Compound Spice Butters: 5 Quick Recipes to Try

By Antonio Rodriguez · October 2, 2026

What Is Compound Butter?

Compound butter is softened butter mixed with spices, herbs, or aromatics. It's the fastest way to add gourmet flavor to steaks, vegetables, bread, and pasta.

5 Spice Butter Recipes

1. Garlic-Herb Butter

4 oz butter + 2 cloves minced garlic + 1 tbsp parsley + 1 tsp thyme. Perfect for garlic bread and grilled steaks.

2. Smoky Chipotle Butter

4 oz butter + 1 tsp chipotle powder + 1/2 tsp smoked paprika + squeeze of lime. Excellent on corn, chicken, and sweet potatoes.

3. Miso-Ginger Butter

4 oz butter + 1 tbsp white miso + 1 tsp grated ginger + 1 tsp sesame oil. Try on salmon, noodles, or roasted broccoli.

4. Ras el Hanout Butter

4 oz butter + 2 tsp ras el hanout + pinch of salt. Ideal for lamb chops and couscous.

5. Vanilla-Cinnamon Butter

4 oz butter + 1/2 tsp cinnamon + 1 tsp vanilla extract + 1 tbsp honey. Great on pancakes, toast, and sweet potatoes.

Making and Storing

Soften butter to room temperature, mix in ingredients, roll into a log in parchment paper, and refrigerate. Keeps 2 weeks refrigerated or 3 months frozen.