Easy Garlic Butter Recipe
If I could let you in on one kitchen secret, it would be this: nothing transforms the ordinary into the extraordinary quite like Easy Garlic Butter. Silky, ultra-flavorful, and ready in minutes, this spreadable marvel brings a touch of restaurant luxury to homemade bread, sizzling steaks, and just-steamed veggies. With a handful of everyday ingredients and a little mixing magic, the result is a compound butter you’ll want to slather on everything—and I mean everything.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Easy Garlic Butter is simple but absolutely essential. Fresh herbs, rich butter, and bright seasonings come together for something that feels special every single time. Trust me, that little touch of citrus and pinch of pepper truly make a difference you’ll taste in every bite.
- Unsalted butter (1/2 cup, softened): Go for high-quality butter if possible—a good base means a great spread every time, and the softness makes it so easy to mix.
- Fresh garlic cloves (4, minced): Nothing beats the bold punch of freshly minced garlic for irresistible aroma and deep flavor.
- Fresh parsley (1 tablespoon, chopped): The herbal freshness balances out the richness, and those flecks of green add a pop of color, too.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Essential for rounding out the flavors and really making that butter shine.
- Black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Adds gentle heat and earthiness, uplifting the whole mixture.
- Garlic powder (1/4 teaspoon, optional): An extra dash enhances the garlicky flavors for all you garlic lovers out there.
- Lemon juice (1/2 teaspoon, optional): A splash of lemon juice brightens the butter and adds a subtle zing you’ll adore.
How to Make Easy Garlic Butter
Step 1: Soften the Butter
Start with room-temperature, softened unsalted butter—this tiny detail makes all the difference. The butter needs to be soft enough so your fork or spoon glides through, ensuring your Easy Garlic Butter comes together without any lumps or frustration. If you’re tight on time, a few seconds in the microwave on low does the trick, but keep an eye out so it doesn’t melt!
Step 2: Prep and Mince the Garlic
Grab four fresh garlic cloves, peel, and mince them as finely as possible. If you love a milder garlic profile, try crushing instead of mincing—feel free to use a garlic press or the flat of your chef’s knife. Your kitchen will start smelling wonderful already!
Step 3: Chop Parsley and Measure Seasonings
Chop up some fresh parsley; those delicate bits bring both freshness and a lovely visual touch. Measure out the salt, pepper, and if you’re in the mood, the optional garlic powder and lemon juice. Each seasoning finds its own way to add complexity to your Easy Garlic Butter.
Step 4: Mix Everything Together
Add all ingredients to your mixing bowl: softened butter, minced garlic, parsley, salt, pepper, and any optional extras you’re using. Mix until everything looks beautifully combined—no streaks, just a smooth, flecked butter that smells nothing short of heavenly.
Step 5: Shape, Chill, or Use Immediately
You can scoop the Easy Garlic Butter into a handsome little bowl—or up the chef vibes and mound it onto a sheet of plastic wrap, then roll it into a log for easy slicing. If you prefer it firmer, chill in the fridge until set (about 30 minutes). Otherwise, it’s ready tofulfill its garlicky destiny right away!
How to Serve Easy Garlic Butter
Garnishes
Top your Easy Garlic Butter with a flurry of extra chopped parsley, a pinch of flaky salt, or even a few shavings of lemon zest. These simple touches make every swipe look and taste a little more fancy, perfect for impressing your dinner guests or just treating yourself.
Side Dishes
There’s almost no wrong answer here—spread Easy Garlic Butter generously on warm, crusty bread, melt it over grilled steaks or fish, or toss it with steamed green beans or potatoes right before serving. It’s a quick trick for side dishes that feel “special occasion” any night of the week.
Creative Ways to Present
Make your garlic butter into coins by slicing a chilled log, or pipe pretty swirls onto plates for dinner parties. Try tucking a spoonful into baked potatoes, swirling it into hot pasta, or brushing it over corn on the cob. However you serve it, your table will light up with flavor.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover Easy Garlic Butter in an airtight container or wrapped tightly in plastic wrap. It’ll keep fresh and flavorful in the refrigerator for up to one week, ready to grab and elevate your next meal in seconds.
Freezing
If you want to keep a stash handy, you can absolutely freeze this butter! Shape it into a log or transfer it to a freezer-safe container—it will stay delicious for up to three months. Just be sure to thaw it in the fridge overnight when a sudden craving strikes.
Reheating
You don’t really need to reheat Easy Garlic Butter, but if you prefer it super spreadable, just let it sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes. If you’re melting it for drizzling, a quick zap in the microwave on low power does the trick—go slow to avoid accidental melting!
FAQs
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
Absolutely! If you go with salted butter, just reduce or omit the added salt and adjust to taste. Every butter brand is a little different, so start light and add more if needed.
What if I don’t have fresh parsley?
Dried parsley can step in as a substitute, but use only about 1 teaspoon since dried herbs are more concentrated. You can also try other fresh herbs like chives, basil, or thyme for a fun twist!
Can I make roasted garlic butter with this recipe?
Definitely! Swap out the raw minced garlic for 2 tablespoons of mashed roasted garlic. This brings a much sweeter, mellow garlic flavor, and you’ll discover a whole new side to Easy Garlic Butter.
How do I shape the butter into a log?
Spoon your mixed butter onto a sheet of plastic wrap, roll it up, and twist the ends like a candy wrapper. Chill until firm, then slice into rounds as needed. It’s perfect for neat, restaurant-style presentation!
Is Easy Garlic Butter vegetarian?
Yes, this recipe is naturally vegetarian as written. Just double-check your butter label if you’re cooking for someone with restrictive dietary needs, but it’s a fabulous meat-free flavor booster.
Final Thoughts
No matter how you serve it up, Easy Garlic Butter brings golden, garlicky comfort in every bite. It’s such a simple little recipe, but the joy it brings to a meal really is something special. Give it a try—you’ll wonder how you ever cooked without a jar in the fridge!
Print
Easy Garlic Butter Recipe
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 1/2 cup 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the rich and flavorful taste of this Easy Garlic Butter recipe. Perfect for spreading on bread, enhancing the flavors of steaks or vegetables, or adding a savory touch to your favorite dishes.
Ingredients
Garlic Butter:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 4 garlic cloves (minced)
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon lemon juice (optional)
Instructions
- Mix Ingredients: In a small bowl, combine softened butter, minced garlic, parsley, salt, and pepper. Add optional garlic powder and lemon juice. Mix well.
- Shape Butter: Transfer the mixture to a serving dish or shape it into a log using plastic wrap.
- Chill or Use: Refrigerate until firm or use immediately as a spread, topping, or for cooking.
Notes
- For roasted garlic butter, replace fresh garlic with 2 tablespoons of mashed roasted garlic.
- Perfect for bread, steaks, vegetables, or seafood.
- Store in the fridge for up to 1 week or freeze for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Condiment
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 tablespoon
- Calories: 100
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 0g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
