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Garlic Butter Recipe

Homemade Garlic Butter

A rich, creamy garlic butter made with fresh garlic, soft unsalted butter, and herbs. Perfect as a spread, sauce, or finishing touch for pasta, bread, vegetables, and meats. Ready in under 20 minutes.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 2 minutes
Total Time 17 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Condiment, Sauce
Cuisine: American, European
Calories: 190

Ingredients
  

Base recipe:
  • 2 sticks 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 6 cloves garlic finely grated (fresh is best)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh chives minced
  • Coarse kosher salt to taste
  • Fresh cracked black pepper to taste
Optional additions:
  • ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes for heat
  • ½ teaspoon lemon juice or zest for brightness

Method
 

Soften the butter
  1. Leave butter at room temperature for about 1 hour, or microwave in 5–10 second bursts until pliable (not melted).
Cook the garlic
  1. In a small pan, melt 2 tablespoons of the butter over low heat. Add grated garlic and cook 30–45 seconds until fragrant—do not brown.
Whip the butter
  1. Transfer cooked garlic to a mixing bowl. Using a hand or stand mixer, beat the softened butter for 5–7 minutes until light and fluffy.
Mix in flavor
  1. Fold in the garlic, parsley, chives, salt, pepper, and any optional lemon juice or red pepper flakes. Taste and adjust seasoning.
Serve or store
  1. For immediate use: Spoon over pasta, spread on bread, or toss with vegetables.
  2. For storage: Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 7 days. For freezing, roll into a log with plastic wrap and freeze for up to 6 months.

Notes

  • Unsalted butter gives you full control over seasoning. If you use salted butter, start with less added salt.
  • Avoid high heat when cooking garlic—it turns bitter quickly.
  • Whipping the butter makes it extra fluffy and easy to spread.
  • This is great for meal prep—keep a log in the freezer for quick flavor boosts.