Herb butter is perhaps the easiest way to instantly add more flavor to your BBQ dishes. Whether you serve grilled meat, fish, vegetables or a baguette – with a good herb butter you make the difference between "nice" and "really good". In this blog we share 5 summery herb butter recipes that are perfect for warm days and long evenings eating outside.
Why herb butter is indispensable at the BBQ
Herb butter melts slowly over warm dishes and provides extra juiciness and flavor. The great thing is that you can vary endlessly with herbs and spices. From fresh and citrusy to spicy and piquant – there is always a combination that suits your BBQ.
In addition, you can easily make herb butter in advance, making it ideal for dinners with friends or family.
Basic herb butter recipe
This is the base from which you can make all variations:
Ingredients
- 250 g unsalted butter (at room temperature)
- 1 garlic clove (finely chopped)
- 1 tbsp fresh herbs (e.g. parsley)
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- Pinch of salt and pepper
Preparation
Mix all ingredients well. Taste and adjust to your liking. Roll in baking paper into a log and let firm up in the refrigerator.
No time or want to be sure of a well-balanced flavor? Then you can also choose a ready-made mix like Bio You Are My Butter Half herb mix. With that you can make a full, fresh herb butter in a few minutes that always works well.
1. Lemon & dill herb butter (perfect with fish)
Fresh, light and ideal with salmon or prawns.
Ingredients
- Basic recipe
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 1 tbsp fresh or dried dill (finely chopped)
Tip: delicious with grilled salmon or white fish from the BBQ.
2. BBQ herb butter with paprika & garlic (for meat)
This variant has a warm, smoky flavor that goes well with grilled meat.
Ingredients
- Basic recipe
- 1 tsp paprika powder (smoked if possible)
- ½ tsp cumin
- Extra garlic
Tip: combine with steak, chicken or burgers.
The full recipe for the BBQ Herb Butter can be found here
3. Italian herb butter (for bread and vegetables)
A real all-rounder with Mediterranean flavors.
Ingredients
- Basic recipe
- 1 tsp Italian herbs or Mamma Mia herb mix (without salt)
- 1 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese
- A small splash of olive oil
Tip: perfect on baguette or grilled zucchini and eggplant.
4. Spicy herb butter with chili & lime
For those who like a bit of heat.
Ingredients
- Basic recipe
- Pinch of chili flakes
- Zest of lime
- A little honey
Tip: nice with chicken, prawns or corn from the BBQ.
5. Green herb butter with parsley & chives
Fresh and classic – always a success.
Ingredients
Tip: delicious with almost everything from the BBQ.
Quick variant: herb butter in 2 minutes
Short on time or unexpected guests? Mix 250 g soft butter with 1–2 tablespoons of Bio You Are My Butter Half herb mix and you're done. Optionally add a splash of lemon juice for extra freshness.
Tips for the perfect herb butter
- Use high-quality butter for the best flavor
- Let the butter come to room temperature for easy mixing
- Add acids like lemon or vinegar for brightness
- Make the butter a day in advance so flavors can infuse
- Freeze portions for later use
What else can you use herb butter for?
Herb butter is not only for the BBQ. You can also use it for:
- Pasta
- Roasted potatoes
- Corn on the cob
- Grilled sandwiches
- Oven vegetables
Frequently asked questions
1. How long can you store herb butter?
In the refrigerator herb butter stays good for about 5–7 days. In the freezer up to 3 months.
2. Can you freeze herb butter?
Yes, that works perfectly. Cut the butter into slices and freeze them separately.
3. Which butter is best?
Unsalted butter gives the most flavor. For a lighter variant you can also use plant-based butter.
4. How do you make herb butter softer?
Let the butter come to room temperature or mix briefly with a hand mixer.
5. Can I make herb butter without salt?
Yes, use unsalted butter and optionally add a pinch of salt yourself to taste.
