Sun-Dried Tomato Butter: Elevate Your Dishes with This Simple Recipe

Sun-Dried Tomato Butter is an incredibly easy way to infuse your kitchen creations with rich, savory flavor! Imagine the sun-drenched taste of tomatoes combined with creamy butter, ready to transform vegetables, meats, seafood, and more. It’s a culinary secret weapon you’ll want to keep on hand.

Sun-dried tomatoes are a powerhouse of concentrated tomato flavor, making them a fantastic addition to countless recipes. Their intense taste brings a depth and complexity that elevates everyday meals into something special.

They’re a staple in Tuscan-inspired cooking, lending their distinctive taste to dishes like Instant Pot Tuscan Chicken Pasta. But their versatility extends far beyond pasta! Try them in Turkey Pesto Sandwiches for a burst of savory goodness, or use them to top off Vegan Tomato Pesto Bites for a delightful appetizer.

If you’re a fan of the savory tomato flavor paired with fresh herbs, then you’re going to absolutely adore this effortless recipe for Sun-Dried Tomato Butter. It’s a delectable compound butter that you can easily store in your refrigerator or freezer, ready to add a touch of magic to virtually any dish!

Table of Contents

• Why You’ll Love Making Sun-Dried Tomato Butter
• Ingredient Notes
• Step-by-Step Instructions
• Recipe FAQs
• Serving Ideas
• Kitchen Tools and Equipment
• More Make-Ahead Flavor Base Recipes
• Sun-Dried Tomato Butter Recipe

Why You’ll Love Making Sun-Dried Tomato Butter

Compound butter is simply softened butter that’s been blended with an array of herbs, spices, and seasonings. It’s a culinary technique that’s been around for ages, and for good reason!

If you enjoy cooking at home, compound butters are a straightforward and effective way to infuse flavor and elevate a wide range of dishes. They add a touch of gourmet flair with minimal effort.

• Effortless: Crafting your own homemade compound butter is incredibly easy. The step-by-step photos below will guide you through the process, making it even simpler.
• Simple Ingredients: You can essentially create compound butter from any herbs, spices, and seasonings you have on hand. This sun-dried tomato compound butter features ingredients readily available at any grocery store.
• Quick: It takes a mere 10 minutes, at most, to create a stick of compound butter.
• Versatile: I’ve included a list of the many ways you can use this herb butter further down in the article. From spreading on bread to adding richness to sauces, the possibilities are endless.
• Freezer-Friendly: This is a fantastic addition to your meal prep routine. Store it in the refrigerator for up to five days if you plan to use it soon. Or, keep it in the freezer for up to six months. Check out the tips for freezing butter below!

Ingredient Notes

Let’s take a closer look at the key ingredients that make this sun-dried tomato butter so exceptional:

• Butter: Opt for a stick of unsalted butter. It’s crucial that the butter is softened to room temperature. It needs to be soft enough to mash easily with the herbs and seasonings, ensuring a smooth and well-combined end product.
• Sun-Dried Tomatoes: You’ll want to finely chop the sun-dried tomatoes into small, uniform pieces. This allows them to mix seamlessly with the butter and herbs. Avoid large chunks that could make slicing the butter difficult.
• Fresh Herbs: A blend of chopped fresh parsley, rosemary, and basil adds vibrant, aromatic flavors to the butter. The combination of these herbs complements the sun-dried tomatoes beautifully.
• Seasonings: A touch of kosher salt and ground black pepper is all you need to balance the flavors perfectly. If you prefer, you can substitute sea salt for kosher salt.

Step-by-Step Instructions

You’ll find complete instructions in the recipe card at the end of this post. But here’s a quick visual step-by-step guide with photos to make this simple recipe even easier!

1. In a medium or small bowl, use a fork to mash the softened butter until it’s smooth. This ensures that all the ingredients will blend together evenly.
2. Add the remaining ingredients to the bowl and continue mashing with the fork until everything is thoroughly combined. The mixture should be uniform in color and texture.
3. Shape the butter mixture into a log shape. This makes it easier to slice and use later.
4. Wrap the homemade butter log tightly with parchment paper. This helps it maintain its shape and prevents freezer burn if you’re storing it for a longer period.
5. Label the parchment paper with the date and contents. This is especially helpful if you’re storing multiple compound butters in the freezer.

You can use the sun-dried tomato butter immediately, or refrigerate or freeze it for later use. The flavors will meld and intensify as it sits, making it even more delicious!

Recipe FAQs

What other herbs or seasonings work well in this homemade butter?

I use rosemary, parsley, and basil in this recipe. But chives, cilantro, oregano, and thyme would also add wonderful flavors and aromas. Feel free to experiment and create your own unique blend!

What is the best way to store sun-dried tomato butter?

If you’re going to be using the butter soon, you can wrap it in parchment paper and store it in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Otherwise, wrap it in parchment paper, plastic wrap, or wax paper, place it into a freezer bag, label it, and store it in the freezer for up to 6 months.

Serving Ideas

The possibilities for using sun-dried tomato butter are truly endless! Here are just a few ideas to get you started:

• Spread it on bread or crackers for a delicious and flavorful snack. Try it on Guinness Brown Bread or Garlic Rosemary Focaccia Bread.
• Add it to a Grazing Table, Thanksgiving Charcuterie Board, Christmas Charcuterie Board, or Brunch Board for a touch of elegance and flavor.
• Use it to top white fish like sea bass, cod, and halibut for a burst of savory goodness.
• Enhance the flavor of chicken by adding a dollop to Air Fryer Whole Chicken or Grilled Chicken.

Kitchen Tools and Equipment

Ready to whip up this recipe? Here’s a list of the essential kitchen tools and equipment you’ll need:

• Bowl: A mixing bowl is essential for combining the ingredients. Any medium or small bowl from your cupboard will work perfectly.
• Fork or Potato Masher: Use a fork or potato masher to mash the softened butter and mix all of the ingredients together thoroughly.
• Parchment Paper: Parchment paper is ideal for wrapping the butter and helping it maintain its shape. While wax paper or plastic wrap can also be used, parchment paper is generally preferred.

More Make-Ahead Flavor Base Recipes

Looking for more ways to create flavorful bases for your meals? Check out these other delicious recipes:

Homemade Cajun Seasoning

Avocado Pesto

Easy Homemade Turkey Stock

Best BBQ Rub

Did you make this recipe? Don’t forget to leave a 5-Star rating in the recipe card, and if you really loved it, please leave a comment further down on the page. Thank you!

Sun-Dried Tomato Butter Recipe

Ingredients:

• ¼ cup sun-dried tomatoes, finely chopped
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
• 1 Tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
• 1 Tablespoon chopped fresh basil
• 1 Tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary
• ½ teaspoon fine sea salt
• ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper

Instructions:

1. In a medium bowl using a fork, mash down the softened butter.
2. Add the remaining ingredients to the bowl and mash together with the fork until well combined.
3. Form the butter mixture into a log and wrap with parchment paper. Freeze for 30 minutes.

Notes:

Makes 8 tablespoons or 8 servings worth.

Store in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Or store in the freezer for up to 6 months.

Nutrition Facts (per serving):

• Calories: 111kcal
• Carbohydrates: 2g
• Protein: 1g
• Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.5g
• Monounsaturated Fat: 3g
• Trans Fat: 0.5g
• Cholesterol: 31mg
• Sodium: 151mg
• Potassium: 127mg
• Fiber: 0.5g
• Sugar: 1g
• Vitamin A: 448IU
• Vitamin C: 2mg
• Calcium: 9mg
• Iron: 0.4mg