Chef Mitchell preparing Herb Infused Compound Butter
👨‍🍳 Expert Chef

Recipe by Mitchell

🎓 10+ Years Experience ⏰ 1000+ Recipes Created 🍽️ Culinary School Graduate

❤️ My Recipe Story

"I discovered the joy of compound butter while experimenting with fresh herbs from my garden. After several attempts, I perfected this Herb Infused Compound Butter recipe that balances flavor and ease. It quickly became a staple in my kitchen, and I love sharing it with friends and family. Whether it's on a steak or a slice of bread, the taste is always a hit!"

With over a decade of experience in American cuisine, Chef Mitchell specializes in creating approachable yet flavorful dishes. Passionate about appetizers, he enjoys crafting recipes that bring people together. His love for fresh ingredients shines through in every dish he creates.

View All Mitchell's Recipes →
Delicious Herb Infused Compound Butter served on a plate

Why This Herb Infused Compound Butter Recipe Works

This Herb Infused Compound Butter recipe stands out for its simplicity and versatility. The combination of fresh herbs not only enhances the flavor but also provides a fresh aroma that elevates any dish it accompanies. Moreover, it requires minimal effort and can be made in advance, making it perfect for busy cooks.

The technique of mixing fresh herbs into softened butter allows the flavors to meld beautifully. By shaping and chilling the butter, it retains its form and can be easily sliced for presentation. This method ensures that each slice is perfectly infused with herb goodness, ready to enhance your meals.

💡 Professional Tip

For a more intense flavor, consider allowing the butter to sit at room temperature for a couple of hours after mixing the ingredients. This will help the flavors meld even further, resulting in a richer taste. Additionally, using high-quality butter will significantly enhance the overall flavor of your compound butter.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, you can make Herb Infused Compound Butter up to two weeks in advance. Just prepare it, shape it into a log, and store it in the refrigerator wrapped tightly in wax paper. It's a great way to have a flavorful addition ready to go for your meals.

If you don't have fresh herbs on hand, you can use dried herbs instead. However, use about one-third of the amount since dried herbs are more concentrated. Alternatively, herb blends or seasoning mixes can also work in a pinch, but fresh herbs will always provide the best flavor.

Your Herb Infused Compound Butter is done when it is well mixed and has a uniform consistency. After chilling, it should hold its shape and be firm to the touch. The flavors should be well-blended, and you can taste a small amount to ensure it has the desired flavor profile before serving.

Absolutely! You can freeze Herb Infused Compound Butter for up to six months. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and place it in a freezer-safe container. When you're ready to use it, simply thaw it in the refrigerator or at room temperature.

Herb Infused Compound Butter is incredibly versatile! It pairs beautifully with grilled meats, fish, and roasted vegetables. It can also be spread on warm bread, used to flavor pasta, or melted over popcorn for a gourmet touch. The options are endless!

Stored properly, Herb Infused Compound Butter can last in the refrigerator for about 2 weeks. Ensure it is tightly wrapped to prevent it from absorbing any odors from other foods. If you're unsure about its freshness, always perform a smell and taste test before using.

Yes, you can make this butter in advance and store it in the refrigerator. In fact, making it a day ahead allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Just keep it tightly wrapped in wax paper or in a sealed container to maintain its quality.

To reheat Herb Infused Compound Butter, simply slice off the desired amount and let it sit at room temperature for about 10-15 minutes. Alternatively, you can place it in a microwave-safe dish and heat it in short bursts at low power. Be careful not to melt it completely; you want to retain its shape and flavor.

Recipe Troubleshooting Guide

✅

Too Dry

Problem: If your compound butter is too dry, it may not be blended properly or may need more fat.

Solution: To remedy this, simply re-mix the butter, adding a small amount of softened butter until you achieve the desired texture. Ensure everything is well combined.

✅

Not Crispy Enough

Problem: If the butter isn't crispy when used for cooking, it might be a cooking temperature issue.

Solution: Make sure you use medium to medium-high heat when cooking with the butter to achieve a golden, crispy texture. Adjust your cooking method as needed for better results.

✅

Overcooked

Problem: If your dish using the compound butter tastes burnt or overly cooked.

Prevention: To avoid this, always monitor cooking times. Cook at lower temperatures, and remove the dish from heat as soon as the butter starts to brown to prevent it from burning.

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Undercooked Center

Problem: If the center of your dish is undercooked while the outside is done.

Recovery: Ensure even cooking by checking the internal temperature. If necessary, cover the dish with foil to allow it to cook through without burning the exterior.

✅

Burnt Exterior

Problem: If the outer parts of your dish are burnt while the inside is not fully cooked.

Prevention: To prevent this, lower the cooking heat and keep a close watch on the dish. It may help to use an oven thermometer to ensure your cooking temperature is accurate.

✅

Flavor Balance

Too Sweet: If the butter tastes too sweet, try adding a pinch of salt to balance it out.

Too Salty: To counteract too salty butter, add a touch of sugar or a bit more unsalted butter to dilute the saltiness.

Bland: If the butter lacks flavor, consider adding more fresh herbs, garlic, or lemon juice to enhance its taste.

Fresh ingredients for Herb Infused Compound Butter

Essential Ingredients for Herb Infused Compound Butter

The key ingredients for this recipe are fresh herbs and quality unsalted butter. The freshness of the herbs is crucial to achieving a vibrant flavor. Choose herbs that are aromatic and at their peak for the best results.

Additionally, using high-quality butter will enhance the overall taste. Look for butter without additives, as natural butter allows the flavors of the herbs to shine through. Always ensure your ingredients are at room temperature for optimal mixing.

Essential Ingredient Notes

  • Unsalted Butter: Always use unsalted butter for making compound butter. This allows you to control the salt content, ensuring your final product can be tailored to your taste preferences. Choose a high-quality brand for the best flavor.
  • Fresh Herbs: The freshness of your herbs can make or break this recipe. Opt for organic or homegrown herbs when possible, as they tend to have more flavor. Wash and dry them thoroughly before chopping to maintain their integrity.
  • Garlic Powder: Using garlic powder in addition to fresh garlic enhances the overall flavor of the compound butter. It provides a more rounded garlic flavor that complements the fresh herbs beautifully.
Cooking process for Herb Infused Compound Butter

Step-by-Step Cooking Process

Creating Herb Infused Compound Butter is straightforward. Start by preparing your herbs and mixing them with softened butter. The key is to blend until fully incorporated, ensuring each bite is packed with flavor.

After shaping and chilling the butter, it’s ready to use! This method allows the flavors to meld beautifully, providing a delightful herbal taste that enhances a variety of dishes. Enjoy the simplicity and versatility of this recipe!

Key Technique for Perfect Herb Infused Compound Butter

The most important technique in this recipe is the thorough incorporation of the herbs with the butter. This ensures that the flavors are evenly distributed throughout. Additionally, chilling the butter after shaping allows it to firm up, making it easy to slice and serve.

Herb Infused Compound Butter

Prep 15 min
Cook 45 min
Serves 6 servings
Level Easy

📋 Ingredients

Main Ingredients

  • 1 cup butter
    Room temperature
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley
    Chopped
  • 2 tablespoons fresh chives
    Chopped
  • 2 tablespoons fresh thyme
    Chopped
  • 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary
    Chopped

For the Sauce

  • 1 cup unsalted butter
    Softened
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest
  • Salt to taste
  • Pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Herbs

    Finely chop all fresh herbs and set aside in a bowl.

  2. Mix Butter and Herbs

    In a mixing bowl, combine softened butter with chopped herbs, garlic powder, onion powder, lemon zest, salt, and pepper.

  3. Blend Well

    Use a fork or spatula to blend the mixture until all ingredients are well incorporated.

  4. Shape the Butter

    Transfer the mixture onto a piece of wax paper, shaping it into a log. Wrap tightly.

  5. Chill

    Refrigerate for at least 45 minutes or until firm.

  6. Slice and Serve

    Once firm, unwrap and slice into rounds. Serve on bread, with vegetables, or atop meats.

  7. Store Leftovers

    Store any leftover herb-infused butter in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.

Recipe Notes & Tips

Storage Tips

To store your Herb Infused Compound Butter properly, keep it wrapped tightly in wax paper or in an airtight container. This will help maintain its freshness and prevent it from absorbing unwanted odors. You can refrigerate it for up to two weeks or freeze it for longer storage.

Serving Suggestions

Herb Infused Compound Butter is incredibly versatile! Spread it on warm bread or rolls, use it to enhance grilled meats, or melt it over steamed vegetables. It can also be used to flavor pasta dishes or popcorn for a gourmet touch.

Recipe Variations

Feel free to experiment with different herbs or add spices to your compound butter. For a spicier version, consider adding red pepper flakes or smoked paprika. You can also add citrus zest for a different flavor profile, such as lime or orange.