How To Make Compound Butter: 15 Easy Homemade Recipes | Homemade Recipes | CAMILA MADE (2024)

• Unsalted Butter: One stick of unsalted butter softened to room temperature. This is the base for the compound butter.
• Meyer Lemons: The zest of two Meyer lemons, which is the outermost layer of the lemon rind. Meyer lemons are a sweeter and more fragrant variety than regular lemons.
• Dill: Half a bunch of dill, finely chopped. Dill is a slightly sweet and tangy herb that pairs well with fish, potatoes, and other vegetables.
• Lemon Thyme: Half a bunch of lemon thyme, a variety of thyme with a lemony flavor. It adds a bright and fresh note to the butter.
• Garlic: One clove of garlic, finely minced. Garlic adds a pungent and slightly spicy flavor to the butter.
• Kosher Salt: A quarter teaspoon of kosher salt, or to taste. Kosher salt has a coarser texture than table salt and is often used in cooking.
• Ground Black Pepper: A quarter teaspoon of ground black pepper adds heat and depth to the butter. It's been ground finely to blend easily into the butter.

Jalapeno Lime Butter Ingredients

• Unsalted Butter: One stick of unsalted butter softened to room temperature. This is the base for the compound butter.
• Jalapeno Pepper: Half a jalapeno pepper, seeded and minced very finely. Jalapenos are medium-spicy chili pepper that adds a bright and slightly spicy flavor to the butter.
• Lime Juice: One tablespoon of freshly squeezed lime juice adds acidity and brightness to the butter.
• Lime Zest: Half a teaspoon of lime zest, the outermost layer of the lime rind. Lime zest adds a fragrant and citrusy note to the butter.
• Kosher Salt: A quarter teaspoon of kosher salt, or to taste. Kosher salt has a coarser texture than table salt and is often used in cooking. It helps to bring out the other flavors in the butter.

Garlic Herb Butter Ingredients

• Unsalted Butter: One stick of unsalted butter softened to room temperature. This is the base for the compound butter.
• Roasted Garlic: Two cloves of roasted garlic smashed into a paste. Roasted garlic has a sweet and mellow flavor that pairs well with the other ingredients in this recipe.
• Tuscan Seasoning: All-natural Tuscan seasoning, to taste. The specific brand used in this recipe is McCormick, but you can use any all-natural Tuscan seasoning blend you prefer. Tuscan seasoning typically contains a mix of rosemary, thyme, and oregano, along with garlic, onion, and black pepper.

Basic Herb Butter Ingredients

• Unsalted Butter: One stick of unsalted butter softened to room temperature. This is the base for the compound butter.
• Garlic: One clove of garlic, finely minced. Garlic adds a pungent and slightly spicy flavor to the butter.
• Kosher Salt: A quarter teaspoon of kosher salt, or to taste. Kosher salt has a coarser texture than table salt and is often used in cooking. It helps to bring out the other flavors in the butter.
• Ground Black Pepper: A quarter teaspoon of ground black pepper adds heat and depth to the butter. It's been ground finely, so it will blend easily into the butter.
• Fresh Herbs: Two to three tablespoons of fresh herbs, finely chopped. You can use any herbs, such as parsley, basil, rosemary, thyme, or chives. Fresh herbs add a bright and fresh flavor to the butter.

Cilantro Lime Butter Ingredients

• Unsalted Butter: One stick of unsalted butter softened to room temperature. This is the base for the compound butter.
• Garlic: One clove of garlic, finely minced. Garlic adds a pungent and slightly spicy flavor to the butter.
• Cilantro: Two to three tablespoons of fresh cilantro, finely chopped. Cilantro has a bright and citrusy flavor that pairs well with the lime in this recipe.
• Lime Juice: Half a tablespoon of freshly squeezed lime juice, adds acidity and brightness to the butter.
• Lime Zest: The zest of one lime, which is the outermost layer of the lime rind. Lime zest adds a fragrant and citrusy note to the butter.
• Kosher Salt: A quarter teaspoon of kosher salt, or to taste. Kosher salt has a coarser texture than table salt and is often used in cooking. It helps to bring out the other flavors in the butter.
• Ground Black Pepper: A quarter teaspoon of ground black pepper adds heat and depth to the butter. It's been ground finely so that it will blend easily into the butter.

Cinnamon Maple Butter Ingredients

• Unsalted Butter: One stick of unsalted butter softened to room temperature. This is the base for the compound butter.
• Maple Syrup: Two tablespoons of pure maple syrup, or to taste. Maple syrup adds a sweet and rich flavor to the butter.
• Vanilla Extract: A quarter teaspoon of pure vanilla extract adds a warm and sweet flavor to the butter.
• Saigon Cinnamon Powder: A quarter teaspoon of Saigon cinnamon powder, which has a sweet and spicy flavor. Cinnamon adds warmth and depth to the butter.

Honey Orange Ingredients

• Unsalted Butter: One stick of unsalted butter softened to room temperature. This is the base for the compound butter.
• Honey: One tablespoon of honey, which adds a sweet and floral flavor to the butter.
• Orange Juice: One tablespoon of freshly squeezed orange juice adds acidity and brightness to the butter.
• Orange Zest: Two teaspoons of finely grated orange zest, the outermost layer of the orange rind. Orange zest adds a fragrant and citrusy note to the butter.

Nutella butter Ingredients

• Unsalted Butter: One stick of unsalted butter softened to room temperature. This is the base for the compound butter.
• Nutella: Two tablespoons of Nutella, or to taste. Nutella is a chocolate hazelnut spread that adds a rich and decadent flavor to the butter.
• Vanilla Extract: A quarter teaspoon of pure vanilla extract adds a warm and sweet flavor to the butter.
• Hazelnuts: Two tablespoons of hazelnuts, finely chopped or to taste. Hazelnuts have a rich and nutty flavor that pairs well with the Nutella in this recipe.

Honey Butter Ingredients

• Unsalted Butter: One stick of unsalted butter softened to room temperature. This is the base for the compound butter.
• Honey: Two tablespoons of honey, or to taste. Honey adds a sweet and floral flavor to the butter.
• Kosher Salt: A pinch of kosher salt helps to balance out the sweetness of the honey.

White Chocolate Butter Ingredients

• Unsalted Butter: One stick of unsalted butter softened to room temperature. This is the base for the compound butter.
• White Chocolate: Two tablespoons of white chocolate, melted and cooled. White chocolate adds a creamy and sweet flavor to the butter.
• Vanilla Extract: A quarter teaspoon of pure vanilla extract adds a warm and sweet flavor to the butter.

Chocolate Butter Ingredients

• Unsalted Butter: One stick of unsalted butter softened to room temperature. This is the base for the compound butter.
• Chocolate: Two tablespoons of melted and cooled milk, semisweet or dark chocolate. Chocolate adds a rich and indulgent flavor to the butter.
• Vanilla Extract: A quarter teaspoon of pure vanilla extract adds a warm and sweet flavor to the butter.

Cinnamon Honey Butter Ingredients

• Unsalted Butter: One stick of unsalted butter softened to room temperature. This is the base for the compound butter.
• Honey: Two tablespoons of honey, or to taste. Honey adds a sweet and floral flavor to the butter.
• Saigon Cinnamon Powder: A quarter teaspoon of Saigon cinnamon powder, which has a sweet and spicy flavor. Cinnamon adds warmth and depth to the butter.
• Vanilla Extract: A quarter teaspoon of pure vanilla extract adds a warm and sweet flavor to the butter.

Fruit Preserves Butter Ingredients

• Unsalted Butter: One stick of unsalted butter softened to room temperature. This is the base for the compound butter.
• Fruit Preserves: Two tablespoons of your favorite fruit preserves to taste. The Bonne Maman brand is suggested in the recipe, but any fruit preserves you like can be used. Fruit preserves add a sweet and fruity flavor to the butter.
• Kosher Salt: A pinch of kosher salt helps to balance out the sweetness of the fruit preserves.

Brown sugar Butter Ingredients

• Unsalted Butter: One stick of unsalted butter softened to room temperature. This is the base for the compound butter.
• Brown Sugar: Two tablespoons of brown sugar, or to taste. Brown sugar adds a sweet and caramel-like flavor to the butter.
• Vanilla Extract: A quarter teaspoon of pure vanilla extract adds a warm and sweet flavor to the butter.
• Kosher Salt: A pinch of kosher salt helps to balance out the sweetness of the brown sugar.

• Medium Mixing bowl
• Bowl
• Measuring Cups

How to Make the Compound Butter

In a medium mixing bowl, using a hand-held mixer, beat the softened butter for 1 minute on medium speed until completely smooth and creamy. Beat in your choice's sweet or savory ingredients, and beat on medium speed until completely smooth.

Substitutions

• Butter: It's best to use unsalted butter for compound butter recipes, as the salt content can vary widely in different brands of salted butter. If you don't have unsalted butter, you can use salted butter and adjust the additional salt you add to the recipe accordingly.
• Herbs and spices: You can use other fresh or dried herbs and spices you have on hand instead of the ones listed in the recipes. Just remember that different herbs and spices will have different flavor profiles so that the final product may taste different than the original recipe.
• Citrus juice and zest: You can use different types of citrus juice and zest, such as lemon, lime, orange, or grapefruit, depending on your preference and your availability.
• Sweeteners: Depending on the recipe, you can use different sweeteners, such as honey, maple syrup, brown sugar, or fruit preserves. Remember that different sweeteners will have different flavor profiles and sweetness levels, so adjust the amount you use accordingly.
• Nuts and chocolate: You can use different types of nuts or chocolate, such as almonds, pecans, walnuts, or dark chocolate, depending on your preference and what you have available.

How to Serve

• Sage Butter: This butter would be perfect for topping grilled meats, such as chicken, pork, or steak. You can also use it to flavor roasted vegetables, potatoes, or crusty bread.
• Meyer Lemon Butter: This butter adds a bright and citrusy flavor to seafood dishes, such as grilled shrimp or scallops. You can also use it as a spread on toast or bagels or as a topping for pancakes or waffles.
• Jalapeno Lime Butter: This butter would be a perfect complement to grilled corn on the cob or roasted vegetables. You can also use it as a spread for sandwiches or burgers or a topping for baked potatoes or sweet potatoes.
• Garlic Herb Butter: This butter is versatile and can be used in many dishes. Try it as a topping for grilled or roasted vegetables or as a spread on garlic bread or crostini. It's also great for adding flavor to pasta dishes or mashed potatoes.
• Cilantro Lime Butter: This butter is perfect for adding a fresh and citrusy flavor to grilled or roasted seafood, such as salmon or shrimp. You can also use it as a spread on sandwiches or wraps or a topping for tacos or quesadillas.
• Cinnamon Maple Butter: This butter adds a sweet and spicy flavor to pancakes or waffles. You can also use it as a topping for oatmeal or yogurt or a spread for toast or bagels.
• Honey Orange Butter: This butter is perfect for adding a sweet and citrusy flavor to baked goods, such as muffins or scones. You can also use it as a topping for pancakes or waffles or as a spread for toast or bagels.
• Nutella Butter: This butter is perfect for spreading on toast or croissants or topping for pancakes or waffles. You can also use it as a filling for crepes or pastries.
• White Chocolate Butter: This butter is perfect for adding a sweet and creamy flavor to baked goods, such as muffins or cupcakes. You can also use it as a topping for pancakes or waffles or as a spread for toast or bagels.
• Chocolate Butter: This butter adds a rich and chocolatey flavor to baked goods, such as brownies or cookies. You can also use it as a topping for ice cream or a filling for cupcakes or pastries.
• Cinnamon Honey Butter: This butter is perfect for adding a sweet and spicy flavor to toast or bagels. You can also use it as a topping for pancakes or waffles or a spread for muffins or scones.
• Fruit Preserves Butter: This butter adds a fruity flavor to toast or bagels. You can also use it as a topping for pancakes or waffles or as a filling for crepes or pastries.

How to Store

To store, Compound butter, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or parchment paper and place it in an airtight container or resealable plastic bag. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks or in the freezer for up to 6 months. If you freeze the compound butter, slice off only what you need and let it come to room temperature before using. It's important to keep the compound butter away from strong-smelling foods in the refrigerator or freezer so that it doesn't absorb any unwanted odors.

Make-Ahead

Compound butter can be made beforehand and stored in the refrigerator or freezer until needed. Here are some guidelines:

• Refrigerator storage: Once the compound butter has been made, it can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. Before using, allow the butter to come to room temperature to be soft and spreadable.
• Freezer storage: Compound butter can be stored in the freezer for 6 months. To freeze, wrap the butter tightly in plastic or aluminum foil or place it in an airtight container. Thaw frozen butter in the refrigerator overnight before using.

Make-ahead tips: To save time, you can make several batches of compound butter and store them in the freezer for later use. You can also prepare the flavored butter logs in advance and keep them in the freezer until you need them. When you're ready to use the butter, slice off a piece and add it to your dish.

How to Freeze

Compound butter can be frozen for longer storage. To freeze, wrap the butter log tightly in plastic or parchment paper, then place it in an airtight container or resealable freezer bag. Label the container with the name of the compound butter and the date it was frozen. The butter can be frozen for up to 6 months. To use frozen compound butter, remove it from the freezer and let it thaw in the refrigerator for several hours or overnight. Alternatively, let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes to 1 hour before using it. Once thawed, the butter can be sliced and used as needed.

Tips for Making The Best Compound Butter

• Use room temperature butter: Softened butter is much easier to work with and blends more evenly with the other ingredients.
• Use unsalted butter: This will allow you to control the salt in your compound butter.
• Choose fresh and high-quality ingredients: Herbs and spices add the best flavor to your compound butter. Use high-quality butter for the best texture and taste.
• Mix thoroughly: Be sure to mix all ingredients thoroughly so that the flavors are evenly distributed.
• Use a hand mixer or food processor: These tools will help you achieve a smooth and fluffy texture for your compound butter.
• Use plastic wrap or parchment paper: Wrap your compound butter tightly in plastic wrap or parchment paper before chilling or freezing to prevent any air from getting in and keep the butter fresh.
• Experiment with flavors: Don't be afraid to try new combinations of flavors. The possibilities are endless, and you may discover a new favorite.
• Label and date: Be sure to label and date your compound butter before storing it in the freezer to identify it later easily.
• Bring to room temperature before using: If you have frozen your compound butter, let it thaw in the refrigerator or at room temperature so it is easier to spread.

FAQ

Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter?

It's best to use unsalted butter to control the amount of salt in the final product. If you use salted butter, the resulting compound butter may be too salty.

How long can I store compound butter?

Compound butter can be stored in the refrigerator for up to two weeks or in the freezer for up to three months.

Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh herbs?

You can use dried herbs instead of fresh herbs. Remember that the flavor may be slightly different, and you may need to adjust the amount of dried herbs you use.

Can I make a compound butter with vegan butter?

You can use vegan butter instead of regular butter to make compound butter. Simply substitute vegan butter for the regular butter in the recipe.

Can I use different flavorings than the ones listed in the recipe?

You can use any flavorings you like to make compound butter. Experiment with different herbs, spices, and other flavorings to create your unique blends.

How do I serve compound butter?

Compound butter can be served on grilled meats, vegetables, fish, or bread. You can also melt it and use it as a sauce or dip.

Can I use a food processor instead of a hand mixer to make compound butter?

You can use a food processor instead of a hand mixer to make compound butter. Just be careful not to over-process the butter, as this can cause it to become too soft.

How do I soften butter quickly?

You can soften butter quickly by placing it in a microwave-safe bowl and microwaving it for 5-10 seconds. Alternatively, you can grate the butter using a cheese grater or pound it with a rolling pin until it's soft.

Notes:

• To achieve the fluffiest butter, whip it with a hand mixer or use a fork to blend.
• Use unsalted butter so that you’re able to control the amount of salt when you add the seasonings.
• Frozen Compound Butter should sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving.

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