Add so much flavor to your meals with this easy homemade Compound Butter recipe. Make a savory garlic-herb compound butter—often called steak butter—to top steaks, spoon over baked potatoes, or tuck under poultry skin before roasting. You can also make sweet compound butter for spreading on biscuits, toast, waffles, or pancakes.
Why you’ll love compound butter
A former culinary instructor once shared a restaurant secret with me: compound butter. After trying a variety of her blends, I began keeping compound butter in my fridge and using it on everything. It’s a simple way to boost flavor with minimal effort.
Here are a few reasons to make compound butter regularly:
- Bold flavor, fast. Even a small slice melted over hot food instantly elevates the dish—toast, steak, or roasted vegetables all benefit.
- Fully customizable. You can make it savory or sweet, mixing garlic and herbs for savory dishes or cinnamon and maple for breakfast spreads. A touch of salt always helps round out flavors.
- Easy to prepare. Once butter is softened, mixing takes just minutes. Chill briefly and it’s ready to slice and use.
Ingredients
The following ingredients make a classic herb compound butter. Adjust herbs and seasonings to suit your taste and intended use.
- Unsalted butter – start with unsalted so you can control the salt level.
- Salt – enhances both sweet and savory versions.
- Garlic – 1–2 cloves, crushed or finely grated for a smooth texture; roasted garlic may be used for a milder, sweeter garlic flavor.
- Fresh herbs – about 2 tablespoons total, chopped. Combine a woodsy herb (rosemary or thyme) with a delicate herb (parsley, basil, or dill), or use whichever you have on hand.
- Black pepper – a pinch for subtle heat.
- Lemon juice (optional) – a small splash brightens herb butter but is not required.
Instructions
Follow these simple steps to make compound butter at home. For best texture, do not try to soften butter in the microwave; let it come to room temperature naturally.
- Bring butter to room temperature. Leave on the counter for 60–90 minutes until soft but not melted.
- Combine ingredients. In a bowl, fold softened butter with chopped herbs, crushed garlic, salt, pepper, and optional lemon juice until evenly mixed. Use a spatula—avoid warming the butter with your hands.
- Shape the butter. Spoon the mixture onto a sheet of plastic wrap or parchment, form into a log or block, and wrap tightly, smoothing it to an even shape for uniform slices.
- Chill to set. Refrigerate at least one hour until firm and flavors meld. Store in the refrigerator for up to two weeks or freeze for up to three months.
Ways to use it
Compound butter is versatile. Adjust herbs to pair with the dish you’re preparing.
- Steak: Place a slice on hot steak while it rests so the butter melts over the meat. Parsley and rosemary are classic companions for beef.
- Poultry: Slip slices under the skin of turkey or chicken before roasting to keep meat moist. Try a mix of parsley, sage, rosemary, and thyme.
- Seafood: Use on salmon, sea bass, or shellfish; delicate herbs like basil and chives work well.
- Vegetables: Toss vegetables with a spoonful before roasting, or melt on grilled asparagus and corn. Stir into mashed potatoes for rich flavor.
- Bread: Spread on toast or make garlic bread by spreading on a sliced loaf and baking until golden.
- Pasta: Toss with hot pasta and grated Parmesan for an easy, flavorful sauce.
More compound butter ideas
A basic ratio to remember: 1 stick (1/2 cup) unsalted butter + 1/2 teaspoon salt + at least 2 tablespoons of mix-ins. Here are a few tested flavor combinations:
- Rosemary Lemon: butter + rosemary + lemon juice and zest + garlic. Excellent on chicken and seafood.
- Garlic Shallot: butter + minced shallots + crushed garlic. Perfect finished on steaks and shellfish.
- Maple Cinnamon (sweet): butter + maple syrup + ground cinnamon. Spread on biscuits, waffles, or pancakes.
More flavor enhancers
Compound butter is one of many simple additions that transform everyday dishes. Other easy flavor boosters include caramelized onions, a homemade seasoning blend for wings, or roasted garlic for milder garlic flavor.
Compound Butter
A simple, versatile compound butter you can customize with herbs, garlic, citrus, or sweet ingredients. Ready in minutes once the butter is softened.
Recipe Details
Servings: 8 tablespoons · Prep time: 5 minutes (plus chilling)
Ingredients
- ½ cup unsalted butter, room temperature
- 2 tablespoons fresh herbs, chopped (basil, thyme, rosemary, parsley, sage, dill, or chives)
- 2 cloves garlic, crushed
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon fresh lemon juice (optional)
Instructions
- Soften butter to room temperature (about 60–90 minutes at room temperature). Add the remaining ingredients and mix until thoroughly combined.
- Place the mixture onto plastic wrap or parchment. Shape into a log, roll tightly, and seal the ends.
- Refrigerate at least one hour to firm up and allow flavors to meld. Use immediately or store in the refrigerator up to two weeks, or freeze up to three months.
Notes
- Use about 2 tablespoons of fresh herbs total. A good combination is 1 tablespoon rosemary + 1 tablespoon parsley, or any pairing you prefer.
- Lemon juice is optional and adds brightness but is not required.
- For sweet compound butter, substitute maple syrup and cinnamon in place of savory mix-ins.
Nutrition (per tablespoon)
- Calories: 103 kcal
- Fat: 12 g (Saturated fat: 7 g)
- Sodium: 148 mg
- Carbohydrates: 0.4 g · Protein: 0.2 g