Name: Herb Compound Butter Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: PT-489385H54M30S
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: ½ cup unsalted butter, at room temperature; 1 tablespoon finely chopped dill; 1 tablespoon finely chopped chives; ½ clove garlic, grated; ½ teaspoon sea salt; ½ cup unsalted butter, at room temperature; 2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves; ¼ teaspoon lemon zest; ½ teaspoon sea salt; Pinch red pepper flakes; ½ cup unsalted butter, at room temperature; 1 teaspoon finely chopped rosemary; 1 teaspoon finely chopped sage; 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup; ½ teaspoon sea salt; ½ cup unsalted butter, at room temperature; 1 tablespoon finely chopped basil leaves; 1 tablespoon finely chopped sun dried tomatoes; ½ garlic clove, grated; ¼ teaspoon sea salt

If you love adding a burst of flavor to your meals with minimal effort, then this Herb Compound Butter Recipe is absolutely for you. It’s one of those simple kitchen hacks I discovered that makes everything from grilled meats to warm bread totally irresistible. I’m excited to share the different herb combos I use, plus tips that’ll help you nail it at home every single time!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Flavorful and Versatile: These herb compound butters instantly level up any dish with fresh, vibrant flavors.
Easy to Make: With just a few minutes of prep, you’ve got a gourmet touch that’s ready to chill and savor later.
Customizable: You can create endless variations using your favorite herbs and add-ins. The combos I share are just the beginning!
Great for Meal Prep: Make a batch, freeze extras, and have delicious flavor boosters on hand whenever you want.

The image shows four rows of round, white butter slices with different herbs and spices mixed in, arranged neatly on a wooden board. Each row has about eight slices stacked closely in a straight line. The butter in the first and second rows have green herbs, the third row has red chili flakes and herbs, and the fourth row has darker seeds or spices mixed in. Around the board, there are pieces of sliced white bread and a white knife with butter on its tip, resting on the white marbled surface. A woman's hand is holding one side of the board. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Herb Compound Butter, flavorful herb butter, easy herb butter recipe, versatile herb butter, homemade flavored butter

Ingredients You’ll Need

I love how these herbs and flavorings complement the creamy, soft butter so beautifully. The key is using fresh herbs and good-quality unsalted butter—this combo really lets everything shine.

Flat lay of a soft pale yellow lump of unsalted butter, a small bunch of bright green chives, a sprig of feathery green dill, a clove of garlic with smooth white skin, a small heap of coarse sea salt crystals, a few fresh thyme sprigs with tiny green leaves, a thin strip of bright yellow lemon zest, a pinch of vibrant red pepper flakes, a small cluster of woody rosemary sprigs, fresh sage leaves with a velvety texture, a small dollop of golden honey in a white ceramic bowl, fresh green basil leaves, a small pile of deep red sun-dried tomatoes, all arranged symmetrically on a simple white ceramic plate and bowls, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p awthu7i m7354615311229779997 - Herb Compound Butter, flavorful herb butter, easy herb butter recipe, versatile herb butter, homemade flavored butter

Unsalted Butter: Make sure it’s softened to room temperature for easy mixing.
Dill: Perfect for that fresh, slightly tangy note, especially in the garlic chive dill combo.
Chives: Keep some on hand for their mild oniony flavor — they brighten the butter nicely.
Garlic: I use just a little grated garlic to avoid overpowering the mix.
Sea Salt: Enhances the butter’s flavor without being too harsh.
Fresh Thyme: Adds a citrusy herbal aroma, great with lemon zest.
Lemon Zest: A pinch gives a lovely brightness, especially in the thyme blend.
Red Pepper Flakes: Just a tiny pinch wakes up the flavor without making it spicy.
Rosemary: Earthy and piney, a fantastic pairing with honey or maple syrup.
Sage: Adds a woodsy depth that balances sweet flavors well.
Honey or Maple Syrup: I like how a touch of natural sweetness softens the herb sharpness.
Basil: Sweet and fragrant, perfect for that sun-dried tomato basil mix.
Sun-Dried Tomatoes: I choose ones packed in oil for extra richness and tang.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

What I love about this herb compound butter recipe is how you can tweak it to match your mood or what’s in your garden. I often switch up the herbs depending on the season or what I’m serving it with.

Garlic Chive Dill: This is my go-to for fish dishes—it makes everything taste fresh and light.
Lemon Thyme: My family goes crazy for this on roasted chicken, especially in summer.
Honey Rosemary Sage: For cozy fall dinners, the sweet-savory combo feels so comforting.
Sun-Dried Tomato Basil: I love this one on toast or melted over steamed veggies for a vibrant twist.
Vegan Butter Substitute: If you want a dairy-free version, swap in plant-based butter and skip the added salt.

How to Make Herb Compound Butter Recipe

Step 1: Soften Butter and Prep Your Herbs

Start by letting your unsalted butter sit at room temperature until it’s soft and spreadable but not melted. While that’s happening, finely chop your herbs and grate the garlic. I like using a microplane grater for garlic—it blends in so nicely without big chunks.

Step 2: Combine Butter and Herbs

In a small bowl, stir the softened butter together with your chosen herbs and other ingredients like sea salt, garlic, or lemon zest. I usually do this with a fork or a small rubber spatula, making sure everything is evenly mixed. Take a taste here to see if it needs a pinch more salt or a bit more herb—it’s all about personal preference.

Step 3: Shape and Chill

Next, scoop the mixture onto a piece of parchment paper or plastic wrap. Roll it into a log shape, then twist the ends to seal it tight. Pop this into the fridge overnight or until it’s firm enough to slice. One time I tried to rush this step and slice it too early — the butter just squished everywhere, so patience really pays off here!

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Pro Tips for Making Herb Compound Butter Recipe

Use Fresh Herbs: Freshness really pops here—dried herbs just can’t compete in this recipe.
Don’t Overdo Garlic: A little goes a long way; too much can overpower the delicate herb flavors.
Soft Butter is Key: If your butter is too cold, mixing gets tough and the herbs won’t incorporate well.
Wrap It Tight: Make sure to roll your butter log as compactly as possible to avoid air pockets that can cause freezer burn.

How to Serve Herb Compound Butter Recipe

A clear glass bowl filled with a creamy white mixture that has small green herb pieces evenly spread throughout. A woman's hand holds the bowl from the left side while another woman's hand uses a spatula with a wooden handle and a black silicone blade to mix the creamy herb spread inside. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface with green leaves and a whole garlic clove to the top left and a halved lemon to the right. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Herb Compound Butter, flavorful herb butter, easy herb butter recipe, versatile herb butter, homemade flavored butter

Garnishes

I love topping my herb butter slices with a sprinkle of sea salt flakes or a tiny herb leaf to hint at what’s inside — it looks inviting and adds a little extra crunch. Plus, it helps guests know which flavor they’re getting when serving a variety.

Side Dishes

This butter is a dream beside freshly grilled steak, roasted potatoes, or steamed asparagus. I also love melting it onto warm sourdough or crusty baguette when guests come over—everyone’s always asking for more!

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like slicing the butter log into perfect rounds and placing them on a wooden board next to charcuterie or grilled meats. Wrapping the logs in colorful parchment and tying with twine makes a pretty hostess gift too—plus it looks fancy but honestly takes minutes.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I keep extra herb butter logs wrapped tightly in the fridge for about two weeks. Just be sure to keep them well sealed to maintain freshness and stop any fridge odors from sneaking in.

Freezing

Freezing these butter logs works like a charm. I wrap them in parchment then put them in freezer bags. When I want some, I simply slice off a piece and toss it directly on top of hot dishes—the flavor and texture hold up beautifully!

Reheating

This butter doesn’t really need reheating, but if you want it softened quickly, just leave the slices out at room temperature for 10-15 minutes. Avoid microwaving—it can separate the butter, ruining that perfect creamy texture.

FAQs

Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh for this herb compound butter recipe?

You can, but fresh herbs are highly recommended because they impart a brighter and more vibrant flavor. Dried herbs tend to be more concentrated and can make your butter taste a bit dusty. If using dried, use about one-third the amount and mix thoroughly to avoid clumps.
How long does herb compound butter last in the fridge?

When stored properly wrapped in parchment or plastic wrap and kept in an airtight container, it usually stays fresh for up to two weeks. For longer storage, freezing is your best bet.
Can I make this recipe vegan-friendly?

Absolutely! Just swap regular unsalted butter with a high-quality vegan or plant-based butter. If you do, omit or adjust the salt based on your butter’s salt content. The herbs and flavorings stay the same.
What are the best dishes to use herb compound butter on?

Herb compound butter is incredibly versatile. It’s fantastic melted over steak, chicken, fish, roasted or steamed veggies, warm bread, baked potatoes, and even scrambled eggs. I always keep some on hand because it’s an instant upgrade.

Final Thoughts

I absolutely love how this herb compound butter recipe adds that extra something-special to just about any meal. When I first tried it, I was amazed at how simple ingredients and a few minutes could turn humble dishes into something unforgettable. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner or a fancy gathering, I’m confident you’ll find this one becomes a kitchen staple you return to over and over. So grab those fresh herbs, soften that butter, and make it your own—the best part is watching everyone dig in and ask for the recipe!