Nitrate & Nitrite Free Garlic-Parsley Butter
Compound butter is one of those kitchen staples that quietly elevates everything it touches — from a sizzling steak to a simple piece of crusty bread. This version layers bright, herby freshness into every bite, with real garlic, flat-leaf parsley, a hint of lemon zest, and just enough heat from optional red pepper flakes to keep things interesting. Because it's built entirely from whole, unprocessed ingredients, you never have to second-guess what's in it the way you might with flavored butters or pre-seasoned spreads that sneak in cured or preserved components. Unsalted butter is the clean canvas here, and everything else is straight from your cutting board. Rolling it into a log makes it feel almost fancy — slice off a round and watch it melt over roasted vegetables, grilled chicken, or warm dinner rolls. It keeps in the fridge for up to a week and freezes beautifully for up to two months, so making a batch ahead is absolutely worth it. Simple, satisfying, and completely in your control.
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Learn more →Ingredients
8 servings
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
- 2 cloves garlic, finely minced or pressed
- 3 tbsp fresh flat-leaf parsley, finely chopped
- ½ tsp lemon zest
- ¼ tsp kosher salt
- ⅛ tsp black pepper, freshly ground
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- 1
Place the softened butter in a mixing bowl and beat with a fork or hand mixer until smooth and evenly spreadable, about 1 minute.
- 2
Add the garlic, parsley, lemon zest, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes, if using. Stir and fold until all ingredients are evenly distributed throughout the butter with no streaks.
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