Simple Homemade Garlic Herb Butter

January 15, 2025

Get ready to elevate every meal with this deliciously simple Garlic Herb Butter! Whether you're slathering it on bread, melting it over veggies, or tossing it with pasta, this recipe is a kitchen game-changer. Let’s whip up this buttery magic together—your taste buds will thank you!

5.0 out of 5 (4 ratings)

There’s just something magical about homemade Garlic Herb Butter, isn’t there? It’s like having a little jar of culinary superpowers in your fridge, ready to transform any meal into something extraordinary. Picture this: warm, crusty bread fresh from the oven, slathered with golden, melt-y butter infused with garlic and fresh herbs. Or, better yet, imagine a perfectly grilled steak kissed with a dollop of this velvety goodness. Oh, I’m already drooling just thinking about it! This recipe is as simple as it is delightful, proving that sometimes the most basic ingredients can bring the most joy.

Simple Homemade Garlic Herb Butter Recipe

What makes this Garlic Herb Butter truly spectacular is its versatility and the way the ingredients play together. We’re talking creamy butter infused with fresh garlic (the kind that makes your kitchen smell like heaven), a medley of finely chopped herbs like parsley, chives, and thyme, and just a hint of lemon zest to brighten everything up. It’s a flavor explosion in every bite! Whether you’re spreading it on a baguette, tossing it with roasted veggies, or letting it melt on a seared piece of salmon, this butter works like a charm. Plus, you can customize it with your favorite herbs or even add a little spice if you’re feeling adventurous.

When making Garlic Herb Butter, my best tip is to let your butter come to room temperature before you start mixing—it makes everything so much easier to combine, trust me! Fresh herbs are ideal for that vibrant taste, but dried ones work well in a pinch (just use slightly less since they’re more concentrated). Got a mortar and pestle collecting dust? Use it to crush the garlic into a smooth paste before mixing—it’ll blend seamlessly into the butter. And don’t shy away from tasting as you go; the best butter is the one that matches your personal flavor preferences perfectly.

Now it’s time to unleash your creativity! Serve this Garlic Herb Butter on warm dinner rolls at family gatherings, swirl it into mashed potatoes for a richer side dish, or use it as a base for a quick garlic bread. Want to switch it up? Add crushed red pepper flakes for a spicy kick or grated Parmesan for cheesy decadence. Wrap some in parchment paper and pop it in the freezer for a quick go-to flavor boost whenever you need it. Seriously, give this recipe a try—your meals will never be the same. Prepare to spread, melt, and savor every bite!

Keywords: homemade garlic herb butter, easy flavored butter recipe, versatile compound butter ideas, best butter for bread, garlic butter for vegetables, flavored butter for steak, how to make herb butter

Prep Time

10 minutes

Cook Time

Servings

4 servings

Cuisine

American

Ingredients

•1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
•3 cloves garlic, minced
•2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
•1 tablespoon fresh chives, finely chopped
•1/2 teaspoon salt
•1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

1
Place the softened butter in a medium bowl.
2
Add the minced garlic, chopped parsley, chopped chives, salt, and black pepper to the bowl.
3
Mix all the ingredients together with a fork or spatula until well combined and smooth.
4
Transfer the garlic herb butter onto a sheet of wax paper or plastic wrap.
5
Roll the butter into a log, twisting the ends of the wrap to seal it.
6
Refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow the flavors to meld or use immediately as needed.
7
Slice as required and serve with bread, steak, vegetables, or other dishes.

Nutrition Information

Calories

102 calories per tablespoon

Protein

Carbs

Fat

11g

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter?

A: Yes, you can use salted butter, but you may want to reduce or omit the added salt in the recipe to avoid over-salting. Taste the mixture before adding additional salt to adjust to your preference.

Q: How do I soften butter quickly if I forgot to take it out of the fridge?

A: To soften butter quickly, you can cut it into small cubes and let it sit at room temperature for about 10-15 minutes. Alternatively, microwave the butter on a low power setting (10-20% power) in 5-second intervals, checking frequently to prevent melting.

Q: Can I substitute dried herbs for fresh parsley and chives?

A: Yes, you can substitute dried herbs if fresh ones are unavailable. Use 1 teaspoon of dried parsley and 1/2 teaspoon of dried chives, as dried herbs are more concentrated in flavor. Keep in mind that the taste may differ slightly from using fresh herbs.

Q: How long can I store the garlic herb butter?

A: The garlic herb butter can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 1 week when wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or stored in an airtight container. For longer storage, you can freeze it for up to 3 months. Slice off portions as needed directly from the freezer.

Q: What should I do if my butter mixture is too soft to shape into a log?

A: If the butter mixture is too soft, refrigerate it for 10-15 minutes to firm it up slightly. Once it has a firmer consistency, you should be able to roll it into a log more easily.

Q: Can I add other ingredients to customize the flavor?

A: Absolutely! You can experiment with additional ingredients like lemon zest, thyme, rosemary, or even a pinch of red pepper flakes for some heat. Just be mindful of balancing the flavors so they don’t overpower the garlic and herbs.

Q: What dishes pair well with garlic herb butter?

A: Garlic herb butter is versatile and pairs wonderfully with many dishes. Spread it on warm crusty bread, melt it over grilled steak or roasted chicken, toss it with steamed or roasted vegetables, or stir it into mashed potatoes or pasta for extra flavor.

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