Homemade Garlic Herb Butter Recipe

The Best Homemade Garlic Herb Butter Recipe for Cozy Meals

Crafting a delectable garlic herb butter can elevate any meal from ordinary to extraordinary.

Kitchens come alive with the aromatic blend of fresh herbs and creamy richness.

Every passionate cook knows how simple ingredients transform into something magical.

Rich butter whipped with fragrant herbs creates a spread that makes taste buds dance.

Small touches like this homemade condiment can turn basic bread or vegetables into a gourmet experience.

A few minutes of careful mixing will deliver a luxurious accompaniment that impresses everyone at the table.

Garlic Herb Butter That Adds Flavor Instantly

  • Quick Kitchen Magic: Whip up this herby butter in just 10 minutes with minimal effort and basic ingredients from your kitchen.
  • Flavor Explosion: Blend fresh herbs and garlic create a bold, restaurant-quality condiment that transforms ordinary dishes into gourmet experiences.
  • Meal Prep Superstar: Prepare ahead and store in the refrigerator for up to two weeks, ready to elevate any meal with a single slice of delicious butter.
  • Versatile Culinary Companion: Spread on warm bread, melt over grilled meats, toss with roasted vegetables, or use as a savory finishing touch for countless recipes.

Garlic Herb Butter Made from Scratch Ingredients

Base Ingredients:
  • Butter: Creamy foundation for the herb blend, best when unsalted and at room temperature for easy mixing.
  • Garlic: Fresh, aromatic flavor that adds a punchy depth to the butter.
Fresh Herbs:
  • Parsley, Thyme, Basil: Fresh herb combination that provides bright, earthy, and complex flavor profile, preferably freshly chopped for maximum taste.
Seasoning:
  • Black Pepper: Adds a subtle spicy warmth and rounds out the overall flavor of the herb butter.

Garlic Herb Butter DIY Method

Garlic Herb Butter DIY Method

Step 1: Blend Herbal Goodness

Grab a spacious mixing bowl and toss in softened butter.

Add these flavor-packed ingredients:
  • Fresh minced garlic
  • Chopped parsley
  • Chopped thyme
  • Chopped basil
  • Freshly ground black pepper

Whisk and fold everything together until the herbs are beautifully distributed throughout the butter, creating a vibrant and aromatic mixture.

Step 2: Shape Butter Log

Spread out a generous sheet of plastic wrap on your work surface.

Carefully transfer the herbed butter mixture onto the wrap.

Use the plastic to help you roll the butter into a smooth, compact cylinder.

Twist the ends securely to seal in all those delicious flavors.

Step 3: Chill and Develop Flavors

Slide your wrapped butter log into the refrigerator.

Let it rest and mingle for at least one hour.

This chilling time allows the herbs and garlic to infuse their essence deeply into the creamy butter.

Step 4: Slice and Serve

Remove the butter from the refrigerator and unwrap.

Slice into elegant rounds using a sharp knife.

Spread this heavenly butter on warm bread, melt over sizzling steaks, dress up roasted vegetables, or dollop onto fresh bagels.

Your culinary creation is ready to elevate any dish!

Herb Butter Tips That Elevate Everything from Bread to Meat

  • 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, dill, or chives to create unique flavor profiles that match your taste preferences.
  • Use fresh minced garlic instead of pre-minced for a more vibrant and intense garlic taste that elevates the butter's overall flavor.
  • Wrap the butter log in additional foil after chilling and store in the refrigerator for up to two weeks or freeze for up to three months for convenient use.
  • Add a sprinkle of nutritional yeast or finely grated parmesan cheese for extra depth and a boost of umami flavor.

Keep Garlic Herb Butter Covered

  • Store herb butter in an airtight container or wrapped tightly in plastic wrap for up to 7 days in the refrigerator.
  • Transfer butter log to a freezer-safe bag or container and freeze for 2-3 months, maintaining its rich flavor and creamy texture.
  • Move frozen butter to the refrigerator overnight before using, allowing it to soften gradually without compromising quality.
  • When ready to enjoy, slice cold butter into rounds and let sit at room temperature for 5-10 minutes to enhance spreadability.

Garlic Herb Butter Uses & Matches

  • Elevate Bread Accompaniment: Spread this aromatic garlic herb butter on freshly toasted artisan sourdough or baguette slices, creating a mouthwatering appetizer that bursts with herbal and garlicky flavors.
  • Enhance Grilled Protein Pairing: Melt a round of this butter over sizzling grilled steak, roasted chicken, or pan-seared salmon to add rich, herbaceous depth and a luxurious finish to your protein.
  • Match with Crisp White Wine: Serve alongside a chilled glass of Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, whose bright, acidic notes perfectly complement the creamy, herb-infused butter's robust garlic profile.
  • Complement with Fresh Salad: Top a crisp garden salad with small dollops of this butter, allowing its herbal complexity to elevate simple mixed greens with an unexpected burst of flavor.

Garlic Herb Butter in Homemade Mixes

  • Vegan Herb Spread: Replace butter with softened coconut oil or plant-based margarine, using the same herb combination for a dairy-free alternative.
  • Mediterranean Olive Butter: Add finely chopped kalamata olives and oregano to the original herb blend for a tangy Mediterranean-inspired version.
  • Spicy Chili Butter: Mix in red pepper flakes or finely diced jalapeños for a hot and zesty kick that elevates grilled meats and roasted vegetables.
  • Low-Sodium Herb Blend: Omit added salt and use fresh herbs to create a lighter, heart-friendly version that still delivers maximum flavor.

FAQs

  • Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh ones?

Yes, you can substitute dried herbs. Use about one-third the amount of dried herbs compared to fresh, as dried herbs are more concentrated in flavor.

  • How long will this homemade garlic herb butter last?

When stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, your garlic herb butter will keep for up to two weeks.

  • Is it possible to freeze this butter?

Absolutely! You can freeze the butter log for up to three months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then place in a freezer bag to prevent freezer burn.

  • What type of butter works best for this recipe?

Use unsalted butter for better control of the salt content. Room temperature butter is ideal for easy mixing and creating a smooth, spreadable texture.

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Homemade Garlic Herb Butter Recipe

Homemade Garlic Herb Butter Recipe


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4.5 from 10 reviews

  • Total Time: 10 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Creamy homemade garlic herb butter elevates simple bread and dishes with Mediterranean charm. Fragrant herbs and roasted garlic create a luxurious spread that makes ordinary meals extraordinary for home chefs who crave gourmet flavors.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 cup (227 grams) butter (softened)
  • 3 cloves garlic, finely minced

Herbs:

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

Seasoning:

  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

  1. Thoroughly soften room temperature butter in a spacious mixing vessel, ensuring no cold spots remain.
  2. Finely mince fresh garlic cloves and fragrant herbs, creating a uniform, aromatic blend.
  3. Gently fold minced herbs and garlic into softened butter, using a silicone spatula to distribute ingredients evenly.
  4. Sprinkle kosher salt and cracked black pepper into the mixture, stirring until completely integrated.
  5. Transfer the herb-infused butter onto a sheet of parchment paper or plastic wrap, carefully shaping into a cylindrical log.
  6. Tightly twist and secure the ends of the wrap to prevent air exposure.
  7. Refrigerate the butter roll for a minimum of 60 minutes, allowing flavors to meld and texture to firm.
  8. When ready to serve, unwrap the chilled butter and slice into elegant rounds.
  9. Present as a luxurious accompaniment to warm crusty bread, grilled meats, roasted vegetables, or freshly baked bagels.

Notes

  • Let butter soften at room temperature for easier mixing and smoother texture, avoiding lumpy or uneven spread.
  • Mix herbs and garlic thoroughly to ensure consistent flavor throughout the butter, preventing bland or overpowering spots.
  • Use fresh herbs for maximum aromatic intensity and vibrant taste, enhancing the overall quality of the compound butter.
  • Experiment with different herb combinations like rosemary and thyme or basil and parsley to create unique flavor profiles tailored to your preference.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Category: Snacks, Dinner
  • Method: Rolling
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 102
  • Sugar: 0.1 g
  • Sodium: 82 mg
  • Fat: 11.5 g
  • Saturated Fat: 7.2 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4.3 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 0.1 g
  • Fiber: 0 g
  • Protein: 0.1 g
  • Cholesterol: 31 mg
Marcus Hale

Marcus Hale

Founder & Recipe Storyteller

Expertise

  • Demystifying knife work, sauce emulsification, and pastry basics.
  • Curating seasonal guides that adapt global recipes to local, in-season produce.
  • Crafting blog posts, videos, and social media tips.

Education

Holyoke Community College – HCC-MGM Culinary Arts Institute

  • Program: Culinary Arts Certificate
  • Focus: Hands-on global cuisine training emphasizes sustainable cooking and recipe development under accredited chefs.

Marcus grew up surrounded by maple trees, farm stands, and the smell of Sunday stew simmering on the stove. After earning his Culinary Arts Certificate from the HCC-MGM Culinary Arts Institute, he knew he didn’t want to work in fancy kitchens, he wanted to cook for real people.

At Whip Up Cook Up, Marcus is the guy turning memories into meals. His recipes are fast, full of flavor, and built for home cooks who want big taste without the drama.

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