This Herb Butter is quick, easy, and so versatile. Made with fresh (or dried) herbs, garlic, and a touch of parmesan — this butter will elevate any meal!
What is herb butter?
Herb butter is simply butter that has been mixed with fresh or dried herbs. It can then be used as a spread for sandwiches, or shaped and chilled into a log or mold, then used on top of a cooked protein such as steak.
Herb butter is very versatile; it can be flavored so many different ways and can be used in a variety of recipes.
Ingredients
Just a few ingredients necessary to make butter the star of any dish!
- Butter – unsalted butter provides a mild tasting, rich and creamy base for our homemade herb butter. If salted butter is the only butter available, simply reduce or completely omit the added salt. Whichever butter is used, it must be softened to room temperature. Depending on the day, this could take a couple hours.
- Parmesan – provides a sharp, nutty flavor. Use a finely grated variety for the best texture.
- Herbs: Parsley and Basil – fresh herbs are the star of this homemade butter recipe. Parsley and basil are used in the original recipe, but feel free to play around with YOUR favorite herbs: fresh or dried.
- Garlic – adds an earthy, nutty flavor. We use a jarred variety to reduce prep time, but if you’d like to use fresh, you’ll need about 4 large cloves to replace the 1 tablespoon minced garlic called for in the original recipe. If using fresh, use a garlic press to quickly mince the garlic!
- Seasonings: Salt and Pepper – provides flavor and just a hint of spice to the butter. Salt really makes the butter flavor shine!
How to make
This herb butter can be made using a fork, food processor, or stand mixer! The choice is yours.
- Place butter, parmesan, parsley, basil, garlic, salt, and pepper into a bowl, food processor, or stand mixer.
- Mash using a fork, process, or whip together until combined. Taste and re-season, if necessary.
- Use immediately as a spread, or form into a log/place into a mold, chill until firm, then slice and enjoy on steak, in mashed potatoes, on bread, vegetables, and more!
How to shape
This butter can be used as a spread — no shaping required! However, if you’d like the classic sliced shape, you have two options:
- Roll into a log. Place softened herb butter into the center of plastic wrap, parchment paper, or waxed paper. Use your hands to form the butter into a tube shape, then wrap it up, then chill until firm enough to slice.
- Use a mold. Fill your favorite butter mold with softened herb butter and chill in the fridge until set. Remove from the mold, slice, and serve as needed.
Do i use unsalted or salted butter to make herb butter?
Either will work. Unsalted butter is used in the original recipe, but if salted is the only butter available, that’s fine! Simply reduce the salt in half or omit it completely.
Best herbs for herb butter
The original recipe uses fresh parsley and basil, but any herb will work. Use whatever you have on hand: thyme, mint, rosemary, cilantro, green onions, sage, etc.
Variations
- Use different herbs. Any fresh or dried herb should be just fine!
- Make it vegan. Use a plant based butter and omit the parmesan to make this free from animal byproducts.
- Use other seasonings. Use chili powder, lemon zest, or your favorite blend of spices for a fun twist on a classic.
How to use
Herb butter can be used as a spread for a sandwich (steak sandwich coming soon!), stirred into mashed potatoes, drizzled over sliders, tossed with pasta, and sliced to serve on top of any number of proteins: chicken, steak, pork, salmon; the options are endless!
How to store
Leftover butter can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week if using fresh herbs. If using dried herbs, leftovers will last for up to 1 month.
Can i freeze herb butter?
Yes. Store butter in a freezer safe container for up to 6 months. Thaw in the fridge, before slicing and serving.
– Jennifer
Herb Butter
Equipment for this recipe
Ingredients
- ½ cup unsalted butter softened to room temperature
- 2 tablespoons finely grated parmesan
- 1 tablespoon finely diced parsley
- 1 tablespoon finely diced basil
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Place butter, parmesan, parsley, basil, garlic, salt, and pepper into a bowl, food processor, or stand mixer.
- Mash using a fork, process, or whip together until combined. Taste and re-season, if necessary.
- Use immediately as a spread, or form into a log/place into a mold, chill until firm, then slice and enjoy on steak, in mashed potatoes, on bread, vegetables, and more!
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Nutrition Information
*Note: Nutrition information is estimated and varies based on products used.
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Jennifer @ Show Me the Yummy