Sometimes the simplest details can have the biggest impact. This Garlic & Herb Compound Butter recipe is a great example. Made with fresh chives, parsley, dill, garlic cloves, and creamy butter. These simple ingredients come together to create a spread that instantly elevates almost any dish.
Why You'll Love this Garlic Herb Butter:
- It's simple yet oh-so flavorful. Just a handful of herbs and a few garlic cloves amp this butter up, making it perfect for toast, steak, seafood, and so much more.
- So quick and easy to make! I know, 'Compound Butter' sounds fancy, but I promise anyone can make it and in only a few minutes.
- Make-Ahead Friendly. This butter can be made it a large batch and then refrigerated or frozen so it's ready when you need it.
Jump to:
Key Ingredients:
- Butter: For this recipe you'll want to use a high-quality salted butter. There are so many great options out there but my favorites are Plugra and Kerrygold. You can also use an unsalted version if you would like more control over your sodium intake.
- Fresh Herbs: A blend of fresh chives, parsley, and dill. Feel free to adjust the ratios based on your preference or experiment with other herbs such as thyme or rosemary.
- Garlic: Fresh cloves that are finely minced or pressed work the best for this recipe. If you prefer a milder, sweeter flavor roasted garlic paste can also be used.
Dietary Swaps:
- This recipe is naturally gluten-free, nut-free, and egg-free.
- Dairy-Free/ Vegan: Use a plant-based, dairy-free butter such as Miyoko's or Earth Balanced.
- Low-Sodium: If you would like more control over the salt, use an unsalted butter and adjust seasonings to taste.
Recipe Variations:
- Try different herbs and seasonings, such as finely chopped fresh thyme, rosemary, basil, sage, cumin, or even curry powder. This recipe is incredibly versatile and the options are endless.
- 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.
- Give it a little spice, with a few crushed red pepper flakes, chili powder, or cayenne.
- Make it sweet or cheesy by mixing in a sweet fruit jam or a bit of grated Parmesan cheese.
Tips & Notes:
- For easy mixing, soften butter before adding the other ingredients. Let butter sit out a bit at room temperature, or if you're short on time, you can microwave it for 10-15 seconds (just don't let it melt!).
- Use fresh herbs for this recipe. While you can use dried, fresh herbs give the best aromatic quality and flavor. If you have to use dried herbs though, use only ⅓ of the amount listed.
- For a softer, spreadable consistency, let compound butter sit out at room temperature. For a firmer butter, refrigerate until set.
Storage:
- Store leftover butter in an airtight container or rolled tightly in plastic wrap to form a log.
- Compound butter will last up to 2 weeks in the fridge or 1-2 months in the freezer.
FAQs:
Absolutely! If you prefer unsalted butter, simply add a pinch of salt when adding the garlic and herbs to reduce sodium.
You can. While fresh herbs are better for this recipe, dried herbs can still work. Just use ⅓ of the amounts listed as dried herbs are much more potent, and adjust from there.
The options are really endless! You can use this compound butter as a simple spread on toast, steak, chicken, or fish, melt a but to pan saute veggies, melt a but and pour it over pasta or popcorn. You can really use it anyway you would use standard butter.
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
Ingredients
- 1 stick quality salted butter such as Plugra or Kerrygold, 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
- Let the butter come to room temperature for easier mixing.
- Add softened butter to a bowl and use a spoon to cream/mash the butter until smooth.
- Fold in the garlic, parsley, chives, dill, kosher salt, and pepper to taste.
- For immediate use, serve the butter softened.
- For chilled butter, place the mixture on a piece of 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
- For easy mixing, soften butter before adding the other ingredients. Let butter sit out a bit at room temperature, or if you're short on time, you can microwave it for 10-15 seconds (just don't let it melt!).
- Use fresh herbs for this recipe. While you can use dried, fresh herbs give the best aromatic quality and flavor. If you have to use dried herbs though, use only ⅓ of the amount listed.
- Nutrition values are an estimate only.
Nutrition
Tried this Garlic Herb Compound Butter? 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 super easy, quick recipe. Enjoy, and happy cooking! Follow me on Instagram and Subscribe to my newsletter more delicious recipes, travel inspiration, and behind-the-scenes content.
Must Love Garlic says
Super easy to make and lasts awhile in the fridge.