Compound Butter - The Simplest Upgrade for Almost Any Dish

Looking for a simple way to elevate your meals? Compound butter is the answer! Making compound butter is incredibly easy: just blend softened butter with herbs, spices, or other flavorful ingredients, and you've got a versatile condiment to enhance a variety of dishes. Whether it's a pat of classic garlic butter melting over a grilled steak or a smear of honey-cinnamon butter on warm toast, the possibilities are endless.

The beauty of compound butter lies in its simplicity and adaptability. You can prepare it in advance, roll it into a log, and store it in the refrigerator or freezer, always within reach and ready to transform ordinary meals into something special.

From enhancing roasted vegetables to adding depth to seafood dishes, compound butter is a culinary secret worth exploring. If you're just getting started with compound butter, try these compound butter recipes or use them as a starting point for crafting your own flavorful blends.

How to Make Compound Butter:

1. Start with a high-quality butter such as Smith Brothers butter.
2. Soften the butter by bringing it to room temperature (you can leave it on the counter for a little while).
3. When using solid ingredients, chop them finely and evenly so they'll incorporate into the butter well. 
4. In a small bowl, combine softened butter and blend all ingredients until smooth.
5. Spread the mixture on to wax paper, forming it into a log.
6. Tightly roll the wax paper, twisting at both ends like a candy wrapper.
7. Refrigerate for several hours before serving.
8. Use immediately, or store in freezer for up to three months.

Miso Butter

Savory, umami-rich, slightly salty

Ingredients:

• 1 stick softened Smith Brothers unsalted butter
• 2–3 Tablespoons white miso paste
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest or a few drops of rice vinegar (to balance the salt)
• Optional: thinly sliced scallions or chives

Great for: Grilled corn, roasted vegetables, seared salmon or steak.

Blue Cheese Butter

Tangy, rich, and bold

Ingredients:

• 1 stick softened Smith Brothers unsalted butter
• 3-4 Tablespoons crumbled blue cheese
• 1 teaspoon minced fresh rosemary or parsley
• Cracked black pepper to taste
• Optional: a dash of Worcestershire sauce or Dijon mustard

Great for: Grilled steak, burgers, or roasted potatoes.

Chili Butter

Spicy, smoky, warming

Ingredients:

• 1 stick softened Smith Brothers salted butter
• 2 Tablespoons chili flakes or chili powder (adjust to taste)
• 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
• 2 minced garlic clove
• Optional: A squeeze of lime juice

Tip: Make it even simpler by substituting 2 Tablespoons Sriracha sauce instead of the powdered chile, paprika, and garlic.
Great for: Corn on the cob, grilled shrimp, or roasted veggies.

Bourbon Butter

Woodsy, rich, and aromatic. A Father's Day favorite!

Ingredients:

• 1 stick softened Smith Brothers butter
• 2 Tablespoon bourbon reduction (reduce bourbon by heating 1/4 cup bourbon in a small saucepan over medium until the volume is reduced by half)
• 1 Tablespoon finely diced shallot
• 1 Tablespoon finely chopped fresh parsley
• 1 teaspoon finely chopped fresh thyme

Great for: Warm cornbread or juicy grilled steak.