Homemade Garlic Butter Recipe: The Best Spread for Bread, Steak, and More
Looking for an easy garlic butter recipe for steak, bread, or seafood that’s packed with flavor? This homemade garlic butter spread is quick to make, incredibly versatile, and miles better than store-bought versions. Whether you’re cooking up a juicy steak, spreading it on fresh bread, or tossing it with pasta or shrimp, this garlic butter will become your new kitchen staple.
In this post, you’ll find step-by-step instructions for making garlic butter from scratch, plus expert tips, flavor variations, storage advice, and answers to common questions. Let’s dive into the buttery goodness!
Why This Garlic Butter Recipe Works
This recipe is easy, fast, and flexible. You only need a handful of ingredients, and the prep time is under 10 minutes. The balance of creamy butter, pungent garlic, and a touch of seasoning makes it the perfect finishing touch for steaks, grilled meats, or vegetables.
It’s also freezer-friendly, which means you can keep a batch ready at all times.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what you need for the most flavorful garlic butter:
- 1 cup (225 g) unsalted butter, softened at room temperature
- 4–8 cloves of garlic, minced or grated
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped (optional)
- ½ teaspoon sea salt, or to taste
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice (optional for brightness)
Optional Add-ins:
- Parmesan cheese – for extra umami
- Red pepper flakes – for heat
- Thyme or rosemary – for a more herbaceous flavor
How to Make Garlic Butter from Scratch
Step 1: Soften the Butter
Make sure your butter is at room temperature. This makes it easier to blend and helps the flavors incorporate evenly. If you forgot to take it out ahead of time, cut it into cubes and let it sit for 10–15 minutes on the counter.
Step 2: Prepare the Garlic
Mince the garlic very finely using a knife or grate it using a microplane. If you want a milder flavor, sauté the garlic for a minute in a bit of olive oil before mixing it into the butter.
Step 3: Combine
In a bowl, combine the butter, minced garlic, parsley, salt, pepper, and lemon juice (if using). Mix with a fork or rubber spatula until everything is evenly blended. You can also use a food processor for a whipped texture.
Step 4: Taste and Adjust
Give it a quick taste. Want more garlic? Add another clove. Prefer it saltier? Add a pinch more salt. Make it your own.
Garlic butter is incredibly versatile! After making this, be sure to try it spread over Homemade Garlic Croutons or served with a Juicy Steak au Poivre. You can also melt it into Creamy Roquefort Sauce or swirl it into French Onion Soup for added depth.
How to Use Garlic Butter
Garlic butter isn’t just for garlic bread (though it’s phenomenal there!). Here are our favorite ways to use it:
1. Garlic Butter for Steak
Slather a generous spoonful over a sizzling steak and let it melt into a luscious sauce. This is an easy way to replicate steakhouse flavors at home.
2. Garlic Butter for Shrimp
Toss shrimp in garlic butter and sauté until pink. It’s a quick and flavorful meal that pairs beautifully with pasta or rice.
3. Garlic Butter Spread for Bread
Toast slices of baguette or ciabatta and spread with garlic butter. Bake or broil for a few minutes and enjoy the best homemade garlic bread ever.
4. Garlic Butter Pasta
Melt garlic butter into warm pasta and toss with parmesan and fresh herbs. Add roasted vegetables or grilled chicken for a full meal.
Tips and Tricks for the Best Garlic Butter
Use High-Quality Butter
Since butter is the base, quality matters. Choose European-style or grass-fed butter for a rich and creamy base.
Grate the Garlic
For an intense, even garlic flavor that melts into the butter, use a microplane to grate the garlic instead of chopping.
Sauté Garlic for a Milder Taste
Raw garlic can be sharp. If you prefer a mellow flavor, lightly cook it in a bit of butter or oil before adding it to the mix.
Let It Rest
If you’re not in a rush, let the garlic butter sit for at least 30 minutes in the fridge to let the flavors develop.
Customize It
Don’t be afraid to mix in your favorite herbs, lemon zest, or cheese. You can even add roasted garlic for a deeper, caramelized taste.
Storage Instructions
Garlic butter stores very well!
In the Fridge:
Store in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks. You can also shape it into a log using parchment paper and slice as needed.
In the Freezer:
Wrap tightly in plastic wrap or place in a freezer-safe container. Keeps well for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before using.
FAQ About Homemade Garlic Butter
Can I use salted butter?
Yes, but reduce or skip the added salt so it doesn’t become overly salty.
Can I use garlic powder instead of fresh garlic?
You can, but fresh garlic gives a stronger and more vibrant flavor. If using powder, start with ½ teaspoon and adjust to taste.
Can I make it dairy-free?
Yes! Use plant-based butter alternatives. Choose one that’s firm at room temperature for best results.
How do I make garlic butter more spreadable?
Mix in 1–2 tablespoons of olive oil or whip the butter with a mixer for a lighter texture.
Pairing Ideas: What to Serve with Garlic Butter
- Grilled steak or roast chicken
- Lobster tails or shrimp skewers
- Crusty baguettes or garlic knots
- Baked potatoes or steamed green beans
- Corn on the cob or roasted mushrooms
This butter enhances just about anything it touches!
Final Thoughts: Why You Need This Garlic Butter in Your Fridge
This garlic butter is more than just a spread—it’s a kitchen multitool. It transforms simple ingredients into unforgettable meals and helps you create gourmet flavors in minutes. Whether you use it to finish a steak, elevate a pasta dish, or make the best garlic bread of your life, this is the best garlic butter recipe for everyday cooking.
Keep it on hand and impress your guests—or just yourself—with the easiest flavor upgrade imaginable.
Delicious Ways to Use Garlic Butter
- Homemade Garlic Croutons — easy, crispy, and packed with flavor.
- Steak au Poivre — add a pat of garlic butter for restaurant-quality results.
- Creamy Roquefort Sauce — luxurious, cheesy, and perfect with butter.
- French Onion Soup (Gratinated) — rich broth + melted cheese + garlic butter = heaven.
- Greek Pasta Salad — pairs beautifully with garlic toast on the side.
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Homemade Garlic Butter Recipe: The Best Spread for Bread, Steak, and More
Ingredients
- 1 cup 225 g unsalted butter, softened
- 4 –8 cloves garlic minced or grated
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley finely chopped
- ½ tsp sea salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp lemon juice optional
Instructions
- Let butter soften to room temperature.
- Mince or grate the garlic finely.
- In a bowl, mix butter, garlic, parsley, salt, pepper, and lemon juice until smooth.
- Taste and adjust seasoning.
- Store in the fridge up to 2 weeks or freeze for 3 months.
Video
Notes
FAQ About Homemade Garlic Butter
Can I use salted butter?
Yes, but reduce or skip the added salt so it doesn’t become overly salty.Can I use garlic powder instead of fresh garlic?
You can, but fresh garlic gives a stronger and more vibrant flavor. If using powder, start with ½ teaspoon and adjust to taste.Can I make it dairy-free?
Yes! Use plant-based butter alternatives. Choose one that’s firm at room temperature for best results.How do I make garlic butter more spreadable?
Mix in 1–2 tablespoons of olive oil or whip the butter with a mixer for a lighter texture.Pairing Ideas: What to Serve with Garlic Butter
- Grilled steak or roast chicken
- Lobster tails or shrimp skewers
- Crusty baguettes or garlic knots
- Baked potatoes or steamed green beans
- Corn on the cob or roasted mushrooms
