Garlic Butter Spread Recipe

Homemade Garlic Butter Spread Recipe: Rich & Flavorful Joy

Crafting a delectable garlic butter spread brings pure culinary magic right to your kitchen counter.

Rich, creamy textures meld with robust herb notes in this simple yet extraordinary recipe.

Fragrant garlic cloves unlock intense flavors that dance across your taste buds.

Smooth butter provides a luxurious canvas for these aromatic ingredients to shine.

Each ingredient whispers stories of comfort and indulgence, promising to elevate your ordinary bread or vegetables.

Minimal effort yields maximum deliciousness, making this spread a secret weapon in your cooking arsenal.

You’ll want to slather this irresistible mixture on everything within reach.

Tasty Pairings For Garlic Butter Spread

  • Boost Bread's Flavor: Spread this garlic butter on crusty French baguettes or warm artisan sourdough for an incredible taste explosion that transforms simple bread into a gourmet experience.
  • Pair with Crisp White Wine: Complement the rich, garlic-infused spread with a chilled Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, whose light, acidic notes balance the butter's intense flavor and cut through its richness.
  • Elevate Grilled Seafood: Brush this garlic butter over freshly grilled shrimp, scallops, or salmon to add a zesty, aromatic dimension that enhances the delicate marine flavors with a robust garlic kick.
  • Match with Roasted Vegetables: Drizzle the spread over hot roasted vegetables like asparagus, Brussels sprouts, or cauliflower to create a mouthwatering side dish that transforms ordinary veggies into a restaurant-quality treat.

Garlic Butter Spread Variations To Try

  • Herb Fusion Spread: Elevate the classic garlic butter by adding a mix of fresh thyme, rosemary, and chives for an aromatic herb-packed experience.
  • Spicy Kick Blend: Incorporate red pepper flakes or finely chopped jalapeños to create a zesty, heat-infused garlic butter that tingles the taste buds.
  • Mediterranean Magic: Blend in sun-dried tomatoes, chopped kalamata olives, and a sprinkle of dried oregano for a Mediterranean-inspired spread that transports you to coastal cuisines.
  • Smoky Sensation: Mix in smoked paprika and a touch of liquid smoke to give the garlic butter a deep, rich flavor profile that adds complexity to any dish.

Quick Questions About Garlic Butter Spread

  • What makes this garlic butter spread special?

This spread combines fresh minced garlic, herbs, and butter for a rich, flavorful condiment that elevates almost any dish. It’s simple to make and packs a delicious punch of garlic and herb flavor.

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

While fresh garlic is best for maximum flavor, you can use pre-minced garlic. Just make sure it’s fresh and drain any excess liquid before mixing into the butter.

  • Is this spread good for people who love intense garlic flavor?

Absolutely! You can easily adjust the amount of garlic to make it milder or more intense. Start with less and add more to suit your personal taste preferences.

  • How can I use this garlic butter spread?

It’s versatile! Spread on bread, melt over vegetables, use as a topping for grilled meats, stir into pasta, or use as a quick flavor boost for almost any savory dish.

Why Garlic Butter Spread Makes Everything Better

  • Whip Up Speedy Flavor: This garlic butter spread takes mere minutes to prepare, making it a quick and delightful recipe for busy home cooks who want maximum taste with minimal effort.
  • Transform Everyday Dishes: Versatile and packed with bold garlic goodness, this spread elevates everything from bread and vegetables to grilled meats, instantly upgrading ordinary meals into something spectacular.
  • Perfect Kitchen Companion: Homemade and preservable for up to a week, this spread offers convenience and fresh ingredients without any complicated techniques, welcoming both novice and experienced cooks to enjoy its simplicity.
  • Customize Your Culinary Creation: Easy to adjust seasoning and optional ingredients like Parmesan cheese allow personal touches, ensuring the spread matches individual taste preferences and dietary needs.

What’s Inside Garlic Butter Spread

Butter and Flavor Enhancers:
  • Butter: A creamy base that provides rich, smooth texture and delicious flavor for the spread.
  • Garlic, Minced Garlic: Adds bold, aromatic flavor; fresh garlic offers more intense taste than pre-minced.
  • Garlic Powder: Optional ingredient for extra garlic depth and more concentrated flavor.
Herb and Seasoning Blend:
  • Parsley: Adds fresh, bright green color and mild herbal notes to the spread.
  • Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances the richness of butter.
  • Black Pepper: Provides subtle warmth and slight heat to complement the garlic.
Optional Cheese Addition:
  • Parmesan Cheese: Introduces nutty, salty complexity and additional depth to the garlic butter spread.

How To Whip Up Garlic Butter Spread Fast

Step 1: Soften The Butter

Take butter out of the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes. This helps create a smooth, spreadable texture that blends easily with other ingredients.

Step 2: Chop Fresh Herbs

Finely mince fresh herbs to release their vibrant flavors and ensure even distribution throughout the spread.

Step 3: Crush And Mince Garlic

Peel garlic cloves and use a garlic press or finely chop them to release intense, aromatic flavors.

Step 4: Blend Creamy Mixture

In a medium mixing bowl, combine all ingredients using a fork or spatula. Stir until everything is perfectly blended and creates a smooth, fragrant spread.

Step 5: Taste And Adjust

Sample the spread and fine-tune the seasoning. Add more salt, garlic, or herbs to match your personal flavor preferences.

Step 6: Store And Serve

Transfer the garlic butter spread to a small serving dish or airtight container. Refrigerate if not using immediately. Before serving, let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes to soften.

Pro Tips For Garlic Butter Spread That Works

  • Soften Butter Perfectly: Allow butter to sit at room temperature for 30-45 minutes to achieve the ideal spreadable consistency without melting.
  • Boost Flavor Intensity: Roast garlic beforehand for a deeper, caramelized taste that adds rich complexity to the spread.
  • Customize Herb Blend: Experiment with fresh herbs like basil, chives, or thyme to create unique flavor profiles that complement different dishes.
  • Make Ahead and Freeze: Wrap the garlic butter spread in plastic wrap or place in an ice cube tray for convenient portioning and long-term storage up to 3 months.
  • Dairy-Free Alternative: Substitute butter with plant-based margarine or coconut oil for a vegan-friendly version that maintains the same zesty garlic flavor.

How To Keep Garlic Butter Spread Fresh Longer

  • Seal the garlic butter spread in an airtight container to maintain its freshness and flavor.
  • Refrigerate for up to one week, allowing the ingredients to meld together beautifully.
  • When ready to use, remove from the refrigerator about 15 minutes before serving to soften slightly and enhance spreadability.
  • Want maximum longevity? Freeze the garlic butter in a freezer-safe container for up to three months, wrapping it tightly to prevent freezer burn and preserve its delicious taste.
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Garlic Butter Spread Recipe

Garlic Butter Spread Recipe


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4.8 from 39 reviews

  • Total Time: 5 minutes
  • Yield: 8 1x

Description

Garlic butter spread brings savory Mediterranean magic to kitchen counters everywhere. Creamy, herbal notes dance with smooth richness, creating a versatile condiment you’ll want to drizzle, slather, and savor on countless dishes.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • ½ cup (115 grams) unsalted butter, softened
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced

Herbs and Seasonings:

  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
  • ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Optional Add-ins:

  • 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

  1. Gather softened butter and seasonings in a spacious mixing vessel, ensuring all components are at room temperature for seamless integration.
  2. Introduce minced garlic, finely chopped parsley, and complementary dry seasonings into the butter mixture, creating a harmonious flavor profile.
  3. Utilize a flexible utensil like a fork or silicone spatula to thoroughly amalgamate the ingredients, ensuring no distinct pockets of herbs or garlic remain.
  4. Incorporate grated Parmesan cheese, gently folding it into the mixture to distribute the savory element evenly throughout the spread.
  5. Perform a taste assessment, calibrating the salt and garlic intensity to align with personal flavor preferences.
  6. Delicately transfer the aromatic compound into a pristine storage container, smoothing the surface for a polished presentation.
  7. Seal the container and position in the refrigerator for preservation, allowing the flavors to meld and intensify over several hours.
  8. When ready to serve, extract the spread approximately 15 minutes prior to usage, permitting it to soften and become more pliable at ambient temperature.
  9. Apply generously to warm bread, toast, grilled vegetables, or use as a finishing touch for various culinary creations.

Notes

  • Soften butter completely at room temperature for smooth, easy mixing without lumps.
  • Mince garlic finely to distribute flavor evenly and prevent large raw garlic chunks in the spread.
  • Experiment with fresh herbs like chives or thyme to create unique flavor variations that complement different dishes.
  • For a lighter version, swap half the butter with Greek yogurt or use plant-based butter for a dairy-free alternative that maintains creamy texture.
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Category: Snacks, Appetizer
  • Method: Mixing
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8
  • Calories: 113
  • Sugar: 0.1 g
  • Sodium: 120 mg
  • Fat: 12.5 g
  • Saturated Fat: 7 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4.5 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 0.3 g
  • Fiber: 0 g
  • Protein: <1 g
  • Cholesterol: 30 mg
Emily Morgan

Emily Morgan

Food Critic & Kitchen Tips Specialist

Expertise

Global Food Exploration & Critique, Simple Kitchen Hacks & Time-Saving Tips, Presentation & Plating Techniques, Culinary Research & Storytelling.

Education

New York University

  • Program: Bachelor’s in Journalism
  • Focus: Combined foundational journalism training with deep dives into global food traditions, restaurant criticism, and the cultural role of cuisine.

Emily Morgan has journeyed across the globe, collecting culinary secrets that turn everyday ingredients into impressive meals.

Based in Seattle and armed with a Journalism degree from NYU, she blends thorough research with a flair for presentation, ensuring every dish looks just as good as it tastes.

Focusing on fresh flavors, simple methods, and a bit of fun, Emily shows home cooks how to elevate their daily cooking without fancy gadgets or complex steps.

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