If you’re looking for one of the easiest ways to elevate everyday meals, seasoned butter, also known as compound butter, is the secret.

With just a few simple ingredients, you can transform butter into a rich, flavorful spread that melts beautifully over grilled meats, vegetables, pasta and bread. Even better, it’s incredibly easy to customize using your favorite seasonings from Tastefully Simple.

Here’s everything you need to know to make your own at home.

What Is Compound Butter?

Compound butter is simply butter that’s been mixed with herbs, spices or other flavorings. Once combined, it can be chilled, sliced or spread to instantly add flavor to just about anything. Think of it as the finishing touch that makes food taste like it came from a restaurant without extra effort.

The Basic Formula

Making compound butter is simple and flexible. Start with this base:

  • ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1–2 teaspoons seasoning blend

Mix, shape and chill. It’s that simple.

From there, you can customize with different seasoning blends and add-ins depending on how you plan to use it.

Step-by-Step: How to Make Seasoned Butter

  1. Soften the Butter

Let your butter sit at room temperature until soft but not melted. This makes it easy to mix and ensures a smooth, even texture.

  1. Add Seasoning

Stir in your favorite seasoning blend. Start with a small amount. You can always add more to taste. Try some of our favorites – Garlic Garlic Seasoning, Fiesta Party Seasoning and Rustic Herb Seasoning.

  1. Mix Until Smooth

Use a fork or spatula to blend everything together until fully combined.

  1. Shape It

Spoon the seasoned butter onto parchment paper or plastic wrap. Roll it into a log or transfer it to a small dish for easy scooping.

  1. Chill

Refrigerate for at least 1 hour until firm. Slice or spread as needed on bread, veggies, meats and more!

Flavor Ideas to Try

One of the best parts about compound butter is how versatile it is. These simple combinations make it easy to match flavors to any meal.

Try this Rustic Compound Butter
Rustic Compound Butter

Rustic Herb Butter

Mix butter with Rustic Herb Seasoning. Add a little Garlic Garlic Seasoning for even more flavor. It’s so tasty spread on Bountiful Beer Bread®, steak and roasted vegetables.

Savory Steakhouse Butter

Combine butter with Seasoned Salt and Seasoned Pepper for a bold finishing touch for grilled meats.

Ranch Butter

Great for corn on the cob, potatoes and even chicken. Stir in Classic Ranch Mix or Dill Pickle Dip Mix for a creamy, herby flavor. Melt and drizzle over popcorn, too!

Sweet Heat Butter

A little sweet and a little spicy, this combo is perfect for grilled chicken or pork. Blend butter with a touch of Sweet Heat Grill Sauce and Fiesta Party Seasoning.

Try this Garlic Garlic Butter Steak
Garlic Garlic Butter Steak

Garlic Butter

This one is delicious on just about everything. Simply mix 2 tablespoons Garlic Garlic Seasoning to taste into ½ cup butter. Give it a kick with a drizzle of honey and a pinch of cayenne.

How to Use Compound Butter

Once you’ve made your butter, the possibilities are endless:

  • Melt over grilled steak, chicken or seafood.
  • Spread on warm bread or Bountiful Beer Bread®.
  • Toss with roasted vegetables.
  • Stir into pasta or rice for instant flavor.
  • Top baked potatoes or corn on the cob.

It’s an easy way to add richness and flavor without extra prep.

Make It Ahead & Store

Compound butter is perfect for prepping ahead.

  • Refrigerator: Store up to 1 week.
  • Freezer: Freeze for up to 3 months (slice off what you need).

Keeping a few different flavors on hand makes it easy to upgrade any meal in seconds.

Simple Ingredients, Big Flavor

With just butter and a great seasoning blend, you can create something that feels special without adding time or complexity.

Explore more easy, flavor-packed ideas and seasoning blends from Tastefully Simple and discover how simple it can be to make every meal taste better.