Compound butters – a simple yet oh-so-effective way to elevate your cooking game! By combining softened butter with various mix-ins, you can create a world of flavors that will impress even the most discerning palates. Whether you’re looking to add a touch of elegance to your morning toast, a burst of flavor to your dinner plate, or a dash of excitement to your baked goods, compound butters are the perfect solution.
In this article, we’ll explore 20 mouthwatering compound butter recipes that will take your culinary creations to the next level. From classic combinations like Garlic Herb and Lemon Dill to more adventurous options like Truffle Sea Salt and Chipotle Lime, there’s something for everyone in our collection of compound butter recipes.
Garlic Herb Compound Butter
Elevate your meals with this aromatic and flavorful compound butter that combines the pungency of garlic, the brightness of herbs, and the richness of dairy. Perfect for topping bread, vegetables, meats, or using as a finishing touch for soups and sauces.
Ingredients:
– 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
– 1 tablespoon chopped fresh chives
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a medium bowl, combine the softened butter, garlic, parsley, and chives.
2. Mix until well combined, using a fork or wooden spoon to distribute the ingredients evenly.
3. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Shape into a log or roll, wrapping in plastic wrap or parchment paper if desired.
5. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
Cooking Time:
– None needed! This compound butter is ready to use straight from the fridge.
Lemon Dill Compound Butter
Elevate your brunch or snack game with this refreshing lemon dill compound butter, perfect for topping toast, scones, or vegetables.
Ingredients:
– 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
– 2 tablespoons freshly chopped dill
– 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
– Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. In a medium-sized bowl, cream the softened butter until light and fluffy.
2. Add the chopped fresh dill and mix until well combined.
3. Stir in the lemon juice until fully incorporated.
4. Season with salt to taste.
5. Wrap the mixture tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Cooking Time: None, as this is a chilled spread.
Truffle Sea Salt Compound Butter
Elevate your cooking with this luxurious Truffle Sea Salt Compound Butter, perfect for topping bread, vegetables, or using as a finishing touch for sauces and meats.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
– 1/4 teaspoon truffle salt
– 1/2 teaspoon flaky sea salt
– 1 tablespoon truffle honey or truffle syrup
Instructions:
1. In a medium-sized bowl, cream the softened butter until light and fluffy.
2. Add the truffle salt and sea salt; mix until well combined.
3. Gradually add the truffle honey or truffle syrup, mixing until the butter has a smooth, creamy consistency.
4. Transfer the compound butter to an airtight container; refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Cooking Time:
– None required! This recipe is ready when you are.
Tips and Variations: Try adding other flavorings like minced garlic, chopped fresh herbs, or grated citrus zest to create unique variations. Use within 1 week or freeze for up to 3 months. Enjoy!
Spicy Chili Lime Compound Butter
Elevate your dishes with a flavorful compound butter that combines the warmth of chili peppers and the brightness of lime juice. This spicy and tangy spread is perfect for topping bread, using as a sauce, or adding to vegetables.
Ingredients:
– 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
– 1 tablespoon chili flakes
– 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice
– 1 minced garlic clove
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Optional: chopped cilantro for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a small bowl, mix together the softened butter, chili flakes, lime juice, and garlic until well combined.
2. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
3. Transfer the mixture to a small serving dish or ramekin.
4. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
5. Use as desired: spread on bread, use as a sauce for vegetables or meats, or serve chilled as a dip.
Cooking Time: 0 hours 15 minutes (prep only)
Honey Cinnamon Compound Butter
Elevate your breakfast or snack game with this simple yet delicious compound butter recipe that combines the warmth of cinnamon with the sweetness of honey. Perfect for topping toast, waffles, or pancakes, this flavorful spread is sure to become a favorite.
Ingredients:
– 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
– 2 tablespoons pure honey
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– Pinch of salt
Instructions:
1. In a medium-sized bowl, cream the softened butter until light and fluffy.
2. Add the honey, cinnamon, and salt to the butter. Mix until well combined and smooth.
3. Taste and adjust the sweetness or spice level to your liking.
4. Transfer the compound butter to an airtight container or wrap in plastic wrap.
5. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld together.
6. Spread on toast, waffles, or pancakes as desired.
Cooking Time:
– Prep time: 5 minutes
– Chill time: 30 minutes
Sun-Dried Tomato Basil Compound Butter
Transform your bread, vegetables, or pasta with this flavorful compound butter featuring sun-dried tomatoes and fresh basil.
Ingredients:
– 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
– 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes, finely chopped
– 2 tablespoons fresh basil leaves, chopped
– Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. In a small bowl, cream the softened butter until light and fluffy.
2. Add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and mix until well combined.
3. Stir in the chopped fresh basil leaves.
4. Season with salt to taste.
5. Wrap the compound butter in plastic wrap or wax paper, forming a log shape.
Cooking Time: None required; this butter is ready to use immediately!
Tips:
Use this flavorful butter on toasted bread, steamed vegetables, or as a finishing touch for pasta dishes like fettuccine Alfredo.
Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Smoked Paprika Compound Butter
Elevate your meals with this aromatic compound butter infused with the deep, smoky flavor of smoked paprika.
Ingredients:
– 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
– 2 tablespoons smoked paprika
– 1 tablespoon garlic powder
– Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. In a small bowl, combine the softened butter, smoked paprika, and garlic powder.
2. Mix until well combined and smooth.
3. Season with salt to taste.
4. Wrap the compound butter in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
Cooking Time:
– Preparation time: 5 minutes
– Chilling time: 30 minutes
Tips:
– Use this flavorful compound butter on bread, vegetables, meats, or as a finishing touch for soups and sauces.
– You can also store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
Blue Cheese Walnut Compound Butter
This rich and savory compound butter is perfect for topping crusty bread, crackers, or even using as a spread. The combination of creamy blue cheese, toasted walnuts, and fresh parsley creates a flavor profile that’s both decadent and sophisticated.
Ingredients:
– 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
– 2 tablespoons crumbled blue cheese (such as Roquefort or Gorgonzola)
– 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
– 1 tablespoon toasted walnut pieces
– Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. In a medium-sized bowl, cream the softened butter until light and fluffy.
2. Add the crumbled blue cheese, chopped parsley, and toasted walnuts. Mix until well combined.
3. Season with salt to taste.
4. Wrap the mixture in plastic wrap or wax paper and chill for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
5. Cooking time: None! This compound butter is ready to use immediately.
Tips: Use this compound butter on warm bread, crackers, or as a spread for vegetables or meats. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months or store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
Maple Bacon Compound Butter
Elevate your breakfast game with this sweet and savory compound butter that combines the richness of maple syrup and the smokiness of bacon.
Ingredients:
– 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
– 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
– 4 slices of cooked bacon, crumbled
– Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. In a medium-sized bowl, cream together the softened butter and maple syrup until well combined.
2. Add the crumbled bacon to the bowl and mix until the butter is evenly coated with the maple-bacon mixture.
3. Season with salt to taste.
4. Wrap the compound butter in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and chill for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Cooking Time: None needed! This recipe is a spread, not a cooked dish.
Rosemary Garlic Compound Butter
Elevate your meals with this aromatic and flavorful compound butter, infused with the earthy essence of rosemary and pungency of garlic. This simple yet impressive spread is perfect for serving alongside roasted meats, vegetables, or as a topping for bread and crackers.
Ingredients:
– 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
– 2 tablespoons chopped fresh rosemary leaves
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– Salt, to taste
Instructions:
1. In a small mixing bowl, cream the softened butter with an electric mixer or a fork until light and fluffy.
2. Add the chopped rosemary leaves and minced garlic to the butter. Mix until well combined.
3. Season with salt to taste.
4. Wrap the compound butter in plastic wrap or wax paper, shaping it into a log or roll.
5. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
6. Serve chilled, sliced, or softened at room temperature.
Cooking Time: None (prepare ahead of time)
Chipotle Lime Compound Butter
Elevate your grilled meats or vegetables with this vibrant and flavorful Chipotle Lime Compound Butter. This spicy and tangy spread combines the smoky heat of chipotle peppers in adobo sauce with the brightness of fresh lime zest.
Ingredients:
– 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
– 1 tablespoon chipotle peppers in adobo sauce
– 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lime juice
– 1 teaspoon grated lime zest
– Salt, to taste
Instructions:
1. In a medium bowl, mix together the softened butter, chipotle peppers, lime juice, and lime zest until well combined.
2. Season with salt to taste.
3. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
4. Use as a spread on grilled meats or vegetables, or as a topping for crackers or bread.
Cooking Time: None
Orange Vanilla Compound Butter
Brighten up your breakfast or snack game with this vibrant Orange Vanilla Compound Butter! This sweet and tangy spread is perfect for topping toast, waffles, or even using as a dip for fresh fruit.
Ingredients:
– 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
– 2 tablespoons orange marmalade
– 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions:
1. In a medium-sized bowl, cream together the softened butter and orange marmalade until smooth.
2. Add the vanilla extract and salt; mix until well combined.
3. Beat the mixture with an electric mixer or a wooden spoon for about 2 minutes, until light and fluffy.
4. Transfer the butter to a serving dish or airtight container.
5. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Cooking Time: 0 minutes (no cooking required!)
Parmesan Black Pepper Compound Butter
This rich and savory compound butter is perfect for topping crusty bread, vegetables, or even using as a spread. A combination of creamy butter, nutty Parmesan cheese, and peppery black pepper will delight your taste buds.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
– 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
– 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Instructions:
1. In a medium-sized bowl, whip the softened butter until light and fluffy.
2. Add the grated Parmesan cheese and mix until well combined.
3. Add the freshly ground black pepper and mix until the desired level of peppery flavor is achieved.
4. Wrap the mixture in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Cooking Time: None
Roasted Garlic Thyme Compound Butter
Elevate your cooking with this aromatic compound butter, perfect for spreading on bread, using as a finishing touch for roasted meats or vegetables, or serving as a decadent appetizer.
Ingredients:
– 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
– 3-4 cloves of roasted garlic (see note), minced
– 2 tablespoons fresh thyme leaves
– Salt, to taste
Instructions:
1. In a medium-sized bowl, combine the softened butter, roasted garlic, and thyme leaves.
2. Mix until well combined, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed.
3. Season with salt to taste.
4. Wrap the mixture in plastic wrap or wax paper and shape into a log or roll.
5. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
6. Slice and serve.
Cooking Time: None, as this is a compound butter that can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 1 week or frozen for up to 3 months.
Jalapeño Cilantro Compound Butter
This creamy butter combines the brightness of cilantro with the subtle heat of jalapeños, making it a perfect addition to any dish. Spread it on bread for a flavorful snack or use it as a finishing touch for grilled meats and vegetables.
Ingredients:
– 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
– 2-3 sliced jalapeños (depending on desired level of heat)
– Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. In a medium-sized bowl, mix together the softened butter and chopped cilantro until well combined.
2. Add the sliced jalapeños to the bowl and stir until they’re evenly distributed throughout the butter.
3. Season with salt to taste.
4. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
5. Cooking time: None, as this is a compound butter.
Usage: Spread on bread, use as a finishing touch for grilled meats or vegetables, or mix into sauces and marinades for added flavor.
Brown Sugar Cinnamon Compound Butter
Elevate your breakfast or snack game with this rich and aromatic Brown Sugar Cinnamon Compound Butter! Made with just a few simple ingredients, this sweet and savory spread is perfect for topping toast, waffles, or even using as a dip for fruit.
Ingredients:
– 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
– 2 tablespoons brown sugar
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– Pinch of salt
Instructions:
1. In a medium-sized bowl, cream the softened butter until light and fluffy.
2. Add the brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt to the butter. Mix until well combined.
3. Continue mixing until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
4. Taste and adjust sweetness or spice level as needed.
Cooking Time: None! This compound butter is ready in just a few minutes of mixing.
Chive Horseradish Compound Butter
Elevate your dishes with this tangy and savory compound butter, perfect for spreading on crackers or using as a finishing touch for meats and vegetables.
Ingredients:
– 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
– 2 tablespoons chives, chopped fresh
– 1 tablespoon prepared horseradish
– Salt, to taste
Instructions:
1. In a small bowl, cream the softened butter with a fork until light and fluffy.
2. Add the chopped chives and mix until well combined.
3. Stir in the prepared horseradish until fully incorporated.
4. Season with salt to taste.
Cooking Time: None! This is a cold compound butter recipe, perfect for making ahead of time or using immediately.
Lavender Honey Compound Butter
This sweet and fragrant butter adds a unique flavor profile to your baked goods, from scones to croissants. Perfect for springtime baking, this compound butter combines the floral notes of lavender with the warm sweetness of honey.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
– 2 tablespoons dried lavender buds
– 2 tablespoons pure honey
– Salt, to taste
Instructions:
1. In a medium-sized bowl, whip the softened butter until light and fluffy.
2. Add the dried lavender buds and mix until well combined and the butter has taken on a subtle purple hue.
3. Add the pure honey and mix until fully incorporated.
4. Season with salt to taste.
5. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Cooking Time: None, as this is a compound butter that requires no cooking.
Pesto Pine Nut Compound Butter
Pesto Pine Nut Compound Butter: A Flavorful Twist on Classic Butter
Elevate your breakfast toast, sandwich, or baked goods with this rich and aromatic compound butter. Made with fresh basil pesto, toasted pine nuts, and a touch of garlic, it’s the perfect addition to any meal.
Ingredients:
– 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
– 2 tablespoons freshly made basil pesto
– 2 tablespoons toasted pine nuts
– 1 clove garlic, minced
– Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. In a medium-sized bowl, cream the softened butter until light and fluffy.
2. Add the basil pesto, toasted pine nuts, and minced garlic to the butter. Mix until well combined.
3. Season with salt to taste.
4. Transfer the compound butter to an airtight container or wrap it in plastic wrap.
Cooking Time: None (just mix and store!)
Espresso Cocoa Compound Butter
Add a rich, mocha flavor to your baked goods with this decadent espresso cocoa compound butter.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
– 2 tablespoons instant espresso powder
– 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– Pinch of salt
Instructions:
1. In a medium-sized bowl, cream the softened butter until light and fluffy.
2. Add the espresso powder, cocoa powder, and vanilla extract to the butter. Mix until well combined.
3. Season with a pinch of salt to balance the flavors.
4. Beat the mixture for an additional 30 seconds to ensure the ingredients are fully incorporated.
Cooking Time: None required! This compound butter is ready to use immediately.
Summary
Get ready to elevate your culinary game with these 20 flavorful compound butter recipes! From classic combinations like Garlic Herb and Honey Cinnamon, to bold flavors like Spicy Chili Lime and Truffle Sea Salt, there’s something for every occasion. Try pairing Lemon Dill with grilled fish or Sun-Dried Tomato Basil with bread for a tasty appetizer. For a sweet treat, whip up some Maple Bacon compound butter to spread on pancakes or waffles. With these recipes, you’ll be able to add a touch of sophistication and excitement to any dish.