We’ve always been fans of simple recipes that pack a punch, and our dill butter is no exception. It’s a versatile compound butter that infuses everyday meals with the fresh, zesty notes of dill, making it perfect for everything from grilled salmon to crusty bread.
This easy-to-make delight draws from classic herb-infused traditions, yet it’s our go-to for adding a gourmet touch without the fuss. We’re confident you’ll love how it brightens up your table, so let’s dive into this flavorful staple.
Ingredients
In our dill butter recipe, we gather simple, high-quality ingredients that infuse fresh, herbaceous flavors into everyday meals. This compound butter elevates dishes like grilled salmon or warm bread with its vibrant dill notes, drawing from traditional herb-infused techniques.
To prepare our dill butter, start with these essentials, listed in the order we use them. We’ve bolded key terms for emphasis and included prep specifics for accuracy:
- Unsalted butter: 1 cup (2 sticks), softened to room temperature for easy mixing and a creamy texture.
- Fresh dill: 2 tablespoons, finely chopped to release its aromatic, citrusy essence that defines the dill butter’s fresh flavor profile.
- Garlic: 1 clove, minced for a subtle, pungent kick that enhances the herb’s vibrancy without overpowering.
- Lemon zest: From 1 medium lemon, grated to add a bright, tangy contrast that balances the richness of the butter.
- Salt: ½ teaspoon, to taste, ensuring the flavors harmonize and bring out the dill’s natural zest.
- Black pepper: ¼ teaspoon, freshly ground for a mild, earthy warmth that complements the overall freshness.
These ingredients combine to create a versatile dill butter that we’re confident will become a staple in your kitchen arsenal.
Instructions
Now that we have gathered our high-quality ingredients, let’s create this flavorful dill butter with ease. We’ll walk you through each step to achieve a vibrant, herbaceous spread that elevates your meals.
Prepare the Ingredients
Before mixing, we prepare our ingredients to ensure even flavor distribution. Start by softening 1 cup unsalted butter at room temperature for about 30 minutes—this makes it easier to blend. Next, finely chop 2 tablespoons fresh dill, removing any tough stems for the best texture. Mince 1 garlic clove to release its pungent aroma, and zest 1 lemon using a microplane or grater to capture its bright, citrusy oils without the bitter pith. Finally, measure out ½ teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon black pepper to balance the flavors perfectly.
Mix the Dill Butter
With ingredients prepped, we combine them into a smooth compound butter. In a medium bowl, add the softened unsalted butter and use a fork or hand mixer to mash it until creamy—this takes about 1-2 minutes for the ideal consistency. Incorporate the chopped fresh dill, minced garlic, lemon zest, salt, and black pepper, stirring vigorously until fully blended. The mixture will turn a vibrant green hue, releasing an invigorating herbal scent that hints at the fresh, zesty taste awaiting your dishes like grilled salmon or warm bread.
Chill and Serve
To set the flavors, we chill the dill butter for optimal texture and taste. Transfer the mixture onto a sheet of parchment paper, shape it into a log, and wrap tightly before refrigerating for at least 1 hour—or up to 24 hours for deeper infusion. Once chilled, slice into pats and serve atop steaming vegetables or seared fish, where the butter melts into a rich, aromatic coating that delivers a burst of herbaceous brightness and subtle tang, transforming simple meals into gourmet experiences.
Make-Ahead and Storage
One of the beauties of our dill butter recipe is its flexibility for make-ahead preparation, allowing us to infuse meals with fresh, herbaceous flavors even on the busiest days. After mixing the ingredients into that smooth, vibrant green compound, we can chill it immediately to lock in the invigorating scent of dill and citrus from the lemon zest.
Make-Ahead Instructions
To prepare dill butter in advance, follow these simple steps:
- After combining the softened butter, chopped dill, garlic, lemon zest, salt, and black pepper, shape the mixture into a log or pack it into a mold.
- Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or parchment paper to maintain its creamy texture and prevent oxidation.
- Place the wrapped butter in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour to firm up, or store it directly as outlined below for later use.
This method ensures our dill butter stays ready to enhance dishes like grilled salmon or fresh bread, delivering a burst of flavor without last-minute effort.
Storage Tips
Proper storage keeps our dill butter fresh, preserving its rich, buttery consistency and aromatic dill notes. We recommend the following based on storage method:
| Storage Method | Duration | Key Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Refrigerator | Up to 1 week | Store in an airtight container to avoid absorbing fridge odors and maintain its vibrant taste. |
| Freezer | Up to 3 months | Wrap in freezer-safe material like foil or a sealed bag; thaw in the fridge overnight for optimal texture. |
Always check for signs of spoilage, such as off odors or discoloration, before using to ensure our dill butter remains a safe, gourmet addition to any meal.
Conclusion
We’re thrilled you’ve explored our dill butter recipe with us
It’s a simple way to bring fresh, gourmet flair to your table
Give it a try and watch it transform everyday meals
We can’t wait to hear how it becomes part of your routine
Frequently Asked Questions
What is dill butter?
Dill butter is a flavorful compound butter made by infusing unsalted butter with fresh dill, garlic, lemon zest, salt, and black pepper. It’s a simple way to add a gourmet, herbaceous twist to everyday meals, enhancing dishes like grilled salmon, bread, or vegetables. This easy recipe draws from traditional herb-infused butters and elevates your dining experience with minimal effort.
What ingredients do I need for dill butter?
To make dill butter, you’ll need high-quality unsalted butter, fresh dill, garlic, lemon zest, salt, and black pepper. Use about 1 cup of softened butter, 1/4 cup chopped dill, 2 minced garlic cloves, zest from one lemon, and seasonings to taste. These ingredients create a vibrant, herbaceous flavor that’s easy to prepare at home.
How do I make dill butter?
Start by softening unsalted butter at room temperature. Finely chop fresh dill, garlic, and lemon zest, then mix them into the butter with salt and black pepper until smooth. Shape into a log or pack into a mold, then chill for at least 1 hour to firm up. This process takes about 10 minutes of prep and results in a vibrant, flavorful compound butter.
How can I use dill butter in recipes?
Dill butter is versatile and adds a gourmet touch to various dishes. Spread it on bread, top grilled salmon or seared fish, or melt it over vegetables for extra flavor. It enhances simple meals with its fresh, herbaceous taste, making everyday dining feel special and elevating proteins, carbs, or sides effortlessly.
How should I store dill butter?
Store dill butter in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week to keep it fresh and creamy. For longer storage, wrap it tightly and freeze for up to three months. Always check for signs of spoilage, like off odors or color changes, before use to ensure it remains safe and flavorful.
Can I make dill butter ahead of time?
Yes, dill butter is perfect for making ahead. Prepare it by mixing the ingredients, shaping into a log, and chilling it in the fridge or freezer. This allows you to have it ready for busy days—refrigerate for up to a week or freeze for three months, maintaining its texture and flavor for convenient use in meals.