Rich & Creamy Homemade Garlic Butter Spread Recipe

Whipping up a delectable garlic butter spread can turn ordinary bread into a culinary masterpiece.

Aromatic herbs and creamy butter blend seamlessly in this simple recipe.

Every kitchen needs this magical condiment that elevates even the most basic dishes.

Chefs and home cooks adore how quickly you can create something so delicious.

Fresh ingredients make all the difference in crafting this irresistible spread.

Soft butter mixed with minced garlic creates a smooth, luxurious texture that melts perfectly on warm toast.

I promise you’ll want to slather this on everything once you try it.

Why Garlic Butter Spread Is a Favorite

• Simple garlic butter spread that transforms any dish with minimal effort and maximum taste.
• Takes just 5 minutes from start to finish, perfect for busy home cooks wanting instant culinary enhancement.
• Elevates bread, pasta, vegetables, and meats with rich, garlicky goodness that everyone loves.
• Can be made ahead and stored in refrigerator for up to a week, saving precious cooking time and adding instant flavor boost to multiple meals.

Ingredients Used in Garlic Butter Spread

• Butter: Creamy foundation for the spread, best when unsalted and softened at room temperature. Provides rich flavor and smooth texture.
• Parmesan Cheese (Optional): Adds depth and sharp tangy notes to the spread. Freshly grated recommended for best flavor.

• Garlic, Minced Garlic, Garlic Powder: Core flavor builders with intense savory profile. Fresh garlic offers more robust taste, while garlic powder provides consistent seasoning.
• Parsley: Fresh herb that brings brightness and subtle green color to the spread. Finely chopped for even distribution.

• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential taste enhancers that balance and elevate the overall flavor. Freshly ground black pepper recommended for more intense taste.

Making Garlic Butter Spread at Home

Step 1: Soften Butter

Grab a clean mixing bowl and let the butter sit at room temperature until it becomes soft and easy to mix. This helps create a smooth, spreadable texture.

Step 2: Chop Fresh Herbs

Finely mince fresh parsley leaves using a sharp knife. The smaller the chop, the more evenly the herbs will distribute throughout the butter.

Step 3: Combine Flavor Boosters

• Freshly minced garlic
• Chopped parsley
• Garlic powder
• Salt
• Black pepper

Step 4: Blend Like a Pro

Use a fork or rubber spatula to thoroughly mix all ingredients. Stir and press, making sure every bit of butter gets coated with the delicious seasonings. If you want extra richness, sprinkle in some grated Parmesan cheese.

Step 5: Taste and Tweak

Take a small sample and adjust the seasonings. Want more garlic kick? Add a pinch more. Need extra salt? Sprinkle carefully.

Step 6: Store and Serve

Transfer the garlic butter spread to a small serving dish or airtight container. Pop it in the refrigerator if not using immediately. When ready to enjoy, let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes to soften.

Serving Suggestions:

Spread on warm bread, melt over grilled meats, or use as a flavor-packed topping for roasted vegetables.

Helpful Notes for Garlic Butter Spread

• Soften Butter Perfectly: Leave butter at room temperature for 30-45 minutes to achieve the ideal spreadable consistency without melting.
• Boost Garlic Flavor: Use fresh minced garlic instead of powder for a more intense, robust taste that elevates the spread's overall profile.
• Customize Herb Blend: Experiment with additional herbs like chives, basil, or thyme to create unique flavor variations that match your meal.
• Store Smartly: Roll the garlic butter in parchment paper like a log for easy slicing and convenient portioning when needed.
• Dietary Adaptation: Replace dairy butter with plant-based alternatives for a vegan-friendly version that maintains the same rich, garlicky essence.

How to Keep Garlic Butter Spread Fresh

• Store garlic butter spread in an airtight container for up to 1 week in the refrigerator. Cover tightly to prevent absorbing other food odors.
• Pack the spread in a freezer-safe container or wrap in plastic wrap, lasting up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before using.
• Let refrigerated garlic butter sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes to soften. Microwave gently for 5-10 seconds if needed, stirring to distribute heat evenly.
• Always inspect for any unusual smell or discoloration before consuming. Discard if signs of spoilage appear.

Foods to Pair With Garlic Butter Spread

• Pair this garlic butter spread with fresh, crusty artisan bread for an irresistible flavor explosion that melts in your mouth.
• Brush the spread over grilled corn, steak, or seafood to add a rich, aromatic dimension that transforms simple proteins into gourmet delights.
• Select crisp white wines like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio that cut through the butter's richness and complement the garlic's sharp notes.
• Create complementary herb combinations like rosemary focaccia or thyme-roasted vegetables that beautifully echo the spread's fresh parsley undertones.

Garlic Butter Spread Alternatives

• Herb-Infused Spread: Replace parsley with a mix of fresh thyme, rosemary, and chives for a more complex herbal flavor profile.
• Vegan Garlic Butter: Swap dairy butter with softened coconut oil or plant-based butter alternatives, maintaining the same garlic and herb ratios.
• Spicy Kick Version: Add red pepper flakes or finely chopped jalapeños to create a zesty, heat-packed garlic spread that tingles the taste buds.
• Low-Sodium Option: Eliminate added salt and use fresh herbs to enhance flavor, perfect for those monitoring sodium intake.

Garlic Butter Spread FAQs

• Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter?

Yes, you can use salted butter, but reduce or omit the additional salt in the recipe to prevent the spread from becoming too salty.

• How finely should I mince the garlic?

Mince the garlic very finely or use a garlic press to ensure it blends smoothly into the butter and distributes evenly throughout the spread.

• Is fresh parsley necessary for this recipe?

Fresh parsley adds the best flavor, but you can substitute dried parsley if fresh is unavailable. Use about 1/3 the amount of dried parsley compared to fresh.

• Can I freeze garlic butter spread?

Yes, you can freeze the spread in an airtight container or wrapped in plastic wrap for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before using.

Garlic Butter Spread Recipe

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4.7 from 17 reviews

• Total Time: 10 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Creamy garlic butter spread elevates simple bread with Mediterranean charm. Rich herbal notes and silky texture invite culinary lovers to savor each delectable bite.

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Ingredients

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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 Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese

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Instructions

1. Gather room-temperature unsalted butter and prepare your mincing station for fresh garlic and parsley, ensuring all components are finely chopped for seamless integration.
2. Place softened butter into a pristine mixing vessel, creating a smooth foundation for incorporating aromatic elements like minced garlic, finely chopped parsley, garlic powder, delicate salt, and freshly ground black pepper.
3. Employ a flexible spatula or robust fork to thoroughly amalgamate all ingredients, ensuring each component is evenly distributed throughout the creamy butter base.
4. Introduce grated Parmesan cheese into the mixture, folding gently to maintain a uniform texture and enhance the spread’s complex flavor profile.
5. Conduct a nuanced taste assessment, calibrating salt levels and garlic intensity to align with personal palate preferences, making subtle adjustments as needed.
6. Transfer the luxurious garlic butter spread into a compact serving vessel or sealed container, preserving its rich character and aromatic essence.
7. For optimal enjoyment, refrigerate the spread and allow it to soften slightly at ambient temperature before serving, ensuring a spreadable consistency that gracefully complements bread, vegetables, or grilled proteins.

Notes

• Soften butter completely at room temperature to ensure smooth, easy mixing without lumps.
• Mince garlic finely and let it sit for 5-10 minutes before mixing to enhance its flavor-releasing enzymes.
• Use fresh parsley for brighter, more vibrant taste compared to dried herbs, chopping it just before adding.
• Consider roasting garlic beforehand for a deeper, mellower flavor profile that adds complexity to the spread.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Category: Snacks, Appetizer
• Method: Blending
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 100
• Sugar: 0g
• Sodium: 150mg
• Fat: 11g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 1g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 0g
• Cholesterol: 30mg