I've found that tightly wrapped compound butter made with herbs cut finely lasts at least 6 months in the freezer. That's one of my favorite ways to use the last dill from my garden in the late fall (dill comes back in late September, after expiring in the heat here in July). It lasts until our spring dill makes its appearance. I always put the dill butter directly into the freezer when I make it. It's easy to slice off however much I need, whenever. ;o)
Cut raw garlic, mixed in preparations that are in and out of fridge, or sometimes standing at room temp, can deteriorate quickly. And take the condiments with it. So either freeze (as written) in tablespoons as drbabs recommends. Or omit the garlic if you want longer fridge storage, and add some back at the table.
Checked. Its a botulism bacteria that cab develop in garlic-infused or mixed-in fats stored at room temp, or in fridge more than 2-3 days. So 3 days fridge, months in freezer.
Thank you for confirming that, Nancy. I was thinking about this a bit more, and need to amend my prior answer.
I've never made a compound butter with garlic in it. Garlic changes in character when frozen, so I would not put fresh garlic in the herb butter knowing it would be frozen. I might, however, use a high quality garlic salt, like the Spice House blend (the only one I've ever found acceptable - it has green onion in it, too) in this. In fact, I'm eager to try it! ;o)
Having made many compound butters with fresh herbs over the years it will probably start to noticeably lose its fresh appeal after a day or so in the fridge.
Like drbabs if I made a large batch I'd freeze what I wouldn't use in the next couple of days.
But for sure this will be best the day it is made due to the reliance on fresh herbs.
I keep butter in the freezer for months, and this should be ok frozen, too. Refrigerated, you might start to get mold after a week or so. I’d probably freeze it in tablespoons so I could use it as I need it.
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So either freeze (as written) in tablespoons as drbabs recommends.
Or omit the garlic if you want longer fridge storage, and add some back at the table.
I've never made a compound butter with garlic in it. Garlic changes in character when frozen, so I would not put fresh garlic in the herb butter knowing it would be frozen. I might, however, use a high quality garlic salt, like the Spice House blend (the only one I've ever found acceptable - it has green onion in it, too) in this. In fact, I'm eager to try it! ;o)
Like drbabs if I made a large batch I'd freeze what I wouldn't use in the next couple of days.
But for sure this will be best the day it is made due to the reliance on fresh herbs.
Best of luck.