Save to Pinterest My friend Anna brought a small crock of honey butter to a summer potluck last year, and I swear people hovered around that bread basket like it was the most fascinating thing on the table. Something about the sweet saltiness just makes people lean in closer. I went home that evening and immediately started experimenting, and now my fridge always has a log of this tucked away in the back.
I made a batch for my parents anniversary dinner, not realizing my dad would sneak back to the kitchen three times just to spread more on whatever he could find. Mom caught him eating it straight off the knife at one point. That is when you know something is good enough to become a permanent staple.
Ingredients
- Unsalted butter: Starting with unsalted lets you control exactly how salty the final product becomes
- Honey: Wildflower or acacia honey have delicate floral notes that pair beautifully with herbs
- Fleur de sel: Those delicate flakes melt on your tongue and create little bursts of saltiness
- Fresh thyme: Earthy and slightly floral, thyme adds sophistication without overpowering
- Fresh chives: Mild onion flavor that brightens everything up
- Fresh rosemary: Pine scented and resinous, use sparingly if you include it
Instructions
- Blend the butter and honey:
- Beat the softened butter and honey together until completely smooth and no streaks remain
- Add the salt and herbs:
- Fold in the fleur de sel and chopped fresh herbs until evenly distributed throughout
- Taste and adjust:
- Add a pinch more salt or honey depending on your preference for sweet versus savory
- Shape the butter:
- Scrape onto parchment paper and roll into a log, twisting the ends like a candy wrapper
- Chill thoroughly:
- Refrigerate for at least one hour so flavors meld and the butter firms up nicely
- Finish and serve:
- Sprinkle with extra fleur de sel before serving and bring to room temperature for easy spreading
Save to Pinterest My neighbor texted me at midnight once because she remembered we had honey butter with dinner and could not stop thinking about it. Now I keep emergency portions in my freezer just in case.
Serving Ideas
This butter makes even the simplest bread feel special. I love it on warm cornbread, torn baguette pieces, or melted over roasted sweet potatoes. The salty sweet combination works anywhere you would use regular butter but want more excitement.
Herb Variations
Basil and lemon zest turn this into something bright and perfect for summer fish. Tarragon adds an anise sweetness that works beautifully with roasted chicken. Dill makes it incredibly fresh and wonderful on boiled new potatoes.
Storage Tips
Keep your butter log tightly wrapped in the refrigerator for up to three weeks. For longer storage, freeze it for up to three months. Slice off rounds as needed and let them sit at room temperature for ten minutes before serving.
- Write the date on the wrapper so you know how fresh it is
- Double wrap if freezing to prevent any off flavors
- Bring the whole log to room temperature before slicing for clean cuts
Save to Pinterest Something magical happens when salty, sweet, and herbal flavors come together. This is the kind of simple luxury that makes everyday meals feel like a celebration.
Common Recipe Questions
- → How long does salted honey butter last?
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks, or freeze for up to 3 months. Bring to room temperature before serving for easy spreading.
- → Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
Yes, but reduce the amount of added fleur de sel to prevent over-salting. Start with half the recommended amount and adjust to taste.
- → What herbs work best in honey butter?
Fresh thyme, chives, and rosemary create a classic blend. Basil, tarragon, dill, or sage also work beautifully. Choose herbs that complement your intended serving dishes.
- → Can I make this dairy-free?
Substitute vegan butter sticks or tubs for the dairy butter. Look for a brand with a fat content similar to traditional butter for the best texture and flavor incorporation.
- → What's the best way to serve honey butter?
Serve at room temperature on warm bread, biscuits, or cornbread. Melt over roasted vegetables, grilled seafood, or steak. Use as a finishing touch for pancakes or waffles.
- → Can I add other flavor variations?
Yes! Try adding cinnamon and vanilla for a sweet version, garlic and parsley for savory dishes, or lemon zest and poppy seeds for a bright, citrusy twist.