This tomato butter is a rich and creamy spread made with tomato paste, butter, and fresh herbs. It's a delicious topping for steaks, baked potatoes, and vegetables, and only takes 10 minutes to prepare!

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Compound butter is such a simple yet delicious way to add flavor to your dishes. I always need to have this on hand along with my garlic and herb butter, cajun garlic butter, and garlic butter sauce. You'll be surprised by how adding a little bit of it can transform any meal.
📖Why My Recipe Works
Instead of roasting cherry tomatoes, I used tomato paste for this recipe because it has a concentrated flavor and thicker texture. Roasting tomatoes can also make the sauce very watery, and that's not what I'm looking for when making compound butter.
🧾Ingredient Notes
- Tomato Paste- I prefer an Italian tomato paste for a rich flavor. But regular, canned tomato paste works well too.
- Butter- I recommend using European-brand butter because it has a higher fat content and a better overall flavor. If using salted butter, taste before adding more salt.
- Garlic Clove- Use freshly minced garlic. Or try adding roasted garlic.
- Fresh Herbs- I used chopped fresh parsley and thyme. Chives and basil are also great additions.
- Spices- I used smoked paprika to get a nice umami and roasted tomato flavor. Add kosher salt and black pepper to taste.
⏲️How to Make Tomato Butter
Allow butter to soften on the counter for at least 1 hour. You can also microwave it on a low power setting for 5-10 second intervals until soft.
- Step 1: Mix together all the ingredients. You can mix by hand or use a stand mixer with a paddle attachment. You can also use a food processor to combine them more easily. Mix until you achieve a smooth, creamy consistency.
- Step 2: Spoon the butter onto a piece of parchment paper or plastic wrap, form into a log, and wrap well. You can also store it in an airtight container. Chill for at least 2 hours before using.
🥗How to Use Tomato Butter
Use it as a spread for gluten-free rolls. Use it as a topping for grilled meat like chicken, steak, pork chops, and seafood like shrimp, salmon, and scallops.
Top side dishes like mashed potatoes and baked rutabaga, Stir it into steamed or roasted vegetables like green beans or grilled zucchini or grilled broccolini.
Expert Tip
Soften butter quickly by microwaving it in 5 to 10-second intervals while on a low power setting.
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📖 Recipe Card
Tomato Butter
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter softened (2 sticks)
- 2 Tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 Tablespoon finely chopped fresh parsley
- 1 Tablespoon finely chopped fresh thyme
- 1 Tablespoon minced garlic
- ¾ teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- Allow butter to soften on the counter for at least 1 hour.1 cup unsalted butter
- Mix together all ingredients. You can mix by hand or use a stand mixer with a paddle attachment.1 cup unsalted butter, 1 Tablespoon minced garlic, 1 Tablespoon finely chopped fresh parsley, 1 Tablespoon finely chopped fresh thyme, ½ teaspoon smoked paprika, ¾ teaspoon kosher salt, ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- Spoon the butter onto a piece of parchment paper or plastic wrap, form into a log, and wrap well. Chill for at least 2 hours before using.
Notes
- If your butter has salt, reduce the added salt.
Storage Instructions
- Tomato butter will keep for up to 2 weeks in a sealed container in the refrigerator, or for up to 6 months in the freezer.
- If you don't have wax or parchment paper you can store it in a small bowl, tightly covered.
Colin says
Super easy to make an d great on grilled steaks