Garlic Butter Recipe (2024)

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Unlock the secret to unforgettable flavors with my Garlic Butter Recipe! With just three simple ingredients, you can whip up this delectable, garlicky concoction in no time. My easy garlic butter sauce is ready in 10 minutes, making it a quick and easy addition to any meal.

Garlic Butter Recipe (1)
Jump to:
  • Garlic Butter
  • Garlic Butter Sauce Ingredients
  • How to Make Garlic Butter
  • Garlic Butter Sauce Recipe
  • How to Store Homemade Garlic Butter
  • Can I freeze garlic butter sauce?
  • Garlic Spread Seasoning
  • Garlic Butter FAQs
  • How to Use Homemade Garlic Butter
  • 📌 Pin it for later!
  • 📋 Recipe
  • 💬 Reviews

Garlic Butter

Does it really get any better than an easy garlic butter sauce? You will want to add it to EVERYTHING, trust me!

This simple recipe adds a special touch to any meal, no matter what protein you cook. The best part about making homemade butter with garlic is that it really is as simple as it sounds.

You can make this easy recipe as either a solid compound butter to top steaks, bread, and more or use it as a sauce for pasta or dip. It’s the perfect recipe if you’re on a keto meal plan- it’s keto-friendly and makes every meal taste incredible!

I made this garlic butter for my filet mignon. It was truly delicious. No steak sauce needed.

@jequettabess

Garlic Butter Sauce Ingredients

  • salted butter
  • fresh garlic, finely chopped
  • parsley,finely chopped
  • optional, black pepper
Garlic Butter Recipe (2)

How to Make Garlic Butter

  1. Let your butter reach room temperature before you get started. When it’s nice and soft, add it to a bowl.
  2. Chop or press garlic and finely chop parsley. Add them to the bowl with the butter.
  3. Mix well until combined. That’s it! Perfect homemade garlic butter!

Add it to one of your favorite steak recipes to wow your guests!

Garlic Butter Sauce Recipe

  1. If you’re making my garlic butter recipe a delicious sauce, you must melt the butter in a saucepan over low heat for 3 minutes. Or microwave for 30 – 45 seconds.
  2. Chop or press the garlic and finely chop the parsley. Add them to the melted garlic.
  3. Mix well until combined.

I love using this delicious garlic butter sauce on my steamed crabs and all seafood recipes.

How to Store Homemade Garlic Butter

  1. Cool Down: Let your homemade garlic butter cool to room temperature.
  2. Airtight Container: Place it in an airtight container or sealable plastic bag.
  3. Refrigerate: Store it in the refrigerator.
  4. It can last in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.

That’s it! This method should keep your garlic butter fresh for a few weeks to a few months. Just remember to use clean utensils when scooping it out to prevent contamination.

Can I freeze garlic butter sauce?

Yes, you can; I do this often!

  1. Label and Date: It’s essential to label the containers or bags with the date of preparation so you can keep track of how long they’ve been in the freezer.
  2. Freeze: Place the containers or bags in the freezer. The garlic butter sauce can typically be stored in the freezer for three months without a significant loss in quality.
  3. Thawing: When you’re ready to use it, you can thaw the garlic butter sauce in the refrigerator overnight or use a defrost setting in the microwave if you need it more quickly.

Garlic Spread Seasoning

If you want to mix it up, there are seasonings you can add. Here are my top suggestions.

  1. Parsley: Fresh chopped parsley is a classic choice and adds a bright, fresh flavor to the garlic butter.
  2. Chives: Chopped chives provide a mild onion-like flavor and a pop of color.
  3. Basil: Fresh basil leaves or dried basil can give your garlic butter a hint of Italian flair.
  4. Thyme: Fresh or dried thyme adds earthy and aromatic notes to your garlic butter.
  5. Rosemary: Fresh rosemary leaves or dried rosemary contribute a piney and savory essence.
  6. Oregano: Dried oregano can infuse a Mediterranean or pizza-like flavor into your garlic butter.
  7. Cilantro: If you enjoy a more southwestern or Asian twist, try adding chopped cilantro leaves.
  8. Dill: Dill weed imparts a mild, slightly tangy flavor that pairs well with seafood and potatoes.
  9. Tarragon: This herb has a unique anise-like flavor that can add a touch of sophistication to your garlic butter.
  10. Red Pepper Flakes: For some heat, you can include red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
  11. Lemon Zest: Grated lemon zest provides a citrusy brightness that complements many dishes.
  12. Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan or Pecorino Romano cheese can add a rich, cheesy dimension to your garlic butter.
  13. Smoked Paprika: A small amount of smoked paprika can give your garlic butter a smoky, BBQ-like flavor.
  14. Sundried Tomatoes: Chopped sundried tomatoes can introduce a sweet and tangy twist to your garlic butter.
  15. Garlic Variations: Experiment with different garlic types, like roasted garlic or black garlic, for unique flavor profiles.

Remember that the quantity of herbs and seasonings you add should be adjusted according to your taste preferences. You can start with small amounts and gradually add more until you achieve the desired flavor. Homemade garlic butter is highly customizable, so feel free to get creative and tailor it to your liking and the dishes you plan to use it with.

Garlic Butter FAQs

Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh ones?

I use two tablespoons of fresh parsley in this recipe. But in a pinch, I have used dried parsley, and it works perfectly. I add 2 tablespoons of dried parsley, which is just as delicious.

How long does garlic butter last?

It will last up to 2 weeks in the fridge and about 2 to 3 months in the freezer.

How do you store garlic butter?

You can store garlic herb butter sauce in the refrigerator for two weeks or even freeze it to bring out as needed. Store it in the fridge rolled in plastic wrap as a log or in an air-tight container or baggie.

What type of butter should I use? Salted or Unsalted?

I like to use salted butter and skip adding salt to this recipe.

Garlic Butter Recipe (3)

How to Use Homemade Garlic Butter

Garlic Butter for Bread

This is the best garlic butter for bread! The secret to a great garlic bread spread is to keep it simple – which is precisely what this recipe is!

  1. Follow the recipe, but do not melt the spread. Preheat the oven to 425°F.
  2. Spread onto your favorite bread (baguette or french bread works great) at room temperature. For cheesy garlic bread, sprinkle ¼ cup of mozzarella or Parmesan cheese.
  3. Place bread on a baking sheet and bake until bread is toasted and lightly brown, approximately 5 minutes.

You can also make a garlic butter dipping sauce and dip my quick dinner rolls. One of my favorite appetizers is this Korean Cream Cheese Garlic Bread.

Garlic Butter Recipe (4)

Garlic Butter Sauce for Pasta

I love using this sauce for pasta. Add it to your favorite pasta, like angel hair, ziti, or linguine, and it will feel like a gourmet meal!

  1. Bring a large pot of water to a boil and add 1tablespoon of salt.
  2. Add your favorite pasta and cook, often stirring, until the pasta is almost done.
  3. While the pasta is cooking, place a large pan over medium heat. Add ½ cup of garlic butter and let it melt. Be careful not to overheat and burn it.
  4. When done cooking, drain the pasta and reserve ¼ cup of water. Add the pasta to the pan and toss the garlic butter recipe with the pasta and ¼ cup reserved pasta water.
  5. Top with Parmesan, parsley, and additional salt and pepper if desired. Serve immediately, and enjoy! I love this recipe for linguine pasta!

Garlic Butter Steak Sauce

This recipe makes the perfect butter garlic steak sauce! Garlic compound butter is an ideal pairing for beef, and steak is the best way to enjoy it. Let it melt over a juicy steak… there is nothing as delicious!

  • Grilled Chuck Steak
  • Picanha Steak
  • Steak Bites Recipe
  • Ribeye Steak
Garlic Butter Recipe (5)

Homemade Garlic Butter for Shrimp

Nothing is more delicious than shrimp dipped in a garlic butter dipping sauce!

  • Grilled Shrimp Recipe
  • Shrimp Linguine
  • Shrimp Shumai
  • Chinese Prawns
Garlic Butter Recipe (6)

Garlic Butter Dipping Sauce for Crabs

Try melting our butter garlic sauce with herbs over seafood for an incredible dinner! I love using this dipping sauce when I make crabs. It is amazing!

  • Grilled Crab Legs
  • Steamed Crab Legs

Garlic Butter for Vegetables

  • Garlic butter mushrooms There are no words to describe how amazing they are, and they only take 10 minutes to make!
  • Garlic Roasted Small Potatoes are a perfect fit for this sauce, too. Give them a try! They are super easy to make and so crispy on the outside.
  • Instant Pot Green Beans with garlic butter sauce
  • Corn riblets with garlic butter
Garlic Butter Recipe (7)

Garlic Butter for Pizza

This recipe makes the perfect garlic sauce dip for pairing with pizza when melted! One of my favorite game-day appetizers is pizza twists dipped in this delicious garlic sauce. The pizza crust is amazing!

My newest obsession is homemade pizza rolls and pizza monkey bread. Both are super easy to make and are so incredibly delicious!

Garlic Butter Recipe (8)

Garlic Butter Chicken and Turkey

Compound butter for turkey is an absolute must-try. All you have to do is make the compound butter and rub the entire turkey with it. This is the absolute Thanksgiving turkey recipe! You won’t believe how crispy the skin gets and how much flavor it adds!

You are guaranteed to get the juiciest chicken and turkey recipes!

  • Grilled Chicken Breast
  • Instant Pot Turkey Breast
  • Boneless Turkey Breast
  • Turkey on the Grill

Garlic Butter Burger

Use this spread on your favorite burgers! It turns your ordinary burger into an over-the-top burger experience. My favorite recipe is this easy Air Fryer Burger. You can use this sauce in any burger recipe.

Garlic Butter Recipe (9)

Garlic Butter Potatoes

This recipe is incredible for mashed potatoes. Up your potato game by making garlic butter mashed potatoes with one of our easy mashed potato recipes!

  • Foil Pack Potatoes
  • Creamer Potatoes
  • Grilled Potatoes

Butter Garlic Salmon

My new favorite way to cook salmon is by adding a dollop of this homemade garlic butter. It is excellent on grilled salmon, baked salmon, and even sous vide salmon.

Garlic Butter Recipe (10)

Try my Lemon Butter Sauce Recipe and Compound Butter!

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📋 Recipe

Garlic Butter Recipe (11)

Garlic Butter Recipe

Isabel Laessig

Make this EASY Garlic Butter Recipe with just 3 ingredients and one bowl! Garlic herb butter is the perfect complement to bread, vegetables, meats, and seafood. You will want to slather it on everything!

4.80 from 62 votes

Print Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 0 minutes mins

Total Time 10 minutes mins

Course Condiment

Cuisine American

Servings 16

Calories 102 kcal

Equipment

  • Bowl

Ingredients

  • 2 sticks butter, salted (at room temperature)
  • 3 cloves finely chopped or pressed
  • cup finely chopped

Cooking Conversions

See our Cooking Conversions Chart for help converting measurements!

Instructions

  • In a medium bowl, mix all ingredients until well-combined.

    Garlic Butter Recipe (12)

  • If you are using the recipe as a Butter spread, it will be ready to use. If you are using it as a Garlic Butter Sauce, add to a saucepan and heat on low for 3 minutes or until melted.

    Serve with everything from garlic butter steak bites to grilled crab legs, and enjoy!

    Garlic Butter Recipe (13)

Video

Notes

Try garlic herb butter on beef, chicken, seafood, bread, vegetables, or in pasta! It’s a delicious complement to any meal. It’s especially amazing slathered on our Thanksgiving turkey recipe! Find the link at the beginning of the post.

Nutrition

Calories: 102kcalCarbohydrates: 1gProtein: 1gFat: 11gSaturated Fat: 7gCholesterol: 30mgSodium: 101mgPotassium: 8mgSugar: 1gVitamin A: 392IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 5mgIron: 1mg

Keyword garlic butter, garlic butter recipe, garlic butter sauce, how to make garlic butter

Did you try this recipe?Tag on social and leave a comment below!

Garlic Butter Recipe (2024)

FAQs

What is garlic butter made of? ›

Method. Stir the butter, garlic and parsley, if using, together in a small bowl. Season with a little salt (only if using unsalted butter) and black pepper. If the butter is too cold to mix, warm the ingredients in a small pan until melted and combined, then leave to cool.

How long does homemade garlic butter last? ›

Great news: Homemade garlic butter lasts a long time. Stored in the fridge, it'll keep for up to two weeks, while in the freezer it will last up to a year. Just be sure to wrap it well or store it in an airtight container so it doesn't pick up smells from your fridge or freezer.

How do you make butter? ›

Here's the bottom line: Butter is simply heavy or whipping cream that's been whipped beyond its comfort zone and broken down into solid butter and liquid buttermilk. So however you make whipped cream, do it — and keep on going until the cream separates.

What are the ingredients in garlic? ›

The major active components of garlic (Figure 1) are its organosulfur compounds, such as diallyl thiosulfonate (allicin), diallyl sulfide (DAS), diallyl disulfide (DADS), diallyl trisulfide (DATS), E/Z-ajoene, S-allyl-cysteine (SAC), and S-allyl-cysteine sulfoxide (alliin) [15,16,17,18].

Is garlic butter good or bad for you? ›

Garlic butter is a very good source of vitamins A, E and K. It is even known to destroy harmful bacterias in our system. Even if it has saturated fats that has no harmful effects on our heart and body, it is a very good replacement for refined oil.

How many cloves of garlic for 1 tablespoon garlic paste? ›

Note: Since most Indian recipes call for 3-4 garlic cloves (minced), it is helpful to know that 1 tablespoon of garlic paste = 3 garlic cloves.

How long does homemade garlic paste last? ›

How should I store Garlic Paste and for how long? Obviously it is at it's best freshest, but garlic paste ground up with water remains delightfully garlicky for up to three weeks. If you are making a large batch and want it to last longer the freezer is your friend.

What are 3 steps in making butter? ›

Pour heavy cream into a food processor or blender. Process on high until butter separates, about 10 minutes. Strain off liquid, then press butter into a small bowl with the back of a spoon to further remove liquid. Season with salt.

What are the ingredients in butter? ›

Traditional butter is made by churning milk or cream, sometimes adding salt. Spreadable uses oil and may have less saturated fat.

How to make butter kid friendly? ›

Directions
  1. Fill the jar halfway with cream.
  2. Secure the lid on the jar and start shaking. ...
  3. When the sloshing sound stops, remove the lid and check for whipped cream.
  4. Put the lid back on and continue shaking until the mixture separates into buttermilk and butter.
  5. Remove the solid butter and enjoy it on a piece of toast.
Sep 13, 2019

What is garlic spread made of? ›

In a medium mixing bowl combine cream cheese and butter, mixing until well blended. Add parsley, onion and garlic and mix well. Refrigerate for 1 to 3 hours.

Does garlic butter contain milk? ›

UNCOMPROMISING APPROACH TO QUALITY. Lurpak® Garlic Butter is made from fresh milk, garlic, and a pinch of salt and pepper. We simply take the cream from the milk and churn until it turns into butter, adding the rest along the way.

Does garlic butter have fat? ›

Garlic Butter (1 cup) contains 0.1g total carbs, 0.1g net carbs, 184.1g fat, 1.9g protein, and 1628 calories.

How does garlic butter taste like? ›

Garlic butter! This spread is rich and, well, buttery, brimming with savory garlic flavor. It's quick to stir together, and it lasts for days in the fridge. Keep it on hand for slathering onto bagels and toast, tossing with noodles, dotting onto baked potatoes, and more.

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