If you’re wondering what truffle butter tastes like, it’s rich and earthy with strong savory, umami notes. The harvesting process is very labor-intensive, requiring trained dogs or pigs to sniff them out to be dug and hand-harvested. In the recipe above, we’ve suggested using black truffle, which is known for its intense and complex flavor, or you could substitute this for white truffle which is more aromatic and has a sharp, garlicky taste.
To source truffles, you’ll need to head to a specialty food store or market, or purchase online. If you can’t find fresh truffles, you can use a high-quality truffle paste as an alternative. Try not to use truffle oil in this recipe, as it won’t mimic the fresh flavor of truffle.
Make sure you start by using the right butter for the recipe. You need to source unsalted, high-fat butter and let it soften naturally at room temperature before adding the truffle to it.
Before using the truffles, clean gently with a soft brush to remove any residual dirt. If you have a microplane in the kitchen, this is ideal for grating the truffle, as it creates a very fine grate that helps to distribute the truffle flavor evenly throughout the butter.
Now that you know how you make truffle butter, if you’re interested in exploring how to use this ingredient in different recipes, take a look at our detailed guide to using truffles at home, including which style of truffles should be used for specific dishes.
How to Use It
Truffle butter is a quick way to add a touch of sophistication to your dishes at home. It pairs well with classic pasta dishes and can be easily mixed into pasta just before serving.
Truffle butter and eggs are a mouthwatering combination for a brunch or breakfast dish. Try mixing a knob of the truffle butter into your scrambled eggs for an elevated breakfast. And it can be easily added to side dishes, such as roasted potatoes or grilled asparagus, to bring added flavor complexity to simple ingredients.
For even more truffle inspiration, take a look at our round-up of six truffle dishes from leading chefs around the world, including Gordon Ramsay’s stuffed roast turkey with truffle butter.
How to Store Truffle Butter
To maintain the aroma and flavor of the truffle butter, wrap it tightly in parchment paper and transfer to an airtight container. You can store the butter in the fridge for up to two weeks. To freeze, chop the truffle butter into smaller discs before freezing and place into an airtight container. When ready to use the frozen butter, let it thaw in the fridge overnight first.
