Garlic Herb Compound Butter

• 1 cup unsalted butter (2 sticks, softened)
• 3 cloves garlic (finely grated or minced)
• ½ teaspoon fine sea salt
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (finely chopped)
• 1 tablespoon fresh chives (thinly sliced)
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme (finely chopped)
• 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary (finely minced)
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• ½ teaspoon black pepper (coarse, freshly ground)
• 2 tablespoons Parmesan cheese (finely grated, optional)

Instructions

1. Soften the Butter: Let the butter sit at room temperature until soft and spreadable, but not melted.1 cup unsalted butter
2. Make the Garlic Paste: Add the garlic and fine sea salt to a cutting board. Use the side of a knife to mash them together into a smooth paste.3 cloves garlic, ½ tsp sea salt
3. Chop the Herbs: Finely chop the parsley, chives, thyme, and rosemary so they distribute evenly through the butter.2 tbsp parsley, 1 tbsp chives, 1 tsp thyme, 1 tsp rosemary
4. Mix the Butter: Add the softened butter to a mixing bowl. Add the garlic paste, chopped herbs, lemon zest, black pepper, and Parmesan if using. Mix with a rubber spatula until evenly combined.softened butter, garlic paste, herbs, 1 tsp lemon zest, ½ tsp black pepper, 2 tbsp Parmesan
5. Shape the Butter: Spoon the compound butter onto a sheet of parchment paper or plastic wrap. Roll into a tight log, twisting the ends to seal. You can also pack it into a ramekin or airtight container.garlic herb compound butter
6. Chill Until Firm: Refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or until firm enough to slice.chilled compound butter
7. Slice and Serve: Slice into rounds and serve over hot steak, chicken, fish, shrimp, roasted vegetables, potatoes, pasta, rice, or warm bread.finished garlic herb compound butter