There’s something beautifully nostalgic about butter. Maybe it’s because it feels so simple, just cream transformed into something rich, silky, and endlessly versatile. When I first learned how to make butter from scratch, I couldn’t believe how easy it was. All you need is some cream, a few minutes of whipping, there it was: golden, velvety butter, and the bonus of fresh buttermilk left behind.
Homemade butter is deliciously real, simple, and comforting in the same way warm bread or warm tea is. Once you know the basics, you can start creating all kinds of flavor variations that enhance your meals and make them feel a bit more luxurious.
Here’s how to get started making your homemade butter, plus ten flavor enhancements to inspire your next meal:
How to Make Basic Butter
What You Need:
- 2 cups heavy cream (preferably not ultra-pasteurized)
- Pinch of salt (optional)
Directions:
- Pour your heavy cream into a stand mixer or food processor.
- Whip on medium-high speed until the cream thickens, then separates into butter and buttermilk. You’ll know it’s done when the butter clumps together and the liquid (buttermilk) pools around it.
- Strain out the buttermilk (save it, it’s great for pancakes or biscuits).
- Rinse your butter under cold water, pressing it with a spoon or spatula to remove any remaining liquid.
- Add a pinch of salt if you like, and store it in the fridge for up to a week, or in the freezer for longer.
Once you’ve made your base butter, the fun begins. You can add herbs, spices, honey, or even fruit to create something new each time.
Tips for Storing and Serving Homemade Butter
Once you’ve made your butter, roll it into a log using parchment paper or scoop it into small jars. Store it in the fridge for up to a week or freeze it for up to three months. When serving, let it soften at room temperature for 10–15 minutes.
1. Cultured Butter
Cultured butter is what happens when you let cream naturally ferment before churning. It’s tangy, rich, and reminiscent of European-style butters.
What You Need:
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons plain yogurt or buttermilk
Directions:
- Stir the yogurt or buttermilk into the cream.
- Cover loosely and let it sit at room temperature for 12–24 hours, until it thickens slightly and smells faintly tangy.
- Chill for an hour, then churn it just like regular butter.
This butter is amazing on crusty bread, roasted vegetables, or warm biscuits. Its subtle tang adds depth to everything it touches.
2. Garlic Butter
Garlic butter is the holy grail of savory spreads: simple, aromatic, and deliciously addictive.
What You Need:
- ½ cup butter
- 2–3 garlic cloves, minced
- Pinch of salt
Directions:
Melt the butter slightly, then stir in the garlic and salt. Let it sit for at least 30 minutes so the flavors blend.
Toss with pasta, spread over a warm baguette, or brush on grilled steak or corn. For added depth, you can roast or confit your garlic and blend it prior to adding it into your butter, then fold it in to your finished butter.
3. Garlic and Herb Butter
This one takes garlic butter a step further, adding fresh herbs for color and brightness.
What You Need:
- ½ cup butter
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon each chopped parsley and chives
- 1 teaspoon thyme or rosemary
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
Combine everything in a bowl, mix well, and refrigerate.
This butter is ideal for savory dishes like baked potatoes, roasted chicken, or sautéed mushrooms. It’s also wonderful melted over grilled veggies.
4. Honey Butter
Honey butter is sweet, creamy, and endlessly comforting, especially on a slice of toast or a warm biscuit.
What You Need:
- ½ cup butter
- 2 tablespoons honey
- Pinch of salt
Directions:
Whip the honey and butter together until fluffy and smooth.
This butter is perfect on cornbread, pancakes, waffles, or even roasted carrots for a sweet glaze.
5. Cinnamon Sugar Butter
This is the butter that brings back childhood memories: it’s basically nostalgia in spreadable form.
What You Need:
- ½ cup butter
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- Splash of vanilla extract (optional)
Directions:
Mix all ingredients until creamy. Adjust cinnamon or sugar to taste.
You can spread this on toast, muffins, or warm rolls. It also melts beautifully over sweet potatoes or oatmeal.
6. Hot Pepper Butter
A bold, flavorful twist for those who love a little kick.
What You Need:
- ½ cup butter
- 1–2 teaspoons hot sauce or finely chopped jalapeño
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
Directions:
Soften the butter, then stir in your spicy additions. Chill before serving.
This recipe is fantastic on grilled corn, shrimp, or anything from the barbecue. It’s also a surprising hit on popcorn!
7. Lemon Herb Butter
Light and citrusy, this butter adds instant freshness to any dish.
What You Need:
- ½ cup butter
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 1 tablespoon chopped dill or parsley
- Pinch of salt
Directions:
Combine all ingredients and refrigerate until firm.
Use it to top fish, seafood, or roasted vegetables. It also pairs beautifully with asparagus and chicken.
8. Maple Pecan Butter
Sweet and nutty, this one feels like a cozy fall morning.
What You Need:
- ½ cup butter
- 1 tablespoon pure maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped pecans
Directions:
Take your ingredients and blend everything together until smooth.
Spread it over pancakes, toast, or banana bread. It also makes an indulgent glaze for baked sweet potatoes.
9. Lavender Honey Butter
Delicate and floral, lavender honey butter adds a touch of elegance to simple baked goods.
What You Need:
- ½ cup butter
- 2 tablespoons honey
- ½ teaspoon dried culinary lavender
Directions:
Crush the lavender lightly, then stir it into the honey and butter. Let it rest for an hour before serving. Alternatively, you can add a touch of lavender extract for the lavender flavor without the texture.
This butter is delicious on scones, biscuits, or shortbread cookies. You can even use it to flavor shortbread or sugar cookies in the baking process!
10. Roasted Garlic and Sun-Dried Tomato Butter
This one is rich, savory, and perfect for Mediterranean-inspired dishes.
What You Need:
- ½ cup butter
- 1 roasted garlic bulb (soft cloves squeezed out)
- 2 tablespoons chopped sun-dried tomatoes
- Pinch of salt and pepper
Directions:
Mash everything together until smooth. Chill to let the flavors blend.
This butter is incredible on crusty bread, grilled chicken, or pasta. It also makes a beautiful finishing butter for risotto or roasted vegetables.
Final Thoughts
Making your own butter is a delicious and simple way to feel more connected with your food. I’m of the opinion that homemade butter tastes infinitely better than store-bought! I love that basic butter can be made with just a few simple ingredients and my trusty electric hand mixer. I also love that butters are highly customizable for any culinary occasion, and can take my weeknight dishes up a notch in terms of deliciousness. I also love creating a “butter board,” a modern twist on charcuterie, with a few different flavors and paired with some warm toasted bread, crackers, and other fruit, veggies, pickles, nuts, cheese, and cured meats for when I have guests. Butter is fantastically versatile, so whether you’re spreading honey butter on a biscuit or melting garlic herb butter over roasted veggies, take a moment to enjoy its rich flavors!
Disclaimer: The recipes and nutritional content shared on this blog are based on personal experience and general wellness principles. They are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any health condition. Please consult with a healthcare provider or registered dietitian before making any significant dietary changes, especially if you have allergies or health conditions.