Garlic butter is a simple yet fantastic condiment that effortlessly elevates any dish it touches. It’s rich, creamy, and beautifully aromatic.
It’s also incredibly delicious! Use it to make your next steak dinner one to remember. Or how about dreamy, savory garlic butter mushrooms? Yum!
Trust me, garlic butter is way more versatile than you think. From crusty bread to plump shrimp, there’s nothing it won’t make better.
Garlic Butter
Garlic butter is such a simple thing, but it can really transform your meals.
It’s a blend of creamy unsalted butter and plenty of fresh garlic.
Toss in some freshly grated Parmesan for a lovely, slightly salty kick. And for a little extra, mix in garlic salt, Italian seasoning, black pepper, and paprika.
It’s super easy to whip up, too.
A small slather of garlic butter is an instant upgrade for your dishes. Spread it on toast, melt it over hot steak, or use it to sauté veggies.
It’s a total game-changer, I swear.
Ingredients
This recipe is a wonderful base. I recommend making it as directed and enjoying the batch. Then, feel free to tweak it as you like!
Here’s what you’ll need:
- Butter – Plain, unsalted butter serves as the base for this recipe.
- Garlic – Minced to ensure the flavor spreads evenly throughout the butter.
- Parmesan cheese – For a tangy and salty flavor that complements the creamy butter and pungent garlic. Use freshly grated from a block for the best taste and texture.
- Seasonings and Spices – Garlic salt, Italian seasoning, black pepper, and paprika to take the flavors up a notch.
How to Make Garlic Butter
The trick to making garlic butter is to start with soft butter. That way, the garlic, cheese, and herbs blend evenly.
If you forgot to take the butter out of the fridge, cut it into small cubes then beat in a stand mixer or with an electric mixer until soft.
1. Make the butter base. Mix the softened unsalted butter, grated Parmesan cheese, and minced garlic until well combined.
2. Season the garlic butter. Add the garlic salt, Italian seasoning, black pepper, and paprika. Taste and adjust to your preference.
3. Store and enjoy. Transfer the mixture to an air-tight container and refrigerate until ready to use.
Tips for the Best Garlic Butter
Want the best garlic butter around? Read these tips before you start:
- Use fresh garlic. There’s just no substitute for the flavor and fragrance.
- Start with soft butter. This will make blending with the other ingredients easier and ensure a smooth, creamy texture.
- Adjust the garlic as needed. I like a lot, but I know some people don’t like too much. Also, fresh garlic varies in flavor and strength. So start with a little and add more as needed.
- Refrigerate before use. The flavors will deepen, and it’ll taste even better!
- Make it in a food processor. It’s quick, easy, and creates the smoothest texture.
- Try some fun add-ins. Make this your own with red onion, blue cheese, chives, or crumbled bacon. Yum!!
Ways to Use Garlic Butter
Garlic butter is versatile and adds a rich, flavorful boost to many dishes. Here are some delicious ways to use homemade garlic butter:
Garlic Bread: Slice a baguette or any kind of bread and spread the garlic butter. Toast it in the oven until golden brown.
Steak Topping: After grilling a steak, place a slice of garlic butter on top while it’s still hot. The butter will melt, creating a delicious, savory sauce. (This works with chicken, pork, and fish, too!)
Seafood: Drizzle melted garlic butter over cooked shrimp, lobster, or crab. It also makes a great dipping sauce when melted.
Vegetables: Toss steamed or roasted vegetables in garlic butter or mix it into mashed potatoes.
Rice: Stir garlic butter into freshly cooked rice for a quick and easy garlic rice side dish.
Popcorn: Melt the butter and drizzle it over freshly popped popcorn for a savory treat.
Muffins, Biscuits, and Rolls: Add a slice over freshly baked muffins, biscuits, or dinner rolls. Or brush them with melted garlic butter before serving.
A little bit of garlic butter can go a long way in enhancing the flavor of your dish. So experiment and enjoy!
How to Store and Freeze
Yes, you can freeze garlic butter. So feel free to make a double batch and freeze some for later!
Here’s how:
To Store: Place the butter in an air-tight container and store it in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.
To Freeze: Shape the butter into a log using plastic wrap or parchment paper. Twist the ends to secure it, and put it in a freezer-safe resealable bag for about 4 to 6 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and enjoy!
More Garlic Recipes You’ll Love
Garlic Noodles
Oven Roasted Baby Potatoes
Honey Garlic Pork Chops
Garlic Parmesan Wing Sauce
Papa John’s Garlic Sauce
Garlic Butter (Best Recipe)
Course: Recipes, PantryCuisine: American16
servings10
minutes109
kcalGarlic butter is a simple yet fantastic condiment that effortlessly elevates any dish it touches. It’s rich, creamy, and beautifully aromatic.
Ingredients
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 tablespoon minced garlic, or more to taste
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon garlic salt, or more to taste
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, or more to taste
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper, or more to taste
1/4 teaspoon ground paprika, or more to taste
Instructions
- Combine the softened butter, Parmesan cheese, and minced garlic in a bowl. Stir until well mixed.
- Add the garlic salt, Italian seasoning, black pepper, and paprika and mix until smooth and well-blended.
- Taste the butter and adjust the seasoning according to your preference.
Notes
- Use fresh garlic for the best taste and texture.
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks
I’m super excited to try this Garlic butter and I’ll definitely make extra to keep in freezer!! Thanks in advance as it sounds amazing.