Chive Butter
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
5 mins
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Cook Time
5 mins
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Butter Softening + Cooling Time
2 hrs
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Total Time
2 hrs 10 mins
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Servings
16 servings
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Calories
102 kcal
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Course
Condiments
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Cuisine
American
Chive Butter
Description
The Chive Butter recipe starts with fully softened unsalted butter to ensure easy mixing with the flavor-infused butter blend. By heating some butter with fresh chives and garlic powder over low heat, the herbs soften and release their aroma without browning, preserving a fresh flavor. Cooling this mixture before folding it into the remaining softened butter creates a smooth, spreadable consistency speckled with herb pieces and optionally chive blossoms for added texture and subtle floral notes. The garlic powder is an alternative to finely minced garlic, preventing any burning or bitterness during heating.
This butter mixture can be shaped into a log for easy slicing or used immediately to enhance the flavor of various dishes. The balance of salt and chive flavor complements many savory foods, and it provides a convenient way to add herbaceous richness without overpowering other ingredients.
The recipe avoids wrapping the butter in wax paper to prevent sticking during the softening and forming process. The chive butter keeps well refrigerated and can be used to finish grilled steaks, spread on warm bread, or melt over steamed vegetables to add a flavorful dimension.
Ingredients
- ½ pound unsalted butter 2 sticks, divided
- chive blossoms small handful; optional
- ¼ cup chives diced
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder or finely minced garlic
- ½ teaspoon salt sea salt
Instructions
- Fully soften the butter by leaving it at room temperature for 30-60 minutes before proceeding.If using chive blossoms, dip the blossoms in a bowl of water to clean, and then set on a towel to dry.
- Melt about 1 tablespoon of butter on medium-low heat in a pan. Add the chives (but not the blossoms), garlic, and salt to the butter, and gently heat until the chives soften and the garlic is fragrant (about 2-3 minutes).As soon as the garlic is fragrant, turn off the heat. Do not allow the chives to brown. If swapping fresh garlic for garlic powder, do not allow the garlic to brown.Set aside and allow to cool until slightly hardened.
- Use a rubber spatula to fold the softened butter into the chive and butter mixture. Break the chive blossoms apart into small, individual flowers, and fold those into the butter.Tip: If your pan is too hot, you might accidentally melt all of the butter. If that happens, simply set it aside and let it cool and harden before trying to form it into a log.
- To serve the same day:Pour butter into a serving bowl and refrigerate for at least an hour before serving. Note that butter will harden again in the fridge, so if you want it to be spreadable, take out of the fridge a few minutes before serving.Refrigerate leftovers and use within 5 days.To store for later:Chill butter until it's cool enough to form, and then roll it into a log. Use parchment paper or a rubber spatula to help you form the log. Wrap in parchment paper or plastic wrap, and store in an airtight container, and freeze for up to 6 months. When you're ready to use the butter, simply slice off the amount you want to use and put the rest back in the freezer.
Notes
- Fully soften the butter before mixing to ensure even incorporation of herbs and seasoning.
- Heat chives gently with butter and garlic to release flavors without browning or burning.
- Avoid wrapping the butter in wax paper as it tends to stick; instead, use parchment paper or plastic wrap.
- The garlic powder prevents burnt garlic flavor and can be substituted with finely minced fresh garlic used carefully.
- Use the chive blossoms sparingly to add delicate floral notes without overwhelming the butter.
- Store the chive butter refrigerated and use within a week for best freshness.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 16servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 102 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 102kcal | 5% |
| Carbohydrates | 1g | 0% |
| Protein | 1g | 2% |
| Fat | 12g | 18% |
| Saturated Fat | 7g | 35% |
| Cholesterol | 30mg | 10% |
| Sodium | 74mg | 3% |
| Potassium | 6mg | 0% |
| Fiber | 1g | 4% |
| Sugar | 1g | 2% |
| Vitamin A | 381IU | 8% |
| Vitamin C | 1mg | 1% |
| Calcium | 3mg | 0% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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