Marrow Butter and Toast

marrow butter on toast

Marrow Butter: A Delicious Twist on Roasted Bone Marrow

Turning roasted marrow into marrow butter is one of the most indulgent—and approachable—ways to enjoy this rich ingredient. Unlike serving marrow straight from the bone, making marrow butter is easy, more forgiving, and much more versatile. You don’t need to fuss with cleaning bones, and the butter keeps beautifully in the fridge for several days, making it ideal for meal prep or entertaining.

Once blended with herbs, spices, or even a splash of lemon juice or smoked salt, the result is a silky, umami-packed spread that adds instant depth to almost anything. Slather it on warm toast or crackers, melt it over sautéed mushrooms and vegetables, or pan-sear a steak with it for a restaurant-quality crust and flavor. However you use it, marrow butter turns ordinary ingredients into something unforgettable.

How to Win Over a Skeptic

Let’s face it—roasted bones on a plate can be intimidating.  The word “marrow” alone triggers their fight or flight response, especially for the uninitiated. But it’s all in their head. That’s why marrow butter is the perfect gateway. By the time it hits the table, it looks like a lovely little crock of compound butter—nothing scary about it. No bones, no mess, no drama. Just creamy, golden decadence speckled with fresh herbs.

Of course, full honesty is key. Don’t trick or mislead your guests—no one likes a surprise ingredient. Let them know what it is, and that you made it yourself. If they trust you, they’ll be curious enough to try just a taste. And once they do? That’s it. Game over. They’ll be back for more, one toast point at a time, helping you polish off that crock of savory goodness like lifelong marrow lovers.

If you already love this delicacy, check out my Marrow Bones or Bone Marrow Beef Tartare posts for more inspiration.

 

 

marrow butter top view Print

Marrow Butter

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Roasted bone marrow seasoned with thyme, parsley and salt

  • Author: TJ
  • Prep Time: 15
  • Cook Time: 30
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 1 cup 1x

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3/4 to 1 cup roasted bone marrow – about 35 lbs of canoe cut marrow bones
  • 1/4 cup parsley – roughly chopped
  • 1 tsp thyme leaves
  • 1/4 tsp sea salt – more to taste
  • 1/8 tsp ground black pepper – to taste
  • White bread – toasted – crusts removed
  • Capers – garnish
  • Fresh lemon – quartered

Instructions

  1. Rinse and purge marrow bones in well salted water overnight in the refrigerator
  2. Preheat oven to 425, pat the bones dry, spread them on a baking sheet and roast for 12-15 minutes until marrow begins to bubble
  3. Remove and scrape the marrow into a food processor, add thyme, parsley salt and pepper
  4. Pulse until liquefied and mixed thoroughly, then taste and adjust seasoning
  5. Pour into a crock or individual serving containers and refrigerate for 30 minutes until set
  6. While waiting toast the bread, remove crusts and quarter into points
  7. Serve with toast points, capers and a slice of lemon