Alright, y’all, listen up—learnin’ how to make compound butters is like unlockin’ a secret weapon for your kitchen. These ain’t just any ol’ butters—they’re bold, gritty blends that’ll kick every dish up a notch. Picture this: you’re bastin’ a juicy brisket, meltin’ some over roasted veggies, or tossin’ it into pasta for a flavor punch that hits hard. Simple, sure, but powerful enough to make your taste buds sit up and take notice.
Now, the beauty here is the endless possibilities. Stock your freezer with these bad boys, and you’ve got a game-changer ready to roll. Best part? They’re quick—mix ‘em, roll ‘em, freeze ‘em, and you’re set. Pro tip from the pit: let that butter soften up real nice before you start mixin’, or you’ll be fightin’ it harder than a stubborn pork shoulder.
Fresh compound butters to enhance your cooking
How to Make Compound Butters for Every Dish
Makin’ compound butters ain’t rocket science—it’s straight-up BBQ alchemy. Below, I’m layin’ out five recipes that’ll get you smokin’, each built for a different dish. Follow these steps, and you’ll be slingin’ flavor like a Tennessee pitmaster in no time.
Make Capers and Horseradish Compound Butter
- 2 sticks (1 cup) of butter
- 1 tablespoon of creamed horseradish sauce
- 1 tablespoon of capers, finely chopped
Mix this trio in a bowl ‘til it’s one big happy family. This one’s got a bite that’ll stand up to a thick steak, a juicy burger, or even a slab of mackerel or tuna fresh off the smoker. Tangy, bold, and ready to roll.
Make Shallots, Tarragon, and Red Wine Compound Butter
- 1 large shallot, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup red wine
- 2 tablespoons fresh tarragon, finely chopped
Simmer that shallot and wine down low and slow in a pan ‘til it’s just a teaspoon of goodness—kinda like reducin’ a mop sauce. Cool it off, then work it into the butter. Slather this on grilled meats or roasted veggies, and you’ll taste the hickory-kissed magic.
Make Honeyed Blood Orange Compound Butter
- 1 heaping tablespoon blood orange marmalade (finely chop large rind pieces)
- 1 teaspoon honey
This sweet little number’s quick as a two-step and versatile as a good rub. Smear it on baked hams, grilled brioche, or even a dessert if you’re feelin’ fancy. Trust me, it’s a crowd-pleaser that’ll have ‘em beggin’ for seconds.
Make Dill and Lemon Compound Butter
- 1 cup (2 sticks) of butter
- 2 tablespoons chopped dill
- Grated peel of one lemon
Fresh, zesty, and built for fish—this butter’s got a citrus kick that’ll make seafood sing. For instance, slap it on some smoked trout, and you’ll wonder why you didn’t try this sooner.
Make Chipotle and Maple Bacon Compound Butter
- 1 tablespoon finely chopped crispy bacon
- 2 sticks (1 cup) of butter
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon chipotle chili paste
This here’s a smoky, sweet, and spicy beast—perfect for pork, chicken, or grilled veggies. Mix it up, and watch your dishes hit a whole new level of BBQ glory. That chipotle heat? Pure fire.
How to Shape Your Compound Butter Log
- Spread your mixture down the center of a 14-inch x 14-inch greaseproof paper square.
- Fold one long end over the butter and roll toward you to form a log.
- Twist one end, then hold it while twisting the other end in the opposite direction.
Once you’ve got that log shaped, chuck it in the freezer. Later, slice off a hunk whenever you need to bring the smoke to your plate.
Explore more butter recipes to keep your cookin’ fired up. Alternatively, swing by The Modern Proper for extra tips on how to make compound butters.
Ready to make compound butters? Share your favorite recipes or tips in the comments below!
Why You Should Make Compound Butters
Makin’ compound butters ain’t just about flavor—it’s about ownin’ your kitchen like a pit boss. Infuse that butter with herbs, spices, or whatever you’ve got, and you’ve built a tool that’ll deepen any dish. For example, it’ll finish a steak with a smoky edge or turn plain bread into somethin’ worth braggin’ about.
Plus, they’re easy to whip up ahead of time. Make a batch, freeze it, and you’ve got a quick draw for impressin’ folks. So, why not fire up these recipes today and bring some Tennessee grit to your table?