This Easy Homemade Garlic & Herb Compound Butter with Dill and Chives is the perfect addition to elevate any meal. With the rich, creamy base of high-quality butter and the vibrant flavors of fresh garlic, dill, and chives, this compound butter brings a burst of flavor to everything from steaks to roasted veggies, or even just spread on warm bread. Whether softened or chilled into a log, it’s a simple yet luxurious way to enhance your dishes with minimal effort.

Last Updated March 1st, 2025.

Why You’ll Love this Garlic Herb Butter:

Versatile Flavor: The combination of fresh garlic, dill, and chives gives this butter a rich, aromatic flavor that pairs perfectly with a wide variety of dishes.
Quick & Easy: With just a few simple ingredients, you can whip up this compound butter in minutes, making it a fast way to add gourmet flavor to your meals.
Make-Ahead Convenience: This butter can be made ahead and stored in the fridge or freezer, so you always have a flavorful addition ready when you need it.
Customizable: Adjust the amount of garlic, herbs, or salt to suit your taste preferences, or experiment with other fresh herbs for a unique twist.

ingredients for garlic and herb compound butter

Ingredient Notes:

Butter:
- For the best flavor, use a high-quality salted butter like Plugra or Kerrygold. These butters have a rich, creamy texture that enhances the overall taste of your compound butter. If you prefer a less salty option, feel free to use unsalted butter and adjust the seasoning accordingly.
Fresh Herbs:
- Fresh herbs make a huge difference in flavor. Chives bring a mild onion flavor, dill adds a slightly tangy, aromatic touch, and parsley brightens the mix. Feel free to adjust the ratios of herbs based on your preference or experiment with others like thyme or rosemary.
Garlic:
- Fresh, minced or pressed garlic works best in this recipe. Avoid pre-minced garlic for the freshest, most vibrant flavor. If you prefer a milder garlic taste, you can reduce the amount or use roasted garlic for a sweeter flavor.

Dietary Restrictions & Allergy-Friendly Substitutions:

Gluten-Free:
- This recipe is naturally gluten-free, making it safe for those with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease.
Dairy-Free:
- To make this butter dairy-free, substitute with a plant-based butter like Miyoko’s or Earth Balance. These options maintain the creamy texture and rich flavor of the butter while keeping it dairy-free.
Vegan:
- For a vegan version, use a plant-based butter as mentioned above. Be sure to check the label for any hidden animal-derived ingredients.
Low-Sodium:
- If you’re watching your salt intake, use unsalted butter and add salt to taste. You can also adjust the herbs to balance the flavor without relying on salt.

Additional Substitutions & Variations:

Herb Variations: Feel free to experiment with different herbs! Try swapping in rosemary for a piney, earthy flavor or thyme for a subtle, floral note. You can also add tarragon for a unique, slightly licorice-like flavor.
Roasted Garlic: For a sweeter, milder garlic flavor, try roasting the garlic before mixing it into the butter. Simply wrap a few cloves in foil and bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 20 minutes, then mash it into the butter.
Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a spicy twist.
Cheesy & Savory: Incorporate grated Parmesan or Pecorino Romano for a savory, umami-rich variation.
Citrus Zest: Add a touch of lemon or orange zest to bring a burst of freshness and complement the herbs.
Sweet & Fruity: For a delightful, sweet twist, blend in a bit of honey and some finely chopped fresh fruit, such as strawberries, peaches, or apples. This makes a great spread for warm toast, muffins, or even grilled fruit.

Expert Tips & Recipe Notes:

Soften Butter:
- For the best results, allow the butter to soften at room temperature before mixing. This makes it easier to blend in the garlic and herbs evenly. If you’re short on time, you can microwave it for about 10-15 seconds, but don’t let it melt.
Use Fresh Herbs:
- Fresh herbs create a more vibrant and aromatic compound butter. If you’re using dried herbs, reduce the amount to about 1/3 of the fresh quantity, as dried herbs are more concentrated.
Storage:
- Store your compound butter in an airtight container or roll it in plastic wrap to form a log. It can stay in the fridge for up to 2 weeks, or in the freezer for 1-2 months. When freezing, you can slice off pieces as needed.
Customize the Consistency:
- If you prefer a softer texture for spreading, let the butter sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before using. For firmer butter, refrigerate it until set.

Garlic Herb Compound Butter FAQ’s:

Can I use unsalted butter for this recipe?
- Yes, you can! If you prefer unsalted butter, simply add a pinch of salt to taste while mixing in the garlic and herbs, or leave it out entirely.
Can I make this compound butter ahead of time?
- Absolutely! This compound butter is perfect for making in advance. Store it in the fridge for up to two weeks or freeze it for up to two months. You can slice off pieces as needed from chilled or frozen.
Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh?
- While fresh herbs provide the best flavor, you can use dried herbs if that’s what you have on hand. Just be sure to use about one-third of the amount of dried herbs as you would fresh, since dried herbs are more concentrated.
How do I store compound butter?
- Store your compound butter in an airtight container or roll it into a log using plastic wrap, and store in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
What can I use garlic herb butter on?
- This butter is incredibly versatile! It’s great on bread, rolls, steaks, poultry, roasted veggies, grilled fish, or even just melted over popcorn for a quick snack. Really anything that needs a little extra savory flavor.

10 More Garlicky Recipes You Will Love:

Tried This Homemade Garlic & Herb Compound Butter recipe? I’d love to hear how it turned out! ⭐ Please leave a star rating and review in the recipe card below—your feedback helps others discover this creamy, flavorful dish. Follow me on Instagram and Pinterest for more delicious recipes, travel inspiration, and behind-the-scenes content.