Compound Flavored Butter Recipes Recipe
This recipe features versatile compound flavored butters that infuse classic unsalted butter with fresh herbs, citrus zests, spices, and seasonings. These aromatic butters can enhance the flavor profile of a variety of dishes including grilled meats, steamed vegetables, seafood, and warm breads, adding a gourmet touch with minimal effort.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes (including chilling time)
- Yield: Approximately 1 log (4 ounces) of compound butter, serves about 8 servings 1x
- Category: Condiment, Spread
- Method: Mixing and Chilling
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Ingredients
Scale
Basic Butter Base
- 4 ounces unsalted butter, room temperature (1 stick)
- 1 pinch sea salt, optional
Herbal and Citrus Mix
- 1 Tbsp shallots, diced
- 1 Tbsp flat-leaf parsley, finely chopped
- 2 tsp chives, minced
- 1 Tbsp lemon juice, freshly squeezed
- ½ tsp lemon zest
- 1 Tbsp cilantro, finely chopped
- 1 tsp lime juice, freshly squeezed
- ½ tsp lime zest
- ½ tsp ground ginger, or 2 tsp fresh grated ginger
Spiced Blend
- 2 tsp Cajun seasoning
- ¼ tsp cayenne pepper
Citrus and Sweet Blend
- 1 Tbsp orange juice, freshly squeezed
- 1 tsp orange zest
- 1 Tbsp honey
Additional Aromatics
- 2 Tbsp chives, finely chopped
- 2 Tbsp shallots, finely chopped
- 1 Tbsp garlic, finely chopped
Instructions
- Prepare the butter base: Add the softened unsalted butter into a medium mixing bowl or a small food processor. Add a pinch of sea salt if desired for seasoning. This will serve as the creamy base for your compound butters.
- Incorporate chosen flavorings: Depending on your desired flavor, add any combination of the herb, citrus, spice, or aromatic ingredients to the butter. Thoroughly combine the butter and seasonings either by mixing well with a spatula or pulsing in the food processor until evenly incorporated.
- Shape and chill: Transfer the flavored butter mixture onto a piece of parchment paper, wax paper, or plastic wrap. Gently shape the butter into a log approximately 5 to 6 inches long. Twist the ends of the paper or wrap tightly to seal the butter log, preventing air exposure.
- Refrigerate or freeze: Place the wrapped butter log in the refrigerator and chill for at least 2 hours to firm up and allow flavors to meld. For longer storage, place the wrapped butter in a freezer-safe bag and freeze for up to six months.
- Alternative serving method: Alternatively, transfer the compound butter to a small ramekin, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for a minimum of 2 hours. Serve chilled with warm bread or rolls at the table for an elegant presentation.
Notes
- Use unsalted butter as the base to have full control over seasoning.
- Freshly zest and juice citrus fruits for the brightest flavor.
- Mix different herbs and spices to create your own signature flavored butter.
- Compound butter can be stored in the refrigerator for up to one week or frozen for up to six months.
- Allow refrigerated butter to soften slightly at room temperature before serving for easy spreading.
- Use compound butter to finish grilled meats, steamed vegetables, or spread on fresh bread.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 tablespoon (14g)
- Calories: 100 kcal
- Sugar: 0.5 g
- Sodium: 20 mg
- Fat: 11 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3.5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 0.5 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 0.1 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg
Keywords: compound butter, flavored butter, herb butter, citrus butter, spiced butter, gourmet condiments, easy butter recipes
