Homemade Flavored Butters

by: Nini
October 31, 2023

source: PInterest

When it comes to elevating your culinary game, there’s one secret weapon you might not have thought of – homemade flavored butters. They’re a cinch to make and can take your dishes from ordinary to extraordinary. 

Maple Bacon Butter

First up, we’ve got the delightful Maple Bacon Butter. It’s a perfect balance of sweet and savory, guaranteed to add an explosion of flavor to your meals.

You’ll need:

2 sticks (1 cup) of room temperature salted butter

1/4 cup pure maple syrup

4-5 slices of cooked bacon

To whip this up, start by beating the butter until it’s smooth and creamy. Then, add that luscious maple syrup and mix it in. Now, for the star of the show – chop your crispy bacon into small bits and gently fold it into the butter. Spoon this magical concoction into a mason jar, and voilà! You’ve got yourself a jar of Maple Bacon Butter, ready to make your taste buds dance.

Cowboy Butter

Next, let’s wrangle up some bold and zesty Cowboy Butter. It’s the perfect companion for grilling season, turning your chicken and steak into real wranglers’ delights.

You’ll need:

1 cup of salted butter (2 sticks)

1/4 cup finely minced fresh parsley

A pinch of red pepper flakes

A pinch of coarsely ground black pepper

1 clove of finely minced garlic

Juice and zest of ½ lemon

Start by letting the butter come to room temperature, then beat it until it’s as creamy as a southern sunset. Add in that parsley, red pepper flakes, black pepper, minced garlic, and the zesty lemon juice and zest. Mix it all up real good.

Now, spread this flavor-packed mixture onto a piece of parchment paper and roll it up into a log shape. Let it chill in the fridge for at least 4 hours, allowing those flavors to come together and throw a flavor hoedown in your mouth. Giddy up!

Chili & Lime Butter

Feeling the need for some zesty zing in your dishes? Look no further than Chili & Lime Butter. It’s a quick and easy way to add some kick to your meals.

You’ll need:

4 tablespoons of softened salted butter (or margarine if you prefer)

1 teaspoon of freshly grated lime peel

1 teaspoon of fresh lime juice

1 teaspoon of chili seasoning mix

Just mix the lime juice and zest into your butter, then toss in that chili seasoning. Let it sit for at least 30 minutes for those flavors to meld, and you’ve got a vibrant, tangy butter ready to spice things up.

Lemon & Herb Butter

Now, let’s talk about Lemon & Herb Butter, a burst of freshness that can transform even the simplest dishes.

You’ll need:

1/2 cup of unsalted butter at room temperature

2 tablespoons of lemon zest

1 teaspoon of fresh lemon juice

1/2 teaspoon each of finely chopped fresh rosemary, thyme, and sage

Salt and ground black pepper to taste

Mash that butter until it’s smooth and creamy, then mix in the lemon zest, lemon juice, and all those fresh herbs. Season it with a pinch of salt and a twist of black pepper to taste, and you’ve got a herbaceous and zesty butter that’ll make your taste buds sing.

Bacon & Cheese Flavored Butter

Saving the best for last, we have the ultimate indulgence – Bacon & Cheese Flavored Butter. If you’re a fan of the smoky, savory, and cheesy goodness, this one’s for you.

You’ll need:

½ cup of softened unsalted butter (preferably grass-fed)

¼ teaspoon of salt

¼ teaspoon of ground black pepper

2 large slices of crispy bacon, crumbled

½ cup of grated cheddar cheese

1-2 tablespoons of freshly chopped chives or spring onion

To whip this up, ensure all your ingredients are at room temperature. In a bowl, mix the softened butter with your preferred spices, herbs, and the bacon and cheddar cheese. It’s like a flavor party in your mouth.

Spoon the butter onto a piece of parchment paper, wrap and roll it into a log shape, and twist the ends to seal it up. You can store it in the fridge for up to a week, or freeze it for up to 6 months. If you go for the freezer option, slicing it into portions helps, but if you prefer simplicity, use an ice tray for perfect portion control.

So, next time you want to jazz up your dishes, ditch the plain old butter and opt for one of these homemade flavor boosters. They’re easy to make, add a touch of culinary magic, and will have your taste buds doing a happy dance.