Homemade Garlic Butter Recipe

Introduction

Homemade garlic butter is a simple yet flavorful addition to many dishes. With just a few fresh ingredients, you can create a creamy, aromatic spread perfect for bread, vegetables, or meats. This recipe makes it easy to prepare and enjoy anytime.

Ingredients

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened (2 sticks)
• 4–6 cloves garlic, minced (adjust to taste)
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped (or 1 tablespoon dried parsley)
• 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper (optional)
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice (optional, for brightness)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Soften the unsalted butter to room temperature. If it’s too hard, microwave it for 10-15 seconds carefully to avoid melting.
2. Step 2: In a medium bowl, combine the softened butter, minced garlic, chopped parsley, salt, black pepper if using, and lemon juice if using.
3. Step 3: Mix all ingredients thoroughly with a fork or spatula until creamy and well combined.
4. Step 4: Transfer the garlic butter into a small airtight container or roll it into a log shape using parchment paper.
5. Step 5: Refrigerate the log-shaped butter until firm for easy slicing. Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks or freeze for up to 3 months.

Tips & Variations

• For a milder garlic flavor, use fewer cloves or roast the garlic before mincing.
• Add a pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne pepper for a spicy twist.
• Use fresh herbs like chives or basil instead of parsley for different flavors.
• Softening the butter at room temperature ensures a smooth blend with the garlic and herbs.

Storage

Store garlic butter in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. For longer storage, freeze the butter for up to three months. When ready to use, thaw in the refrigerator or at room temperature until spreadable. You can slice chilled logs directly for portion-controlled servings.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?

Using salted butter is possible, but reduce or omit the added salt since salted butter already contains salt. This helps avoid making the garlic butter too salty.

How long does homemade garlic butter last?

Refrigerated garlic butter will keep well for about two weeks. If frozen, it can last up to three months without losing flavor or texture.

Homemade Garlic Butter Recipe

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4.6 from 124 reviews

This homemade garlic butter recipe is a simple and flavorful blend of softened unsalted butter, fresh garlic, parsley, and a hint of lemon juice. Perfect as a spread, topping, or cooking enhancer, it adds a rich and aromatic garlic flavor to breads, vegetables, meats, and seafood.

• Author: luca
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Total Time: 10 minutes
• Yield: Approximately 1 cup 1x
• Category: Condiment
• Method: No-Cook
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Garlic Butter Ingredients

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened (2 sticks)
• 4–6 cloves garlic, minced (adjust to taste)
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped (or 1 tablespoon dried parsley)
• 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper (optional)
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice (optional, for brightness)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Ingredients: Soften the unsalted butter to room temperature for easy mixing. If it is too hard, microwave it for about 10-15 seconds, taking care not to melt it.
2. Mix the Garlic Butter: In a medium bowl, combine the softened butter, minced garlic, chopped parsley, salt, black pepper if using, and lemon juice if using. Use a fork or spatula to mix thoroughly until the mixture is well combined and creamy.
3. Store the Garlic Butter: Spoon the garlic butter into a small airtight container or roll it into a log shape using parchment paper. Refrigerate until firm if using the log shape. Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks or freeze for up to 3 months.

Notes

• Adjust the amount of garlic according to your taste preference.
• Use fresh parsley for best flavor, but dried parsley works as a substitute.
• Black pepper and lemon juice are optional but add brightness and depth to the flavor.
• Softening the butter properly is key to easily mixing all ingredients.
• This garlic butter is perfect for spreading on bread, topping steaks, or adding flavor to vegetables and seafood.
• Can be frozen for longer storage; thaw in the refrigerator before use.

Keywords: garlic butter, homemade garlic butter, butter spread, garlic spread, parsley garlic butter