Flavored butters are an easy and delicious way to elevate your cooking. Whether you want to add a burst of fresh herbs to a steak, a hint of spice to roasted vegetables, or a touch of sweetness to your morning toast, homemade flavored butters can transform everyday meals into something special. The best part? They are incredibly simple to make and can be stored in the fridge or freezer for later use.
Here are two fantastic DIY flavored butters that will add a gourmet touch to your dishes.
1. Garlic Herb Butter
Garlic herb butter is a classic that enhances everything from grilled meats to steamed vegetables and fresh bread. The combination of creamy butter, fragrant garlic, and fresh herbs makes this an essential addition to any kitchen.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest (optional, for a bright touch)
Instructions:
- In a mixing bowl, combine the softened butter with the minced garlic, parsley, thyme, rosemary, salt, and black pepper. Mix well until fully incorporated.
- If using lemon zest, fold it in for an extra burst of freshness.
- Transfer the mixture onto a piece of parchment paper or plastic wrap. Shape it into a log and roll it tightly.
- Refrigerate for at least 1 hour to let the flavors meld. For longer storage, freeze it and slice off portions as needed.
- Use on grilled steaks, roasted potatoes, steamed vegetables, or spread onto warm bread.
Why You’ll Love It:
This butter is rich, savory, and full of aromatic herbs. It adds instant flavor to meats, seafood, and even pasta. Plus, it’s a great way to use up fresh herbs before they go bad.
2. Honey Cinnamon Butter
If you have a sweet tooth, honey cinnamon butter is the perfect treat. It’s creamy, slightly spiced, and has the perfect balance of sweetness, making it ideal for breakfast dishes, baked goods, or even as a topping for roasted sweet potatoes.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¼ cup honey
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions:
- In a bowl, whisk together the softened butter, honey, cinnamon, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt until smooth and fluffy.
- Transfer the mixture onto parchment paper or into a small jar.
- Store in the refrigerator until firm. Let it soften slightly before spreading.
- Enjoy on toast, pancakes, waffles, muffins, cornbread, or even stirred into oatmeal.
Why You’ll Love It:
This butter is sweet, creamy, and has warm cinnamon notes that make any breakfast feel extra special. It’s perfect for cozy fall mornings but delicious all year round.
