Homemade Garlic Butter a rich, creamy, and flavorful garlic butter that enhances any dish with its savory, aromatic taste. I love using it on warm bread, melting it over grilled steaks, or tossing it with pasta for a luxurious touch. This homemade version is fresher and more customizable than store-bought options.
Why I Love This Recipe
Simple and Quick – It takes just 10 minutes to prepare.
Versatile – Perfect for bread, meats, seafood, or vegetables.
Rich and Flavorful – The combination of garlic, butter, and herbs creates an irresistible taste.
Customizable – Easily adjust the seasonings to suit personal preferences.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
4 cloves garlic, finely minced or grated
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Directions
Place the softened butter in a mixing bowl. It should be at room temperature for easy mixing.
Add the minced garlic, chopped parsley, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper.
Use a spatula or hand mixer to blend everything until smooth and well incorporated.
Transfer the garlic butter to a serving dish or roll it into a log using parchment paper for easy slicing.
Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Use as needed—spread on warm bread, melt over grilled meats, or toss with pasta.
Servings and Timing
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes
Servings: 16 tablespoons
Calories: 102 kcal per tablespoon
Variations
Herb-Infused – Add fresh thyme, rosemary, or chives for extra flavor.
Spicy Kick – Mix in a pinch of red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper.
Cheesy Garlic Butter – Stir in some grated Parmesan for a richer taste.
Dairy-Free – Substitute with a plant-based butter alternative.
Storage/Reheating
Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
Freezer: Wrap in parchment paper and store in a sealed bag for up to 3 months.
Reheating: Allow the butter to soften at room temperature before using, or gently melt it in the microwave for a few seconds.
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FAQs
How do I prevent the garlic from being too strong?
Using roasted garlic instead of raw will mellow out the sharpness while still adding deep flavor.
Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh?
Yes, but fresh herbs provide a brighter taste. If using dried, reduce the amount to about one-third of the fresh quantity.
What’s the best way to shape and store the butter?
Rolling it into a log using parchment paper makes it easy to slice off portions as needed.
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
Yes, but I would reduce or skip the added salt to avoid an overly salty taste.
What dishes pair well with garlic butter?
It’s great for garlic bread, steak, seafood, roasted vegetables, pasta, and even baked potatoes.
Conclusion
Homemade garlic butter is an easy yet flavorful addition to countless dishes. I love how it transforms simple meals into something special with minimal effort. Whether spread on warm bread or melted over a juicy steak, this recipe is a must-have in my kitchen.
📖 Recipe:
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Homemade Garlic Butter
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 16 tablespoons
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This homemade garlic butter is rich, creamy, and bursting with savory flavors. Made with fresh garlic, butter, and herbs, it’s perfect for spreading on warm bread, melting over grilled steaks, or tossing with pasta. This easy recipe is fresher and more customizable than store-bought versions!
Ingredients
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
4 cloves garlic, finely minced or grated
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
¼ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, add the softened butter. Ensure it’s at room temperature for easy mixing.
- Stir in the minced garlic, chopped parsley, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper.
- Mix well using a spatula or hand mixer until smooth and well incorporated.
- Transfer to a serving dish or roll into a log using parchment paper for easy slicing.
- Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
- Use as desired—spread on bread, melt over grilled meats, or toss with pasta.
Notes
For a milder garlic flavor, use roasted garlic instead of raw.
Adjust seasonings to taste, adding more lemon juice or salt if needed.
Shape into a log for easy slicing and portioning.
Fresh herbs provide a better flavor than dried, but dried herbs can be used in a pinch (reduce quantity to one-third).
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Condiments, Spreads, Sauces
- Method: No-cook
- Cuisine: American, French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 16 tablespoons
- Calories: 102 kcal (per tablespoon)
