Drizzle flavored butter over roast veggies, slather it on warm rolls or melt it on top of a steak. Any way you slice it, that extra boost of flavor makes delicious food taste even better.
Photo: Taste of Home
One of my favorite summer activities is popping out the back door to my herb garden, snipping a few stems and making flavored butter (also known as compound butter). The good news is fresh herbs are available year round in nearly every grocery store today, so I can make flavored butter even when the snow’s flying. Even better, flavored butters can be frozen up to six months, so I can enjoy them anytime.
This is what my counter looks like when I’m in flavored butter-making mode. I know, it looks messy, but you need only a few ingredients and you can make several different flavors in a matter of minutes. I’m partial to herbal butters—parsley-chive, rosemary-lemon, sage-thyme—but honey, spices, citrus and cheese also lend great flavor.
Photo: Taste of Home
The most time-consuming task is chopping and prepping—and waiting for the butter to soften if you forgot to take it out of the fridge. (Here are a few ways for how to soften butter quickly.) I have used pre-whipped butter to make flavored butter when I’m pressed for time, but I don’t feel it has quite the same flavor or texture as butter by the stick.
Pro tip: I use unsalted butter when making flavored butters so I can control the amount of salt. Although the recipes below don’t call for salt, 1/8 to 1/4 teaspoon (or to taste) can be added to boost the flavor if desired. When making herbal butters, you can also add a small squirt of fresh lemon juice to perk things up a bit if the recipe doesn’t call for it. The fun is in experimenting.
Flavored Butter Basic Technique
1. With the butter at room temperature, whip it with an electric mixer or with a spoon or spatula until it is smooth and soft.
2. Gently stir in your chopped herbs (wash and dry them thoroughly first), zest or other fresh ingredients. If you’re using dry spices, mix them together first so they incorporate evenly throughout the butter.
3. Scoop the flavored butter onto parchment paper or plastic wrap and roll it into a log shape. Twist the ends closed, wrap it in foil and place it in the refrigerator or freezer to chill and harden. Frozen butter can easily be sliced with a sharp knife that’s been run under hot water.
Make It Pretty
Pro Tip: Hosting a fancy dinner party soon? Mix up your favorite flavored butter and spread it into decorative candy molds to chill and harden in the freezer. Pop it out of the molds, place it on a pretty plate, and serve the flavored butter with your favorite quick breads or over roasted vegetables for an elegant touch.
Photo: Taste of Home
Flavored Butter Recipes
Here are five flavored butters inspired by regions of the U.S. (shown at the top of this post) along with a few more favorites. Try them all and see which flavors you like best—or mix and match to create your own.
In a small mixing bowl, combine the butter, basil, parsley and garlic powder. Beat on medium-low speed until mixture is combined. Garnish with sage and thyme. Yield:1/2 cup.
Spread Garlic Basil Butter over the bread slices instead of olive oil and garlic powder in these Cruisin’ Crostini.
Photo: Taste of Home
Cilantro-Lime Butter
1/4 cup minced fresh cilantro
1 tablespoon lime juice
1-1/2 teaspoons grated lime peel
In a small bowl, mix butter, cilantro, lime juice and lime peel. Shape into a log; wrap in plastic. Refrigerate 30 minutes or until firm.
Use Cilantro-Lime Butter to boost the flavor of your sweet corn. (Here are 22 more ways to make sweet corn.)
Honey Almond Butter
1 cup butter, softened
1/4 cup honey
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon almond extract
In a small mixing bowl, beat the butter, honey, brown sugar and extract until light and fluffy. Transfer to a sheet of plastic wrap; roll into a log. Refrigerate until chilled. Unwrap and slice or place on a butter dish.Yield:1-1/2 cups.
Have a vegan friend or family member? Try this creamy, dairy-free cashew butter recipe!
Don’t Forget to Share!
Homemade flavored butters make a lovely and personal hostess gift or fun present for neighbors and friends. Check out these holiday butter recipes and share some butter love. Simply stack slices of flavored butter between waxed paper in a decorative box or jar and keep in the freezer for an impromptu gift. Also check out how to make your own butter with just two ingredients!
My kids love to help me make this delicious bread recipe. It's quite easy, and they enjoy the fact that they can be eating fresh bread in less than two hours! —Denise Boutin, Grand Isle, Vermont
I've tried other bread recipes, but this one is a staple in our home. I won $50 in a bake-off with a loaf that I had stored in the freezer. —Mickey Turner, Grants Pass, Oregon
Want a bread baking refresher? Check out our ultimate guide on how to bake bread and get all of your questions answered (or just get some reassurance).
I keep my freezer stocked for our harvest crew with home-baked goodies like this deliciously spicy, easy pumpkin bread recipe. —Joyce Jackson, Bridgetown, Nova Scotia
If you'd like to learn how to bake bread, here's a wonderful place to start. This easy white bread recipe bakes up deliciously golden brown. There's nothing like the homemade aroma wafting through my kitchen as it bakes. —Sandra Anderson, New York, New York
Whenever I pass a display of bananas in the grocery store, I can almost smell the wonderful aroma of my best banana bread recipe. It really is amazingly good! —Gert Kaiser, Kenosha, Wisconsin
A friend gave me this cornbread recipe several years ago, and I think it's the best recipe I've tried. I love to serve this melt-in-your mouth homemade cornbread hot from the oven with butter and syrup. It gets rave reviews on holidays. —Nicole Callen, Auburn, California
These fluffy rolls go perfectly with any meal. They have a delicious homemade flavor that's irresistible. I like them because they're not hard to make and they bake up nice and high. —Patricia Staudt, Marble Rock, Iowa
Cinnamon and raisins bring heartwarming flavor to this mildly sweet bread. It's ideal for an on-the-go breakfast or a quick snack before dinner. —Flo Burtnett, Gage, Oklahoma
A cousin in North Carolina gave me the recipe for these delicious honey-glazed rolls. Using my bread machine to make the dough saves me about 2 hours compared to the traditional method. The rich buttery taste of these rolls is so popular with family and friends that I usually make two batches so I have enough! —Sara Wing, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Of all the quick breads we had growing up, this beautiful lemon blueberry bread is the best! The citrus glaze adds a lustrous finish and locks in moisture. —Julianne Johnson, Grove City, Minnesota
When our tree branches are loaded with ripe and juicy fruit, I treat my family and friends to lots of easy pear recipes. I always receive raves and requests for this particular pear bread recipe because of the mix of fun ingredients.—Linda Patrick, Houston, Texas
I think Mom used to bake at least four of these tender loaves at once, and they never lasted long. She served the bread with every Italian meal. I love it toasted, too. —Linda Harrington, Windham, New Hampshire
Since apples and zucchini are so abundant in this area, it's only natural that the two be used together in one recipe. I really don't know the origin of this bread, but I do know it's been one of my favorites for many years. —Patti Dillingham, Scranton, Arkansas
Crackling homemade bread makes an average day extraordinary. Enjoy this beautiful crusty bread recipe as is, or stir in a few favorites like cheese, garlic, herbs and dried fruits. —Megumi Garcia, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
I got this apple quick bread recipe a long time ago and with a few changes it's become one of our favorites. Everyone who's ever tasted this apple bread has asked for the recipe! —Phyllis Herlocker, Farlington, Kansas
It's a pleasure to serve this moist cornbread to family and guests. Honey gives it a slightly sweet taste. Most people find it's difficult to eat just one piece. —Adeline Piscitelli, Sayreville, New Jersey
Anytime is the right time for a comforting slice of homemade bread. These loaves are especially nice since the crust stays so tender. This white bread recipe is my husband Nick's favorite. He makes most of the bread at our house. —Joanne Shew Chuk, St. Benedict, Saskatchewan
The dough for these rolls has a nice texture and is simple to shape. The recipe came from an old church cookbook. —Norma Harder, Weyakwin, Saskatchewan
I first received a sample of these light, wonderful angel biscuits, along with the recipe, from an elderly gentleman friend. I now bake them often as a Saturday-morning treat, served with butter and honey. They're perfect with sausage gravy, too! —Faye Hintz, Springfield, Missouri
These rolls are the lightest, most delicious ones I've ever tasted...and everyone else seems to agree. The pumpkin gives them mild flavor, moist texture and a pretty golden color. At our house, it wouldn't be the holidays without them. —Dianna Shimizu
Issaquah, Washington
Homemade bread can be time-consuming, difficult and tricky to make. But this fun-to-eat monkey bread, baked in a fluted tube pan, is easy and almost foolproof. If I'm serving it for breakfast, I add some cinnamon and drizzle it with icing. —Pat Stevens, Granbury, Texas
Apples, toasted pecans and a praline glaze make this bread perfect for a holiday celebration—or anytime. We like it better than our go-to coffee cake. —Sonja Blow, Nixa, Missouri
Many years ago, a good friend gave me her mother's recipe for this delightful bread, and I've made it ever since. It's perfect for a hearty breakfast, especially when smothered with your favorite jam. —Jane Zielinski, Rotterdam Junction, New York
After I discovered this recipe, it became a mainstay for me. I make the dough ahead of time when company is coming, and I try to keep some in the refrigerator to bake for our ranch hands. Leftover mashed potatoes are almost sure to go into these rolls. —Jeanette McKinney, Belleview, Missouri
This loaf is chock-full of blueberries—two whole cups! When you pour the vanilla sauce over the bread, it makes it moist--almost like a pudding. I suggest serving a robust cup of coffee with this delicious treat. —Sue Davis, Wausau, Wisconsin
Upgrade your basic crescent roll recipe! Here's a recipe that just couldn't be much quicker or easier and is sure to add a nice touch to any dinner. The garlic and Parmesan flavors really come through. Enjoy! —Lori Abad, East Haven, Connecticut
My dad has been a wheat farmer all his life and my state is the wheat capital, so this recipe represents my region and my family well. This bread never lasts too long at our house. —Kathy McCreary, Goddard, Kansas
I like this recipe because the orange juice gives the nut bread such a bright flavor and also makes it moist. —Barbara Roethlisberger, Shepherd, Michigan
I stumbled across this recipe while looking for something different to take to a brunch. Boy, am I glad I did! Everyone asked for the recipe and was surprised it called for only five ingredients. It's the perfect treat to bake for an informal get-together. —Traci Collins, Cheyenne, Wyoming
Mom loved to make these lightly sweet, golden rolls. They're beautiful and impressive and have a homemade taste that makes them memorable. —Bernice Morris, Marshfield, Missouri
Sweet cream biscuits were the first kind I mastered. Since the ingredients are so simple, I can scale the recipe up or down. In fact, I've actually memorized it! —Helen Nelander, Boulder Creek, California
My family loves quick breads. This one is moist and spicy. If you don't have mini loaf pans it works just as well in regular size pans. —Nancy Foust, Stoneboro, Pennsylvania
The appealing homemade yeast-bread flavor of these golden rolls is unbeatable. Soft and light, they're great alongside any entree. Folks are disappointed if I don't bring them to potluck dinners. —Carol Mead, Los Alamos, New Mexico
The tattered recipe card for this cornbread proves it's been a family favorite for years. It's my daughter's top request. —Judy Sellgren, Grand Rapids, Michigan
Homemade French bread isn’t at all difficult to make, and it’s perfect alongside Italian foods. If you’re not serving a large group, freeze one loaf to enjoy later. —Peggy Van Arsdale, Trenton, New Jersey
Pineapple and coconut give a subtle sweetness to these golden homemade rolls. If there are any leftovers, they're great for sandwiches. —Kathy Kurtz, Glendora, California
With its medley of herbs and tomatoes, this rustic bread will liven up any occasion, whether it’s a family dinner or a game-day get-together. It never lasts long! —Janet Miller, Indianapolis, Indiana
When I started making this bread, my husband and our six children liked it so much I was baking every day. I was thrilled when the judges at our county fair gave these braids a blue ribbon and best of show award! —Nancy Montgomery, Hartville, Ohio
These puffy dinner rolls take on rich color when you add squash to the dough. Any squash variety works. I've even used cooked carrots. —Marcia Whitney, Gainesville, Florida
During the holidays, I sometimes make a couple of these golden loaves a day to give as gifts. Everyone in our family loves them any time of year. The recipe originated with one for Jewish challah, which I began making over a decade ago.
—Marcia Vermaire
Fruitport, Michigan
My grandmother Virginia always served Southwest cornbread. To honor her, I created a recipe that cuts down on the chopping but never skimps on flavor. —Angie Price, Bradford, Tennessee
I adapted an old sour cream bread recipe for this deliciously different pull-apart loaf that smells heavenly while baking. It has a light crust, tender interior and lots of herb and butter flavor. We think it's wonderful with a hot bowl of potato soup. —Katie Crill, Priest River, Idaho
I make this recipe in two-quart batches and store them in airtight jars. My son and I both have celiac disease and love that we can use this mix to still enjoy traditional dishes. —Bernice Fenskie, Wexford, Pennsylvania
This gorgeous rye bread has just a touch of sweetness and the perfect amount of caraway seeds. With a crusty top and firm texture, it holds up well to sandwiches, but a pat of butter will do the job, too. —Holly Wade, Harrisonburg, Virginia
Pears give these little loaves delicious flavor and help keep them nice and moist. They make lovely gifts to share, too. —Mary Lynn Wilson, Linden, Texas
This bread is one of my favorites. It has a wonderful texture and slices beautifully, and the flavor of the herbs really comes through. (Psst—If you don't have a bread machine on hand, learn how to make bread without one!) —Gerri Hamilton, Kingsville, Ontario
This beautiful, golden pan bread is especially good with a steaming bowl of homemade soup. The oats give it a distinctive flavor, and we really like the herb and Parmesan cheese topping.—Karen Bourne, Magrath, Alberta
I've been making these tasty breadsticks that go with almost any meal for years. Since they use ingredients like flour, sugar, baking powder and milk, it's convenient and inexpensive to mix up a batch. —Nancy Johnson, Connersville, Indiana
My family eats this flavorful bread as fast as I can make it. Sometimes I add different herbs, red onion or crumbled bacon. It's one of my best recipes!
—Mary Cass, Baltimore, Maryland
Everyone likes the tender texture and slightly sweet taste of this homemade bread. When I'm in the mood to bake, I usually double the recipe and share loaves with friends. The dough also makes lovely rolls.
-Launa Shoemaker, Landrum, South Carolina
These delightful golden rolls are always requested at Thanksgiving and Christmas. The recipe is one we’ve enjoyed for years. —Vivian Eccles, Gridley, Kansas
My parents were immigrants from Czechoslovakia and my mother would pull out this rye bread recipe when guests came over for dinner. Every time I bake it, I get nostalgic for those days. —Millie Feather, Baroda, Michigan
Biscuits always liven up a meal, especially when they’re golden brown and filled with pesto, garlic and cheese for extra zip. —Liz Bellville, Jacksonville, North Carolina
These wholesome rolls are a pleasant addition to any entree. I get so many requests for them at holiday time. I make about 100 dozen in December! —Ula Kessler, Liberty Center, Ohio
I've made so many of these delicious rolls that I think I could make them blindfolded! I always take about 200 of them to the senior citizens dinner at our church. After shaping the rolls, you can freeze them, then just thaw and bake when you need them. —Debbie Johnson, Centertown, Missouri
You'll love this cheddar bread made in a casserole dish. It is one of the easiest yeast breads to make. And since it calls for rapid-rise yeast, you don't have to wait long to enjoy it! —Peggy Key, Grant, Alabama
These are similar to old-fashioned biscuits made from scratch, but they're even better thanks to the tasty sausage throughout. It's almost impossible to stop eating them. I like to serve these biscuits with an egg dish or soup. —Nancy Parker, Seguin, Texas
This savory loaf mildly flavored with chives is delicious when served warm with a meal, soup, salad or stew. It also tastes wonderful toasted the next day for breakfast. —Deborah Plank, West Salem, Ohio
The texture of this bread is almost like a cake, so I usually serve slices of it for dessert. The loaf looks so festive with the pretty glaze drizzled on top. —Gaye O'Dell, Binghamton, New York
My husband doesn't like traditional Texas corn bread, so I came up with this recipe. This is the only kind he'll eat. Yogurt makes this variation different from most. —Amanda Andrews of Mansfield, Texas
This simple bread is especially good with soups and stews, but slices are also tasty alongside fresh green salads. The herbs make it a flavorful treat any time of the year. —Donna Roberts, Shumway, Illinois
These fluffy biscuits are so tasty slathered with butter or used to mop up every last drop of gravy off your plate. I can still see Mom pulling these tender gems out of the oven. —Vera Reid, Laramie, Wyoming
The first time I made this recipe my husband asked it if was homemade or store-bought. When he reached for a second piece, I knew I had a winning recipe. —Roseann Loker, Colon, Michigan
Packed with dates and pecans, this sweet bread is excellent on its own and even better topped with the chunky cream cheese spread. We enjoy it during the holiday season, but also for after-school and late-night snacks. —Carole Resnick, Cleveland, Ohio
Your family will be impressed with the soft texture and appealing swirls of cinnamon in these lovely breakfast loaves. —Diane Armstrong, Elm Grove, Wisconsin
My sister and I were in 4-H, and Mom was our breads project leader for years. Because of that early training, fresh homemade bread like this is a staple in my own kitchen.
-Karen Wingate, Coldwater, Kansas
People rave about this tender, delicate bread every time I serve it. The braided look is just beautiful and is actually quite easy to do. —June Mullins, Livonia, Missouri
These versatile rolls are so welcome served warm alongside any dinner. I always make a big batch since my family enjoys them after they're cool, too, stuffed with a filling like egg salad or ham salad. —Mary Bickel, Terre Haute, Indiana
My mom, Velma Perkins, loved to serve these light, golden rolls when I was growing up on our Iowa farm. They're extra nice since they require no kneading. The dough rises in the refrigerator overnight, so there's little last-minute fuss to serve fresh hot rolls with any meal. —Toni Hilscher, Omaha, Nebraska
Most of the farmers in our area grow wheat, so this recipe definitely represents my region. I bake these rolls often, especially when I'm making soup or stew. —Celecia Stoup, Hobart, Oklahoma
When I was growing up on a farm, my mom always seemed to be making homemade bread...nothing tasted so good! Now I like to make these simple yet delicious muffins for my own family. —Linda Rasmussen, Twin Falls, Idaho
Who has time to make from-scratch bagels? You do, with this easy recipe! The chewy golden bagels offer a hint of honey and will win over even the pickiest eaters. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
I received this recipe from an email pen pal in Canada. The dough is so easy to work with, and it makes the lightest yeast rolls. I haven't used another white bread recipe since I started making this one.
-Carrie Ormsby, West Jordan, Utah
Meet the Cook: Of all the herbs, rosemary is my favorite. This bread goes great with a roast, chicken or pasta with red sauce. It's especially festive to serve at holiday time.
My husband and I have three young children - ages 6, 3 and 1.
-Deidre Fallavollita, Vienna, Virginia
An enticing combination of Parmesan cheese, oregano and garlic makes these buttery rolls impossible to resist. The aroma that wafts through the house while they are baking is incredible. —Patricia FitzGerald, Candor, New York
I usually used a glass as a cutter so the biscuits are bigger than average size, and I always baked some extras to send home with the kids. They liked to split them and fill them with cheese or peanut butter and strawberry jam. —Eleanore Hill, Fresno, California
I've been making this bread for many years. It smells so good in the oven and tastes even better. I make bread almost every Saturday, and it doesn't stay around long with our sons home from college in the summer. —Perlene Hoekema, Lynden, Washington
It's easy to make light and flavorful rolls with this no-fuss recipe. The dough can also be used for cinnamon rolls, herb bread or coffee cake. —Trisha Kruse, Eagle, Idaho
We had a lot of family get-togethers when I was growing up. My grandmother, aunts and mom were all good cooks, and each had her own specialty when it came to bread. But Mom's was my favorite—she started making it 40 years ago. The flavors call to mind the taste of cornbread stuffing! —Shirley Smith, Yorba Linda, California
"Evelyn" is my mother-in-law, who always keeps some of these terrific flaky twists in her freezer to serve in a pinch. They go quickly around our house— especially during the holidays.
As a toddler, my son loved bananas, so we always had them in the house. We didn't always eat them all before they were too ripe, so we experimented beyond basic banana bread. That’s how we came up with Elvis bread! —Liz Somppi, Greenfield, Wisconsin
Making homemade rolls usually takes a lot of ingredients and time, but this recipe makes it so simple. They come together quickly and they freeze well too.—Eleanor Paine, Junction City, Oregon
I came across this recipe in 1983 and have been making it for the holidays ever since. One year I gave away 20 loaves! —Rita Bergman, Olympia, Washington
My mom deserves the credit for making this recipe a family tradition. These sweet tender rolls have been on every holiday table at her house for as long as I can remember. —Lisa D. Brenner, Harrisburg, Nebraska
As a stay-at-home mother of two little girls, I pack a lot of activity into my days. The bread machine makes it a snap to turn out this attractive loaf that gets its zip from cayenne pepper, pepperoni and Mexican cheese. —Dusti Christensen, Goodridge, Minnesota
My family likes rolls that can hold up to scooping gravies, sauces and more. This recipe is a favorite. The oatmeal in the dough gives it a Scottish touch. —Peggy Goodrich, Enid, Oklahoma
This golden bread has a soft, tender texture and the perfect amount of cardamom flavor in every bite. Slices are especially good with a cream cheese spread or fresh honey butter. —Carla Miller, Pasco, Washington
Even though these are whole wheat rolls they have a light texture and are soft and tender. This recipe reminds me of lots of happy meals with my family.—Wilma Orlano, Carroll, Iowa
Many years ago my sister and I won blue ribbons in 4-H with this bread. The recipe makes a beautiful round golden loaf. With a layer of cheese peeking out of every slice, it's definitely worth the effort. —Melanie Mero, Ida, Michigan
I loved skipping the boring school cafeteria meals and going to my grandma’s house for lunch. She spent most of her life in northeastern Minnesota, which is reflected in this bread's ingredients. Now my family uses this for our holiday stuffing. —Crystal Schlueter, Northglenn, Colorado
Dana is an editor and writer who shares her passion for travel, food and the beauty of American landscapes. When she's not wielding her red pen, she can be found tending her flower gardens, remodeling her house, creating one-of-a-kind jewelry or dancing to "Uptown Funk."