From Garlic to Berry: Sweet and Savory Butter Variations
Compound butters - simple blends of butter and flavorful mix-ins - are one of the easiest, most delicious ways to preserve the essence of the season and elevate everyday
meals.
Whether savory or sweet, these butters are endlessly adaptable. You can spoon them over grilled meats, melt them onto roasted vegetables, swirl them into hot pasta, or spread them on toast and biscuits. And best of all, they take only a few minutes to prepare.
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Savory Start: Garlic and Herb Butters
Start with fresh, unsalted butter and let it come to room temperature. Then, consider your ingredients. Fresh garlic is a natural pairing, mellowed by roasting or used
raw for a stronger kick. Blend it with chopped herbs like parsley, thyme, rosemary, or basil. Add a touch of lemon zest, cracked black pepper, or crushed red pepper flakes to sharpen the flavor.
Try these classic combinations:
Garlic + Parsley + Lemon Zest
Roasted Garlic + Thyme + Black Pepper
Basil + Sun-dried Tomato + Parmesan
Tarragon + Shallot + Dijon Mustard
Shape the finished butter into a log using parchment paper, twist the ends, and chill or freeze. Slicing off a round to melt over grilled steak or corn is one of summer’s quiet pleasures.
A Sweet Twist: Berry and Floral Butters
Sweet compound butters deserve just as much attention. They’re ideal for breakfast or brunch, served with muffins, pancakes, waffles, or warm scones. Start with softened unsalted butter, then mix in crushed fresh berries—raspberries, strawberries, blueberries—or fruit preserves. A little honey or maple syrup brings balance, while citrus zest or floral notes (like lavender or rosewater) add depth.
Some favorite combinations include:
Strawberry + Honey + Orange Zest
Raspberry + Lemon Zest + Mint
Blueberry + Maple Syrup + Cinnamon
Peach + Thyme + Vanilla Extract
These butters can be stored the same way as savory ones, rolled into logs or pressed into ramekins and covered tightly. For a special touch, pipe them into rosettes and freeze for a
brunch buffet.
Storage and Serving Tips
Compound butters keep for up to a week in the refrigerator or several months in the freezer. Use parchment or waxed paper to roll and wrap them, or store them in
silicone molds for portioned rounds. Label each batch with its flavor and date to make seasonal swaps easy.
To serve, slice
cold compound butter and place it on hot foods so it melts slowly, releasing its aroma and flavor as it goes. For spreads, allow it to soften slightly at room temperature before serving.
This week, we’re featuring a recipe for Cowboy Butter in our video—a zesty garlic-herb blend that’s perfect for grilled meats and vegetables. And if you're slicing your own fresh loaf to serve it with, don’t miss our special offer: 20% off
the Cestari Serrated Bread Knife.
