We’ve all been making more homemade bread than we can handle. And what better way to enjoy fresh homemade bread than with some *fancy* butters. Yes, we’re talking about compound butter.
Compound butter, or beurre composé in French, is any combination of butter and supplementary ingredients such as aromatics, herbs, spices, or sweeteners.
They are delicious spreads, not only on freshly baked breads, but also as a topping for grilled seafood or vegetables, or stirred into sauces to add richness and flavor. Making compound butter is one of the easiest ways to spruce up your dinner!
Check out some of our favorite flavor combinations below.
Strawberry & Thyme Compound Butter
The combination of strawberry and thyme makes for a sweet addition to your spread.
Strawberry & Thyme Compound Butter
Ingredients
- 4 oz butter, softened
- 2 tbsp fresh strawberries, finely diced
- 1 tsp fresh thyme, minced
Instructions
- Combine the butter, strawberries, and thyme in the bowl of a stand mixer, and mix on medium speed for several minutes until thoroughly combined.
- Transfer mixture to a sheet of wax paper and shape into a log. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate or freeze until ready to use.
Nutrition
Lemon & Caper Compound Butter
This simple lemon and caper compound butter will elevate any dish. The recipe only takes four ingredients and requires nothing but a bowl, spoon, and a piece of parchment paper.
Lemon & Caper Compound Butter
Ingredients
- 4 oz cultured butter, room temperature
- 0.5 lemon, juiced
- 2 tbsp capers
- 0.25 tsp flaked sea salt
Instructions
- In a small bowl, mix butter, lemon juice, capers, and flaked salt. Using a clean hand or spoon mix until well incorporated. Let sit for about 5 minutes in the extra lemon juice. Give it another mix, and drain any remaining juice.
- Place butter mixture on a piece of parchment paper and roll into a log shape. Place it in the freezer until ready to use. To make ahead, chill in the refrigerator overnight or until ready to use.
Nutrition
Shallot & Tarragon Compound Butter
This shallot and tarragon compound butter is the perfect savory complement to your proteins, bread, or vegetables.
Shallot & Tarragon Compound Butter
Ingredients
- 4 oz butter, softened
- 1 tbsp shallot, minced
- 1 tsp tarragon, minced
Instructions
- Combine the butter, shallots, and tarragon in the bowl of a stand mixer, and mix on medium speed for several minutes until thoroughly combined.
- Transfer mixture to a sheet of wax paper and shape into a log. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate or freeze until ready to use.
Nutrition
Sage & Roasted Garlic Butter
The classic flavors of sage and roasted garlic make this a fantastic hostess gift for your favorite foodie.
Sage & Roasted Garlic Compound Butter
Ingredients
- 4 sticks butter, room temperature
- 1 head garlic, roasted with cloves removed
- 0.25 cups minced fresh sage
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Cut the tops off your garlic and drizzle with olive oil and salt and pepper. Wrap in tinfoil and roast for 45-60 minutes until soft and tender.
- Combine butter, roasted garlic, and sage in the stand mixer.
- If you are giving as a gift, pack into glass jars and store in the fridge. Remove 1-2 hours before use to allow to warm to room temperature.
Nutrition
Chili & Lime Compound Butter
This chili lime butter would be delicious on anything, but you can try it on proteins like chicken as well to add a little acidity and spice!
Chili & Lime Compound Butter
Ingredients
- 4 oz butter, softened
- 2 tsp lime zest, grated
- squeeze of lime juice
- 0.5 tsp crushed chili flakes (or to your taste)
- pinch of salt
Instructions
- Combine the butter, lime zest, lime juice, chili flakes, and salt in the bowl of a stand mixer, and mix on medium speed for several minutes until thoroughly combined.
- Transfer mixture to a sheet of wax paper and shape into a log. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate until ready to use.