Can we please stop everything for a minute and have a serious conversation about butter? You know, that creamy, amazing deliciousness that you can spread on just about everything under the sun? That’s the one. We love butter – but we also love sprucing it up sometimes…It’s a lot of fun when you start adding other tasty ingredients to make something new and exciting.
It’s really easy to do, and with few fun tips and recipes like these, you can’t go wrong:
COWBOY BUTTER
This mixture of citrus, herbs, and spices goes great on chicken and vegetables! It would also make a great addition to plain pasta noodles.
Ingredients
- 1 cup (2 sticks) salted butter, room temperature
- 3 tablespoons fresh parsley, minced
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/2 lemon, zested and juiced
- 1 pinch red pepper flakes
LEMON AND HERB
Melt this yummy combination over your steamed or roasted vegetables with a little salt and pepper – it’s so good!
Ingredients
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, room temperature
- 3 cloves garlic, crushed
- 1 lemon, zested and juiced
- 3 tablespoons fresh herbs (basil, dill and cilantro), minced, 1 tablespoon of each
- salt and pepper, to taste
BACON AND CHEESE
These two ingredients are a match made in heaven. What a great combo for baked potatoes and even broccoli that no one can resist!
Ingredients
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, room temperature
- 4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled, drippings reserved
- 2/3 cup sharp cheddar cheese, grated
- 2 tablespoons chives, minced
- salt and pepper, to taste
CHILI AND LIME
These south-of-the-border flavors really jazz up a meal. Melt some into your rice or corn and really kick things up a notch!
Ingredients
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, room temperature
- 1 lime, zested and juiced
- 2 tablespoons cilantro, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon red chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
MAPLE BACON
Put this sweet treat on your hot pancakes or waffles to make for an unforgettable breakfast. It’s also equally wonderful spread on a simple piece of toast!
Ingredients
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, room temperature
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- 2 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled, drippings reserved
- 1 tablespoon bacon grease
GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS
- After bringing your butter to room temperature, use an electric mixer or rubber spatula to whip the butter until fully softened.
- Use a spoon or rubber spatula to add your herbs and other fresh ingredients, so they don’t bruise or fall apart. Thoroughly mix any dry spices beforehand so they can be incorporated into the butter evenly.
- Optional: once your everything is incorporated, roll your butter(s) in parchment paper and twist the ends to then freeze and slice for later, if you’re not serving it immediately. Or, place in an air-tight container and keep in the refrigerator.
Recipe adapted from Juggling Act Mama