How to Make Herb Butter
Herb butter is incredibly simple to make with butter and your favorite herbs. Try one of the 5 variations we've included to instantly upgrade your dinner tonight!
Amy's Notes
Herb butter is a type of compound butter made with fresh herbs and seasonings. You can shape it into a log for slicing or store it in a jar for easy spooning.
I love using homemade butter for this because it’s simple to make and tastes extra fresh and creamy. If you're following a vegan or dairy-free diet, you can easily swap in plant-based butter.
If using salted butter, adjust the added salt to taste. And if you’re swapping fresh herbs for dried, just use half the amount.
Enjoy!
How to make herb butter (compound butter)
Step 1
Bring 1 stick of butter to room temperature while you prepare your choice of herbs and seasonings.
Step 2
Add the softened butter, herbs, and seasonings to a small bowl or jar with a lid and mix to combine.
Container options
Option 1: Wax paper
This is a great option if you like slicing butter to melt over roasted veggies or meat. It freezes well for a quick flavor boost anytime!
- Place the herb butter on a piece of wax paper or a piece of parchment paper and spread it out into a log using a spatula. Roll the wax paper up and twist the ends.
- Put the log of herb butter into the fridge to set it up—slice as needed.
How to Store
How to Store: Keep in the fridge for up to 7 days and in the freezer for up to 2 months.
How to Freeze: Herb butter can be kept in the freezer for up to two months. It's best to store it in wax paper with an additional piece of plastic wrap to protect it from freezer burn.
Flavor Variations
Garlic Herb Butter
- 8 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 teaspoons finely chopped chives
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
- ½ teaspoon fine sea salt
Great for baked potatoes, toast, and garlic bread.
Lemon Thyme Butter
- 8 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves
- zest of 1 lemon
- ½ teaspoon fine sea salt
Taste delicious melted over roasted vegetables and chicken.
Garlic Rosemary Butter
- 8 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 teaspoons finely chopped fresh rosemary
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
- ½ teaspoon fine sea salt
Use with steak, pork chops, vegetables, and bread.
Cilantro Lime Butter
- 8 tablespoons unsalted butter
- ¼ teaspoon ground chipotle pepper
- zest and juice of 1 lime
- 2 teaspoons finely chopped fresh cilantro
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
Old Bay Lemon Butter
- 8 tablespoons unsalted butter
- ½ teaspoon Old Bay Seasoning
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- zest of 1 lemon
- 1 teaspoon fresh minced parsley
Use with air fryer shrimp or salmon.
homemade pantry recipes
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How to make Herb Butter
INGREDIENTS
Garlic Herb Butter
- 8 tablespoons (113 g) unsalted butter (room temperature)
- 2 cloves (6 g) minced garlic
- 2 teaspoons (2 g) finely chopped chives
- ¼ teaspoon (2 g) fine sea salt
Garlic Rosemary Butter
- 8 tablespoons (113 g) unsalted butter (room temperature)
- 2 cloves (6 g) minced garlic
- 2 teaspoons (4 g) finely chopped fresh rosemary
Lemon Thyme Butter
- 8 tablespoons (113 g) unsalted butter (room temperature)
- 2 teaspoons (4 g) fresh thyme leaves
- 3 cloves (9 g) minced garlic
- zest of 1 lemon
- ¼ teaspoon (2 g) fine sea salt
Cilantro Lime Butter
- 8 tablespoons (113 g) unsalted butter (room temperature)
- zest of 1 lime
- 2 teaspoons (1 g) finely chopped fresh cilantro
- ¼ teaspoon (0.5 g) chipotle chili powder
- ¼ teaspoon (2 g) fine sea salt
Old Bay Lemon Butter
- 8 tablespoons (113 g) unsalted butter (room temperature)
- zest of 1 lemon
- ¼ teaspoon (1 g) Old Bay seasoning
- 2 cloves (6 g) minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon (1 g) finely chopped fresh parsley
INSTRUCTIONS
- Bring 1 stick of butter to room temperature while you prepare your choice of herbs and seasonings.
- Add the softened butter, herbs, and seasonings to a small bowl or jar with a lid and mix to combine. Store covered in the fridge for up to 7 days.
NOTES
- How to Store: Keep in the fridge for up to 7 days and in the freezer for up to 2 months.
- How to Freeze: Herb butter can be kept in the freezer for up to two months. It's best to store it in wax paper with an additional piece of plastic wrap to protect it from freezer burn.
- Butter: Salted butter works great as a base; just be sure to taste it before adding any extra salt. If you want a dairy-free or vegan option, use plant-based butter.
You are very welcome! Enoy! 🙂