Five Ways To Flavor Butter

Can we please stop everything for a minute and have a serious conversation about butter? You know, that creamy, amazing deliciousness that you can spread on just about everything under the sun? That’s the one. We love butter – but we also love sprucing it up sometimes…It’s a lot of fun when you start adding other tasty ingredients to make something new and exciting.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe brings a delightful twist to ordinary butter by infusing it with unique flavors that elevate any dish. Whether you’re spreading it on bread, melting it over vegetables, or adding it to pasta, these flavored butters will make your meals unforgettable.

Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need

• Electric mixer or rubber spatula
• Spoon
• Parchment paper or airtight container

Cowboy Butter

This mixture of citrus, herbs, and spices goes great on chicken and vegetables! It would also make a great addition to plain pasta noodles.

Ingredients

• 1 cup (2 sticks) salted butter, room temperature
• 3 tablespoons fresh parsley, minced
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1/2 lemon, zested and juiced
• 1 pinch red pepper flakes

Lemon and Herb

Melt this yummy combination over your steamed or roasted vegetables with a little salt and pepper – it’s so good!

Ingredients

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, room temperature
• 3 cloves garlic, crushed
• 1 lemon, zested and juiced
• 3 tablespoons fresh herbs (basil, dill, and cilantro), minced [1 tablespoon of each]
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Bacon and Cheese

These two ingredients are a match made in heaven. What a great combo for baked potatoes and even broccoli that no one can resist!

Ingredients

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, room temperature
• 4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled, drippings reserved
• 2/3 cup sharp cheddar cheese, grated
• 2 tablespoons chives, minced
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Chili and Lime

These south-of-the-border flavors really jazz up a meal. Melt some into your rice or corn and really kick things up a notch!

Ingredients

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, room temperature
• 1 lime, zested and juiced
• 2 tablespoons cilantro, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon red chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

Maple Bacon

Put this sweet treat on your hot pancakes or waffles to make for an unforgettable breakfast. It’s also equally wonderful spread on a simple piece of toast!

Ingredients

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, room temperature
• 2 tablespoons maple syrup
• 2 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled, drippings reserved
• 1 tablespoon bacon grease

General Instructions

1. After bringing your butter to room temperature, use an electric mixer or rubber spatula to whip the butter until fully softened.
2. Use a spoon or rubber spatula to add your herbs and other fresh ingredients, so they don’t bruise or fall apart. Thoroughly mix any dry spices beforehand so they can be incorporated into the butter evenly.
3. Optional: once everything is incorporated, roll your butter(s) in parchment paper and twist the ends to then freeze and slice for later, if you’re not serving it immediately. Or, place in an airtight container and keep in the refrigerator.

Tips for Success

• Ensure your butter is at room temperature for easy mixing.
• Taste as you mix and adjust seasonings as needed.
• Experiment with different herb combinations to find your favorite flavors.

Additional Tips or Variations

• Try adding a tablespoon of honey to the Chili and Lime butter for a sweet and spicy twist.
• Use smoked paprika in the Bacon and Cheese butter for an extra layer of flavor.

Nutritional Highlights (Per Serving)

Note: Nutritional values will vary based on the specific ingredients used and portion sizes.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I use unsalted butter instead of salted? Yes, you can use unsalted butter for all recipes and adjust the salt to taste.

How long can I store the flavored butter? Flavored butter can be stored in the refrigerator for up to two weeks or frozen for up to three months.

Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh? Yes, but fresh herbs provide a more vibrant flavor. If using dried herbs, use about one-third the amount of fresh herbs.

Conclusion

These five flavored butter recipes are an easy way to add excitement and flavor to your meals. Whether you’re a fan of savory, spicy, or sweet, there’s a butter here for you. Give them a try, and don’t forget to share your experiences in the comments below!