Sometimes the smallest kitchen upgrades make the biggest difference. This Garlic & Herb Compound Butter is rich, creamy, and packed with fresh flavor from chives, parsley, dill, and garlic. It takes only a few minutes to prepare, but it can instantly elevate toast, vegetables, steak, seafood, chicken, pasta, and more. Keep it soft for spreading, or chill it into a log so you can slice off a flavorful round whenever you need it.
Why You’ll Love this Garlic Herb Butter
- It is simple but full of flavor. Fresh herbs, garlic, and butter come together to create a savory spread that works with everything from warm bread to grilled meats.
- It is quick and easy to make. Compound butter may sound fancy, but this homemade garlic herb butter comes together in about 10 minutes with basic ingredients.
- It is perfect for make-ahead cooking. Prepare a batch, store it in the refrigerator or freezer, and use it whenever you want to add instant flavor to a meal.
Key Ingredients
- Butter: Use a good-quality salted butter for the best flavor and texture. If you prefer to control the salt level yourself, unsalted butter also works well.
- Fresh Herbs: This recipe uses a bright blend of fresh chives, parsley, and dill. You can adjust the amounts to suit your taste or try other herbs such as thyme or rosemary.
- Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves give this compound butter its bold, savory flavor. Finely minced or pressed garlic mixes in best. For a softer, sweeter garlic flavor, roasted garlic paste may be used instead.
Dietary Swaps
- This garlic herb compound butter is naturally gluten-free, nut-free, and egg-free.
- Dairy-Free or Vegan: Use your favorite plant-based, dairy-free butter in place of regular butter.
- Low-Sodium: Choose unsalted butter and season lightly with kosher salt to taste.
Recipe Variations
- Try different herbs and seasonings. Fresh thyme, rosemary, basil, or sage can all add a different flavor profile. You can also experiment with cumin or curry powder for a warmer, more spiced version.
- Use roasted garlic for a milder taste. Roast a few garlic cloves until soft, then mash them into the butter for a sweeter, less sharp garlic flavor.
- Add a little heat. Stir in crushed red pepper flakes, chili powder, or cayenne if you want a spicy garlic herb butter.
- Make it sweet or cheesy. A small amount of fruit jam can give the butter a sweet-savory twist, while grated Parmesan adds a salty, cheesy finish.
Tips & Notes
- Soften the butter before mixing. Let it sit at room temperature until easy to mash. If you are short on time, microwave it for 10 to 15 seconds, but do not let it melt.
- Use fresh herbs whenever possible. Fresh parsley, chives, and dill give the best aroma, color, and flavor. If you only have dried herbs, use about one-third of the amount listed.
- Choose the texture you want. Serve the butter at room temperature for a soft, spreadable consistency, or chill it until firm if you want neat slices.
Storage
- Store leftover garlic herb butter in an airtight container, or roll it tightly in plastic wrap to form a log.
- Compound butter will keep for up to 2 weeks in the refrigerator or 1 to 2 months in the freezer.
FAQs
Yes. Unsalted butter works well, especially if you want more control over the final seasoning. Add kosher salt to taste after mixing in the garlic and herbs.
You can use dried herbs if needed, but fresh herbs give the best flavor and texture. Since dried herbs are more concentrated, use about one-third of the amount listed and adjust from there.
Use it anywhere you would normally use butter. Spread it on toast, melt it over steak, chicken, fish, or vegetables, stir it into pasta, or drizzle it over popcorn. It is an easy way to add garlic and herb flavor to everyday dishes.
More Garlicky Recipes You Will Love
- Garlic Cream Sauce Ravioli
- Garlic Olive Oil Bread Dip
- Easy Veggie Pasta with Garlic Parmesan Sauce
- Easy Olive Cheese Bread with Garlic Butter
- Mediterranean Pasta & Kale Salad with Garlic Basil Dressing
- Mushroom Garlic Hamburger Gravy
Recipe
Garlic & Herb Compound Butter
10 minutes
Condiment
8
100 kcal
Ingredients
- 1 stick quality salted butter softened
- 2-3 cloves garlic pressed or finely minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh chives finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill finely chopped
- Kosher salt to taste
- Fresh cracked pepper to taste
Instructions
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Let the butter come to room temperature so it is soft and easy to mix.
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Add the softened butter to a bowl and mash it with a spoon until smooth and creamy.
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Fold in the garlic, parsley, chives, dill, kosher salt, and fresh cracked pepper.
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Serve immediately if you want a soft, spreadable garlic herb butter.
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For chilled butter, spoon the mixture onto plastic wrap, roll it into a log, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or until firm. Slice into rounds when ready to serve.
Notes
- Soften the butter before adding the other ingredients. It should be easy to mash but not melted.
- Fresh herbs are best for flavor, color, and aroma. If using dried herbs, use only one-third of the listed amount.
- Nutrition values are estimates only.
Nutrition
Carbohydrates: 1g
Fat: 11g
Saturated Fat: 7g
garlic herb butter
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