Garlic Butter Spread Recipe

Easy Homemade Garlic Butter Spread Recipe for Tasty Meals

My favorite kitchen garlic butter spread combines creamy richness with intense flavor that makes every slice of bread sing.

butter whipped with minced cloves creates an irresistible condiment perfect for multiple culinary adventures.

Sharp, pungent notes dance across smooth textures, promising delectable moments at your table.

Blending fresh ingredients takes mere minutes and delivers restaurant-quality results right in your own kitchen.

Simple tools like a mixing bowl and fork become magical implements transforming basic components into something extraordinary.

Each dollop promises to elevate breads, vegetables, and grilled meats with its luxurious appeal.

You’ll want to keep this recipe close for spontaneous flavor boosts that impress without complicated techniques.

Homemade Garlic Butter Spread to Enhance Any Dish

  • Boost Flavor Instantly: This garlic butter spread transforms ordinary dishes with a punch of rich, herby goodness that makes every bite more delicious.
  • Quick Kitchen Magic: Whip up this versatile spread in minutes with just a few simple ingredients, perfect for busy home cooks wanting to elevate their meals.
  • Multipurpose Culinary Companion: Slather on warm bread, drizzle over vegetables, or melt on steak – this spread is a game-changer for multiple recipes and meal types.
  • Customize with Ease: Swap herbs, adjust seasonings, and make it your own personal kitchen signature that suits your taste preferences perfectly.

Ingredients for Garlic Butter Spread

Base Ingredients:
  • Butter: A creamy base that provides rich flavor and smooth texture for the spread.
  • Garlic: Adds a bold, aromatic punch of flavor to the butter mixture.
Herb and Seasoning Ingredients:
  • Parsley, Thyme, Rosemary: Fresh herbs that enhance the overall taste and provide a subtle green freshness.
  • Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and intensify the spread's flavor profile.
Finishing Ingredients:
  • Lemon Juice: Adds a bright, tangy note that cuts through the richness of the butter and brightens the overall taste.

How to Prepare Garlic Butter Spread

Step 1: Soften and Prep Butter

Grab your butter and let it sit at room temperature until it becomes soft and easily spreadable.

This makes mixing ingredients much smoother and ensures a creamy texture.

Step 2: Chop and Blend Herbs

Finely mince fresh garlic and chop herbs with a sharp knife.

You can use:
  • Parsley
  • Thyme
  • Rosemary

Step 3: Create Flavor Fusion

In a mixing bowl, combine all ingredients:
  • Softened butter
  • Minced garlic
  • Chopped herbs
  • Salt
  • Black pepper
  • Fresh lemon juice

Stir everything together until the mixture looks uniform and all ingredients are evenly distributed.

Step 4: Store and Chill

Transfer the garlic butter mixture into a clean glass jar or airtight container.

Place in the refrigerator to allow flavors to meld and butter to firm up slightly.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Pull out your garlic butter and spread generously on:
  • Warm bread
  • Toasted slices
  • Grilled vegetables
  • Seared steak
  • Fresh pasta
  • Roasted corn

Let the butter come to room temperature for easier spreading before serving.

Tips for Perfect Garlic Butter Spread

  • Let butter sit at room temperature for 30-45 minutes to achieve a smooth, spreadable consistency without microwaving.
  • Use a sharp knife or garlic press to create fine, uniform garlic pieces that distribute evenly throughout the butter.
  • Try different fresh or dried herbs like basil, oregano, or chives to create unique flavor variations of the spread.
  • Keep garlic butter in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week, or freeze for longer storage up to one month.
  • Use as a quick flavor booster for grilled meats, roasted vegetables, or as a delicious finishing touch on baked potatoes.

Variations for Garlic Butter Spread

  • Herb Garden Blend: Swap parsley for basil, dill, or chives to create a fresh, vibrant garlic butter with different herbal notes.
  • Spicy Kick Spread: Add red pepper flakes or finely chopped jalapeños for a zesty, heat-packed version that brings extra excitement to your dishes.
  • Vegan Butter Alternative: Replace dairy butter with coconut oil or plant-based margarine, using nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor profile.
  • Mediterranean Style: Incorporate roasted red pepper or sun-dried tomato pieces for a rich, Mediterranean-inspired garlic spread that elevates any bread or vegetable.

Serving Suggestions for Garlic Butter Spread

  • Bread Bliss: Slather this creamy garlic butter on freshly toasted sourdough or baguette slices for an instant flavor explosion that'll make your taste buds dance.
  • Steak Companion: Melt a dollop of this herb-infused spread over a hot, juicy steak right after cooking to add a luxurious, garlicky finish that enhances the meat's rich flavor.
  • Veggie Transformer: Drizzle or spread the garlic butter on roasted or steamed vegetables like asparagus, broccoli, or carrots to turn simple sides into restaurant-worthy dishes with minimal effort.
  • Pasta Perfect: Toss warm pasta with a spoonful of this garlic butter to create an instant, silky sauce that coats each noodle with aromatic herbs and rich, buttery goodness.

Best Storage for Garlic Butter Spread

  • Store garlic butter spread in an airtight container for up to 7 days in the refrigerator. Keep it sealed tightly to prevent absorbing other food odors.
  • Transfer the spread to a freezer-safe container or wrap in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 3 months for longer storage.
  • Move frozen garlic butter from the freezer to the refrigerator overnight. Let it soften at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before using.
  • Gently warm the spread in a microwave for 5-10 seconds or let it sit at room temperature until spreadable. Avoid overheating to maintain its creamy texture.

FAQs

  • Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh ones?

Yes, you can substitute fresh herbs with dried herbs. Use about 1/3 the amount of dried herbs compared to fresh, as dried herbs are more concentrated in flavor.

  • How long can I store homemade garlic butter spread?

The garlic butter spread can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. For best quality and flavor, consume within 5-7 days.

  • Is it possible to freeze garlic butter spread?

Absolutely! You can freeze the spread in an airtight container or wrapped in plastic wrap for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before using.

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Garlic Butter Spread Recipe

Garlic Butter Spread Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.9 from 33 reviews

  • Total Time: 10 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Homemade garlic butter spread blends creamy richness with zesty garlic for an irresistible kitchen staple. Spreadable, flavorful, and simple to prepare, this condiment elevates breads, meats, and vegetables with Mediterranean-inspired charm.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1/2 cup (113 grams) unsalted butter, softened
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced

Herbs and Seasonings:

  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped
  • 1 teaspoon fresh thyme or rosemary
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Optional Ingredients:

  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice

Instructions

  1. Blend softened butter with finely chopped garlic, fragrant herbs, zesty lemon juice, and a pinch of seasoning in a mixing vessel until ingredients are thoroughly incorporated.
  2. Scoop the aromatic mixture into a sealed glass container or preservation vessel.
  3. Chill the spread in the refrigerator for optimal texture and flavor melding, typically 30 minutes to 1 hour.
  4. Remove from cold storage approximately 10 minutes before serving to allow slight softening.
  5. Generously slather across warm crusty bread, grilled vegetables, seared proteins, or delicate pasta dishes for an instant flavor enhancement.
  6. Store remaining spread in refrigerator for up to one week, ensuring maximum freshness and taste integrity.

Notes

  • Choose room temperature butter for smoother, easier mixing and better incorporation of herbs and garlic.
  • Fresh garlic provides more vibrant flavor compared to pre-minced or jarred varieties, so mince it finely for even distribution.
  • Adjust herb quantities based on personal preference; rosemary offers a stronger, more robust taste while parsley adds a lighter, fresher note.
  • Store garlic butter in an airtight container for up to one week in the refrigerator, or freeze in small portions for longer preservation and convenient use.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Category: Appetizer, Snacks
  • Method: Blending
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 102
  • Sugar: 0.01 g
  • Sodium: 485 mg
  • Fat: 11.5 g
  • Saturated Fat: 7.4 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 3.8 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 0.02 g
  • Fiber: 0 g
  • Protein: 0.1 g
  • Cholesterol: 31 mg
Amanda Bennett

Amanda Bennett

Recipe Curator & Culinary Educator

Expertise

Baking and Pastry Arts, Recipe Testing and Development, Culinary Instruction, Food Styling and Photography

Education

​Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College, Asheville, NC
​Diploma in Culinary Arts
Emphasized practical cooking skills, nutrition, and kitchen management.​

Cambridge School of Culinary Arts, Cambridge, MA
Certificate in Professional Pastry Arts
Specialized in baking techniques, dessert presentation, and flavor profiling


Amanda’s roots run deep in the Southern hills, where every meal started fresh from the garden and every dessert came with a story. She trained at Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College and sharpened her pastry skills at the Cambridge School of Culinary Arts, blending classic technique with everyday charm.
At The Liffey, Amanda’s passion is making baking and home cooking feel natural and joyful. She’s all about single recipes that are simple enough for a busy afternoon, but special enough to make someone’s day a little sweeter.

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