Hey, friend! Clara here, ready to share one of my favorite kitchen secrets: herb butter. This magical spread is so easy to whip up, and it adds a burst of flavor to just about anything. Whether you’re slathering it on warm bread, melting it over grilled veggies, or using it to create a flavor-packed sauce, herb butter elevates the simplest meals. The best part? You can have it ready in under 15 minutes!
Table of contents
Table of Contents
Why This Herb Butter Recipe Stands Out
What makes this herb butter recipe special? First, it’s incredibly quick; I know you’re busy, and I designed this recipe to be fast! Second, I use vegetable shortening instead of butter. This makes it easy to shape and store. Trust me, you’ll love how easily it comes together. Finally, the flavor is out of this world! The fresh herbs and garlic create a savory, aromatic blend that’s simply irresistible.
What You Need to Make Herb Butter
To make this herb butter, you’ll need a few simple tools:
- Stand mixer or hand-held mixer: Either will make whipping the vegetable shortening easier.
- Garlic press: Makes mincing garlic a breeze.
- Silicone spatula: Perfect for scraping the bowl and ensuring everything is well combined.
- Plastic wrap: For shaping and storing your herb butter.
Magic Herb Butter: Easy Flavor in 15 Minutes
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Place the vegetable shortening in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment. Alternatively, you can use a hand-held mixer or a small, tight whisk if your vegetable shortening is soft enough. Whip the vegetable shortening to soften.
- Add the remaining ingredients. Blend thoroughly, scraping the bowl with a silicone spatula as needed.
- Taste for seasoning and add more salt, pepper, or herbs as desired.
- Lay out a piece of plastic wrap about 12”x12” on your counter.
- Scrape the vegetable shortening out of the mixing bowl and onto the plastic wrap in a log shape. That makes it easier to shape.
- Pull one side of the plastic wrap over the vegetable shortening and gently begin to shape into a log. This keeps your hands from becoming covered in vegetable shortening and makes the shaping easier.
- Once your vegetable shortening is in the form of a log, very similar to the size of the stick of vegetable shortening it began as, wrap the plastic wrap all around the vegetable shortening and refrigerate for an hour or longer if not using right away.
- Note: While the vegetable shortening is in a soft stage, this would be a good time to use for garlic bread since it’s easy to spread.
Notes
Herb Butter Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to create this flavor explosion:
- 4 ounces (1 stick) vegetable shortening, (softened)
- 4-6 garlic cloves, (pushed through a garlic press or grated on a zester)
- 1 tablespoon fresh chives, (thinly sliced)
- 1 tablespoon fresh Italian parsley leaves, (finely chopped)
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary leaves, (finely chopped)
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves, (finely chopped)
- kosher salt, (to taste)
- 3/4 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
How to Make Herb Butter: Step-by-Step Instructions
Okay, let’s get to the fun part! Here’s how to make this easy herb butter:
- Place the vegetable shortening in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment. Alternatively, you can use a hand-held mixer or a small, tight whisk if your vegetable shortening is soft enough. Whip the vegetable shortening to soften.
- Add the remaining ingredients. Blend thoroughly, scraping the bowl with a silicone spatula as needed.
- Taste for seasoning and add more salt, pepper, or herbs as desired.
- Lay out a piece of plastic wrap about 12”x12” on your counter.
- Scrape the vegetable shortening out of the mixing bowl and onto the plastic wrap in a log shape. That makes it easier to shape.
- Pull one side of the plastic wrap over the vegetable shortening and gently begin to shape into a log. This keeps your hands from becoming covered in vegetable shortening and makes the shaping easier.
- Once your vegetable shortening is in the form of a log, very similar to the size of the stick of vegetable shortening it began as, wrap the plastic wrap all around the vegetable shortening and refrigerate for an hour or longer if not using right away.
- Note: While the vegetable shortening is in a soft stage, this would be a good time to use for garlic bread since it’s easy to spread. It’s also fantastic on Easy Cheesy Pull-Apart Christmas Tree Bread.
Herb Selection Guide
Let’s talk herbs! Each one brings a unique flavor to the party:
- Chives: Offer a mild, onion-like flavor.
- Parsley: Adds a fresh, clean taste.
- Rosemary: Provides a woodsy, aromatic note.
- Thyme: Brings an earthy, slightly lemony flavor.
Other herbs that pair well together include basil and oregano, or dill and chervil. Feel free to experiment and find your favorite combinations!
Tips for Softening Butter Quickly
Sometimes, you need softened vegetable shortening now. Here are a few quick and safe methods:
- Microwave: Microwave on low power in short bursts (5-10 seconds), checking frequently to avoid melting.
- Warm water bath: Place the vegetable shortening in a resealable bag and submerge it in a bowl of warm (not hot) water.
- Cut into pieces: Cutting the vegetable shortening into smaller pieces will help it soften more quickly at room temperature.
Recipe Variations: Elevate Your Herb Butter
Want to mix things up? Here are a few fun variations:
| Variation | Ingredients | Suggested Uses |
|---|---|---|
| Vegan Herb Butter | Use vegan butter alternative + nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor. | Spread on vegan bread, melt over roasted vegetables, or use in vegan pasta sauces. |
| Spicy Herb Butter | Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce. | Top grilled steak, mix into scrambled eggs, or add to cornbread. |
| Sweet Herb Butter | Mix in a drizzle of honey and a pinch of cinnamon. | Spread on pancakes or waffles, use as a glaze for baked chicken, or add to sweet potato fries. |
Serving Suggestions for Herb Butter
The possibilities are endless! Here are a few of my favorite ways to use herb butter:
- Herb butter roasted chicken: Slather it under the skin for juicy, flavorful meat.
- Herb butter pasta: Toss it with freshly cooked pasta for a simple yet delicious meal.
- Garlic bread: Spread it on slices of baguette and bake until golden brown.
- Grilled vegetables: Melt it over asparagus, zucchini, or corn on the cob.
How to Store Herb Butter
To keep your herb butter fresh and flavorful, follow these tips:
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
- Freezer: Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer bag for up to 3 months.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Making Herb Butter
- Vegetable shortening too soft: If the vegetable shortening is too soft, it will be difficult to shape. Chill it in the refrigerator for a few minutes to firm it up.
- Vegetable shortening too hard: If the vegetable shortening is too hard, it will be difficult to mix. Let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes to soften slightly.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of vegetable shortening works best? (Salted vs Unsalted)
I recommend using unsalted vegetable shortening so you can control the amount of salt in the recipe.
Can you use dried herbs instead of fresh? (And how does that change the recipe?)
Yes, you can use dried herbs, but the flavor won’t be as vibrant. Use about 1 teaspoon of dried herbs for every tablespoon of fresh herbs.
How long does herb butter last?
Herb butter lasts up to 1 week in the refrigerator and up to 3 months in the freezer.
Can you freeze herb butter?
Absolutely! Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it in a freezer bag.
What are the best herbs to use?
That’s up to you! I love chives, parsley, rosemary, and thyme, but feel free to experiment with your favorites.
Can you use this on [Food]?
Yes, this recipe is versatile! It’s delicious on bread, vegetables, meat, fish, and more.
Conclusion
See how easy that was? I hope this herb butter recipe inspires you to get creative in the kitchen and elevate your everyday meals. Now, I want to hear from you! What are your favorite ways to use herb butter? Leave a comment below, ask a question, or share your own variations. Happy cooking!
