If you’re wondering what compound butter is, it is simply flavored butter that’s been softened and combined with other ingredients. The butter needs to be at room temperature as this allows the ingredients to distribute evenly throughout the soft texture.
Unsalted butter is the ideal base for compound butter recipes, as it allows for greater control over the seasoning and the final taste profile of the butter, especially if you’re using salty ingredients such as anchovies or miso. Some chefs will even make their own butter to start with, which can be easily done with this viral Irish butter recipe.
Don’t overcomplicate it by adding too many ingredients to the mix. It’s better to choose two to three that won’t compete against each other in the butter. Finely chop whichever ingredients you select so they are evenly distributed throughout the butter. Using cooked aromatics such as garlic or shallots can add deeper, more rounded flavors to the butter than using them raw.
Flavor Combinations (Herbs, Citrus, Spices)
There’s no end to the amount of flavor combinations you can experiment with for compound butter ideas. The aim is to create a balance of flavors, bringing together one rich or savory choice with one fresh or aromatic element.
In the recipe above, we’ve shared a classic suggestion for a lemon and thyme butter that’s citrus-forward and excellent with seafood, especially grilled fish and shrimp. Sage with black pepper is another balanced herb-led combination and an elevated pairing for an elegant pasta dish, such as roasted pumpkin and squash ravioli.
For a spicy, warming compound butter, try adding a mixture of smoked paprika and roasted garlic. Miso and sesame seeds create a savory umami-focused compound butter that works particularly well with grilled corn or steak. Sun-dried tomatoes with basil is a popular flavor mix that works well in a compound butter served with fresh, crusty bread to start a meal.
Lastly, crumbled blue cheese and finely chopped fresh chives bring salty, tangy flavors to the butter that’s perfect for using with grilled steak or roasted potatoes.
Storage and Freezing
Compound butter should be stored in the refrigerator tightly wrapped in parchment paper or plastic wrap. Compound butter can last for up to one week in the fridge. If it contains garlic, herbs, or other fresh ingredients including roasted mushrooms or caramelized onions, it’s best to use it within five days. It can also be stored in the freezer and will keep for up to three months when stored correctly.
Before serving the butter, slice the log into individual portions. If preferred, you can also store the butter as individual disks in the freezer and thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before using.
