How to Make Homemade Butter: Classic & 8 Flavored Butter Recipes

With a single ingredient of heavy whipping cream, homemade butter couldn’t be easier to make. After beating the cream with a mixer, it separates into butterfat and buttermilk. Flavoring the butterfat (called compound butter) allows you to create unusual taste combinations and control the amount of added salt and seasonings. Beside its fresh flavor, homemade butter is also more malleable and easier to spread than store-bought versions.

How to Make Homemade Butter

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See the Homemade Butter recipe

1. Using an electric stand mixer fitted with a paddle or beaters, beat heavy cream on medium-high for 4 to 6 minutes or until soft peaks form. To avoid splatters, drape the mixing bowl with two pieces of plastic wrap or two large dish towels, covering the entire mixer.

2. Increase speed to high. After 7 to 8 minutes the cream will begin to separate. Beat until butter and buttermilk are completely separated.

3. Using your hands, squeeze and knead the butter over the mixing bowl for 2 to 3 minutes, allowing buttermilk to release into the bowl. Place butter in another large bowl filled with cold water and squeeze butter several times to release any additional buttermilk. Discard liquid in bowl.

4. Place butter in a large bowl; pat dry with paper towels. Mix in salt, if desired. Store in the refrigerator for 1 week or freeze for up to 3 months.

Make a Butter Board

This no-bake appetizer is cheaper and easier than traditional charcuterie boards and grazing tables. Soften flavored butter and feather or swirl it onto a wood cutting board or slate or marble platter. Get creative with toppings such as honey, grated lemon zest, chile flakes, herbs and more. Place a serving knife alongside the board so guests can smear the butter onto bread, crackers, vegetables or fruit.

8 Homemade Flavored Butters

1. Chile Butter

The spiciness goes well with seafood, shellfish, pasta or vegetables.

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2. Fresh Herb Butter

Melt over seafood, vegetables or meat to elevate a weeknight dinner.

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3. Miso-Honey Butter

Add a sweet-and-savory touch to bread or asparagus.

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4. Raspberry, Ginger and Vanilla Bean Butter

For a great breakfast booster, spread this fruity butter on a bagel.

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5. Roasted Garlic, Thyme and Parmesan Butter

The herb-and-cheese mixture complements beef or chicken.

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6. Horseradish-and-Chive Butter

Melt it over steak to enrich its flavor and tenderize its texture.

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7. Cajun Seafood Seasoning, Cinnamon and Sugar Butter

The iconic American spices liven up traditional toast, sweet potatoes and squash.

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8. Maple-and-Bacon Butter

Smear on potatoes, charcuterie and even waffles as a flavor enhancer.

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3 Ways to Use Flavored Butters

Chile Butter on Tricolor Sweet Potatoes

The smokiness and heat from the butter’s chipotle peppers and adobo sauce complement the slightly nutty flavor and sweetness of potatoes.

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Horseradish-and-Chive Butter on Filet Mignons

Horseradish pairs naturally with all types of meats. Its fresh spiciness neutralizes the slight metallic taste caused by meat’s high iron contents.

Roasted Garlic, Thyme and Parmesan Butter on Green Beans

The earthy notes of garlic and thyme enhance and enliven the flavor of earthy vegetables, such as green beans. Parmesan cheese adds rich tanginess to the dish.