Thanksgiving dinner is a fairly standard production for most families. Turkey, gravy, stuffing, mashed potatoes, green beans, pumpkin pie… even the obligatory can of cranberry sauce that is always there but remains untouched. While all of these dishes are essential fixings for the “perfect” Thanksgiving Day meal, perhaps nothing is more universally loved than the humble buttered roll. A favorite food among little family members and a lifeline for picky eaters, warm dinner rolls and decadent butter are a Thanksgiving must-have. As you’re preparing to give your side dishes a delicious upgrade that will wow your guests, don’t forget to make the buttered rolls an equally special part of the meal, too! One option would be to bake something beautiful, such as a loaf of roasted garlic and Comté bread. However, if you’re running short on time or space in the oven, nothing could be more simple than making your very own cheesy compound butter.
Parmesan Butter:
Photo Credit: Image courtesy of laurendemaio.com
Parmesan is practically perfect in every way, and this recipe for parmesan compound butter is just one more reason why it’s our go-to cheese for adding flavor. Fresh herbs, such as parsley, add freshness to this butter’s salty side.
Cilantro-Lime & Feta Butter:
Photo Credit: Image courtesy of litehousefoods.com
The balanced acidity of this cilantro-lime and feta compound butter is delicious as a pre-dinner snack, but it’s equally good slathered over grilled corn or sautéed seasonal vegetables.
Herb & Gorgonzola Butter:
Photo Credit: Image courtesy of keviniscooking.com
This Gorgonzola compound butter is packed with aromatic herbs, including parsley, sage, rosemary, and thyme. With all of those delicious flavors, don’t limit this butter to your roll! Try it on your turkey, and save the leftover butter for next week’s steak.
Walnut & Goat Cheese Butter:
Photo Credit: Image courtesy of heathersdish.com
When it comes to autumn eats, nothing says hearty and home-cooked like walnuts. The sweet nuttiness of this walnut compound butter pairs perfectly with the sight tang of the goat’s milk cheese.
Gruyère & Caramelized Onion Butter:
Photo Credit: Image courtesy of loriesmississippikitchen.com
Be careful with this Gruyère and caramelized onion butter because it is dangerously good. With such a rich flavor, you’ll have to limit yourself on how much you eat – make sure you’re saving room for the rest of the meal! Compound butters are good for up to three days after being made, and will last for several weeks in the freezer, so there will be plenty of opportunities to indulge in the future.
Photo Credit: Featured image courtesy of marthastarfish.com
Emily Dangler
Culture Intern Emily Dangler is a creative writer and travel enthusiast, who is always looking for a good story to tell. Originally a West Coast girl, Emily has spent several years migrating across the country and is currently an adopted resident of Boston, where she is enjoying the city's delicious food and rich history.
