If you’re searching for a luxurious, creamy spread that will transform everything from a humble slice of bread to a sizzling steak, look no further than this Homemade Garlic Butter. Packed with fresh garlic, fragrant parsley, and just the right sprinkle of salt and pepper, this easy recipe delivers restaurant-quality flavor with just minutes of prep. Whether you slather it on veggies or use it to finish seafood, every bite is pure comfort—and honestly, you’ll find yourself putting it on everything!

Homemade Garlic Butter Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity—each ingredient is easy to find, yet brings something essential to the table. By choosing fresh, quality items, you’ll create a Homemade Garlic Butter that’s rich, bright, and fully customizable to your taste.

Unsalted Butter (1/2 cup, softened): The creamy foundation of the spread; using unsalted gives you total control over flavor.
Fresh Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Offers that classic punchy aroma and a little heat; for a mellow, sweeter flavor, you can always roast the garlic first.
Chopped Fresh Parsley (1 tablespoon): Lends a burst of color and a herbaceous freshness that cuts through the richness.
Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Essential to make all the flavors pop—don’t skip it!
Black Pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Adds a gentle warmth and rounds out the taste.
Lemon Juice (1/4 teaspoon, optional): Just a hint brightens up the butter and brings all the other flavors into focus.

How to Make Homemade Garlic Butter

Step 1: Soften the Butter

Begin by ensuring your butter is soft enough to mix easily. Let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes—this step is crucial for a smooth, fluffy Homemade Garlic Butter.

Step 2: Mince the Garlic and Chop the Parsley

While the butter softens, mince your garlic as finely as possible and chop the parsley. The smaller the pieces, the more evenly they’ll distribute, infusing the butter with their rich flavors.

Step 3: Combine the Ingredients

In a small mixing bowl, add the softened butter, minced garlic, chopped parsley, salt, black pepper, and lemon juice if desired. Using a fork or a spatula, mash and stir until everything is fully incorporated and the mixture is smooth.

Step 4: Taste and Adjust

Give your Homemade Garlic Butter a quick taste. Add a pinch more salt, pepper, or lemon juice if you like. Remember, different butters and garlic can vary in intensity, so make it your own!

Step 5: Shape and Chill

You can use the butter right away, but for classic compound butter presentation, scoop it onto a piece of plastic wrap, roll it into a log, and twist the ends closed. Pop it in the fridge to firm up—ready to slice, melt, or spread at a moment’s notice.

How to Serve Homemade Garlic Butter

Garnishes

For a pretty finish, sprinkle a bit of extra chopped parsley or a pinch of flaky sea salt over your Homemade Garlic Butter just before serving. Lemon zest also adds a pop of brightness and a fancy touch.

Side Dishes

The possibilities are endless! Slather garlic butter on warm baguette slices, steamed veggies, baked potatoes, or corn on the cob. It’s also sensational melted over grilled steak, chicken, or tossed with pasta.

Creative Ways to Present

Try piping the butter into decorative rosettes using a pastry bag, or shape it with small cookie cutters for special occasions. Individual ramekins or small jars of Homemade Garlic Butter make charming gifts or dinner party starters.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once firm, keep your Homemade Garlic Butter wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’ll stay fresh for up to one week, ready for whenever you need a flavor boost.

Freezing

For long-term storage, freeze the butter log in freezer-safe wrap or a zip-top bag. It keeps beautifully for up to three months; just slice off what you need straight from the freezer.

Reheating

There’s no need to reheat garlic butter directly—just let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes to soften, or place a slice on hot food and let the gentle warmth melt it perfectly.

FAQs

Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?

Absolutely! If you’re starting with salted butter, simply reduce the added salt or taste as you go to avoid oversalting your Homemade Garlic Butter.

What’s the best way to roast garlic for this recipe?

Slice the top from a whole garlic head, drizzle with oil, wrap in foil, and bake at 400°F for about 30 minutes until soft and aromatic. Squeeze out the caramelized cloves and use in place of raw garlic for a sweeter twist.

Can I add other herbs or flavors?

Definitely! Try chives, dill, or even a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat. Sun-dried tomatoes or grated Parmesan are delicious ways to personalize your Homemade Garlic Butter.

Is this butter safe for people with lactose intolerance?

While butter does contain a small amount of lactose, most people with mild intolerance can enjoy it in moderation. For a dairy-free version, try plant-based or lactose-free butter alternatives.

How do I keep the butter from separating?

Be sure your butter is softened but not melted when mixing, and blend thoroughly to ensure a smooth, homogenous Homemade Garlic Butter every time.

Final Thoughts

There’s something magical about whipping up a batch of Homemade Garlic Butter—whether you’re elevating a simple dinner or adding that perfect finishing touch to special meals. I hope you’ll give it a try, experiment with your favorite herbs, and make it a staple in your kitchen. Happy cooking!

Homemade Garlic Butter Recipe

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4.8 from 10 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 5 minutes
Yield: 8 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free

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Description

Learn how to make delicious Homemade Garlic Butter that elevates any dish. This easy-to-follow recipe results in a flavorful and versatile compound butter perfect for bread, steaks, vegetables, and seafood.

Ingredients

Scale

Ingredients:

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

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Instructions

In a small bowl, combine ingredients: softened butter, minced garlic, chopped parsley, salt, pepper, and lemon juice if using.
Mix well: Blend until smooth and evenly combined.
Use immediately or refrigerate: Enjoy right away or transfer to plastic wrap, form into a log, and chill until firm.
Serve: Slice as needed for serving.

Notes

This garlic butter is versatile and pairs well with various dishes such as bread, steaks, vegetables, and seafood.
For a deeper flavor, consider using roasted garlic instead of raw.
Store in the refrigerator for up to 1 week or freeze for longer preservation (up to 3 months).

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Category: Condiment
Method: No-Cook
Cuisine: American