Everyone knows that butter has a certain magic about it. Its creamy texture and rich flavor can take a simple dish to new heights. In fact, the similarity in sound between the words “butter” and “better” isn’t just a coincidence; it hints at the transformative power of this dairy delight. But what if we told you there’s a way to elevate the already wonderful experience of butter to something truly exceptional?
The good news is enhancing store-bought butter is as easy as pie — or should we say, butter? Just let it soften at room temperature, and then you can start mixing in your ingredients. The tricky part? Choosing the right one! Sure, garlic butter is a classic staple, and cinnamon sugar butter is perfect for when you’re craving something sweet. But we invite you to think beyond those well-trodden paths. It’s time to rummage through your pantry, explore new aisles at the grocery store, or even peek into the depths of your liquor cabinet. Heck, you can even add a splash of water! (Trust us on that one, stick with us.)
Once you’ve blended your chosen flavor boosters into the butter, the possibilities really start to expand. You can keep it soft and spreadable for immediate enjoyment, or you can create a compound butter that lasts you all week. It’s as simple as rolling the fluffy mixture into a log, wrapping it up in plastic wrap or parchment paper, twisting the ends like a candy wrapper, and sticking it in the fridge. In just a few hours, you’ll have perfectly sliceable portions of flavored butter ready to transform anything from an ordinary piece of toast to an exceptional steak.
Curious about what flavors to create? How about some blue cheese butter to make steak night feel extra special? Or perhaps a citrus butter would be delightful on warm scones? Maybe a coffee butter to elevate your breakfast bagels? The world of flavored butter is truly your oyster — so get ready to spread the joy (and the butter) across your meals!
Let’s dive into specific ideas, shall we?
Paprika Butter
Paprika is a powerhouse of flavor that can add a zing to your butter. Whether you prefer sweet paprika’s mild warmth or the fiery kick of hot paprika, this blend can elevate your savory dishes. Imagine spreading it on meats before grilling, blending it into rice, or drizzling it over corn on the cob. And how about a drizzle of melted paprika butter over your breakfast fried eggs? It’s a perfect way to start your day!
To whip up paprika butter, just combine 1 cup of softened butter (that’s two sticks), 1 tablespoon of paprika, ½ teaspoon of coarse salt, and ¼ teaspoon of ground pepper. Mix until it’s well blended, and voila! You have a versatile addition ready to make every meal a bit more exciting. Want to take it up a notch? Try adding minced garlic and finely chopped rosemary, or if you’re feeling daring, a dash of hot sauce can really spice things up. Store it covered in the fridge for up to a week, and you’ll always have something tasty on hand.
Dijon Mustard Butter
Let’s be real: store-bought butter is fine for your warm dinner rolls and baked potatoes, but why settle for merely fine? With just a simple addition of Dijon mustard, you can elevate that butter from basic to brilliant. Mix 2 tablespoons of Dijon mustard with ½ cup (one stick) of softened butter for an exquisite blend. If you’re feeling inspired, toss in some herbs like chives, parsley, or tarragon for an aromatic twist. A hint of lemon zest can brighten it up even more!
This mustard butter is perfect as a dip for pretzels or gracing a grilled cheese sandwich before it hits the pan. If you’d prefer, you can roll it into a log and refrigerate for a few hours. Once it’s firm, you’ll have slices of zesty goodness ready to melt over steaks, vegetables, or pasta.
Citrus Butter
Just a touch of lemon or lime zest can transform regular butter into a zesty sensation. That little citrus kick is the perfect enhancement for both sweet and savory dishes alike. Imagine replacing plain butter with lime butter in your go-to buttercream frosting. Or zesting up a whole roasted chicken with lemon compound butter—it’s pure flavor magic.
Don’t forget about oranges! Orange butter pairs beautifully with both sweet and savory items. To make this delectable spread, blend together ½ cup of softened unsalted butter, the zest of one large navel orange, and ¼ cup of sugar in a food processor until fluffy. Then, slowly drizzle in ¼ cup of orange juice and 1 ½ tablespoons of orange liqueur, mixing until it’s fully combined. This vibrant citrus butter dances divine over scones or melts down luxuriously on chicken.
Can’t pick just one flavor? Go wild! Mix and match lemon, lime, and orange zest for a dazzling three-citrus butter that brightens up everything from roasted vegetables to blueberry muffins.
Seaweed Butter
Finally, let’s talk about something that might just surprise you: seaweed. Often overlooked in many kitchens, it’s an umami powerhouse that can elevate your butter game. Dulse, known affectionately as the “bacon of the sea,” is an excellent choice here. This red seaweed has a unique flavor when baked until crispy, and it can easily transform your butter into a gourmet spread.
To create seaweed butter, start with 1 cup (or 2 sticks) of softened unsalted butter and about 1/3 cup of dulse. Spread the dulse on a baking tray and bake it at 225 degrees Fahrenheit for about 30 minutes until crunchy. Let it cool for a few minutes, then chop your butter into cubes and blitz it with the crispy dulse in a food processor until they’re combined. Use it right away or stash it in the fridge for later use.
Spread this umami butter generously on crusty sourdough or use it as a game-changer in savory dishes like sautéed mushrooms or grilled fish. It’s like giving your classic recipes a secret ingredient that everyone will rave about.
So, if you’re looking for a way to bring excitement back into your cooking or just want a tasty treat to spread on your bread, don’t choose regular butter again! With these simple enhancements, you can create flavored butters that not only impress but also resonate with your taste buds. Get ready to spread happiness in your kitchen.
