Garlic Butter is the ultimate kitchen shortcut, blending rich, creamy butter with the bold, aromatic punch of fresh garlic. In just five minutes, you’ll have a versatile condiment that elevates everything from crusty bread to grilled steak. Its velvety texture melts effortlessly, while the garlic’s savory warmth lingers on your palate, creating a flavor explosion that’s both comforting and indulgent.
This recipe is a game-changer for busy cooks, offering a quick way to add depth and richness to any dish. Whether you’re tossing it with pasta, drizzling it over roasted veggies, or slathering it on warm rolls, the combination of buttery smoothness and garlic’s earthy zest is irresistible. It’s simplicity at its finest, delivering maximum flavor with minimal effort.
What You’ll Need for Garlic Butter?
- ½ cup unsalted butter (at room temperature for easy mixing)
- 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh parsley or chives (substitute with dried herbs if needed, using 1 teaspoon)
- 2 garlic cloves, grated (use a microplane for best results)
- ½ teaspoon sea salt (adjust to taste or use kosher salt as an alternative)
How to Make Garlic Butter?
- In a small bowl, combine the softened butter, parsley (or chives), grated garlic, and salt. Stir until everything is evenly mixed and the butter is smooth.
- Serve immediately on toasted baguette slices, or spread onto bread and bake for garlic bread. For more ideas, check out the serving suggestions in the post above.
Creative Serving Suggestions
This garlic butter is incredibly versatile! Spread it on toasted baguette slices for a quick appetizer, or slather it on garlic bread before baking for a crowd-pleasing side. It’s also perfect for melting over steamed vegetables, tossing with pasta, or brushing onto grilled shrimp for extra flavor.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Store your garlic butter in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week, or freeze it for up to 3 months. For freezing, roll it into a log wrapped in parchment paper for easy slicing. To use, simply let it soften at room temperature or melt it directly onto warm dishes.
Recipe Variations to Try
Switch up the flavors by adding 1 teaspoon of lemon zest for a citrusy twist, or mix in 1 tablespoon of grated Parmesan for a cheesy kick. For a spicy version, add a pinch of red pepper flakes. You can also substitute parsley with fresh basil or cilantro for a different herb profile.
Time-Saving Tips
To save time, use pre-minced garlic or a garlic press instead of grating. You can also make a double batch and freeze half for future use. If you’re in a rush, microwave the butter for 5-10 seconds to soften it quickly.
Garlic Butter
Ingredients
- ½ cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
- 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh parsley or chives
- 2 garlic cloves, grated
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
Instructions
- In a small bowl, stir together the softened butter, parsley, garlic, and salt.
- Serve on toasted baguette or bake onto garlic bread. Find more serving suggestions in the post above.