To start off, let’s talk about what compound butter is. Compound butter is a mixture of softened butter and other ingredients, such as herbs, spices, or in this case, flour. The butter is whipped together with the other ingredients to create a flavorful spread or topping that can be used in a variety of dishes.
For the floured compound butter, the ingredients are simple: softened butter (unsalted), flour, and salt. You’ll want to ensure that the butter is softened, as this will make it easier to combine with the other ingredients. To do this, simply leave the butter out at room temperature for about an hour, or until it’s soft enough to easily mix with a spoon.
Once the butter is softened, it’s time to add in the flour. We recommend starting with two tablespoons of flour, but you can adjust this depending on your personal preference. The flour will add a slightly savory, nutty flavor to the butter and help to thicken it up a bit. Be sure to mix well, using a spoon or hand-held mixer, until the flour is fully incorporated.
At this point, you can add in a pinch (or two) of salt, depending on your taste. Again, mix well to combine all the ingredients. You can also add in any additional herbs or spices that you like at this point, such as garlic, parsley, or thyme.
Once all of the ingredients are combined, it’s time to shape the butter. You can either place the butter in a small ramekin or bowl and smooth out the top, or roll it into a log shape using parchment paper. If you’re going for the ramekin or bowl method, we recommend using a spoon to smooth out the top and create a small well in the center. This well will help to ensure even softening and spreading of the butter.
If you’re making a log shaped butter, simply place the mixture onto parchment paper and roll it up into a tight log. Twist the ends of the parchment paper and refrigerate the butter until it’s firm enough to slice.
Once the butter is shaped, it’s ready to use! We love using this floured compound butter recipe on freshly baked bread, roasted vegetables, or even tossed with pasta. The savory flavor from the flour and salt pairs perfectly with these dishes and adds a delicious, buttery richness.
Overall, making floured compound butter is incredibly simple and versatile. With only a few ingredients and a little bit of mixing, you can take any dish from ordinary to extraordinary with a dollop or two of this buttery goodness. So give it a try and see how this recipe can elevate your cooking game.