3 Compound Butter Recipes for Steak, Turkey & More

Butter has been elevated for centuries—from simple spreads to flavorful embellishments that transform everyday meals. Compound butter, especially, is a classic technique: softened butter whisked with additional flavors creates something that melts on warm dishes, lifts sauces, or simply spreads over bread with elegance. In modern kitchens, it’s a shortcut to gourmet.

This first version—the Cinnamon Compound Butter—adds warmth, sweetness, and a subtle protein boost. We use ghee as the base (clarified butter with a golden nutty flavor and less dairy solids), stir in ground cinnamon for spice, and fold in collagen peptides for added benefit. It’s paleo, gluten-free, and dairy-friendly (thanks to ghee), and brings simple luxury to your morning coffee, pancakes, toast, or baked goods.

Because it’s so easy—just whisk, chill, and store—you can customize to your taste. Below is the recipe, followed by loads of Variations & Tips so you can adapt it however you like.

1. Spiced Compound Butter (w/ Cinnamon & Collagen)

Recipe Details

Yield: 6 tablespoons
Active Time: 5 minutes

Recipe Ingredients

• 6 tablespoons ghee, melted
• 2 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 2 tablespoons (1 scoop) Collagen Peptides

Recipe Instructions

1. In a bowl, whisk together the melted ghee, ground cinnamon, and collagen peptides until fully blended and smooth.
2. Transfer the mixture into an airtight container.
3. Refrigerate until firm––this usually takes about 1 hour or more depending on your fridge temperature.
4. Once firm, use as desired: stir a spoonful into coffee, spread on warm toast or pancakes, or add as a flourish atop baked goods.
5. Store in the refrigerator; use within three weeks for best flavor.

Spiced Compound Butter Variations & Tips

• Flavor Boost: Add a pinch of ground nutmeg, cardamom, or vanilla bean powder for more aromatic depth.
• Sweetened Option: Mix in a little raw honey or maple syrup if you like a sweeter spread (note: adds moisture, so chill longer).
• Dairy-Free Swap: Use coconut oil or a palm shortening blend instead of ghee if you want it fully dairy-free.
• Herbal Twist: Fold in minced fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, or mint to create a savory-sweet compound butter for meats or veggies.
• Texture Variation: Add finely chopped toasted nuts or shredded coconut for crunch.
• Firmness Tip: If the butter is too soft, chill in shallow dish to increase surface area; if too firm, let sit at room temperature 5-10 minutes before use.

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2. Garlic Herb Compound Butter for Steak (Paleo, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Optional)

Few things enhance a juicy steak—or any hearty cut of beef—like a pat of compound butter melting across its surface. The hot meat absorbs the butter, drawing in richness, flavor, and aroma with every bite. Garlic herb butter is a timeless choice: savory garlic balanced by fresh herbs and creamy butter, all working together to complement the natural depth of beef.

This Garlic Herb Compound Butter is quick to prepare, yet feels gourmet. It works on ribeye, sirloin, filet mignon, or even roasted prime rib. Made with ghee (or butter if you prefer), garlic, and fresh herbs, it’s paleo-friendly and gluten-free. A dollop on hot steak turns dinner into something unforgettable.

Recipe Details

Yield: About ½ cup (8 tablespoons) of compound butter (enough for 6–8 servings depending on portion size).
Active Time: 10 minutes

Recipe Ingredients

• 1 stick (8 tablespoons) unsalted butter or ghee, softened
• 2 cloves garlic, finely minced
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
• 1 teaspoon sea salt
• ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Recipe Instructions

1. Place the softened butter or ghee in a medium bowl.
2. Add the minced garlic, parsley, rosemary, thyme, salt, and pepper.
3. Mix thoroughly with a spatula until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
4. Scoop the mixture onto parchment paper, shape into a log, and roll tightly.
5. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or until firm. Slice into discs as needed.
6. Serve on top of freshly cooked steak, allowing the butter to melt over the hot surface.

Compound Butter for Steak Variations & Tips

• Wine-Infused: Add 1 teaspoon red wine reduction for deeper flavor with ribeye or prime rib.
• Spicy Kick: Mix in ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes or smoked paprika for heat.
• Citrus Herb: Add 1 teaspoon lemon zest for brightness that cuts through rich beef.
• Storage Tip: Keep refrigerated for up to 2 weeks, or freeze in parchment log for up to 3 months.
• Serving Idea: Try it on roasted vegetables or baked potatoes in addition to steak.

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3. Citrus Sage Compound Butter for Turkey (Paleo, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Optional)

Turkey is a leaner protein that shines when infused with flavor and moisture. One of the best ways to elevate roast turkey (or even turkey cutlets) is with compound butter—slipped under the skin before roasting, spread across the surface, or dolloped on slices just before serving. This Citrus Sage Compound Butter brings a mix of savory and bright: sage and thyme for earthy depth, plus orange zest for freshness.

It’s ideal for Thanksgiving turkey, turkey breast roasts, or even weeknight turkey burgers. Using ghee (or butter), herbs, and citrus, this recipe is paleo-friendly, gluten-free, and adaptable for many cooking styles. It helps lock in juiciness while adding irresistible aroma and flavor.

Recipe Details

Yield: About ½ cup (8 tablespoons) of compound butter (enough for 1 medium turkey or 6–8 servings).
Active Time: 10 minutes

Recipe Ingredients

• 1 stick (8 tablespoons) unsalted butter or ghee, softened
• 1 tablespoon fresh sage, finely chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
• 1 tablespoon orange zest
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon sea salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper

Recipe Instructions

1. Place softened butter or ghee into a medium mixing bowl.
2. Add chopped sage, thyme, orange zest, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
3. Stir until well combined and smooth.
4. Spoon mixture onto parchment paper, shape into a log, and roll tightly.
5. Refrigerate at least 1 hour to firm up before using.
6. Spread under turkey skin before roasting, or slice and serve on cooked turkey pieces.

Compound Butter for Turkey Variations & Tips

• Garlic Sage: Add 1–2 cloves minced garlic for richer flavor.
• Sweet Finish: Stir in 1 teaspoon raw honey or maple syrup for a sweet-savory glaze effect.
• Smoky Citrus: Add ½ teaspoon smoked paprika for depth that complements the orange zest.
• Make-Ahead: Prepare up to a week ahead and keep refrigerated; freeze for up to 3 months.
• Serving Idea: Spread over roasted turkey sandwiches for post-holiday leftovers.

Recipe credit: Angela Gaines