Thanksgiving Compound Butter

Compound Butter for Thanksgiving Turkey

This is a simple compound butter recipe that you can use to across many of your Thanksgiving dishes like turkey, stuffing, roasted corn, and so on.

20 min prep
Servings
1
Units

Ingredients

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Directions

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  • Let unsalted butter sit at room temperature until soft and pliable, about 30 minutes. Softened butter makes it easier to blend the herbs and aromatics.
    • 16 tbsp butter (256 g)
  • In a small bowl, combine the softened butter with garlic, sage, parsley, thyme, paprika, lemon zest, and freshly ground black pepper. Stir to distribute the flavors evenly and adjust salt to taste.
    • 3 clove garlic (9 g)
    • 1 tbsp fresh sage (2.5 g)
    • 2 tbsp parsley (6 g)
    • 1 tbsp fresh thyme (3 g)
    • 1 tsp sweet paprika (2 g)
    • 1 lemon lemon zest (1.5 g)
    • 2 tsp black pepper, ground (2.8 g)
  • Mix until completely blended and smooth, with no visible streaks. Use a spatula or spoon to fold until the mixture is uniform.
    • Place the softened butter in a container to store, or turn the butter mixture onto a sheet of plastic wrap or parchment and shape into a log or disk. Wrap tightly to seal and chill briefly to help it hold its shape.
      • Refrigerate until firm, at least 1 hour, or freeze for longer storage. When ready to use, slice portions as needed and melt over dishes to finish.

        Notes

        What’s the best way to apply this compound butter to a turkey without causing the skin to burn?

        How much compound butter should I use for my turkey?

        How far in advance can I make it, and what’s the best way to store and thaw?

        I only have dried herbs—how should I substitute them?

        Nutrition Information

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        Per serving

        Nutrient
        Amount
        % DV
        Calories
        1,878 kcal
        94%
        Fat
        208 g
        266%
        Saturated fat
        126 g
        631%
        Trans fat
        9 g
        Fiber
        1.7 g
        6.2%
        Carbohydrates
        8.6 g
        3.1%
        Sugars
        0.3 g
        0.7%
        Protein
        3.9 g
        7.8%
        Sodium
        44 mg
        1.9%
        Cholesterol
        559 mg
        186%

        Total (1 servings)

        Nutrient
        Amount
        % DV
        Calories
        1,878 kcal
        94%
        Fat
        208 g
        266%
        Saturated fat
        126 g
        631%
        Trans fat
        9 g
        Fiber
        1.7 g
        6.2%
        Carbohydrates
        8.6 g
        3.1%
        Sugars
        0.3 g
        0.7%
        Protein
        3.9 g
        7.8%
        Sodium
        44 mg
        1.9%
        Cholesterol
        559 mg
        186%

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