Description
Savory cheese and bacon butter delights palates with its rich, smoky flavors. Home cooks can effortlessly elevate dishes by spreading this indulgent condiment on warm bread or melting it over grilled meats.
Ingredients
Scale
- ½ cup (113 grams) unsalted butter, softened
- ¼ cup (28 grams) sharp cheddar cheese, finely grated
- ¼ cup (28 grams) crispy bacon, finely chopped (about 4 strips)
- 1 tbsp fresh chives or parsley, finely chopped (optional)
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard (optional, for extra tang)
- ¼ tsp garlic powder
- 1/8 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Bacon Preparation: Sizzle bacon in a skillet over medium heat until golden and crisp. Drain on paper towels, then finely chop once completely cooled.
- Flavor Fusion: In a medium mixing bowl, whip softened butter with grated cheese until smooth. Elevate the profile by blending in garlic powder, cracked black pepper, and Dijon mustard for a robust taste experience.
- Herbal and Bacon Infusion: Gently fold chopped bacon and fresh herbs into the butter mixture, ensuring even distribution of ingredients for a harmonious blend of textures and flavors.
- Chilling and Setting: Shape the seasoned butter into a compact log on parchment paper or plastic wrap. Roll tightly, seal the ends, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow flavors to meld and butter to firm up.
- Serving Suggestion: Remove chilled butter from refrigerator and slice into elegant medallions or scoop directly. Serve as a luxurious accompaniment to warm artisan bread, grilled meats, or roasted seasonal vegetables.
Notes
- Bacon Crispiness Control: Ensure bacon is thoroughly crisp and completely cooled before chopping to prevent moisture affecting butter’s texture and maintaining a crunchy element.
- Temperature Precision: Keep butter at room temperature for smooth blending, but avoid over-softening to maintain structural integrity when rolling.
- Herb and Cheese Selection: Choose fresh herbs with robust flavors like chives or parsley, and opt for aged cheeses like sharp cheddar or gruyère for maximum flavor intensity.
- Flavor Infusion Technique: Let butter rest in refrigerator for at least an hour to allow ingredients to meld, creating a more cohesive and deeply flavored compound butter.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 9
- Calories: 115
- Sugar: 0.2 g
- Sodium: 160 mg
- Fat: 11 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 1 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 1 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg