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Mâitre d'Hôtel Butter

Peer reviewed by UK recipe editorsAuthored by UK recipe editorsOriginally published 28 Jan 2026

Meets Patient’s editorial guidelines

This classic Mâitre d'Hôtel butter is an essential vegetarian staple for any home cook looking to add a touch of French elegance to their meals. Known as a 'beurre composé' or compound butter, this recipe infuses creamy unsalted butter with the bright, fresh flavours of flat-leaf parsley and sharp lemon juice. It is the traditional accompaniment for a perfectly seared steak, but it works equally well melted over charred corn on the cob or a pile of steamed seasonal greens.

Preparing this savoury garnish at home is incredibly simple and much more cost-effective than shop-bought alternatives. By rolling the mixture into a neat log and chilling it, you can easily slice off elegant discs just before serving. It is an excellent make-ahead option for dinner parties, as it keeps beautifully in the fridge for several days, ready to elevate a mid-week dinner into something truly special.

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Ingredients for Mâitre d'Hôtel Butter

  • Mix 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

  • 1/2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice

  • 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt

  • 110g (1 stick) room-temperature unsalted butter

  • Freshly ground black pepper

How to make Mâitre d'Hôtel Butter

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Mix 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, 1/2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice, and 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt into 110g (1 stick) room-temperature unsalted butter in a small bowl. Season with freshly ground black pepper. Place on parchment or waxed paper and roll up into a log. Chill until firm, 1 hour. Do ahead: Butter can be made 2 days ahead. Keep chilled.

Disclaimer

While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.

Article history

The information on this page is peer reviewed by qualified clinicians.

  • 28 Jan 2026 | Originally published

    Authored by:

    UK recipe editors

    Peer reviewed by

    UK recipe editors
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