Garlic and Herb Compound Butter

Sliced garlic compound butter rounds on a plate, garnished with fresh basil, thyme, chive flowers, and toasted bread.

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This Garlic and Herb Compound butter is packed with fresh garlic and fresh herbs, and is delicious on everything from vegetables to steak.

Prep Time15

Cook Time0

Chill Time20

Total Time35

Servings:

Calories: 103kcal

Author: Chef Molly Pisula

Ingredients

1 stick salted butter softened
2 cloves garlic
2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil
1 ½ tablespoons chopped fresh chives
½ tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
½ tablespoon chopped fresh thyme leaves
½ teaspoon kosher salt

Instructions

Place softened butter in a medium bowl.
Using a microplane or fine grater, grate the garlic cloves into the bowl. Stir the garlic and butter together.
Add in chopped herbs and salt, and stir into the butter mixture.
Scrape onto a piece of plastic wrap and form into a log. Roll up and twist the ends to secure.
Store in the freezer until firm enough to slice, about 20 minutes.
Use a large serrated knife or bread knife to slice and serve.

Notes

Storage Tips:

This compound butter will last for a week in the refrigerator. Wrap either in plastic wrap, parchment paper, or scrape into a small ramekin. If you’d like to store it for longer, move the wrapped roll into the freezer. It will last there for up to 3 months.

Expert Tips:

Grating the garlic helps it melt into the butter so you still get great flavor but aren’t left with biting into a chunk of raw garlic. If you really aren’t a raw garlic fan, you can mellow the flavor by briefly sautéing it first.

Make sure your butter is just softened but not melted before starting this recipe. Melted butter can separate, and it is also impossible to scrape it into a roll for storage.

Play with flavors by changing up your fresh herbs according to what’s in season. Fresh sage and rosemary would be lovely for a holiday dinner. Lemon zest or black pepper would also make nice additions.

This recipe scales up easily and is great for gifting or keeping a few logs on hand for easy meals. In that case, you might want to combine the herbs and softened butter in a stand mixer with the paddle attachment or with a hand mixer.

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