How to Make Homemade Herb Butter

Get ready to indulge in the irresistible flavors of homemade herb butter! It's incredibly easy and simple to make, offering remarkable versatility in its usage. With its customizable herb combinations and smooth texture, this delectable addition to your kitchen repertoire enhances a variety of recipes.

Jump to:

• ❤️Why you will love this recipe
• 🥣Equipment
• 📝The Ingredients
• 👩🏻‍🍳How to make this recipe
• 🍴Serving suggestions
• 🥄Storage / Shelf Life
• 📖Variations
• 💭Frequently asked questions
• More recipes to try
• 📖 Recipe
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This herb butter is a version of compound butter. Meaning you take softened butter and mix it with different ingredients. Compound butter can either be savory or sweet. I am showing you my herb butter version here. However, there are so many more ways of making compound butter. I will give you a few ideas further down in this post.

❤️Why you will love this recipe

• Bursting with Flavor: This herb butter is a delightful blend of soft, creamy butter, aromatic garlic, and a medley of fresh herbs. The combination of these ingredients creates a burst of flavor that will elevate any dish it accompanies.
• Versatile and Customizable: The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility. You can choose your favorite herbs or mix and match different combinations to suit your taste preferences.
• Easy to Prepare: With just a handful of ingredients and simple steps, this herb butter recipe is incredibly easy to prepare.
• Long-lasting and Convenient: Once prepared, this herb butter can be stored in the freezer for an extended period. Its long shelf life allows you to have a flavorful ingredient ready whenever you need it.
• Elevates Dishes: The herb butter's rich and savory taste can transform simple dishes into culinary delights. Spread it on freshly baked bread, melt it over steamed vegetables, or use it as a flavorful finishing touch on grilled meats. Its versatility ensures that it enhances the flavors of a wide range of dishes, making them more delicious and memorable.

This herb butter recipe is a winning choice for any home cook. It's quick to make, customizable, and adds a burst of flavor to a variety of dishes. Whether you're an experienced chef or a beginner in the kitchen, this herb butter will undoubtedly become a beloved staple in your culinary repertoire.

🥣Equipment

To prepare herb butter, you will need a few essential kitchen tools and equipment.

• Medium-sized bowl: This bowl will be used to combine and mix the softened butter with the other ingredients, allowing for easy incorporation.
• Rubber spatula: A rubber spatula is essential for effectively blending the butter, garlic, herbs, salt, and pepper together. Its flexibility and smooth edges make it ideal for scraping the sides of the bowl and ensuring thorough mixing.
• Plastic wrap (preferably a large piece): The plastic wrap serves as a wrapping material to shape the herb butter into a log. It provides a protective layer and helps in tightly sealing the butter, preventing air bubbles and maintaining its shape.
• Freezer bag: Once the butter log is formed and wrapped in plastic wrap, it needs to be stored in a freezer bag. The freezer bag helps maintain the freshness of the herb butter while it freezes and keeps it protected from other flavors or odors in the freezer.
• Knife: A knife may be useful for chopping up the herbs before adding them to the butter. It allows for precise cutting and ensures the herbs are finely chopped for even distribution throughout the butter.

📝The Ingredients

• Butter: The recipe calls for unsalted butter that has been softened to room temperature. This allows for easy mixing and ensures a smooth and creamy texture in the final herb butter.
• Garlic (Optional): While not a mandatory ingredient, the addition of grated garlic adds a wonderful depth of flavor to the herb butter.
• Various Herbs (To Be Explained in the Post): The herbs should be freshly chopped to ensure optimal flavor. Find a list of herbs further down in the post.
• Salt and Pepper: A pinch of salt and pepper is added to enhance the overall taste of the herb butter. The amount can be adjusted according to personal preference.

With these ingredients, you can create a customized herb butter that complements various dishes and adds a touch of culinary excellence to your meals.

🌿Herb Options

Here's the list of herbs that you can mix and match for this recipe:

• Thyme
• Oregano
• Rosemary
• Basil
• Chive
• Parsley
• Sage
• Mint
• Cilantro
• Tarragon 

Feel free to experiment and combine any of these herbs to create your own unique flavor profile for the herb butter. The possibilities are endless, and you can tailor the herbs to suit your personal taste preferences and the dishes you plan to enhance with the herb butter.

If you make a sage butter you can use it as a sauce for my Sweet Potato Gnocchi With Brown Butter And Sage.

🌿Fresh or dried herbs?

You can use both fresh or dried herbs in this recipe. However, I highly recommend using fresh herbs for the best texture when enjoying the herb butter later on. Fresh herbs also provide a vibrant and flavorful taste that can elevate the overall experience.

If you prefer or only have dried herbs available, it's still possible to use them in this recipe. Just ensure that you use a total of 4 teaspoons of dried herbs to maintain the desired balance of flavors.

👩🏻‍🍳How to make this recipe

Here is a quick overview of the recipe steps. Please read the recipe card for the full instructions.

1. In a medium-sized bowl, combine softened butter, grated garlic (optional), chopped herbs, salt, and pepper.
2. Mix all the ingredients together using a rubber spatula until well combined.
3. Place a large piece of plastic wrap on a flat surface and spoon the butter mixture onto the lower part of it.
4. Shape the butter into a log using the spatula.
5. Fold the plastic wrap over the butter and tightly roll it into a log, ensuring there are no air bubbles.
6. Twist the ends of the plastic wrap to secure the log and roll it on the table to further tighten the wrap.
7. Place the butter log into a freezer bag and freeze until firm.
8. When ready to use, thaw the herb butter for a few minutes before spreading it on bread or incorporating it into your favorite recipes.

This recipe uses the log method. However, if you prefer an alternative approach, you can simply spoon the butter into an ice tray and freeze it that way. Remember to use a tray with a lid or cover it securely with foil to prevent freezer odors from affecting the butter.

🍴Serving suggestions

This versatile herb butter adds a burst of flavor to a variety of dishes, making it a delightful addition to your culinary repertoire. Here are some serving suggestions to inspire your creativity in the kitchen.

• Spread a generous amount on freshly baked bread or warm dinner rolls.
• Melt a pat of herb butter over grilled steaks, chicken, or fish.
• Toss roasted vegetables with a dollop of herb butter for added flavor.
• Use it as a delectable topping for baked potatoes or grilled corn.
• Experiment by incorporating the herb butter into pasta dishes or sautéed mushrooms.
• Try it as a flavored butter for pancakes or waffles.
• Use it to baste roasted chicken or turkey for a flavorful twist.
• Enhance the taste of grilled seafood, such as shrimp or scallops, with a brush of herb butter.
• Incorporate it into homemade sauces or dressings for an extra layer of herb-infused goodness.
• Use a small amount to add a touch of flavor to mashed potatoes or steamed vegetables.
• Serve it as a dip alongside a platter of appetizers, such as breadsticks, crudités, or grilled skewers.

🥄Storage / Shelf Life

Proper storage is key to preserving the freshness and flavors of your homemade herb butter. After preparing your herb butter, it is important to store it correctly to ensure its longevity. Here's a simple guide to storing your herb butter:

1. Refrigerator Storage: If you plan to use your herb butter within a week or two, storing it in the refrigerator is a convenient option. Place the herb butter in an airtight container or wrap it tightly in plastic wrap to prevent air and moisture from affecting its quality. Make sure to label the container with the date for easy reference.
2. Freezer Storage: For longer-term storage, freezing your herb butter is the way to go. Wrap the herb butter log tightly in plastic wrap or place it in a freezer bag, removing as much air as possible. Properly sealed, it can be stored in the freezer for up to three months. Remember to label the packaging with the date and flavor of the herb butter.
3. Individual Portions: To make it easier to use smaller portions of herb butter, consider dividing it into individual servings before freezing. Simply shape the herb butter into small patties or cubes and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Freeze until firm, then transfer the portions into a freezer-safe container or bag. This way, you can conveniently take out only the amount you need without thawing the entire log.

When you're ready to use the herb butter, transfer it from the freezer to the refrigerator and allow it to thaw gradually. This will help maintain the texture and flavors. Once thawed, use it as desired in your favorite recipes or spread it on bread, vegetables, or grilled meats. Remember to return any unused portion to the refrigerator or freezer promptly.

📖Variations

This herb butter recipe is just one of many different compound butters you can make. Let's dive into some exciting ideas to elevate your compound butter game!

Savory:

• Lemon Herb: Enhance the base recipe with a splash of fresh lemon juice, perfect for complementing fish dishes.
• Garlic butter: Omit the herbs and increase the amount of garlic. Consider roasting it for an even more robust flavor.
• Paprika: Add a sprinkle of paprika powder to the base recipe for a subtle smoky kick.
• Curry: Swap out the herbs for curry powder to infuse your butter with aromatic Indian flavors.
• Chili: Spice things up by incorporating chili powder or flakes, and optionally a squeeze of lime juice for added zing.
• Cilantro lime: Mix fresh cilantro, lime juice, and chopped jalapeno into the butter for a vibrant and tangy combination.
• Olives: Combine lemon juice, chopped olives, and herbs for a Mediterranean-inspired twist.
• Italian Blend: Opt for basil as the herb of choice and add in chopped dried tomatoes for a burst of Italian flavors.

Sweet:

• Honey Infusion: Simply mix butter and honey for a subtle touch of sweetness.
• Honey Bourbon: Try the incredible recipe for Bourbon Honey Butter, which adds a unique depth of flavor.
• Maple Syrup: Incorporate a few tablespoons of maple syrup into the butter for a delightful maple twist. Perfect for cinnamon rolls when the butter is at room temperature.
• Cinnamon Brown Sugar: Combine butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon to create a heavenly combination reminiscent of cinnamon rolls.
• Raspberry Dream: Mix butter with cut-up frozen raspberries, and add a touch of honey for extra sweetness.
• Strawberry Sensation: Mix butter and cut up frozen strawberries. Add some honey for extra sweetness. Basil goes very well with this combo too.
• Cranberry: Mix butter with fresh cranberries and a hint of honey or sugar to create a festive and tangy option, ideal for Thanksgiving.
• Decadent Chocolate: Indulge your taste buds by adding melted chocolate and/or cocoa powder to the plain butter for a rich and velvety experience.

Let your imagination run wild and have fun experimenting with different flavors to create a personalized compound butter that will take your dishes to the next level! I would love to hear any other combinations you love to make!

💭Frequently asked questions

Q: Can I make this recipe vegan?

A: Yes, you can easily make this recipe vegan by using plant-based butter or margarine instead of dairy butter. Make sure to choose a vegan option that suits your dietary preferences.

Q: Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh ones?

A: While fresh herbs offer a more vibrant flavor and texture, you can substitute dried herbs if that's what you have on hand. Keep in mind that dried herbs are more potent, so adjust the quantity accordingly. Typically, use one-third of the amount of dried herbs compared to fresh herbs.

Q: How long does the herb butter stay fresh?

A: When properly stored in the refrigerator, herb butter can stay fresh for about 1-2 weeks. If frozen, it can maintain its quality for up to 3 months. Always check for any signs of spoilage before using.

Q: Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter?

A: While it's recommended to use unsalted butter to have better control over the saltiness, you can use salted butter if that's what you have. Just keep in mind that the final result may be slightly saltier.

Q: Can I make herb butter without garlic?

A: Garlic adds a delicious savory flavor, but if you prefer to omit it, you can simply exclude it from the recipe. The herb butter will still be delicious with the herbs as the main flavor component.

Q: Can I freeze the compound butter in individual portions?

A: Yes, freezing the butter in individual portions is a great idea. Shape the butter into smaller patties or cubes before freezing, allowing you to conveniently take out and use only the amount you need without thawing the whole log.

Q: Can I use other herbs not mentioned in the recipe?

A: The listed herbs are just suggestions. Feel free to experiment with your favorite herbs or herb combinations to create your own unique flavor profiles. Don't be afraid to get creative and make it your own!

Q: Can I use this butter in baking recipes?

A: Yes, it can be a delightful addition to certain baking recipes. It adds a burst of flavor to bread, rolls, or savory pastries. Just make sure to adjust the quantity based on the specific recipe and the desired intensity of the flavors.

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