Garlic Herb Compound Butter
In short: Softened butter beaten with garlic, parsley, chives and lemon zest, rolled into a log and chilled, ready to melt over steak, bread or vegetables. It takes about 10 min in total and makes 16 servings.
- Prep
- 10 min
- Cook
- 0 min
- Resting
- 1 h
- Total
- 10 min
- Servings
- 16
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Calories
- 100 kcal
Compound butter is softened butter mixed with flavorings, shaped into a log and sliced as needed. This garlic and herb version melts over a hot steak, a baked potato, grilled corn or a piece of fish, and it spreads on bread for quick garlic toast. The butter keeps for up to 2 weeks in the fridge and 3 months in the freezer, so one batch covers many meals. Grate the garlic very fine so the butter tastes garlicky rather than harsh.
Instructions
- Leave the butter at room temperature for about 45 minutes, until it gives easily when pressed but is not shiny or melted.
- Grate the garlic on a fine grater, chop the herbs very finely and zest the lemon.
- Put the butter in a bowl and beat it with a spatula or electric mixer until smooth and creamy. Add the garlic, parsley, chives, thyme, lemon zest, salt and pepper.
- Mix until evenly speckled. Taste a small amount on a piece of bread and add more salt or garlic if you like.
- Scrape the butter onto a sheet of baking parchment or plastic wrap in a rough line about 15 cm (6 inches) long. Roll it into a tight log and twist the ends closed.
- Chill for at least 1 hour, until firm. Slice into rounds as needed and place on hot steak, vegetables, fish or bread.
Tips
- To freeze, slice the log into rounds, freeze them on a tray and then bag them. Use them straight from frozen, for up to 3 months.
- For garlic bread, spread the butter on sliced bread and bake at 200°C (400°F) for 8 to 10 minutes, until golden and crisp at the edges.
Questions and answers
How long does compound butter keep?
Wrapped tightly it keeps for up to 2 weeks in the fridge and 3 months in the freezer. Raw garlic is best used fresh, so do not leave the butter out at room temperature for long.
Can I use salted butter for compound butter?
Yes. Use salted butter and leave out the added salt, then taste and add a pinch if needed. Salted butters vary a lot in saltiness.
What can I put garlic herb butter on?
Melt it over steak, chicken, grilled fish, baked potatoes, corn, steamed vegetables, pasta or warm bread. A slice on a hot steak melts into a quick sauce.
How long does it take to make Garlic Herb Compound Butter?
About 10 min in total: 10 min of preparation and 0 min of cooking.
How many calories are in Garlic Herb Compound Butter?
About 100 kcal per serving, with 0 g of protein, 0 g of carbohydrates and 11 g of fat. These values are estimates.
Nutrition per serving
| Calories | 100 kcal |
|---|---|
| Protein | 0 g |
| Carbohydrates | 0 g |
| Fat | 11 g |
| Fiber | 0 g |
| Sugar | 0 g |
| Sodium | 75 mg |
Estimated values, calculated from the ingredients.
