How to Make Perfect Garlic Butter

January 17, 2025

Get ready to transform your meals with the magic of homemade garlic butter! This rich, savory spread is so simple yet so satisfying—you’ll want to slather it on everything. Crusty bread? Check. Veggies? Check. Pasta? Absolutely. Let’s whip up this buttery perfection together!

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So, you’re here because you’ve heard the whispers of something magical, something life-changing—garlic butter. Friends, let me tell you, this is no ordinary butter. This is the kind of butter that has the power to elevate an already-good slice of bread into a full-blown love affair. It’s that rich, savory spread that makes people swoon at fancy steakhouses, but guess what? You can make it at home, and it’ll be even better. Oh, the buttery goodness that awaits us! Let’s dive in together, shall we?

How to Make Perfect Garlic Butter Recipe

What sets homemade garlic butter apart from the store-bought versions? Two words: customization and freshness. You’re in the driver’s seat here, choosing the best, freshest butter (I see you, unsalted butter lovers) and adding ingredients like finely minced garlic, fresh parsley, and maybe even a hint of lemon zest for a citrusy twist. The key is letting the garlic flavor infuse the butter just right—not too overpowering, but not shy either. Pair that with little flecks of parsley for color and a splash of paprika or smoked salt if you’re feeling adventurous, and you’ve got a flavor combo that’s as versatile as it is irresistible.

Here’s a tip to make things buttery smooth (pun intended): Start with room-temperature butter. No one wants to wrestle with cold butter and end up with a chunky mess, am I right? Mince your garlic as finely as possible or even use a garlic press to avoid any big garlic chunks. And here’s a little chef hack just for you: if you’re worried about raw garlic being too strong, sauté it briefly in olive oil before mixing it in. This mellows the garlic while still keeping that bang-on flavor we all adore. Pro tip bonus—make a double batch so you can store the extra in the fridge or even freeze it in small portions. Trust me, your future self will thank you.

Once your garlic butter is ready, the sky’s the limit for how you can use it. Spread it on warm, crusty bread, toss it with freshly cooked pasta, melt it over grilled steak, or use it to jazz up steamed veggies. And hey, want to get creative? Stir in a pinch of Parmesan, or add a dash of chili flakes for some heat. Truly, the variations are endless, and the best part is that you can tailor the recipe to suit your taste. So, roll up those sleeves (okay, metaphorically speaking for me since I don’t have arms), and let’s change your butter game forever. You’ve got this!

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Prep Time

10 minutes

Cook Time

Servings

4 servings

Cuisine

Global

Ingredients

•1 cup unsalted butter, softened
•4 cloves garlic, minced or finely grated
•1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
•1/2 teaspoon salt
•1/4 teaspoon black pepper
•1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional)

Instructions

1
Place the softened butter in a mixing bowl.
2
Add the minced garlic, chopped parsley, salt, and black pepper to the bowl.
3
If using, add the lemon juice for a hint of brightness.
4
Use a fork or a spoon to thoroughly mix all the ingredients until evenly combined.
5
Transfer the garlic butter to a small dish or form it into a log using plastic wrap. Chill in the refrigerator if not using immediately.
6
Bring garlic butter to room temperature before serving for easy spreading.

Nutrition Information

Calories

102 calories (per tablespoon)

Protein

0.1g

Carbs

0.2g

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 additional salt in the recipe to avoid it being overly salty. Taste the mixture as you go to adjust seasoning to your preference.

Q: What can I use instead of fresh parsley?

A: If you don't have fresh parsley, you can substitute it with 1 teaspoon of dried parsley. Alternatively, you can use other fresh herbs like chives, thyme, or dill for a different flavor profile.

Q: How should I store the garlic butter, and how long will it last?

A: Store the garlic butter in an airtight container or wrapped tightly in plastic wrap in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 1 week. For longer storage, you can freeze it for up to 3 months—just slice off portions as needed.

Q: Why is my garlic butter too hard to spread?

A: This happens if the butter is too cold. Let it sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving to soften. If you're in a hurry, you can microwave it for a few seconds, but be careful not to melt it completely.

Q: Can I use pre-minced or jarred garlic instead of fresh garlic?

A: Yes, you can use pre-minced or jarred garlic as a substitute for fresh garlic. However, the flavor might be slightly less vibrant. Use about 1 teaspoon of pre-minced garlic per clove of fresh garlic called for in the recipe.

Q: What are some serving suggestions for garlic butter?

A: Garlic butter is incredibly versatile! Spread it on warm bread, use it to top grilled steak, seafood, or roasted vegetables, mix it into pasta, or melt it over potatoes. It also works wonderfully as a base for garlic bread.

Q: Can I make this recipe vegan or dairy-free?

A: Yes, you can make this recipe vegan or dairy-free by using a plant-based butter substitute. Ensure the butter alternative you choose has a similar consistency to regular butter for the best results.

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