Lemon and Chive Compound Butter

Fresh, bright and full of flavour, this Lemon Chive Butter recipe is an easy way to elevate everyday meals.  Made with creamy butter, fresh chives, and zesty lemon, this simple compound butter comes together in just a few minutes and adds a delicious finishing touch to everything from warm bread and roasted vegetables to grilled steak, seafood and chicken.  With just a handful of ingredients, you’ll have made a homemade butter spread that’s perfect for entertaining, holiday dinners, or adding a little something extra to weeknight meals.

Is this even a recipe?  Maybe it’s more of a little kitchen trick?  With just three fresh ingredients mixed together, it’s almost too simple to count as a recipe – but somehow the results are so much more than the sum of its parts.  I make this lemon chive butter all the time at The Lakehouse during the summer because it’s an easy way to make simple meals feel a little more special.  Whether it’s melting over grilled corn, spread on warm bread, or topping freshly grilled fish, this buttery blend adds a little something extra with almost no effort.  

In chef’s terms, this is called a compound butter, but don’t let the fancy name fool you.  It’s as simple as zesting a lemon, finely chopping a handful of fresh chives, and stirring them into creamy butter.  In just a few minutes, you’ll have fresh, flavourful butter that tastes homemade because it is – and it’s an easy way to add a little restaurant-worthy touch to everyday cooking.

What goes in Lemon Chive Butter?

You only need three fresh, simple ingredients to make this easy lemon chive butter recipe, and each one adds bright, fresh flavour to this delicious homemade compound butter.

• Butter:  Butter is the foundation of this lemon chive butter recipe, so choose a good-quality, creamy butter for the best flavour.  I like to use salted butter because it adds just the right amount of seasoning, but unsalted butter works just as well.  If you prefer the creamy, sweet taste of unsalted butter to shine through, there’s no need to add any extra salt, but I’d recommend adding a pinch or two of salt to bring out the fresh lemon and chive flavours.
• Lemon Zest:  Fresh lemon zest gives this lemon chive butter its bright, fresh citrus flavour.  For the best results, use a microplane-style zester and remove only the bright yellow outer layer of the peel.  That’s where all the fragrant lemon oils are.  Avoid zesting into the pale yellow or white pith underneath, as it has a bitter flavour.  
• Chives:  Fresh chives add a delicate onion flavour and a beautiful pop of green colour to this lemon chive butter recipe.  For the best flavour, choose bright green, fresh chives and finely chop them before mixing the butter.  Set aside a little extra chopped chives to sprinkle over the top before serving – it adds a fresh finishing touch and makes this compound butter look as special as it tastes.

SERVING SUGGESTIONS

This Lemon Chive Butter is incredibly versatile and makes an easy way to add fresh flavour to many dishes.  My favourite way to enjoy it is generously slathered on fresh bread, where the creamy butter, bright lemon and fresh chives can really shine.  It’s also delicious melted over corn on the cob, adding a simple but special touch to a summer classic.  Try it on grilled seafood, steak, roasted vegetables or perfect crispy skinned fluffy baked potatoes. For an easy side dish that comes together in minutes, toss hot cooked pasta with a few spoonfuls of the lemon chive butter and let it melt into a silky, favourful sauce.  Finish it with a generous sprinkle of freshly grated Pecorino or Parmesan cheese for a simple combination of creamy, buttery, cheesy and bright flavours.  It’s a perfect last-minute pasta dish when you want something comforting and delicious without a lot of effort.  

Looking for other Compound Butter ideas?  Try these combinations or make your own!

Herb and Garlic Butter