How to Make Herbs Butter: the Step-By-Step Method to Make it Perfectly at Home

Butter is one of those essential kitchen ingredients that must never be missing from our fridge: used to spread on toast, to grease pans, to bast when pan-searing meats, fish and vegetables and, sometimes, even as an accompaniment on restaurant tables. Did you know it can be flavored and infused with aromatic spices and herbs, to give it that little more of a kick?

Herbs Butter is a type of flavored butter that is easy to make and great to use in many different ways: to spread on a bruschetta or on canapés, for an appetizer or during a brunch with your friends, or to flavor steaks, fish or vegetable dishes. Amazing, if it wasn't for the fact that it's very expensive. But, worry not! Put down that purse, get back to your kitchen, and make an homemade version of herbs butter: all you'll need is fresh heavy cream and your favorite herbs!

What is Herb Butter and What is it Usually Made Of?

Herb butter, also known as compound butter, is a flavorful blend of butter and finely chopped herbs, often complemented by edible flowers. This delightful condiment traces its roots back to European culinary traditions, where it has been used to enhance the flavors of various dishes. Common herbs used in herb butter include parsley, chives, tarragon, thyme, and rosemary. The process involves beating heavy cream until it transforms into butter, rinsing it in cold water, and then mixing in the finely chopped herbs and flowers. Once formed into a rectangular shape and decorated with additional herbs and flowers, the butter is refrigerated for a couple of hours. It is typically served with crackers, adding a vibrant, aromatic touch to any meal.

How to Make Homemade Herbs Butter

Making herbs butter at home is extremely simple and will only take you about 30 minutes! To make herb butter, begin by vigorously beating heavy cream until it turns into butter. Once you have formed the butter, rinse it in a bowl of ice-cold water to cleanse it. Next, create a mixture of finely chopped herbs and edible flowers. Incorporate these herbs into the butter, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout. Shape the herbed butter into a rectangle using a piece of baking paper and decorate the exterior with additional herbs and flowers for a visually appealing finish. Refrigerate the herb butter for two hours to allow the flavors to meld. Once the butter is ready, you can serve it however you please. If you prefer, you can omit the edible flowers.

Can I Use Frozen Herbs to Mix With The Butter?

Frozen herbs can indeed be added to butter when making herb butter, though there are a few considerations to keep in mind. While fresh herbs are often preferred for their vibrant flavor and texture, frozen herbs can still impart a delightful taste. The key is to ensure they are properly thawed and patted dry before incorporating them into the butter to prevent excess moisture, which can affect the butter’s consistency. Frozen herbs might be slightly more wilted compared to fresh ones, but they still retain much of their flavor, making them a convenient and viable option for making herb butter, especially when fresh herbs are not readily available.

How To Preserve and How Long Does This Herbs Butter Last?

To preserve herb butter, you can store it in the refrigerator or freezer. In the refrigerator, wrap the herb butter tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container to prevent it from absorbing other odors. It will last for about one to two weeks this way. For longer preservation, you can freeze herb butter. Wrap it well in plastic wrap and aluminum foil or place it in a freezer-safe container. When frozen, herb butter can last up to three months. Simply slice off the amount needed and allow it to thaw in the refrigerator before use. Freezing does not significantly affect its flavor, making it a convenient way to enjoy herb butter over an extended period.