Garlic scape compound butter is a rich, savory spread made with softened butter, fresh garlic scapes, lemon zest, and aromatic herbs. I love how the bright lemon balances the mild garlic flavor, while the chives and parsley add freshness. I can serve this versatile butter with warm bread, roasted potatoes, grilled vegetables, pasta, seafood, or cooked meats.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
1 stick salted butter, softened
Zest of 1 lemon
1/2 cup finely chopped garlic scapes
2 tablespoons chopped chives
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Salt, to taste
Directions
I finely mince the garlic scapes, chives, and parsley. Then I can use a food processor for a finer texture or chop everything carefully by hand.
I place the softened butter in a medium bowl.
Then I add the minced garlic scapes, chives, parsley, lemon zest, red pepper flakes, black pepper, and a small amount of salt.
I stir the mixture until the herbs and seasonings are evenly distributed throughout the butter.
I spoon the compound butter onto a sheet of parchment paper or plastic wrap.
Next I shape the butter into a compact log, roll it tightly, and twist both ends to seal it.
I refrigerate the butter for several hours, or until it is firm enough to slice.
I cut the chilled butter into rounds and serve it with bread, potatoes, vegetables, pasta, seafood, or grilled meats.
Servings and Timing
This recipe makes approximately 8 servings.
Prep time: 5 minutes
Cooking time: 10 minutes
Total time: 15 minutes
Calories: Approximately 120 kcal per serving
The listed cooking time mainly accounts for chopping and combining the ingredients. I also allow several additional hours for the butter to chill and become firm.
Variations
Add Different Fresh Herbs:
I can replace the parsley or chives with basil, thyme, rosemary, dill, oregano, or tarragon. I choose herbs that complement the dish I plan to serve with the butter.
Make It Milder:
For a milder version, I reduce the garlic scapes to 1/4 cup and leave out the red pepper flakes. This creates a smoother, less spicy spread.
Make It Spicier:
I can increase the red pepper flakes or add a small pinch of cayenne pepper when I want more heat.
Use Unsalted Butter:
I can use unsalted butter instead of salted butter. When I make this substitution, I add salt gradually until the flavor is balanced.
Add Parmesan:
I sometimes mix in 2 to 3 tablespoons of finely grated Parmesan cheese. It adds a salty, savory flavor that works especially well with pasta, potatoes, and roasted vegetables.
Add Roasted Garlic:
For a deeper garlic flavor, I can add one or two mashed roasted garlic cloves. The roasted garlic gives the butter a sweeter and richer taste.
Storage/Reheating
I store garlic scape compound butter in an airtight container or keep it tightly wrapped in parchment paper or plastic wrap. It will stay fresh in the refrigerator for about one week.
For longer storage, I freeze the wrapped butter log in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to three months. I can also slice the butter before freezing and separate the rounds with small pieces of parchment paper. This makes it easy for me to remove only the amount I need.
I thaw frozen compound butter in the refrigerator before serving. When I want to use it as a melted topping, I can place a slice directly onto hot potatoes, vegetables, pasta, seafood, or grilled meat. The heat from the food will gently melt the butter, so reheating it separately is usually unnecessary.
FAQs
What are garlic scapes?
Garlic scapes are the long, green stems that grow from hardneck garlic plants. I find that they have a fresh, mild garlic flavor with a texture similar to firm green beans or asparagus.
Can I make compound butter without a food processor?
Yes. I can finely chop the garlic scapes and herbs with a sharp knife. I make sure the pieces are small so they blend evenly into the softened butter.
Can I use garlic cloves instead of garlic scapes?
I can substitute garlic cloves, but the flavor will be stronger. I usually begin with one small minced garlic clove and adjust the amount after tasting the mixture.
How long does the butter need to chill?
I refrigerate the butter for at least two to three hours. For the cleanest slices, I often leave it in the refrigerator overnight.
What can I serve with garlic scape compound butter?
I serve it with crusty bread, baked potatoes, roasted vegetables, corn, pasta, rice, seafood, steak, chicken, or grilled mushrooms. I can also melt a small amount in a skillet before cooking eggs or vegetables.
Conclusion
Garlic scape compound butter with lemon and fresh herbs is an easy way for me to turn seasonal ingredients into a versatile homemade spread. The combination of mild garlic scapes, bright lemon zest, fresh herbs, and creamy butter creates a balanced flavor that works with many dishes.
I can prepare it in minutes, store it in the refrigerator or freezer, and slice off a portion whenever I need extra flavor. Whether I spread it on warm bread or melt it over vegetables and grilled foods, this compound butter adds a fresh and savory finishing touch.
📖 Recipe:
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Garlic Scape Compound Butter with Lemon and Fresh Herbs
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Garlic scape compound butter is a rich, savory spread made with softened butter, fresh garlic scapes, lemon zest, and aromatic herbs. Bright lemon and fresh herbs balance the mild garlic flavor, making it perfect for bread, vegetables, pasta, seafood, and grilled meats.
Ingredients
1 stick salted butter, softened
Zest of 1 lemon
1/2 cup finely chopped garlic scapes
2 tablespoons chopped chives
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Salt, to taste
Instructions
- Finely mince the garlic scapes, chives, and parsley using a sharp knife or food processor.
- Place the softened butter in a medium bowl.
- Add the garlic scapes, chives, parsley, lemon zest, red pepper flakes, black pepper, and salt to taste.
- Mix until all ingredients are evenly incorporated into the butter.
- Spoon the butter mixture onto parchment paper or plastic wrap.
- Shape into a compact log, roll tightly, and twist the ends to seal.
- Refrigerate for several hours, or until firm enough to slice.
- Slice into rounds and serve with bread, roasted potatoes, vegetables, pasta, seafood, or grilled meats.
Notes
Use unsalted butter if preferred and adjust the salt to taste.
Swap parsley or chives with basil, thyme, dill, rosemary, oregano, or tarragon.
Add 2 to 3 tablespoons of grated Parmesan for extra savory flavor.
For a milder butter, reduce the garlic scapes and omit the red pepper flakes.
Freeze the wrapped butter log for up to 3 months and thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Condiment
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 tablespoon
- Calories: 120 kcal
- Sugar: 0 g
- Sodium: 90 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4.5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 1 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 0 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg
