Easy Garlic Butter Spread Recipe

Heavenly Garlic Butter Spread Recipe for Dreamy Meals

Crafting the perfect garlic butter spread brings culinary magic right to your kitchen.

Creamy and aromatic ingredients blend seamlessly into a delectable condiment.

Home cooks adore this simple yet extraordinary recipe that packs incredible flavor.

Sharp notes of fresh garlic dance through smooth, rich butter.

Mediterranean traditions inspire this versatile spread that complements everything from warm bread to grilled meats.

Chopping, mixing, and seasoning become an effortless celebration of taste.

You’ll want to slather this irresistible spread on absolutely everything.

One bite promises to transport you straight to flavor paradise.

Why Garlic Butter Spread Wins Over Tastebuds

  • Boost Flavor Instantly: Transform ordinary dishes with this zesty garlic butter spread that packs a punch of rich, aromatic taste in seconds.
  • Quick Kitchen Magic: Blend ingredients in one bowl without complicated techniques, making it perfect for cooks of all skill levels who want maximum flavor with minimal effort.
  • Versatile Culinary Companion: Spread on bread, drizzle over vegetables, or use as a savory topping for meats, creating endless delicious possibilities in your kitchen without complicated meal planning.
  • Simple Ingredient Harmony: Requires basic pantry staples like butter, garlic, and herbs, ensuring you can create a gourmet-style condiment without searching for rare or expensive ingredients.

Essential Ingredients for Garlic Butter Spread

Main Ingredients:
  • Butter: A creamy base that provides rich flavor and smooth texture for the spread.
  • Garlic: Adds a bold, pungent taste that gives the spread its signature flavor profile.
  • Parsley: Brings a fresh, herbal note and bright green color to the garlic butter.
Seasoning Ingredients:
  • Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance and balance the overall taste of the spread.
  • Lemon Juice: Adds a subtle tangy brightness that cuts through the richness of the butter.
Optional Ingredient:
  • Olive Oil: Provides extra smoothness and can help achieve a softer, more spreadable consistency.

How to Whip Up Garlic Butter Spread

Step 1: Soften and Prepare Butter

Take your butter out of the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature until it becomes soft and easily spreadable. This ensures smooth mixing and even distribution of flavors.

Step 2: Chop and Mince Fresh Ingredients

Finely chop fresh parsley and mince garlic cloves into tiny, uniform pieces. The smaller the pieces, the more evenly the flavors will blend throughout the butter.

Step 3: Combine Flavor-Packed Ingredients

In a medium mixing bowl, add the softened butter with the ingredients:
  • Minced garlic
  • Chopped parsley
  • Fresh lemon juice
  • Salt
  • Black pepper

Blend all ingredients thoroughly using a fork or spatula until the mixture becomes a smooth, consistent spread with no clumps.

Step 4: Enhance Texture and Richness

Optional: Drizzle olive oil into the mixture to create an extra silky and luxurious texture.

Stir gently to incorporate the oil completely.

Step 5: Store and Chill Spread

Transfer the garlic butter spread into an airtight container or wrap tightly in plastic wrap.

Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld and develop.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Remove from refrigerator and spread on warm crusty bread, roasted vegetables, grilled meats, or use as a delicious cooking sauce.

Bring to room temperature before serving for the best flavor and spreadability.

Tips for Perfect Garlic Butter Spread Every Time

  • Soften butter at room temperature for easy mixing and smooth spreadability.
  • Mince garlic finely to distribute flavor evenly throughout the butter.
  • Use fresh parsley for a vibrant, herbaceous taste that elevates the spread.
  • Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week, allowing flavors to meld together.
  • Experiment with additional herbs like basil or chives to create unique flavor variations.

Flavor Variations for Garlic Butter Spread

  • Herb-Infused Spread: Replace parsley with a mix of fresh thyme, rosemary, and basil for a fragrant Mediterranean-style butter.
  • Spicy Kick Version: Add red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to create a zesty, heat-packed garlic butter perfect for grilling.
  • Vegan Alternative: Swap butter with coconut oil or plant-based margarine, using nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor profile.
  • Roasted Garlic Option: Substitute raw minced garlic with slow-roasted garlic cloves for a deeper, sweeter, more mellow garlic essence.

Suggested Pairings for Garlic Butter Spread

  • Bread Buddy Delight: Slather this creamy garlic butter on freshly toasted baguette slices or crusty sourdough for an instant flavor explosion that will make your taste buds dance.
  • Veggie Enhancer: Brush the spread over grilled or roasted vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and asparagus to elevate their natural flavors with a rich, garlicky kick.
  • Steak's Secret Weapon: Melt a generous dollop of this garlic butter on top of a hot, juicy steak right after cooking to create a luxurious, restaurant-style finishing touch that adds incredible depth and richness.

Storage Tips to Keep Garlic Butter Fresh

  • Store the garlic butter spread in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 7-10 days.
  • Wrap tightly in plastic wrap or transfer to a sealed container to prevent absorption of other food odors.
  • Freeze the spread in small portions using ice cube trays or freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months.
  • Thaw frozen garlic butter in the refrigerator overnight before using, and consume within 2 days of thawing.

FAQs

  • Can I use pre-minced garlic from a jar?

Yes, jarred garlic works fine, but fresh minced garlic provides a more vibrant and intense flavor.

  • How long will the garlic butter spread last in the refrigerator?

The spread will stay fresh for up to 7-10 days when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

  • Is it possible to freeze garlic butter spread?

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

  • Can I adjust the amount of garlic in the recipe?

Definitely. Feel free to increase or decrease the garlic quantity based on your personal taste preferences and desired intensity of flavor.

Print
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Easy Garlic Butter Spread Recipe

Easy Garlic Butter Spread Recipe


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4.8 from 20 reviews

  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 8 1x

Description

Creamy garlic butter spread brings Mediterranean coastal flavors to kitchen tables. Herbs and fresh ingredients blend seamlessly for a rich, aromatic condiment you’ll enjoy spreading on warm bread or roasted vegetables.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 cup (226 grams) unsalted butter, softened
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced

Herbs and Seasonings:

  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Additional Ingredients:

  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon olive oil

Instructions

  1. Combine softened butter with finely chopped garlic, freshly chopped parsley, tangy lemon juice, and a pinch of salt and black pepper in a mixing bowl.
  2. Gently fold the ingredients, ensuring a uniform blend of flavors and creating a creamy, aromatic spread.
  3. Optional: Drizzle a small amount of olive oil to enhance the texture and add a subtle richness to the mixture.
  4. Thoroughly mix all components until the spread achieves a smooth, consistent consistency.
  5. Transfer the garlic butter mixture into a sealed container, pressing down to remove any air pockets.
  6. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the spread to firm up slightly.
  7. When ready to serve, let the spread sit at room temperature for 5-10 minutes to soften.
  8. Spread generously on warm crusty bread, roasted vegetables, grilled meats, or use as a flavorful cooking base for various dishes.
  9. Store in the refrigerator for up to 5-7 days, ensuring the container is tightly sealed to maintain freshness.

Notes

  • Soften butter at room temperature for 30 minutes to ensure smooth, easy mixing without lumps.
  • Use fresh garlic for the most vibrant flavor, finely mincing to distribute evenly throughout the spread.
  • Consider roasting garlic beforehand for a deeper, mellower taste that adds complexity to the butter.
  • Experiment with additional herbs like chives or dill to customize the spread and match different dishes.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Appetizer, Snacks
  • Method: Blending
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8
  • Calories: 115 kcal
  • Sugar: 0 g
  • Sodium: 720 mg
  • Fat: 13 g
  • Saturated Fat: 8 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 0.2 g
  • Fiber: 0.1 g
  • Protein: 0.1 g
  • Cholesterol: 31 mg
Jack Monroe

Jack Monroe

Founder & Recipe Innovator

Expertise

Pacific Northwest cuisine, Single-serving recipe development, Sustainable sourcing and cooking, Modern comfort food​

Education

Brightwater
Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts
Focus: Sustainable cooking, seasonal ingredients, and food systems education


Jack grew up with a fishing rod in one hand and a cast-iron skillet in the other. After graduating from Brightwater: A Center for the Study of Food, he set out to prove that cooking for one could still taste like a feast.
Jack believes that food should feel real: fresh, fearless, and a little wild, just like the rivers he grew up around. For Jack, every single dish is a small adventure, and the best ones are the ones you can cook with heart, not hassle.

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