Name: Homemade Garlic Butter Spread
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: PT-487126H29M3S
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature; 6 fresh garlic cloves, finely diced; ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped; ½ tsp salt; ¼ tsp ground black pepper

A creamy, savory garlic butter that’s easy to whip up and works perfectly on bread, vegetables, meats, or pasta. It’s a simple recipe that delivers restaurant-quality flavor right from my own kitchen. Homemade Garlic Butter Spread

Why I’ll Love This Recipe

I love this garlic butter because it uses just a handful of ingredients but makes a big impact. The rich butter combined with fresh garlic and herbs adds an incredible boost to just about anything I cook. It’s quick, easy, and stores well, so I always have some on hand for when I need a little extra flavor.

ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

1 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
6 fresh garlic cloves, finely diced
¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
½ tsp salt
¼ tsp ground black pepper

directions

Let the butter sit out until it reaches room temperature and becomes soft.
In a medium-sized bowl, mash the butter with a fork until smooth.
Add the garlic, parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together until fully combined.
Scoop the mixture onto a sheet of plastic wrap and shape it into a log, about 1 inch thick.
Wrap tightly and refrigerate for 30 to 60 minutes until firm.
Once chilled, slice and use as needed. It’s great on bread, vegetables, meats, or stirred into warm pasta.

Servings and timing

Servings: about 16
Prep time: 10 minutes
Chill time: 30–60 minutes
Total time: 40–70 minutes

Variations

I like adding a pinch of Cajun seasoning for a spicy kick.
Sometimes I swap out the parsley for basil or thyme to match the flavor of a dish.
For a touch of sweetness, I mix in a bit of honey and cinnamon—perfect for breakfast toast.
Adding grated Parmesan makes a delicious cheesy version.

storage/reheating

I keep the butter wrapped in plastic wrap and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. If I want to keep it longer, I freeze individual portions, like slices or mini logs, and they last up to three months. To use, I either let it come to room temperature or gently warm it in a pan or microwave.

FAQs

Can I use salted butter instead?

Yes, I can. I just skip the added salt or reduce it based on taste.

How long does it stay good in the fridge?

It keeps well for about a week when stored properly in the refrigerator.

Can I freeze it?

Yes, freezing works great. I slice it into portions and freeze them individually for convenience.

What herbs can I substitute for parsley?

I often use chives, thyme, rosemary, or oregano depending on the dish I’m making.

Is there a way to make the garlic flavor more mellow?

If I want a milder garlic flavor, I sauté the garlic in a bit of butter before mixing it in. It softens the sharpness without losing the flavor.

Conclusion

This homemade garlic butter is a staple in my kitchen. It’s incredibly simple to make, endlessly customizable, and instantly elevates even the most basic meals. Whether I’m spreading it on bread, tossing it with pasta, or melting it over grilled meats, it always delivers rich, satisfying flavor.