs beautifully with artisan bread, roasted vegetables, or garlic bread, while a sweet compound butter is perfect for spreading on dinner rolls, pancakes, or sweet potatoes. Made with real butter, fresh herbs, citrus zest, and a mix of savory or sweet ingredients, this recipe takes simple butter to the next level. Use fresh or dried herbs, store it in the fridge or freezer, and enjoy homemade butter anytime!
Ingredients
Garlic Herb Compound Butter
- 1 cup of butter softened at room temperature
- 2 cloves garlic minced or pressed
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary chopped
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon salt adjust to taste
- 1 tablespoon fresh minced Chives
- 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice optional, for brightness
Lemon Zest and Herb Compound Butter
- 1 cup of butter softened
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley chopped
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Cinnamon Honey Butter (Sweet Compound Butter)
- 1 cup of butter softened
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon orange zest optional, for extra warmth
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Start by softening the butter at room temperature until it's easy to mix. If you're short on time, cutting it into small pieces helps it soften faster.
Prepare the ingredients by mincing cloves of garlic, chopping fresh herbs, and zesting any citrus zest if using.
In a small bowl, mix the softened butter with your chosen ingredients—whether it's fresh garlic, dried herbs, lemon zest, blue cheese, or honey and cinnamon. Use a fork, hand mixer, or food processor to blend everything until smooth and well combined.
Taste and adjust the amount of salt, black pepper, or citrus zest to get the perfect flavor of a dish.
Spoon the butter mixture onto a piece of parchment paper, wax paper, or plastic wrap. Roll it into a log shape, twisting the ends to seal.
Refrigerate for at least 1 hour until firm. For longer storage, wrap tightly in tin foil or place in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 6 months.
Slice and use on artisan bread, roasted fresh vegetables, filet mignon, crab legs, garlic bread, sweet potatoes, or dinner rolls for a delicious flavor boost.
Notes
Use high-quality butter – The best butter makes the most delicious compound butter. Salted butter adds extra richness, but unsalted butter works if you prefer to control the amount of salt.
Fresh vs. dried herbs – Fresh herbs add a bright, vibrant flavor, while dried herbs give a more concentrated taste. If using dried, reduce the amount by half since they are more potent.
Softening butter quickly – If you forgot to set your butter out, cut it into small pieces or place it in a warm bowl for a few minutes to speed up softening.
Shaping options – For easy slicing, roll the butter into a log shape using plastic wrap, parchment paper, or wax paper. You can also press it into a small dish for scooping.
Storage tips – Keep in the fridge for 1-2 weeks or freeze for up to 6 months in a freezer-safe container, tin foil, or freezer bag.
Serving ideas – Spread over garlic bread, artisan bread, roasted fresh vegetables, filet mignon, crab legs, sweet potatoes, or Thanksgiving turkey for an easy way to add tons of flavor.