Compound Butters

Compound butter is a combination of butter, herbs and spices that are mixed together, chilled and then used as toppings on proteins/veggie or served with breads, pastas and salads. They are a super simple way to add tons of flavor to your foods. Listed below are 3 of the most popular butters I keep on hand in my house.

What is a compound butter?

Compound butter is softened, usually unsalted, butter that is creamed together with herbs and/or spices for creating either a sweet or savory butter. The flavor profiles are seemingly endless from herbed butters for steaks to sweet butters for pancakes or baked goods.

Compound butter is typically rolled in parchment paper to create the signature “log” and then cut into rounds. It is then served either on top of proteins or vegetables or it can also be added to a dish to create a sauce.

Alternately, you can whip your compound butter and serve it as a spread for bread, waffles, and muffins.

Herbed Compound Butter

Most steakhouses add butter to their steak dishes before serving it. This can be just a simple dollop of unsalted butter, or it can be taken a step further with an herbed compound butter. Simply by adding some fresh herbs, butter can be transformed. Try adding some garlic for a more robust flavor.

Jalapeño Lime Butter 

Some of you may ask why you would make a Jalapeño lime butter or what you would use it for. This butter goes great on any Mexican fare you can think of. This butter would go amazingly well on Mexican corn thanks to the fresh, light flavor the lime provides! This particular recipe does not have cilantro, but it would be a welcome addition.

Whipped Cinnamon Maple Butter

Compound butters can also be sweet. This homemade cinnamon maple butter is a welcome addition to all your fall baking recipes. Put a generous dollop of it on French toast, slather it on a scone, or spread it on freshly baked bagel for that whimsical Fall flavor.

Serving Options

• Herb Butter: Grilled or Baked Chicken, Grilled, Roasted or Steamed Vegetables, Dinner Rolls
• Jalapeno Lime: Grilled or Boiled Corn, Grilled Meat, Chicken or Fish (particularly Salmon), Grilled Vegetables
• Cinnamon Honey Butter: Biscuits or Dinner Rolls, Toast, Cornbread, Sweet Potatoes

FAQs:

How long will compound butter last?

Compound butter has no different shelf life than regular butter. It can be kept in the fridge for several weeks. It helps to write the date on the paper it is rolled in. It can also be kept in the freezer for several months.

Should I use fresh or dried herbs?

You can use either. As a general rule of thumb, use 3 teaspoons of dried herbs vs. 2 Tablespoons of fresh for every stick of butter.

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