This easy garlic butter recipe is one of those simple kitchen staples that can instantly add rich, savory flavor to everything from warm bread and roasted vegetables to juicy steaks, fresh seafood, and your favorite pasta dishes.
With just a few simple ingredients, you can turn ordinary butter into a flavorful spread that’s perfect for bread, steak, seafood, vegetables, potatoes, and so much more.
Homemade garlic butter comes together in minutes and tastes far better than anything you’ll find at the grocery store. Fresh garlic adds bold flavor, while parsley gives the butter a fresh, herbaceous finish. Make a batch ahead of time and keep it in the refrigerator for quick meals throughout the week, or freeze it so you always have some on hand.
Make a batch ahead of time and keep it in the refrigerator for quick meals throughout the week, or freeze it so you always have some on hand. Simple, versatile, and packed with flavor, this homemade garlic butter deserves a permanent place in your refrigerator.
Enjoy!
Easy Homemade Garlic Butter Recipe
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened (240 g)
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley finely chopped
- ¼ tsp ground black pepper
- ½ tsp salt
1) Place the softened butter in a medium mixing bowl. Add the minced garlic, chopped parsley, kosher salt, and black pepper.
2) Stir until all ingredients are evenly combined.
3) Use immediately, or transfer the butter to a sheet of plastic wrap.
4) Roll into a log and twist the ends tightly.
5) Refrigerate until firm.
6) Slice and serve with bread, steak, seafood, vegetables, or potatoes.
For the best flavor, let the garlic butter chill for at least 1 hour before serving.
Use fresh garlic rather than garlic powder for the richest flavor.
Replace the parsley with chives, dill, or thyme for a different flavor profile.
If using salted butter, reduce or omit the added salt.
Garlic butter can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Why You’ll Love This Garlic Butter Recipe
- Ready in just 20 minutes
- Made with simple pantry ingredients
- Great for bread, steak, seafood, and vegetables
- Easy to make ahead
- Freezer-friendly
- Packed with fresh garlic flavor
- Better than store-bought garlic butter
What Is Garlic Butter?
Garlic butter is a simple spread made by mixing softened butter with fresh garlic and seasonings. It’s one of the easiest ways to add rich, savory flavor to everything from bread and vegetables to steak, seafood, and pasta.
This homemade garlic butter recipe also includes fresh parsley for extra flavor and color. Once combined, the butter can be spread immediately, chilled in the refrigerator, or shaped into a log and sliced as needed. Because it stores well and freezes beautifully, garlic butter is a great make-ahead staple to keep on hand for everyday cooking.
Whether you’re making garlic bread, finishing a grilled steak, or adding flavor to roasted vegetables, homemade garlic butter is a simple ingredient that can elevate countless dishes.
Ways to Use Garlic Butter
One of the best things about this homemade garlic butter recipe is its incredible versatility, as it can be used as a spread, a sauce, or a finishing butter for countless dishes.
Try it:
- Spread on warm French bread or dinner rolls
- Make my Garlic Butter Stuffed mushroom recipe.
- Melted over grilled or pan-seared steak
- Served with shrimp, lobster, crab or fish
- Tossed with roasted vegetables
- Stirred into mashed potatoes
- Melted over baked potatoes
- Mixed with hot pasta
- Used to make homemade garlic bread
Storage Tips
Store the garlic butter tightly wrapped or in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Chilling the butter also gives the garlic and herbs time to fully infuse the butter, creating even more flavor.
If you’ve shaped the butter into a log, simply slice off as much as you need and return the rest to the refrigerator. Let the garlic butter sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving if you’d like a softer, more spreadable texture.
For longer storage, wrap the garlic butter tightly in plastic wrap and place it in a freezer-safe container or freezer bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to use, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator or slice portions directly from the frozen log as needed.
Make-Ahead Tip
Garlic butter is an excellent make-ahead recipe. Preparing it a day in advance allows the flavors to develop and blend together, making it even more delicious when served.
For more information on proper butter storage, see these butter storage best practices.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I freeze garlic butter?
Yes, garlic butter freezes very well. Shape it into a log, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and store it in a freezer-safe container or freezer bag. It will keep for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to use it, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator or slice off individual portions straight from the freezer.
Can I use dried parsley?
Yes, dried parsley can be used if fresh parsley isn’t available. Fresh parsley adds a brighter flavor and more vibrant color, but dried parsley still works well in this recipe. As a general rule, use about one-third the amount of dried parsley in place of fresh parsley.
Can I use salted butter?
Absolutely. Salted butter is a convenient substitute and will still produce delicious garlic butter. If using salted butter, reduce or omit the added salt in the recipe, then taste and adjust the seasoning as needed before chilling.
How long does homemade garlic butter last?
Homemade garlic butter can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. For the best flavor and freshness, keep it tightly wrapped to prevent it from absorbing odors from other foods. If you’d like to store it longer, freezing is the best option.
What can I serve with garlic butter?
Garlic butter is incredibly versatile and can be used in many ways. Spread it on warm bread, melt it over grilled steak, seafood, or roasted vegetables, or stir it into pasta and mashed potatoes. It’s also a great finishing touch for baked potatoes, corn on the cob, and grilled chicken.
Can I make garlic butter ahead of time?
Yes, garlic butter is ideal for making ahead. In fact, preparing it a few hours in advance allows the flavors to blend together and develop even more. Keep it refrigerated until needed, then let it soften slightly before serving if you plan to use it as a spread.
Why is my garlic butter too soft?
Garlic butter can become very soft if the butter is overly warm or if the room temperature is high. Simply refrigerate it for 30 to 60 minutes to allow it to firm up again. If you’re shaping it into a log, chilling it thoroughly will make it much easier to slice neatly.
These FAQs feel natural for an American recipe site and cover the questions readers are actually likely to have after making the recipe.