Whipped Herb Butter Recipe: A Delicious Addition to Any Meal
If you’re looking for a way to add some extra flavor to your meals, this whipped herb butter recipe is a delicious and easy-to-make option. This creamy spread is perfect for adding to bread, vegetables, or even meats, and can be customized with your favorite herbs and spices. Whether you’re looking to impress guests at a dinner party or just want to add some extra pizzazz to your everyday meals, whipped herb butter is a great choice.
To make whipped herb butter, you’ll need softened butter and your choice of herbs and spices. Some popular options include rosemary, thyme, garlic, and green onion even lavender but you can use any combination of herbs that you like. Simply chop up the herbs and mix them into the softened butter using an electric mixer or stand mixer until the mixture becomes thick and creamy. Once it’s ready, you can store the whipped herb butter in the fridge until you’re ready to use it.
Whipped Butter vs. Regular
What sets wonderfully spreadable whipped butter apart? Air is the secret ingredient. While regular sticks contain about 20% air mixed throughout, whipped butter dramatically ups the volume with at least 30% air by vigorously beating the butter to incorporate countless tiny air pockets. This expansion process creates a lighter texture bursting with loft perfect for absorbing and blending fragrant herbs and spices.
The greater density difference means less actual butter is required to reach desired smoothness for equaling tasting satisfaction. Tiny air bubbles help carry pleasant aromatic molecules spread evenly across your palate in each bite. This greater aeration allows the flavors of garlic, rosemary, and other additions to shine through prominently without dense fats muting herbs’ expression. So harnessing the power of air transforms butter textures for herb magnificence!
Essential Ingredients For A Whipped Herb Butter Recipe
When it comes to making whipped herb butter, there are a few essential ingredients that you will need. In this section, we will discuss the herbs selection, butter types, and additional flavorings that are commonly used in in these herb-forward recipes!
Herbs Selection
The herbs you choose will play a significant role in the flavor of your whipped herb butter. Some of the most popular herbs used in whipped herb butter recipes include rosemary, thyme, basil, oregano, chives, and parsley. You can use fresh or dried herbs, but keep in mind that dried herbs tend to have a stronger flavor, so use them sparingly.
To add a little extra kick to your whipped herb butter, you can also add some finely sliced green onions or shallots, a teaspoon of lemon zest, or infused honey. These additional flavorings can help to enhance the overall flavor of your whipped herb butter.
Butter Types
When it comes to choosing the right butter for your whipped herb butter recipe, you have a few options. Salted and unsalted butter can both be used, but keep in mind that if you use salted butter, you may need to adjust the amount of salt you add to your recipe. I prefer to use unsalted butter and then add my own.
You can also use different types of butter, such as European-style butter or cultured butter, to add a unique flavor to your whipped herb butter. Be sure to choose a high-quality butter for the best results.
Additional Flavorings
In addition to herbs and butter, you can also add other flavorings to your whipped herb butter recipe. Some popular options include garlic, honey, and lemon juice. These additional flavorings can help to add some depth and complexity to your whipped herb butter.
When adding additional flavorings, be sure to start with a small amount and taste your whipped herb butter as you go. You can always add more, but it can be difficult to remove flavorings once they have been added.
Overall, the key to making delicious whipped herb butter is to use high-quality ingredients and experiment with different flavor combinations until you find the perfect recipe for your taste buds.
Equipment Needed
Making whipped herb butter is a simple process that requires only a few pieces of equipment. Here are the essential tools you’ll need to make this delicious spread:
1. Mixing Bowl
A medium-sized mixing bowl is perfect for making whipped herb butter. You can use a ceramic, glass or stainless steel bowl, but avoid plastic as it can absorb flavors and odors. Choose a bowl that is deep enough to prevent splatters when mixing.
2. Electric Mixer
An electric mixer is necessary for whipping the butter and herbs together. You can use a stand mixer or a handheld mixer, whichever you prefer. A stand mixer is more powerful, but a handheld mixer works just as well for this recipe.
3. Spatula
A spatula is useful for scraping the sides of the bowl and incorporating any leftover butter or herbs. Choose a heat-resistant spatula that won’t melt or warp when used with hot ingredients.
4. Measuring Spoons
Measuring spoons are essential for accurately measuring the herbs and spices. Use a set of measuring spoons with both metric and imperial measurements for versatility.
5. Storage Container
Once you’ve made your whipped herb butter, you’ll need a container to store it in. A glass jar with a tight-fitting lid is ideal for keeping the butter fresh in the fridge. You can also use a plastic container, but make sure it’s food-safe and airtight.
Overall, these are the only pieces of equipment you’ll need to make whipped herb butter. With these items in hand, you’ll be able to create a delicious and flavorful spread in no time.
Preparation Steps
Before you start making whipped herb butter, you need to prepare the herbs and butter. Here are the steps you need to follow:
Herb Cleaning and Chopping
First, you need to clean and chop the herbs you will be using in the recipe. Rinse the herbs in cold water and pat them dry with a paper towel. Remove any stems or wilted leaves. Then, finely chop the herbs using a sharp knife or a food processor. You can use any combination of herbs you like, such as rosemary, thyme, basil, or parsley.
Butter Softening
Next, you need to soften the butter. Take the butter out of the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes. This will make it easier to mix with the herbs and create a smooth, creamy texture. Alternatively, you can microwave the butter for a few seconds to soften it, but be careful not to melt it.
Mixing Technique
Finally, it’s time to mix the herbs and butter together. You can do this by hand using a fork or spatula, or you can use a stand mixer or hand mixer. Start by adding the softened butter to a mixing bowl, then add the chopped herbs and a pinch of salt. Mix everything together until the herbs are evenly distributed and the butter is light and fluffy.
You can also add other ingredients to the whipped herb butter, such as garlic, lemon zest, or black pepper, to give it extra flavor. Once the butter is mixed, you can either serve it immediately or store it in the fridge for later use. Enjoy your homemade whipped herb butter on bread, steak, roasted vegetables, or any other dish you like!
How To Make Lavender Infused Butter
- 1 stick unsalted butter
- 1/2 teaspoon of dried English Lavender buds (be sure to use food-grade/culinary quality)
- 1 teaspoon raw honey
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Whip the butter in an electric mixer for 5 minutes.
- Add the salt and honey and stir.
- Then add the lavender and stir.
- Garnish with lavender flowers.
- Store in the refrigerator.
How To Make Thyme Butter
- 1 stick unsalted butter
- 2 Tablespoons chopped shallots
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Saute the shallots in butter until they are beginning to brown and become translucent. remove and set aside to cool.
- Whip the butter in an electric mixer for 5 minutes.
- Stir in the salt and the thyme leaves.
- Add the sauteed shallots and stir
- Garnish with thyme leaves.
- Store in the refrigerator.
Visit my How to Dry Thyme: 4 Quick & Easy Methods if you would prefer to use dried Thyme from your garden.
Serving Suggestions
Now that you have made your own whipped herb butter, it’s time to enjoy it! Here are some serving suggestions to get you started:
1. Bread and Rolls
Whipped herb butter is the perfect topping for bread and rolls. Spread it on freshly baked bread or rolls straight out of the oven, and let it melt in. You can also try grilling or toasting the bread or rolls before adding the butter for an extra layer of flavor and texture.
2. Vegetables
Whipped herb butter is a fantastic way to add flavor to vegetables. Try it on roasted or grilled vegetables, such as asparagus, broccoli, carrots, or sweet potatoes. You can also use it as a dip for raw vegetables, such as cucumber slices, carrot sticks, or cherry tomatoes.
3. Meat and Seafood
Whipped herb butter is a great way to add flavor to meat and seafood. Try it on grilled steak, chicken, or fish. You can also use it as a topping for baked potatoes or sweet potatoes.
4. Pasta
Whipped herb butter can also be used as a sauce for pasta. Simply melt the butter and toss it with your favorite pasta, such as spaghetti, linguine, or fettuccine. You can also add some grated Parmesan cheese or chopped fresh herbs for extra flavor.
5. Popcorn
Yes, you read that right! Whipped herb butter can be used as a delicious and unique topping for popcorn. Simply melt the butter and drizzle it over freshly popped popcorn. Add some salt or other seasonings to taste, and enjoy!
These are just a few serving suggestions for whipped herb butter. Feel free to get creative and try it on your favorite foods!
Storage and Shelf Life
Once you’ve made your whipped herb butter, you’ll want to store it properly to ensure it stays fresh and delicious. Here are some tips on how to store and use your whipped herb butter:
Storage
- Store your whipped herb butter in an airtight container in the fridge. This will keep it fresh for up to two weeks.
- If you want to store it for longer, you can freeze it. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place it in a freezer bag. It will keep for up to six months in the freezer.
- When you’re ready to use it, simply thaw it in the fridge overnight.
Shelf Life
- The shelf life of your whipped herb butter will depend on the freshness of the ingredients you used to make it. If you used fresh, high-quality ingredients, your whipped herb butter will last longer.
- Keep an eye out for any signs of spoilage, such as mold or an off smell. If you notice any of these, it’s best to discard the butter.
- If your whipped herb butter has been sitting in the fridge for a while and you’re not sure if it’s still good, give it a sniff. If it smells fresh and herbaceous, it’s probably still good to use.
By following these storage and shelf life tips, you can enjoy your homemade whipped herb butter for weeks to come.
For an elegant, guest-ready herb butter recipe, try my Easy Homemade Blossom-Infused Herb Butter from Your Garden.
Whipping up flavored butter at home is such a simple way to take your cooking to the next level. Whether you want to impress guests with lavender cranberry rolls or add some excitement to weeknight veggies, a compound butter boost infuses any dish with gourmet essence using humble ingredients from your pantry.
I hope these whipped butter herb recipes showed how achievable blending your own infused butters can be. As you experiment with herbs and aromatics, trust your senses – taste and tweak as you go until discovering your signature creamy spread. The options for butter flavor bliss are truly endless! Now spread your culinary wings and let your unique creations shine.