Name: French Onion Compound Butter Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: French-inspired
Ingredients: 1 large sweet yellow onion, sliced; 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened; ¼ teaspoon salt; Pinch of black pepper; 10 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened; 1 teaspoon minced garlic (1-2 cloves); ½ teaspoon Worcestershire sauce; ⅛ teaspoon dried thyme; ½ tablespoon chopped fresh parsley; Pinch of salt; Pinch of black pepper

Jump to Recipe

If you adore the rich, sweet savor of caramelized onions paired with creamy butter, then you simply must try this French Onion Compound Butter. It captures all the deep, comforting flavors of classic French onion soup but in a versatile, spreadable form that can elevate everything from crusty bread to grilled meats. This French Onion Compound Butter is a game changer, bringing an irresistible boost of savory sweetness combined with herbaceous notes, making it a perfect kitchen staple to have on hand for adding quick gourmet flair to your meals.

French Onion Compound Butter Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are wonderfully straightforward yet essential in building the complex, buttery, and savory profile of your French Onion Compound Butter. Each element plays its part from the sweetness of the onions to the fresh burst of herbs, making your final butter truly special.

1 large sweet yellow onion, sliced: Provides a natural sweetness and depth after caramelizing, which is the heart of the flavor.
12 tablespoons softened unsalted butter, divided: Acts as the creamy base that carries all the aromatic flavors beautifully.
¼ teaspoon salt: Enhances the natural flavors and balances the sweetness of the onions.
⅛ teaspoon black pepper: Adds a subtle heat to make the flavor profile more rounded.
1 teaspoon minced garlic (1-2 cloves): Offers a gentle aromatic punch that complements the richness of the butter.
½ teaspoon Worcestershire sauce: Brings umami depth and a slight tang, which tones down the sweetness of the onions.
⅛ teaspoon dried thyme: For an earthy, herbal hint reminiscent of classic French onion soup.
½ tablespoon chopped parsley: Adds fresh color and a mild herbal brightness to balance the richness.

How to Make French Onion Compound Butter

Step 1: Caramelize the Onions

The key to an unforgettable French Onion Compound Butter starts with perfectly caramelized onions. Begin by adding your sliced onion to a skillet with 2 tablespoons of softened butter, along with salt and a pinch of black pepper. Stir frequently and be patient as you cook the onions over medium heat; this process takes about 45 minutes. Slowly, the onions will deepen into a rich, golden-brown shade, releasing sweetness and an irresistible aroma that forms the base of your butter.

Step 2: Cool the Onions

Once the onions have reached that gorgeous caramelized color, remove the skillet from heat and let the onions cool for 5 to 10 minutes. This cooling step ensures they don’t melt the butter when combined later and helps blend the flavors evenly.

Step 3: Combine Ingredients in a Food Processor

Transition your focus to the food processor and add the remaining 10 tablespoons of softened butter. Toss in the caramelized onions, minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, dried thyme, parsley, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Pulse everything together until the mixture is smooth and evenly incorporated. This step transforms the components into a luscious, creamy French Onion Compound Butter that’s bursting with flavor.

Step 4: Chill and Set

Transfer the mixture onto a piece of parchment or plastic wrap and form it into a log or a shape of your choosing. Refrigerate until it firms up – generally about an hour or more – so the flavors meld beautifully and the butter is ready to spread or melt over your dish of choice.

How to Serve French Onion Compound Butter

Garnishes

The French Onion Compound Butter shines when paired with simple garnishes like a sprinkle of fresh parsley or a little cracked black pepper. These add fresh color and a mild kick that highlights the richness of the butter.

Side Dishes

This butter pairs wonderfully with roasted vegetables, steamed potatoes, or freshly grilled steaks. It melts perfectly over the hot food, enriching every bite with deep layers of caramelized onion sweetness and herbal complexity. Imagine spreading it on a crusty baguette or topping a creamy baked potato – utterly addictive!

Creative Ways to Present

For a sophisticated touch, roll the butter in chopped herbs or even finely chopped toasted nuts before chilling, then slice into rounds to serve as an elegant finishing touch for meats or warm bread. You can also dollop spoonfuls onto hamburgers, or melt it into sauces and gravies for extra depth.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Your French Onion Compound Butter keeps wonderfully in the refrigerator for up to two weeks when wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or stored in an airtight container. This makes it easy to prepare ahead and have ready whenever you want to add a gourmet touch to your meals.

Freezing

To preserve the butter longer, freeze it in a tightly wrapped log form. Simply slice off what you need when you want to use it. It can stay frozen for up to three months without compromising on flavor or texture.

Reheating

This butter is best enjoyed simply melted rather than reheated to keep its smooth texture. Let it soften at room temperature or gently melt it over warm dishes so that all the flavors bloom beautifully without any risk of separation.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of onion for this butter?

Absolutely! While sweet yellow onions are ideal for caramelizing due to their natural sugars, you can experiment with red or white onions. Keep in mind the flavor will vary slightly; sweet onions provide the best balance for French Onion Compound Butter.

Is Worcestershire sauce necessary?

Worcestershire sauce adds a depth of umami and slight tanginess, but if you don’t have it, you can substitute with a splash of soy sauce or even a pinch of anchovy paste to maintain that savory richness.

How do I make sure the onions caramelize perfectly?

Patience is key! Use medium heat, stir often, and avoid rushing. The onions should slowly turn golden and then brown without burning. Adding a small pinch of salt early helps draw out moisture and intensify sweetness.

Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?

Unsalted butter is preferred as it gives you control over the seasoning, but salted butter works too. Just reduce the added salt slightly to avoid over-seasoning your French Onion Compound Butter.

What are some other dishes that go well with this butter?

This butter is fantastic on toasted sandwiches, scrambled eggs, or even tossed into mashed potatoes. It’s a versatile ingredient that brings a burst of gourmet flavor to many everyday meals.

Final Thoughts

Now that you’ve got this fabulous French Onion Compound Butter in your kitchen arsenal, I encourage you to whip up a batch and experience how it transforms simple dishes into something truly special. It’s the kind of flavor boost that feels indulgent but is so easy to make, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it.

French Onion Compound Butter Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 22 reviews

Author: lilan
Total Time: 55 minutes
Yield: About 1 cup (12 tablespoons) of compound butter 1x
Diet: Low Salt

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Description

This French Onion Compound Butter elevates any dish with its rich, caramelized onion flavor blended into creamy butter. Perfect for spreading on bread, melting over steaks, or adding a gourmet touch to vegetables, this versatile butter is easy to make at home and packed with savory depth from sweet onions, garlic, and herbs.

Instructions

Caramelize the onions: Place the sliced onion, 2 tablespoons of softened unsalted butter, ¼ teaspoon salt, and a pinch of black pepper in a skillet over medium heat.
Cook slowly: Stir the onions frequently and cook for about 45 minutes until they become deeply caramelized and rich brown in color.
Cool the onions: Remove the skillet from heat and allow the caramelized onions to cool for 5 to 10 minutes.
Combine ingredients: In a food processor bowl, add the remaining 10 tablespoons of softened butter, cooled caramelized onions, minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, dried thyme, chopped parsley, and a pinch each of salt and black pepper.
Blend the mixture: Pulse the food processor until all ingredients are thoroughly combined and form a smooth compound butter.
Chill and serve: Transfer the butter to a container and refrigerate until firm and ready to serve, allowing flavors to meld.

Notes

Using sweet yellow onions enhances the caramelization and adds natural sweetness.
Worcestershire sauce adds umami depth, but can be omitted or substituted with soy sauce for different dietary needs.
Store the butter tightly wrapped in the refrigerator for up to two weeks or freeze for longer storage.
This compound butter pairs beautifully with grilled meats, roasted vegetables, or toasted baguettes.
For a smoother consistency, ensure butter and onions are softened to room temperature before blending.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Category: Condiment, Butter
Method: Caramelizing, Blending
Cuisine: French-inspired