Homemade Garlic Herb Butter Recipe

Zesty Homemade Garlic Herb Butter Recipe for Flavor Magic

Crafting a sublime garlic herb butter can elevate your culinary game in just minutes.

Creamy and aromatic, this spread brings restaurant-quality flavor right to your kitchen counter.

Rich European traditions inspire this simple yet magnificent condiment that melts beautifully across warm bread or sizzling meats.

Fresh herbs like parsley and thyme dance alongside minced garlic, creating a symphony of robust flavors.

Each ingredient contributes its unique character to this delectable blend.

Salt and softened butter provide the perfect canvas for herb-infused magic.

You’ll want to spread this delightful mixture on everything from crusty baguettes to grilled salmon, so grab your mixing bowl and let’s get started!

Garlic Herb Butter That Makes Every Bread Better

  • Speedy Flavor Boost: Whip up this herb-packed butter in just 10 minutes, transforming ordinary dishes into gourmet delights with minimal effort.
  • Versatile Kitchen Companion: Spread on bread, melt over steaks, or enhance roasted vegetables, making this butter a multi-purpose culinary secret weapon that elevates any meal.
  • Customizable Herb Haven: Easily swap or adjust herbs based on personal preference or what's growing in your garden, creating a truly personalized condiment that reflects your taste.
  • Quick Meal Enhancer: Store in the refrigerator for up to a week, giving you an instant flavor punch ready to upgrade simple dishes anytime hunger strikes.

Garlic Herb Butter: What You’ll Need

Main Dairy Base:
  • Butter: Creamy and rich base providing smooth texture and rich flavor, best when softened at room temperature.
Herb Blend:
  • Parsley, Thyme, Basil: Fresh herbs adding bright, aromatic notes and vibrant green color, select fresh herbs for maximum flavor intensity.
Flavor Enhancers:
  • Garlic: Pungent and sharp ingredient adding depth and traditional savory profile, fresh garlic recommended for most robust taste.
  • Black Pepper: Subtle spicy element providing gentle heat and complementary background seasoning, freshly ground pepper preferred for best flavor.

Garlic Herb Butter Blending Instructions

Step 1: Blend Creamy Ingredients

In a spacious mixing bowl, combine room temperature butter with freshly minced garlic, finely chopped herbs including:
  • Parsley
  • Thyme
  • Basil

Sprinkle in a pinch of freshly ground black pepper.

Use a spatula or fork to thoroughly mix the ingredients until they create a smooth, well-integrated blend.

Step 2: Shape Butter Log

Spread a sheet of plastic wrap on your countertop.

Transfer the herbed butter mixture onto the center of the wrap.

Carefully roll the butter into a compact, cylindrical log, twisting the ends of the plastic wrap to secure the shape.

Ensure the log is tightly wrapped to maintain its form.

Step 3: Chill and Develop Flavors

Place the wrapped butter log in the refrigerator.

Allow it to rest and cool for at least one hour.

This chilling time helps the herbs infuse their aromatic essence throughout the butter and allows the mixture to firm up.

Step 4: Slice and Serve

Remove the butter from the refrigerator and unwrap.

Using a sharp knife, slice the log into beautiful round medallions.

Serve the herbed butter alongside warm bread, grilled steaks, roasted vegetables, or freshly toasted bagels.

The butter will melt deliciously, adding a burst of herbal richness to your favorite dishes.

Best Tips for Homemade Garlic Herb Butter

  • Leave butter at room temperature for 30-45 minutes before mixing to ensure smooth, easy blending without lumps.
  • Experiment with different fresh or dried herbs like rosemary, oregano, or chives to create unique flavor profiles matching your dish.
  • Wrap the garlic herb butter log in additional aluminum foil after plastic wrap to extend refrigerator storage up to two weeks or freeze for three months.
  • Roast garlic before mincing to create a deeper, sweeter, more complex taste that enhances the overall butter complexity.
  • Use parchment paper when rolling to create a smoother, more professional-looking butter log with clean edges.

Storing Homemade Garlic Herb Butter

  • Store homemade garlic herb butter in an airtight container or wrapped tightly in plastic wrap for up to 7-10 days in the refrigerator.
  • Transfer butter log to a freezer-safe bag or container and freeze for up to 3 months. Wrap tightly to prevent freezer burn and preserve flavor.
  • Move frozen butter to the refrigerator overnight before using. Let it sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes to soften slightly for easier spreading.
  • Cut cold butter into individual portion rounds or keep in log form. Slice directly from cold storage and serve on warm breads, grilled meats, or roasted vegetables.

Garlic Herb Butter Serving Uses

  • Savor Rustic Bread Companion: Pair the homemade garlic herb butter with warm, crusty artisan sourdough bread for an incredible taste explosion that highlights the butter's rich, aromatic herbs.
  • Grill Perfect Match: Spread this butter over sizzling grilled steak or roasted chicken just before serving to elevate the meat's flavor profile with zesty garlic and fresh herb notes.
  • Wine Harmony Delight: Select a crisp, dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio that complements the butter's herbal undertones and cuts through its creamy richness.
  • Veggie Enhancement Strategy: Drizzle the melted garlic herb butter over roasted seasonal vegetables like asparagus, carrots, or zucchini to transform simple produce into a gourmet side dish.

Garlic Herb Butter with Fresh Mix-In Ideas

  • Vegan Herb Spread: Replace butter with softened coconut oil or vegan margarine for a plant-based alternative that maintains rich, herbal flavors.
  • Spicy Garlic Herb Butter: Add red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to introduce a fiery kick to the traditional recipe, perfect for heat lovers.
  • Mediterranean Infusion: Swap out some herbs for oregano and add sun-dried tomatoes, creating a Mediterranean-inspired spread for breads and grilled dishes.
  • Low-Sodium Option: Use unsalted butter and replace salt with fresh herb combinations, reducing sodium while maintaining robust flavor profiles.

FAQs

  • How do I ensure my butter is softened correctly?

Leave butter at room temperature for 30-45 minutes. Butter should be soft enough to easily mix but not melted. Press gently with a finger – it should leave an indentation without breaking apart.

  • Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh herbs?

Yes, but reduce the quantity by half. Fresh herbs provide more vibrant flavor, while dried herbs are more concentrated. Use 1 teaspoon of dried herbs for every 1 tablespoon of fresh herbs.

  • What type of butter works best for this recipe?

Use unsalted butter for better flavor control. High-quality butter with higher butterfat content like European-style butter creates richer, creamier results. Avoid margarine or low-fat alternatives.

  • How long can I store homemade garlic herb butter?

Store in the refrigerator for up to 7-10 days in an airtight container or wrapped tightly in plastic wrap. For longer storage, freeze for up to 3 months. Always keep refrigerated to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.

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Homemade Garlic Herb Butter Recipe

Homemade Garlic Herb Butter Recipe


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4.5 from 17 reviews

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

Description

Elevate simple spreads with this homemade garlic herb butter, blending fresh herbs and creamy richness into a culinary masterpiece. Rich, aromatic, and irresistibly smooth, this butter will make you the star of any kitchen gathering.


Ingredients

Scale

Dairy:

  • 1 cup (227 grams) butter (softened)

Herbs:

  • 1/4 cup (15 grams) chopped fresh parsley
  • 1 tablespoon (3 grams) fresh thyme (chopped)
  • 1 tablespoon (3 grams) fresh basil (chopped)

Seasonings:

  • 3 cloves garlic, finely minced
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

  1. Prepare a spacious mixing vessel and allow butter to reach room temperature for effortless blending.
  2. Finely mince fresh garlic cloves and chop fragrant herbs including parsley, thyme, and basil with precision.
  3. Transfer softened butter into the mixing bowl and incorporate minced garlic and herbs thoroughly, ensuring even distribution of ingredients.
  4. Sprinkle freshly ground black pepper across the herbed butter mixture, gently folding to integrate complementary flavors.
  5. Unroll a sheet of plastic wrap and carefully transfer the seasoned butter mixture onto its surface.
  6. Skillfully roll the butter into a cylindrical shape, twisting the wrap’s ends to create a compact log configuration.
  7. Place the wrapped butter log into the refrigerator, allowing it to solidify and permit herb essences to harmonize for approximately one hour.
  8. Once chilled, unwrap the butter and slice into elegant rounds using a sharp knife.
  9. Serve the aromatic garlic herb butter alongside warm bread, atop sizzling steaks, spread on crisp bagels, or melted over roasted vegetables for a delectable culinary enhancement.

Notes

  • Soften butter completely at room temperature to ensure smooth, effortless mixing without lumps.
  • Choose fresh herbs for maximum flavor intensity and vibrant green color in your butter blend.
  • Experiment with herb combinations like rosemary, dill, or chives to create unique flavor profiles for different dishes.
  • Store homemade herb butter in the refrigerator for up to two weeks or freeze for longer preservation, wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or an airtight container.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Category: Snacks, Dinner
  • Method: None
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1
  • Calories: 162
  • Sugar: 0.1 g
  • Sodium: 2 mg
  • Fat: 18 g
  • Saturated Fat: 11 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 1 g
  • Fiber: 0.1 g
  • Protein: 0.2 g
  • Cholesterol: 31 mg
Angelina Wiles

Angelina Wiles

Content Editor & Culinary Enthusiast

Expertise

Food Writing and Editing, Vegetarian and Vegan Cuisine, Baking and Pastry Arts, Sustainable Cooking Practices​

Education

Portland Community College
Certificate in Culinary Arts
Focus: Emphasis on sustainable cooking practices, vegetarian cuisine, and food writing.​

​Oregon Culinary Institute
Diploma in Baking and Pastry Arts
Focus: Specialized training in artisanal baking, pastry techniques, and dessert presentation.


Angelina’s love for cooking started with handwritten family recipes and weekend trips to farmers’ markets around Portland. She followed her passion with a Certificate in Culinary Arts from Portland Community College, then perfected her sweet side with a Diploma in Baking and Pastry Arts at Oregon Culinary Institute.
Angelina believes recipes should feel like a conversation, not a science project. She’s all about helping readers trust themselves in the kitchen with simple steps, fresh ideas, and easy twists on classic meals.
When she’s not editing recipes, she’s baking bread, sipping coffee, or getting inspired by the changing seasons.

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