Garden Herb & Edible Flower Compound Butter is a beautifully infused butter, featuring fresh herbs and delicate edible flowers for a gourmet touch. This easy-to-make flavored butter enhances the taste of bread, grilled meats, roasted vegetables, and more. With its vibrant colors and aromatic herbs, it’s perfect for special occasions, brunch spreads, or as an elegant homemade gift.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Bursting with Fresh Flavors – A mix of chives, dill, and sage creates a fragrant and savory butter.
- Visually Stunning – Edible flowers and fresh herbs make this butter as beautiful as it is delicious.
- Versatile Use – Spread it on bread, melt it over grilled meats, or use it in cooking.
- Simple & Customizable – Easily swap in your favorite herbs or flavors.
- Great for Gifting – Wrapped elegantly, this makes a wonderful homemade gift.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Butter:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 2 tablespoons fresh chives, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh dill, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh sage, finely chopped
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
For the Decoration:
- Assorted edible flowers (pansies, nasturtiums, geraniums)
- Fresh herb leaves (sage, thyme, parsley)
Directions
Prepare the Butter
- In a medium bowl, mix the softened butter with the chopped chives, dill, sage, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
Shape & Decorate
- Lay a sheet of parchment paper or plastic wrap on a flat surface.
- Arrange half of the edible flowers and fresh herb leaves in a decorative pattern on the parchment.
- Place the butter mixture on top, gently pressing it down to adhere to the flowers.
- Sprinkle the remaining flowers and herbs over the butter, pressing lightly to embed them.
Wrap & Chill
- Roll the parchment paper tightly into a log or press the butter into a mold.
- Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or until the butter is firm.
Slice & Serve
- Once chilled, unwrap the butter and slice it into rounds.
- Serve with bread, grilled vegetables, steak, seafood, or use it in cooking.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: Makes about 8-10 slices
- Preparation Time: 10 minutes
- Chilling Time: 2 hours
- Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes
Variations
- Garlic Herb Butter – Add 1 clove of minced garlic for a bold flavor.
- Citrus Butter – Stir in lemon or orange zest for a bright, citrusy twist.
- Spicy Version – Mix in a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
- Honey Butter – Blend in 1 tablespoon of honey for a sweet-savory balance.
- Rosemary & Thyme Butter – Swap out the herbs for rosemary and thyme for a deeper, woodsy flavor.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container or wrapped in parchment paper for up to 1 week.
- Freezing: Freeze in an airtight bag or wrapped in plastic wrap for up to 3 months. Slice as needed.
- Softening: Let the butter sit at room temperature for a few minutes before use.
FAQs
What are the best edible flowers to use?
Pansies, nasturtiums, geraniums, and marigolds work well. Ensure they are organic and safe for consumption.
Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh?
Fresh herbs provide the best flavor, but you can use dried in a pinch—just reduce the amount by half.
How do I keep the flowers from falling off?
Press them gently into the butter and chill thoroughly before slicing.
Can I make this butter dairy-free?
Yes, use plant-based butter alternatives for a vegan-friendly version.
What should I serve this butter with?
It pairs well with bread, roasted vegetables, grilled meats, and even baked potatoes.
How long does compound butter last in the fridge?
It stays fresh for about a week in the refrigerator when properly stored.
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
Yes, but reduce the added salt slightly to avoid over-seasoning.
Can I use this butter for cooking?
Absolutely! Melt it over meats, pasta, or use it to sauté vegetables.
How do I make the butter more spreadable?
Let it sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving.
Can I make this butter ahead of time?
Yes! It’s a great make-ahead recipe and stores well in the fridge or freezer.
Conclusion
Garden Herb & Edible Flower Compound Butter is a simple yet elegant way to elevate any meal. With its rich flavor, beautiful presentation, and versatile uses, this homemade butter is a must-try. Whether you’re spreading it on warm bread, melting it over steak, or gifting it to a foodie friend, this recipe is sure to impress. Try it today for a touch of gourmet flair in your kitchen!
