Ina Garten’s Herb Butter is a simple yet flavorful way to elevate your dishes with fresh, aromatic herbs blended into creamy butter. This versatile condiment enhances everything from grilled meats and seafood to roasted vegetables and freshly baked bread. With just a few ingredients and a quick preparation process, you can create a homemade herb butter that adds richness and depth to any meal.

What is Ina Garten Herb Butter?

Ina Garten’s Herb Butter is a compound butter made by mixing softened butter with fresh herbs, garlic, lemon zest, and seasonings. It can be used as a spread, a finishing touch for steaks, or a way to infuse flavor into roasted or sautéed dishes. The combination of herbs and butter creates a rich, aromatic blend that melts beautifully into warm foods.

Other Popular Recipes

Reasons to Try Ina Garten Herb Butter

Adds instant flavor to any dish – A simple dollop can transform meats, vegetables, and bread.
Versatile and customizable – Adjust the herbs and seasonings to match your taste preferences.
Quick and easy to make – Only takes a few minutes to prepare with simple ingredients.
Perfect for meal prep – Can be stored in the fridge or freezer for future use.
Elegant and homemade – Elevate everyday dishes with a restaurant-quality touch.

Ingredients Needed to Make Ina Garten Herb Butter

1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh parsley
1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh chives
1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh thyme
1 teaspoon minced garlic
1 teaspoon lemon zest
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper

Instructions to Prepare Ina Garten Herb Butter

Soften the butter – Leave the butter at room temperature until it becomes soft and easy to mix.
Chop the herbs finely – Finely mince parsley, chives, and thyme for even distribution.
Mix the ingredients – In a bowl, combine softened butter, herbs, garlic, lemon zest, salt, and black pepper.
Blend until smooth – Use a fork or hand mixer to mix everything together until fully combined.
Shape the butter – Transfer the mixture onto parchment paper and roll it into a log.
Refrigerate until firm – Chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour before using.
Slice and serve – Cut into rounds and use as needed for meats, vegetables, or bread.

What Goes Well With Ina Garten Herb Butter

Melt over grilled steak – Adds a rich, flavorful finish to perfectly cooked steak.
Spread on warm bread – Serve on toasted baguettes or dinner rolls.
Enhance roasted vegetables – Toss with roasted potatoes, carrots, or asparagus.
Top seafood dishes – Perfect for grilled shrimp, salmon, or lobster.
Mix into mashed potatoes – Creates a creamy, herby twist on classic mashed potatoes.
Stir into pasta – Use as a light sauce for a simple herb butter pasta.

Key Tips for Making Ina Garten Herb Butter

Use high-quality butter for the best flavor – Opt for unsalted, high-fat butter for a creamy texture.
Finely chop the herbs for even distribution – Ensures a smooth and well-blended butter.
Adjust the seasoning to taste – Add more salt, pepper, or lemon zest as needed.
Shape into a log for easy slicing – Rolling in parchment paper makes portioning simple.
Store properly for longer freshness – Keep in an airtight container in the fridge or freezer.
Try different herb combinations – Experiment with rosemary, basil, or dill for variations.
Use room temperature butter for easy mixing – Soft butter blends better with herbs and seasonings.

Creative Variations of Ina Garten Herb Butter

Make it spicy with red pepper flakes – Add a kick with crushed red pepper or cayenne.
Use roasted garlic instead of raw – For a milder, sweeter garlic flavor.
Incorporate parmesan cheese – Adds a nutty, savory depth.
Mix in sun-dried tomatoes to create a rich Mediterranean-style butter.
Add honey for a sweet and savory balance – Pairs well with cornbread and roasted chicken.

Storage Guidelines for Ina Garten Herb Butter

Refrigerate in an airtight container – Keeps fresh for up to 2 weeks in the fridge.
Freeze for long-term storage – Wrap in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months.
Slice before freezing for convenience – Makes it easy to grab a small portion as needed.
Keep wrapped tightly to prevent odor absorption – Use plastic wrap or a sealed container.

Reheating Tips for Ina Garten Herb Butter

Let it soften at room temperature – If stored in the fridge, allow it to soften before using.
Melt in a pan for easy drizzling – Heat in a skillet over low heat to turn into a sauce.
Use directly on hot foods – The butter will naturally melt when placed on warm dishes.

FAQs

How long does Ina Garten Herb Butter last?

Ina Garten Herb Butter lasts up to 2 weeks in the refrigerator and up to 3 months when frozen. Proper storage in an airtight container helps maintain freshness.

Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh ones?

Yes, you can substitute dried herbs, but use one-third of the amount since dried herbs are more concentrated in flavor. Fresh herbs provide a brighter, fresher taste.

What is the best way to shape herb butter?

The best way to shape herb butter is to roll it into a log using parchment paper. This method makes slicing easy and helps with portion control.

Can I use herb butter for baking?

Yes, herb butter can be used in baking to add extra flavor to biscuits, dinner rolls, and savory scones. Use it as a flavorful alternative to regular butter.

Wrapping Up

Ina Garten’s Herb Butter is a simple yet elegant way to enhance any dish with fresh, aromatic flavors.

With endless customization options, you can create your own signature herb butter that complements your favorite meals. Try this recipe today and bring a touch of gourmet flair to your cooking!