Name: Garlic Butter
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 10 min
Ingredients: 0.5 cup unsalted butter (softened at room temperature (1 stick)); 3 cloves garlic (finely minced); 2 tbsp fresh parsley (finely chopped); 0.5 tsp kosher salt; 0.25 tsp black pepper (freshly ground)

This garlic butter is the ultimate homemade condiment crafted from simple, quality ingredients that transform everyday meals. With just butter, fresh garlic, parsley, and basic seasonings, you can create a versatile compound butter that elevates everything from bread to seafood. It comes together in minutes and stores beautifully, making it perfect for quick weeknight dinners or impressive entertaining.

I discovered the magic of homemade garlic butter during my travels through rural France, where every bakery served warm bread with their own signature seasoned butter. That experience taught me how a simple condiment can become the star of the meal. Now I always keep a batch in my refrigerator, ready to melt over perfectly seared steak or to create instant creamy pasta sauces. The aroma alone transports me back to those sun-drenched afternoons.

Why You’ll Love This Garlic Butter

Restaurant Quality Flavor: Fresh ingredients create a superior taste that beats store-bought versions.
Five Minute Preparation: Simply mix and enjoy with no cooking required.
Endless Versatility: Perfect for cooking, spreading, or melting over your favorite dishes.
Make-Ahead Convenience: Stores beautifully for weeks when properly refrigerated or frozen.

What You’ll Need for Perfect Garlic Butter

Be sure to see the recipe card below for the full listing of ingredients, instructions, notes, and estimated nutritional information.

Unsalted butter: Allows you to control the salt level precisely.
Fresh garlic cloves: Provides the authentic, pungent flavor that powder cannot match.
Fresh parsley: Adds color and a subtle herbal freshness to balance the garlic.
Kosher salt: Enhances all the flavors without making the butter overly salty.
Black pepper: Adds gentle warmth and complexity to the finished compound butter.

Garlic Butter

Make flavorful garlic butter in 10 minutes with just 5 ingredients. Perfect for bread, steaks, and vegetables.

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Prep Time 10

Total Time 10

Course Side Dish

Cuisine American

Servings 1 batch

Calories 814 kcal

Equipment

mixing bowl
knife
cutting board
measuring spoons
measuring cups
spatula
garlic press

Ingredients

0.5 cup unsalted butter softened at room temperature (1 stick)
3 cloves garlic finely minced
2 tbsp fresh parsley finely chopped
0.5 tsp kosher salt
0.25 tsp black pepper freshly ground

Instructions

Ensure your butter is properly softened. Remove 1/2 cup (1 stick) of unsalted butter from the refrigerator at least 30 to 60 minutes before you begin, allowing it to reach a pliable, room temperature consistency that easily yields to pressure.
Peel 3 cloves of fresh garlic and mince them very finely using a sharp knife or a garlic press. Wash and thoroughly dry 2 tablespoons of fresh parsley, then finely chop it until light and fluffy.
In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the softened butter, finely minced garlic, finely chopped parsley, 1/2 teaspoon of kosher salt, and 1/4 teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper.
Using a sturdy spatula or spoon, thoroughly mix all ingredients together. Continue to mix and scrape down the sides of the bowl until the garlic, parsley, and seasonings are evenly distributed, and the butter mixture appears smooth and uniform.
Taste a small amount of the garlic butter and adjust the seasoning as needed, adding a pinch more salt or pepper to suit your personal preference.
Transfer the finished garlic butter to an airtight container for storage or use immediately.

Notes

If you prefer a firmer consistency for spreading or shaping, cover the container and chill the garlic butter in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes until solid.

Keyword compound butter, garlic butter, seasoning

Creative Garlic Butter Variations

Lemon Herb Version: Add lemon zest and fresh thyme for a brighter flavor profile.
Spicy Chipotle Twist: Mix in chipotle powder and smoked paprika for southwestern heat.
Cheesy Parmesan Blend: Incorporate grated Parmesan and Romano cheeses for extra umami.

My Pro Tips for Perfect Results

Butter Temperature: Ensure your butter is properly softened for smooth, easy mixing.
Garlic Preparation: Mince the garlic finely to distribute flavor evenly throughout.
Taste Testing: Always adjust seasonings after mixing to suit your personal preference.
Storage Method: Use airtight containers to prevent the butter from absorbing other flavors.

How to Store Your Garlic Butter

Refrigerate: Keep in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks for best flavor.
Freeze: Portion into cubes and freeze for up to 3 months in sealed bags.
Reheat: Simply let frozen butter thaw in the refrigerator overnight before using.
Make-Ahead Tip: Double the batch and freeze half for future quick bread recipes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?

Yes, you can use salted butter, but reduce or omit the additional salt in the recipe. I prefer unsalted butter because it gives me complete control over the seasoning level.

How long does homemade garlic butter last?

Properly stored in the refrigerator, homemade garlic butter stays fresh for about 2 weeks. For longer storage, freeze it for up to 3 months without significant quality loss.

Can I use dried parsley instead of fresh?

While fresh parsley is ideal, you can substitute 2 teaspoons of dried parsley for the fresh. The flavor will be more concentrated, so you may want to adjust to taste.

What’s the best way to soften butter quickly?

Cut the butter into tablespoon-sized pieces and let it sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes. Avoid microwaving, as it can melt portions unevenly.

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Why This Garlic Butter Becomes a Favorite

With its rich, authentic flavor and incredible versatility, this homemade garlic butter will quickly become your secret weapon in the kitchen. It transforms simple ingredients into extraordinary meals, whether you’re making sautéed vegetables or enhancing stuffed peppers. Once you experience the difference fresh compound butter makes, you’ll never return to store-bought versions.

Garlic Compound Butter