Description
This Italian Compound Butter is a flavorful, easy-to-make herb butter infused with garlic, Parmesan cheese, and fresh Italian herbs. Perfect for enhancing grilled meats, vegetables, bread, or pasta, this versatile butter adds a rich, savory touch to any dish.
Ingredients
Scale
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon fresh basil, finely chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried)
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon fresh oregano, finely chopped (or 1/2 teaspoon dried)
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Pinch of salt (to taste, especially if butter is unsalted)
Instructions
- Combine ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine the softened butter with garlic, Parmesan cheese, basil, parsley, oregano, crushed red pepper flakes (if using), black pepper, and a pinch of salt.
- Mix thoroughly: Use a fork or spatula to mix all ingredients together until the herbs and cheese are evenly distributed throughout the butter, creating a uniform compound butter.
- Shape into a log: Transfer the butter mixture onto a piece of parchment paper or plastic wrap. Shape it into a log and twist the ends tightly to seal.
- Chill the butter: Place the wrapped butter log in the refrigerator and chill for at least 1 hour to let it firm up before slicing or using.
- Store properly: Keep the compound butter refrigerated for up to 1 week or freeze for up to 3 months to maintain freshness and flavor.
Notes
- Use softened butter to ensure easy mixing with herbs and seasonings.
- Feel free to substitute or add other herbs such as thyme or rosemary to customize flavor.
- Crushed red pepper flakes are optional; omit for a milder butter.
- Slicing chilled butter into rounds makes it convenient for topping meats or spreading on bread.
- Freezing the butter in portioned logs allows easy thawing of only what you need.
