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    Home > Toppings

    How to Make Garlic Butter (Easiest Homemade Recipe!)

    Published: Oct 5, 2023 · Modified: Oct 5, 2023 by Valya's Taste of Home · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

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    Do you want to learn how to make garlic butter at home? This Garlic Butter recipe will give you richly flavored butter enriched with the savory taste of fresh garlic, the aromatic touch of dill, and the vibrant notes of parsley. It’s creamy, it’s flavorful, and it’s the perfect addition to your culinary creations. 

    This Garlic Butter recipe will give you richly flavored butter enriched with the savory taste of fresh garlic, the aromatic touch of dill, and the vibrant notes of parsley.

    Garlic butter is a versatile ingredient that can elevate the taste of any meal. Made from unsalted butter, garlic, and fresh herbs, it is an easy and delicious way to add a gourmet touch to your homemade dishes. Whether you're spreading it on toast or using it as a cooking ingredient, this garlic butter is a must-try!

    What sets this garlic butter recipe apart is the method of preparation. It is not just about mixing the ingredients together but allowing them to absorb into the butter for a few hours in the refrigerator.

    This process makes sure that every bite is filled with the savory flavor of garlic and the refreshing taste of herbs. I promise once you try this homemade version, you'll never go back to store-bought variants again!

    Want to learn how to make this garlic butter recipe? Then keep on reading. 

    Table of Contents
    • What is Garlic Butter?
    • What Makes This Garlic Butter Recipe Special?
    • What You Need to Make Garlic Butter at Home
    • How to Make Garlic Butter (Step by Step) 
    • Tips for Making the Best Garlic Butter Ever
    • Serving Suggestions for Garlic Butter
    • Recipe Variation Ideas for Garlic Butter
    • Frequently Asked Questions
    • How to Store Leftover Garlic Butter
    • Similar Recipes You'll Love
    • Recipe Card
    • How to Make Garlic Butter (Easiest Homemade Recipe!)
    • Comments

    What is Garlic Butter?

    Garlic Butter is a simple yet delightful recipe that is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. It is a blend of softened butter, minced garlic, fresh parsley, and a dash of salt. 

    It’s infused with the robust flavor of fresh garlic cloves and delicate fresh herbs, making it an ideal spread for your favorite Italian bread, homemade rye bread, or French bread.

    Making garlic butter at home is a great way to add a gourmet touch to your meals. It is perfect for slathering on a warm baguette, melting over steaks, tossing with pasta, or serving as a dipping sauce for seafood like shrimp and lobster.

    This homemade garlic butter is incredibly flavorful, and the taste is far superior to any store-bought version. It’s creamy, garlicky, and just the right amount of salty - a true delight for your taste buds.

    Garlic butter is a versatile ingredient that can elevate the taste of any meal.

    What Makes This Garlic Butter Recipe Special?

    Easy to make: This recipe is a breeze to whip up, with a simple prep time and basic ingredients like unsalted butter, garlic juice, fresh dill, and parsley. All you need to do is combine and mix all the ingredients together.

    Variety of uses: Versatility is the name of the game with this homemade garlic butter. Whether you're spreading it on a warm baguette, enhancing the flavor of your pasta, or melting it over steaks and seafood like shrimp or lobster, this butter is a kitchen all-star.

    Delicious: The combination of fresh herbs, garlic juice, and butter creates a flavor explosion that is sure to please any palate. Plus, it is a family-favorite recipe that appeals to both adults and kids alike.

    Crowd pleaser: Whether it is a family dinner or a get-together with friends, this garlic butter is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Smear it on some French bread or Italian bread, and watch it disappear in no time.

    Enhances dishes: This is not just a spread, it's a flavor enhancer. Use it in your chicken or vegetable recipes, as a dipping sauce, or even to add that extra oomph to your potatoes. The possibilities are endless!

    What You Need to Make Garlic Butter at Home

    All you need are some simple pantry staple ingredients to make this garlic butter recipe at home. Let's look at them in more detail:

    • Unsalted Butter: The star of this recipe, unsalted butter brings in a creamy and rich texture. Softened to room temperature, it combines well with other ingredients and helps in creating a smooth and spreadable homemade garlic butter.
    • Garlic Juice: Freshly squeezed garlic juice adds a robust and pungent flavor to the butter. It infuses the butter with a deep garlic taste that is essential for achieving that signature flavor.
    • Fresh Dill: The addition of fresh dill brings an aromatic and slightly tangy flavor to the butter. Chopped finely, it blends well with the butter and adds a pop of fresh herb taste to the mix.
    • Fresh Parsley: Chopped fresh parsley not only adds a vibrant color to it but also a mild, slightly peppery flavor. It balances out the strong garlic taste and compliments the creamy butter beautifully.
    All you need are some simple pantry staple ingredients to make this garlic butter recipe at home.

    How to Make Garlic Butter (Step by Step) 

    Making this incredible garlic butter is easier than you think. Here's how to make them at home step by step:

    Combining the Ingredients

    To start off, gather all your ingredients. You'll need salt, minced garlic, fresh parsley, and garlic powder. For this recipe, it is important to use high-quality butter for the best flavor. 

    Once you've got everything, take a bowl and mix all your ingredients together. Make sure everything is well combined. This step is crucial as it makes sure that all the flavors meld together.

    Once you've got everything, take a bowl and mix all your ingredients together.

    Shaping the Butter

    After mixing your ingredients well, it is time to shape the butter. Place your mixed butter onto a piece of parchment paper or plastic food wrap. Gently roll it into a log shape. 

    This might take a bit of time and patience, but it is worth it. The log shape makes it easier to slice off just as much as you need later.

    Place your mixed butter onto a piece of parchment paper or plastic food wrap.

    Refrigerating the Butter

    Once your butter log is ready, it is time to refrigerate it. Keep it in the fridge for about two to four hours. This allows the flavors to fully absorb into the butter, making it even more delicious. It also hardens the butter, making it easier to slice.

    Using Your Homemade Garlic Butter

    Now that your homemade garlic butter is ready, it is time to put it to use. You can spread it on a slice of warm French bread or Italian bread for a flavorful snack. 

    You can also use it for cooking - melt it over steaks, potatoes, pasta, or vegetables for an added burst of flavor. It is even great as a dipping sauce for seafood like shrimp and lobster! The possibilities are endless with this versatile recipe. 

    Enjoy your Homemade Garlic Butter! 

    Garlic Butter is a simple yet delightful recipe that is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. It is a blend of softened butter, minced garlic, fresh parsley, and a dash of salt. 

    Tips for Making the Best Garlic Butter Ever

    Choose High-Quality Butter: Using high-quality butter can significantly enhance the flavor of your homemade garlic butter. Look for unsalted butter, as this allows you to control the saltiness of your recipe.

    Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh dill and fresh parsley contribute significantly to the flavor profile of your garlic butter. Using fresh herbs rather than dried ones will give your butter a brighter and more robust flavor.

    Allow Time for the Flavors to Blend: After combining your ingredients, refrigerate your butter for at least two to four hours. This allows the flavors to meld together, resulting in a more flavorful butter.

    Garlic Options: Freshly squeezed garlic juice provides a strong garlic flavor. However, you could also use minced garlic or garlic powder, depending on your preference and what's available in your kitchen.

    Serving Suggestions for Garlic Butter

    • For a simple and delicious breakfast, spread this homemade garlic butter on a slice of warm French bread or Italian bread. The garlic and fresh herbs blend perfectly with the bread's crusty exterior and soft interior.
    • If you're planning a pasta night, toss your favorite pasta in it for a quick and flavorful sauce. Add some parmesan cheese on top for an extra touch of richness.
    • Elevate your seafood dishes with this garlic butter. Whether it is shrimp, lobster, or other seafood, just sauté it in a pan over medium heat with a spoonful of this butter. The fresh garlic cloves and parsley will enhance the seafood's natural flavor.
    • It's also perfect for your meat dishes. Before grilling or roasting your steaks or chicken, rub them with this butter. The garlic and fresh herbs will infuse the meat with a mouthwatering aroma and taste.
    • For your roasted or mashed potatoes, add a dollop of this garlic butter for a burst of flavor. The butter will melt into the hot potatoes, making them incredibly tasty and aromatic. 

    Recipe Variation Ideas for Garlic Butter

    This delicious garlic butter recipe is absolutely perfect as is, but if you're looking to change things up, here are a few variation ideas you can try:

    Seafood Delight: If you're a seafood lover, this variation is a must-try. Add a teaspoon of lemon juice and a hint of minced garlic to the mix. The tangy lemon and garlic flavors work great with lobster, shrimp, and other seafood dishes, adding a fresh twist to your meal.

    Italian Twist: Bring some Italian flair to your butter by adding a tablespoon of parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of onion powder. This gives a savory, cheesy edge that pairs perfectly with pasta dishes or toasted Italian bread.

    Peppery Kick: For those who like a little heat, try adding a teaspoon of black pepper to itr. The pepper adds a spicy kick which compliments the creamy butter and garlic flavor, making it perfect for grilled chicken or potatoes.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Can I use this garlic butter for cooking?

    Absolutely! This homemade garlic butter is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes. It can be used to flavor steaks, seafood like shrimp and lobster, or even vegetables. It is also perfect for pasta dishes and can be served as a dipping sauce for French bread or Italian bread.

    Can I use garlic powder or minced garlic instead of garlic juice?

    Yes, you can use garlic powder or minced garlic in place of garlic juice. However, the flavor might differ slightly. Fresh garlic cloves can also be used for a more robust flavor.

    Can I add other spices or herbs to this garlic butter recipe?

    Certainly! Feel free to add other spices like black pepper or onion powder or fresh herbs like basil or rosemary to customize the flavor to your liking.

    How to Store Leftover Garlic Butter

    You can easily store leftover butter if you’ve made a large batch. You can easily store it in the fridge for up to two weeks.

    Now, what if you've made a lot more than you can use within two weeks? Can you freeze it? The answer is yes, you can! Freezing garlic butter extends its life significantly, up to several months. 

    To freeze, you can either keep it in an airtight container or roll it into a log using cling wrap then freeze. When you need to use it, simply cut off the amount you need from the log and let it thaw in the fridge overnight. 

    This homemade garlic butter is incredibly flavorful, and the taste is far superior to any store-bought version.

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    Recipe Card

    Garlic butter is a versatile ingredient that can elevate the taste of any meal.

    How to Make Garlic Butter (Easiest Homemade Recipe!)

    Valya's Taste of Home
    Want to learn how to make garlic butter? Here's a simple guide to creating a flavorful butter that's a hit with bread, seafood, or veggies!
    No ratings yet
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 15 minutes mins
    1 hour hr
    Total Time 1 hour hr 15 minutes mins
    Course Topping
    Cuisine American

    Ingredients
      

    • 8 oz. – unsalted grass-fed butter softened to room temperature
    • ½ tsp. – freshly squeezed garlic juice
    • 1 tbsp. – fresh dill chopped
    • 1 tbsp. – fresh parsley chopped
    Read More

    Instructions
     

    Combining the Ingredients

    • To start off, gather all your ingredients. You'll need salt, minced garlic, fresh parsley, and garlic powder. For this recipe, it is important to use high-quality butter for the best flavor.
    • Once you've got everything, take a bowl and mix all your ingredients together. Make sure everything is well combined. This step is crucial as it makes sure that all the flavors meld together.

    Shaping the Butter

    • After mixing your ingredients well, it is time to shape the butter. Place your mixed butter onto a piece of parchment paper. Gently roll it into a log shape.
    • This might take a bit of time and patience, but it is worth it. The log shape makes it easier to slice off just as much as you need later.

    Refrigerating the Butter

    • Once your butter log is ready, it is time to refrigerate it. Keep it in the fridge for about two to four hours. This allows the flavors to fully absorb into the butter, making it even more delicious. It also hardens the butter, making it easier to slice.
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    A food blogger, recipe developer, photographer, editor, and author behind Valya’s Taste of Home website. Sharing family-proven tasty recipes with step-by-step photos and videos. Read more...

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