Easy Homemade Garlic Butter Recipe (Ready in Minutes)

There’s something truly magical about a good garlic butter recipe. It’s rich, buttery, and packed with garlicky goodness that instantly makes everything taste better. From warm bread to juicy steaks, this simple spread turns everyday meals into something special.

What I love most about this garlic butter recipe is how quick and easy it is. You only need a few basic ingredients, and in just minutes, you’ll have a homemade garlic butter that tastes fresher and better than anything store-bought. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, cozy dinners, or when you want to impress without extra effort.

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Simple Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s everything you need to make this easy and flavorful garlic butter. Simple ingredients, big taste.

• Unsalted butter, softened
  ½ cup (113 g)
• Fresh garlic, minced
  4 cloves (about 12 g)
• Fresh parsley, finely chopped
  2 tablespoons (8 g)
• Salt
  ¼ teaspoon (1.5 g), or to taste
• Black pepper
  ⅛ teaspoon (0.3 g), or to taste

Optional add-ins (for extra flavor):

• Lemon juice – 1 teaspoon (5 ml)
• Garlic powder – ¼ teaspoon (0.8 g)
• Parmesan cheese, finely grated – 2 tablespoons (10 g)

Easy Garlic Butter in Minutes

1. Soften the butter
   Place the unsalted butter in a medium bowl and let it soften at room temperature until smooth and easy to mix. Do not melt it.
2. Add the garlic
   Add the minced fresh garlic to the softened butter. Stir gently so the garlic spreads evenly through the butter.
3. Mix in herbs and seasoning
   Add the chopped parsley, salt, and black pepper. Mix until everything is well combined and creamy.
4. Customize the flavor (optional)
   If using, stir in the lemon juice, garlic powder, or grated Parmesan cheese. Taste and adjust salt or pepper as needed.
5. Chill or use immediately
   Use the garlic butter recipe right away, or transfer it to parchment paper, roll into a log, and refrigerate until firm.

💡 Tip:
If you plan to melt this garlic butter for bread or seafood, let it rest for 10 minutes after mixing so the garlic flavor fully develops.

TIPS & VARIATIONS

Helpful Tips

• Always use softened, not melted butter for the best creamy texture in this garlic butter recipe.
• Finely mince or grate the garlic so it blends smoothly and doesn’t overpower the butter.
• Let the garlic butter rest for a few minutes after mixing to deepen the garlic flavor.

Easy Variations

• Roasted Garlic Butter: Roast 1 whole garlic head at 400°F (205°C) until soft, then mash and mix into the butter for a sweeter, milder flavor.
• Herb Garlic Butter: Add fresh thyme, rosemary, or chives—1 tablespoon (3 g) finely chopped.
• Spicy Garlic Butter: Stir in crushed red pepper flakes, ¼ teaspoon (0.5 g), for gentle heat.
• Lemon Garlic Butter: Increase lemon juice to 2 teaspoons (10 ml) for a bright, fresh finish.
• Vegan Garlic Butter: Swap dairy butter with plant-based butter in equal amounts.

Storage Tips

• Refrigerate the garlic butter recipe in an airtight container for up to 7 days.
• Freeze rolled garlic butter logs for up to 3 months.

SERVING IDEAS

This garlic butter recipe is incredibly versatile and adds instant flavor to so many dishes. Here are some delicious ways to use it:

Everyday Serving Ideas

• Spread over warm bread, dinner rolls, or toast for a quick garlic bread upgrade.
• Melt on grilled steak, chicken, or fish just before serving.
• Toss with hot pasta or rice for a simple, comforting side.
• Spoon over steamed or roasted vegetables like broccoli, carrots, or green beans.

Pairings & Add-Ons

• Perfect with seafood such as shrimp, lobster, scallops, or salmon.
• Use as a finishing butter for baked potatoes or mashed potatoes.
• Brush onto pizza crusts or flatbreads before baking.

Occasion-Based Ideas

• Great for weeknight dinners when you want fast flavor.
• Ideal for BBQs and grilling season.
• Perfect for holiday meals or special occasions as a make-ahead flavor booster.

FAQs

Recipe

Yield: 1 cup

Garlic Butter Recipe

Print

This easy garlic butter recipe is rich, creamy, and packed with fresh garlic flavor. Perfect for bread, steak, seafood, vegetables, and more.

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 10 minutes

Ingredients

• ½ cup (113 g) Unsalted butter, softened
• 4 cloves (about 12 g) Fresh garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons (8 g) Fresh parsley, finely chopped
• ¼ teaspoon (1.5 g) Salt
• ⅛ teaspoon (0.3 g) Black pepper

Optional add-ins:

• 1 teaspoon (5 ml) Lemon juice
• ¼ teaspoon (0.8 g) Garlic powder
• 2 tablespoons (10 g) Parmesan cheese, finely grated

Instructions

1. Place the softened butter in a mixing bowl and stir until smooth and creamy.
   
2. Add the minced garlic and mix well to evenly distribute.
   
3. Stir in parsley, salt, and black pepper until fully combined.
   
4. Mix in optional ingredients if using, then taste and adjust seasoning.
   
5. Use immediately or roll into parchment paper and refrigerate until firm.

Notes

Always use softened butter, not melted, for the best texture.

Let the garlic butter rest for 10 minutes before using for deeper flavor.

Store refrigerated in an airtight container.

Nutrition Information:

Yield: 8 Serving Size: 2 tablespoons
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 110Total Fat: 12gCarbohydrates: 1gProtein: 0g

Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on ingredients used.

I truly hope you give this garlic butter recipe a try, because it’s one of those simple kitchen staples that instantly makes everything taste better. With just a few ingredients and a couple of minutes, you get rich, homemade flavor that works for so many meals.

If you make this garlic butter recipe, don’t forget to save it for later and share it on Pinterest so you always have it handy. I’d love to hear how you used it—leave a comment below and tell me your favorite way to enjoy it. Happy cooking! 🧄🧈✨