Herb-Infused Compound Butter Recipe
A garden-to-table delight
Doesn’t the idea of compound butter just sound like fine dining? Imagine a slice of warm sourdough bread paired with a creamy, flavorful herb-infused butter — it's a luxurious, yet simple way to elevate any meal. Whether you're hosting a holiday gathering or just looking for a delicious way to bring your organic garden to the table, this DIY herb butter recipe is perfect for you.
One of my go-to recipes uses a mixture of freshly-harvested herbs like chives, parsley, dill, basil, thyme, and rosemary to create a super-herby compound butter that is absolutely irresistible. It tastes amazing and it’s versatile enough to use as a topping for roasted vegetables, steak, fish, or even just a spread on a warm slice of your favorite bread.
How to make your own garden-fresh compound butter
Here’s a quick, step-by-step breakdown on how to create this simple, garden-to-table recipe using fresh ingredients from your kitchen garden.
Ingredients
1 stick of organic or Amish butter, softened
2 tablespoons of finely chopped herbs (chives, parsley, dill, basil, thyme, rosemary, etc.)
1 tablespoon of edible flowers (optional, for decoration)
1 clove of garlic, minced (optional)
Zest of one lemon (optional)
Directions
Soften the butter: Let your butter sit at room temperature until it’s soft enough to mix.
Chop the herbs: Use freshly harvested herbs from your organic garden. Finely chop your favorite herbs for a blend of aromatic flavors.
Mix: In a bowl, thoroughly combine the softened butter with the herbs, garlic, and lemon zest.
Shape the butter: Scoop your compound butter mixture onto a piece of wax paper. Form the butter into a small log, then roll it tightly in the wax paper.
Optional flower garnish: For a beautiful visual touch, press some edible flowers like nasturtiums or calendula into the outside of the butter before rolling and freezing. Not only do they look lovely, but they also add a delicate floral note to the butter.
Freeze + Enjoy: Place the butter in the freezer until solid. You can store it this way until you’re ready to use it or gift it.
Flavor Variations to Try
I like to create several herb combos to use in various veggie or meat dishes throughout the season. You can mix and match herbs like chives, oregano, thyme, tarragon, rosemary, basil, dill, and edible flowers in different combinations for new flavors every time.
Your compound butter will last three months in the freezer and you’ll always have a flavorful, garden-fresh butter on hand for your meals. By the way, this makes a beautiful holiday gift, especially when paired with a fresh loaf of sourdough bread!
The perfect DIY holiday gift
With the holiday season approaching, this herb-infused butter makes for an amazing DIY holiday gift — simple yet elegant. Wrap it in custom wax paper or place it in a decorative jar, and pair it with a loaf of sourdough bread for an unforgettable gift that highlights the beauty of organic gardening. The gift of garden-to-table goodness is something truly unique that anyone would appreciate.
Pro Tip: These butter logs can be frozen and enjoyed all winter long, making them a great way to preserve your garden’s bounty while enhancing your daily diet with fresh, natural ingredients.
Gardening is a gift that keeps on giving
Sharing the abundance of your garden is one of the most rewarding aspects of gardening. It not only strengthens connections with family and friends but also fosters a sense of community. When you gift homegrown herbs or share a delicious meal made from your harvest, you’re not just sharing food — you’re sharing love, care, and the fruits of your labor. It’s a wonderful way to inspire others to embrace a garden-to-table lifestyle and encourages a culture of sustainability and health within your community.
Want to grow your community?
If you're curious about how to start your own garden-to-table experience and want to link up with like-minded growers, join my Garden-to-Table Membership Group! You'll gain access to not only seasonal recipes like this one but also helpful tips to grow your herbs and vegetables with confidence. Let's make deliciousness a part of your everyday meals! You can join us here :)