Take your steak game to new heights with this luxurious compound butter featuring the irresistible combination of sweet caramelized onions and bold, tangy gorgonzola cheese. As the butter melts over a perfectly grilled steak, it creates a silky sauce that’s rich, decadent, and packed with umami flavor. It’s a restaurant-worthy addition to your home cooking repertoire.

Why This Butter Is So Crave-Worthy
The combination of caramelized onions and gorgonzola is a classic pairing that elevates any dish it touches. When incorporated into a compound butter, the flavors meld together beautifully, creating a harmonious balance of sweetness, savoriness, and creaminess.

• Slow-caramelized onions add depth, complexity, and a subtle sweetness
• Gorgonzola brings a sharp, salty, and slightly funky note that complements the richness of the butter and the meatiness of the steak
• The butter’s fat helps the steak remain juicy and tender, while also providing a luxurious mouthfeel
• As the butter melts, it creates a self-saucing effect that eliminates the need for any additional condiments

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
• 1 large yellow onion, thinly sliced
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/4 cup crumbled gorgonzola cheese
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Instructions

1. In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add sliced onions and a pinch of salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, until onions are soft and golden brown, about 30-40 minutes. If onions start to brown too quickly, reduce heat to low. Let cool completely.
2. In a medium bowl, mix softened butter, cooled caramelized onions, gorgonzola, thyme, salt, and pepper until well combined.
3. Transfer the butter mixture to a piece of plastic wrap or parchment paper. Roll into a log shape, twist the ends to seal, and refrigerate until firm, at least 2 hours (or up to 1 week).
4. When ready to serve, slice the butter log into 1/2-inch rounds. Place a round on top of each hot steak just before serving, allowing it to melt and form a flavorful sauce.

Tips for Butter Perfection

• Use a yellow onion for the best flavor in caramelizing. Yellow onions have a balanced sweetness that lends itself well to this low-and-slow cooking method.
• Be patient when caramelizing the onions. Rushing the process can result in burnt or bitter flavors. Low and slow is the key to achieving that deep, rich caramelization.
• If you’re not a fan of gorgonzola, you can substitute another blue cheese like Roquefort or Stilton, or use a milder cheese like crumbled feta or goat cheese.
• For a prettier presentation, roll your butter log in chopped fresh parsley or thyme before slicing.

Variations to Explore

• Caramelized Onion and Bacon: Omit the gorgonzola and add 1/4 cup finely chopped cooked bacon to the butter mixture.
• French Onion: Omit the gorgonzola and thyme. Add 1 tablespoon of beef broth concentrate or demi-glace to the butter mixture for a French onion soup-inspired flavor.
• Caramelized Shallot and Herb: Substitute thinly sliced shallots for the onion and use a mix of fresh chopped parsley, chives, and tarragon in place of the thyme.
• Blue Cheese and Honey: Omit the caramelized onions. Mix in 1/4 cup crumbled blue cheese and 1 tablespoon of honey for a sweet-savory twist.

This caramelized onion and gorgonzola butter is an indulgent, flavorful addition to any steak night. It’s a simple way to make your home-cooked steaks taste like they came from a high-end steakhouse. Plus, the leftover butter can be used to add flavor to mashed potatoes, grilled vegetables, or even spread on a crusty baguette.

So next time you’re looking to impress your dinner guests or just treat yourself to a restaurant-quality meal at home, give this compound butter a try. It’s sure to become your new secret weapon in the kitchen!

Pro Tip: Compound butters also make excellent gifts for the food lovers in your life. Wrap a few logs in pretty parchment paper or wax paper, tie with twine, and add a handwritten label with serving suggestions. They’ll be thrilled to receive such a thoughtful, homemade treat!