‘Tis the season of holiday parties! Of course I always bring a gift, but I’ve become so bored with the standard wine or flowers. So I came up with the perfect thing: Butter! Everyone loves it, it’s almost too simple to make, and takes practically zero effort. You’ll be a hero without even breaking a sweat!

To me, packaging the gift is the best part. I like to use these fancy Weck jars, then tie a cute ribbon around the neck of the jar. Just attach a handwritten note that simply says “thank you,” and you’ll be surprised how elegant this presentation looks!

3 Butter Recipes You Can’t Live Without

1. Garlic Parmigiano Butter

This butter is so delicious, you could put it on practically anything you want. I use it to elevate roasted veggies by adding it at the end and broiling until golden brown. Smear it on your dinner rolls to make them taste a little bit fancier. Spread it on your bread for grilled cheese sandwiches and get an extra layer of cheese — which is never a bad idea. You get the point. This is a MUST in your kitchen, so why not your hosts’ as well?

Print Recipe

Garlic-Parmigiano Butter

Ingredients

1 stick unsalted butter softened
2 large garlic cloves diced
3/4 cup freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese

Instructions

Using a food processor, pulse the butter with the garlic and cheese until smooth.
Season with salt & pepper and scrape it into a small storage bowl
Serve with warm rolls, roasted vegetables, scrambled eggs, etc.

2. Whipped Honey Butter with Sea Salt

I originally made this as part of a gift for my baby shower years ago. I packaged it with banana bread and coffee as sort of morning-themed gift. Everyone raved about it, so it’s been one of my gifting staples since then.

The key is to whip the butter until it is light and fluffy — and then whip a little more. I taking this to a party along with banana or pumpkin bread so the host has an easy breakfast the next day. Pro tip: double the recipe so you have some, too. It’s the gift that keeps on giving!

Print Recipe

Whipped Honey Butter

Servings: 2 cups

Ingredients

2 sticks unsalted butter softened
6 Tbsp honey
2 pinches of Sea Salt

Instructions

Place softened butter in a mixer with the whisk attachment.
Whip on high for 3 minutes, slowly drizzling the honey and sprinkling the sea salt.
Store the butter in a glass jar fitted with a lid.

3. Savory Herbed Compound Butter

Compound butter is a great complement to steak, chicken or vegetables. It sounds super fancy, but really it’s just a mixture of butter, herbs and spices. Roll it in parchment paper and refrigerate it, then you just slice off a “round” when you need it. Write on the outside of the paper in fancy lettering to make this gift even more sophisticated!

Print Recipe

Herbed Compound Butter

Ingredients

1 lb butter
3 -4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
2 Tablespoons fresh chives chopped
1 Tablespoon thyme chopped
1 Tablespoon sage chopped
1 Tablespoon rosemary chopped

Instructions

First, chop the butter into small, uniform chunks.
Place the oil into a food processor along with the chives. Process until the chives are finely chopped.
Next, add the remaining herbs. Pulse until the oil has been colored by the herbs.
Add butter to your mixing bowl and using the whisk attachment, whip at a medium speed until it's light and fluffy and is light in color (5-7 minutes).
Drizzle in the herb oil and beat for another 2-3 minutes until the oil is fully incorporated.
Spoon the butter onto parchment paper (or plastic wrap). Roll it into a tight log. Chill for 2 hours before serving.

Notes

Adapted from Alton Brown

I’m curious — what’s your go-to hostess gift? I am always looking for new ideas!

3 Butter Recipes You Can’t Live Without

1. Garlic Parmigiano Butter

Garlic-Parmigiano Butter

Ingredients

Instructions

2. Whipped Honey Butter with Sea Salt

Whipped Honey Butter

Ingredients

Instructions

3. Savory Herbed Compound Butter

Herbed Compound Butter

Ingredients

Instructions

Notes

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