Herb Butter with Fresh Herbs (Printer-Friendly)

Smooth butter blended with fresh herbs, ideal for enhancing meats, vegetables, and bread flavors.

# What You'll Need:

→ Dairy

01 - 7 oz unsalted butter, softened

→ Fresh Herbs

02 - 2 tbsp finely chopped fresh parsley
03 - 1 tbsp finely chopped fresh chives
04 - 1 tbsp finely chopped fresh dill
05 - 1 tsp finely chopped fresh tarragon (optional)

→ Aromatics

06 - 1 small garlic clove, minced (optional)

→ Seasoning

07 - 1/2 tsp fine sea salt
08 - Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
09 - Zest of 1/2 lemon (optional)

# How to Make It:

01 - Place the softened butter in a medium mixing bowl.
02 - Incorporate the chopped herbs, minced garlic if using, sea salt, black pepper, and lemon zest into the butter.
03 - Use a spatula or spoon to blend all components evenly until fully combined.
04 - Taste the mixture and modify seasoning as desired.
05 - Transfer the herb butter onto parchment paper or plastic wrap, form into a log, and wrap securely.
06 - Chill in the refrigerator for a minimum of 1 hour to firm before slicing and serving.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It takes 10 minutes to make but tastes like you spent hours planning dinner.
  • One pat of this butter melting over warm steak or grilled fish feels like a small act of kindness to yourself.
  • You can make it ahead and keep it frozen, so impressive meals are just minutes away.
02 -
  • Do not skip softening the butter properly—it's the difference between smooth, luxurious herb butter and a lumpy, streaky mess that never combines.
  • Taste it before you shape it, because once it's chilled and shaped, adjusting the seasoning becomes much harder.
03 -
  • Use a microplane zester for lemon zest—it creates fine, even pieces that distribute better than a box grater.
  • If you mince your own herbs rather than buy them pre-chopped, you'll taste the difference immediately; they stay fresher and brighter.

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