Garlic and Herb Compound Butter (With Animal Fat!)

This compound butter animal fat combo is perfect for topping steak, fish, and roasted meats. You can use fresh herbs, roasted garlic, or spices from your pantry. 

I buy my meat in bulk. Because I work with a butcher, I’m able to request the bones and animal fat from the cows and pigs we have processed each year. 

I like to render my tallow in the winter because I’m indoors. There isn’t anything going on in the garden, I’m not hatching chicks, and I’m not enjoying time outside. While I’m stuck inside in the cold, it’s the perfect time to check this off my list and get it out of my freezer!

I love using my tallow to fry up potatoes or sear large pieces of meat. But I started wondering if there were other ways I could work it into my diet. 

Compound butter was one of my first thoughts! 

I created this using simple ingredients that everyone will have on hand.

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Why Eat Animal Fats?

Tallow is rich in nutrients, may aid in hormone regulation, and helps you absorb nutrients (source). 

Think of those things when you’re considering other types of oils. Oil helps distribute heat, can add flavor to your food, and gets into your food during the cooking process. Choose an oil that’s healthy and flavorful!

Tallow also has a higher smoke point than butter. Tallow’s smoke point is about 420 degrees Fahrenheit and butter’s smoke point is about 350 degrees Fahrenheit. This means you can cook more with tallow because it can tolerate higher temperatures (think of things like roasting and searing.)

Garlic and Herb Compound Butter Ingredients

To make this compound butter, be sure you are using softened or room-temperature butter. I prefer to use unsalted butter and I suggest you do the same. 

You also need to use softened or room temperature tallow. Lard is usually soft even while refrigerated. 

Cut a sheet of parchment paper or a large piece of plastic wrap. Set aside.

To a medium-sized bowl, add your butter, animal fat, dried herbs, garlic powder, and salt. 

Using the back of a spoon, smear the butter and animal fat together to capture the seasonings. When everything is combined, mix thoroughly. 

Transfer your compound butter to your parchment paper or plastic wrap and form a log shape. Roll the log shape up until the compound butter is fully covered and twist the ends. 

Let cool in the refrigerator for about 30-45 minutes before slicing. You want to make sure the butter is firm before slicing!

You can also store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for about a week.

Compound Butter Ingredient Substitutions

I love using salt and pepper in everything I make. But if you’re making this compound butter for a dinner party, I would leave pepper out. 

Roasted garlic is also an incredible addition to this if you have the time to roast it. I don’t prefer the taste of raw garlic, but if you do, use a garlic press to add the garlic to your compound butter. Minced garlic from the grocery store would work just as well.

And of course, you can use any other herbs and spices you can think of. Red pepper flakes, Italian seasoning, and fresh herbs like parsley, basil, or dill are all great flavor profiles to build in the butter before you use them in your overall dish. 

What are your favorite herbs to cook with? Comment on this blog post and let me know!

Other Ways to Make Compound Butter

This compound butter recipe makes the equivalent of a stick of butter. But if you’re cooking for a crowd and using more butter, feel free to use a food processor a mixing bowl, and a stand mixer. 

If you are using a food processor, the process may take a couple of minutes. Combine all of your ingredients in the food processor and pulse. Stop after 20 seconds or so and scrape down the sides of your food processor as necessary. You want to make sure your herbs and garlic are fully incorporated!

If you are using fresh herbs. Just throw a bunch of herbs into the food processor. You don’t have to worry about chopping them!

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Other Savory Versions

You can also add so many more ingredients to this to elevate whatever you are cooking. Consider lemon zest and herbs for lighter proteins like fish. Or add roasted garlic cloves and green onions for a lighter onion flavor that’s wonderful on a steak like filet mignon. 

While the compound butter is soft, spread it onto a chicken breast and bake for a flavorful, simple dinner. 

Melt the compound butter for a garlic butter sauce perfect for fish or pasta!

Parmesan cheese is also a fun addition to a compound butter. It can be used to top red meat and fish. 

If you use parmesan cheese, or even if you don’t, spread your compound butter onto some bread and top with cheese. Bake in the oven for a delicious, flavorful, homemade cheesy bread. If you want to omit the cheese, spread your compound butter on warm bread for a quick garlic bread. 

Will You Use This Compound Butter on Your Next Steak?

Homemade garlic herb butter is a great way to add additional flavor to any dish. It’s a versatile ingredient that you can keep in your fridge and use throughout the week.

What’s even better? It’s very easy to make! 

Garlic and Herb Compound Butter Printable Recipe Card

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