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Compound Butter Recipes

by Julius F. Buchanan on November 10, 2025

If you’ve ever wanted to take an ordinary meal and make it feel restaurant-worthy in two minutes flat, this is how. Compound Butter is creamy, packed with flavor, and ridiculously versatile. One stick of butter plus a few mix-ins, and suddenly you’ve got a spread that can turn steak, salmon, roasted veggies, pancakes, or even cornbread into something special. You’ll want to keep this in your fridge at all times.

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Ingredient Notes + Variations

Compound butter starts with one thing: butter. From there, you can layer in herbs, spices, citrus zest, cheese, or even sweet flavors like honey. Here are the key players and what they bring:

Salted Butter – The base. Softened to room temperature so everything blends smoothly.
Roasted Garlic – Adds a mellow, nutty flavor. Perfect for steaks, bread, and roasted veggies.
Fresh Herbs – Think parsley, thyme, rosemary, dill, or chives. They brighten up the butter and make it feel fresh.
Citrus Zest & Juice – Lemon, lime, or orange give a punch of acidity and fragrance.
Cheese – Blue cheese or parmesan add depth and richness.
Bacon & Shallots – Smoky, savory, and a little indulgent. Great for potatoes or burgers.
Honey & Spices – Cinnamon, chili powder, or smoked paprika take the butter from savory to sweet or spicy.

How to Make Compound Butter

Making compound butter is easy, and once you do it once, you’ll never forget how. Here’s a quick overview. For full recipe details, including ingredients, variations and measurements, see the printable recipe card down below. I have 8 different variations in the notes of the recipe card.

Step 1: Soften the Butter

let butter sit out at room temperature until it’s spreadable

Step 2: Add the Flavor

add whatever combo of ingredients you’re using

A person uses a spoon to mix yellow butter in a white ceramic bowl on a light-colored countertop.

mash everything together with a fork

taste and adjust as needed

Pro Tip: You can use a mini food processor instead of a fork for a smoother blend, but it’s not required. Here’s how:

A food processor bowl containing a chunk of butter and a scoop of minced garlic, placed on a white marble surface next to a blue patterned cloth and fresh herbs.

add whatever combo of ingredients you’re using to a food processor

pulse until as smooth as desired, taste and adjust seasonings

Step 3: Shape + Chill

spoon butter onto plastic wrap or parchment paper

roll into a log + twist the ends

refrigerate at least 30 minutes until firm

Tips for Success

Use room temperature butter, not melted.
Taste as you mix, since herbs and spices vary in intensity.
Wrap tightly to avoid picking up fridge smells.
Keep a few variations frozen for quick meals.
Slice into coins before freezing so you can grab just what you need.

What to Serve with Compound Butter

Air Fryer Ribeye Steak or Best Way to Cook Steak Indoors (pan seared) – Steak and butter are soulmates.
Homemade Dinner Rolls – Honestly, any of these butters would be amazing on fresh rolls.
Roasted Root Vegetables – A pat of flavored butter makes them irresistible.
Baked Salmon with Garlic Parmesan Breadcrumbs – Lemon dill butter takes it over the top.
Easy Homemade Pancakes – Sweet cinnamon honey butter melts right in.
Shrimp Tacos – Chili Lime Butter is begging to be melted on these.

Once you’ve made compound butter, you’ll wonder why you didn’t start sooner. It’s simple, flexible, and makes meals shine with almost zero effort. The printable recipe is below! Have a good one, friends!