Flavorful Compound Butters
Compound butters are one of the easiest ways to add restaurant-quality flavor at home. Melt them over grilled meats, vegetables, pasta, or warm bread, and even the simplest meal feels a little more special.
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Italian Translation: Burro alle Erbe
Region of Origin: Throughout Italy • Inspired by regional herbs and citrus
Wine Pairing Recommendation: Pairing possibilities are endless! Explore my Italian Red, White, and Sparkling Wine Guides for inspiration.
Category: Sauces, Spreads, & Dressings [‘Condimento’]
Michelle’s Cucina
A note from my kitchen to yours.
Summer brings fresh basil, blooming herbs, grill nights, corn on the cob, juicy cobblers—and the kind of recipes that make the most of what’s growing. Compound butters are a classic kitchen trick that can make a weeknight meal feel special or bring a touch of elegance to a dinner party or holiday table. Below are three of my favorites to get you started — and hopefully spark some creative ideas of your own.
Why these recipes work: Each butter combines just a few complementary ingredients, making them incredibly versatile for everything from grilled vegetables and pasta to fresh bread and holiday meals.
Ingredients for FLAVORFUL COMPOUND BUTTERS:
Full measurements in the recipe card below.
- Unsalted Butter
- Flavorful Options:
- Fresh Dill + Sea Salt
- Fresh Rosemary + Garlic
- Fresh Basil + Honey
RECOMMENDED KITCHEN TOOLS:
- Medium Bowl
- Silicone Spatula
- Plastic Wrap
How to Make FLAVORFUL COMPOUND BUTTERS:
STEP 1: Softening the butter
We want to soften the butter, not melt it. You can leave a stick of butter, covered, on the counter overnight to bring to room temperature; or you can soften a bit faster by cutting it in cubes and placing cubes in a bowl directly over another bowl of hot water.
STEP 2: Mixing the herbs
Using a silicone spatula, mix in the desired herb or spice per ingredient list above.
STEP 3: Wrapping the compound butter logs
Lay out 2 pieces of plastic wrap approximately 12” long. Scoop about a half of the mixture, and place on one of the pieces of plastic wrap –in the center, on the end towards you. Fold the bottom of the wrap on top of the butter and carefully roll away from you, trying to keep the ends ‘open’ so that air bubbles are released.
STEP 3: TYING the ends.
Once you’ve reached the top, pinch one end of the plastic wrap and twist pretty snugly and tie a knot. Do the same on the other end. Repeat on the 2nd piece of plastic wrap using the 2nd half of the butter and herb mixture.
How to Serve FLAVORFUL COMPOUND BUTTERS:
- Dill & Sea Salt is perfect for: Corn on the Cob, Chicken &/or Vegetable Skewers; or warm Sourdough Bread
- Roasted Garlic & Rosemary savoriness is ideal for: Roasted New Potatoes, Grilled Steaks, or warm Focaccia Bread
- Basil & Honey sweetness is great for: Cobblers, Fresh Pasta or Gnocchi, or warm Ciabatta bread
Buon Appetito!
La Vita, Simplified:
Kitchen Favorite: A small silicone spatula makes mixing herbs evenly into softened butter quick and mess-free.
Make Ahead: Compound butters freeze beautifully. Slice into rounds before freezing so you can thaw only what you need.
Storage: Store refrigerated for up to 2 weeks or freeze for up to 6 months.
FLAVORFUL COMPOUND BUTTERS
Equipment
- Medium Mixing Bowl
- Silicone Spatula
- Plastic Wrap
Ingredients
- ½ cup Unsalted Butter - softened to room temperature
Dill & Sea Salt Compound Butter:
- 1 teaspoon Fresh Dill - roughly chopped
- ¼ teaspoon Sea Salt
Roasted Garlic & Rosemary Compound Butter:
- 2 cloves Roasted Garlic
- 1 teaspoon Fresh Rosemary - finely chopped
Basil & Honey Compound Butter:
- 1 Tablespoon Fresh Basil - finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon Honey
Instructions
- Place softened butter in a mixing bowl. Using a silicone spatula, mix in the desired herb or spice per ingredient list above.
- Lay out 2 pieces of plastic wrap approximately 12” long.
- Scoop about a half of the mixture, and place on one of the pieces of plastic wrap –in the center, on the end towards you.
- Fold the bottom of the wrap on top of the butter and carefully roll away from you, trying to keep the ends ‘open’ so that air bubbles are released.
- Once you’ve reached the top, pinch one end of the plastic wrap and twist pretty snugly and tie a knot. Do the same on the other end.
- Repeat on the 2nd piece of plastic wrap using the 2nd half of the butter and herb mixture.
- Buon Appetito!
Notes
- Perfect Pairings:
- Dill & Sea Salt: Corn on the Cob, Chicken &/or Vegetable Skewers, warm Sourdough Bread
- Roasted Garlic & Rosemary: Roasted New Potatoes, Grilled Steaks, or warm Focaccia Bread
- Basil & Honey: Cobblers, Pasta or Gnocchi, or warm Ciabatta bread
- Michelle’s Kitchen Recommendations:
- More An Italian Kitchen Essentials:
- Storage Tips:
- Store refrigerated for up to 2 weeks or freeze for up to 6 months.
- Slice into rounds before freezing, and then thaw only what you need.
🇮🇹 Explore More An Italian Kitchen Essentials:
Discover infused oils, flavored syrups, compound butters, and finishing sauces that bring even more Italian-inspired flavor to your kitchen.
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