5-Minute Homemade Garlic Butter Recipe
Why You’ll Love This Garlic Butter
If you’ve ever wondered why restaurant garlic bread tastes so mouthwateringly rich, the answer is simple: garlic butter. This homemade garlic butter recipe is quick, easy, and bursting with savory, creamy flavor. Ready in just 5 minutes, it’s a go-to addition that turns ordinary meals into unforgettable bites.
This easy garlic butter recipe is perfect for bread, vegetables, steak, pasta, baked potatoes, seafood, and more. With only a few ingredients—most of which you likely already have—this spread can elevate both everyday dinners and special occasions.
What Is Garlic Butter?
Garlic butter is a simple yet flavorful compound butter made by mixing softened butter with minced garlic and herbs. The richness of the butter blends perfectly with the bold punch of fresh garlic, and optional herbs or spices give it extra character. This spread is incredibly versatile and adds instant gourmet flavor to almost anything.
Whether you’re slathering it on fresh bread or melting it into pasta, homemade garlic butter is one of those kitchen staples you’ll wonder how you ever lived without.
Homemade Garlic Butter
This 5-minute garlic butter is your secret weapon for instant flavor—spread it, melt it, or mix it in. So easy, so good, and ready whenever you need it!
Course: Condiment, Spread Cuisine: Western
Keyword: Garlic Butter Prep Time: 5minutes minutes
Total Time: 5minutes minutes Servings: 8 Calories: 103kcal
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what you need to make the perfect garlic butter at home:
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- Use high-quality butter for best flavor.
- 2 cloves garlic, finely minced or grated
- Fresh garlic gives the best taste, but roasted garlic can offer a mellow, sweeter flavor.
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- Optional, but adds color and a fresh, herby note.
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
- Adjust to taste, especially if using salted butter.
- Optional add-ins:
- A pinch of red pepper flakes (for heat)
- 1 tsp lemon zest or juice (for brightness)
- 1–2 tablespoons grated Parmesan (for umami depth)
- Chives, thyme, or rosemary (for variety)
How to Make Garlic Butter (Step-by-Step)
Step 1: Soften the Butter
Leave the butter at room temperature for about 30 minutes. If you’re in a rush, microwave it in short 5-second bursts until soft but not melted.
Step 2: Mince the Garlic
Use a garlic press, fine grater, or knife to mince the garlic very finely. This ensures it blends well into the butter and distributes flavor evenly.
Step 3: Mix It All Together
In a small bowl, combine softened butter, garlic, salt, and parsley. Stir with a spoon or fork until fully blended. You can also use a hand mixer or small food processor for a smoother texture.
Step 4: Serve or Store
Serve immediately or roll into a log using parchment paper. You can refrigerate it in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks or freeze it for up to 6 months.
Ways to Use Garlic Butter
This recipe isn’t just a spread—it’s a flavor booster. Here are the best ways to use it:
1. Garlic Bread
Spread generously on sliced French bread or rolls, then bake or broil until golden brown.
2. Steak and Chicken
Top grilled steak or pan-seared chicken with a pat of garlic butter just before serving.
3. Pasta Sauce
Melt into cooked pasta with a splash of pasta water for a quick, flavorful garlic butter sauce.
4. Roasted or Steamed Vegetables
Toss cooked veggies like green beans, asparagus, carrots, or corn with melted garlic butter.
5. Mashed or Baked Potatoes
Mix into mashed potatoes or spread on baked potatoes for an instant flavor upgrade.
6. Corn on the Cob
Brush warm garlic butter onto hot corn for a summer classic.
Variations and Customizations
Make this garlic butter your own by adjusting ingredients based on your taste or what you have on hand.
Spicy Garlic Butter
Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper.
Cheesy Garlic Butter
Mix in grated Parmesan, Romano, or Asiago cheese.
Lemon Herb Garlic Butter
Add 1 tsp lemon zest or juice, and substitute herbs with dill or basil.
Roasted Garlic Butter
Swap raw garlic with roasted garlic for a milder, caramelized flavor.
Honey Garlic Butter
Add 1–2 teaspoons of honey for a sweet-savory blend that’s perfect on cornbread or biscuits.
How to Store Garlic Butter
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container or wrapped in parchment for up to 2 weeks.
- Freezer: Roll into a log, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to 6 months. Slice off what you need.
Tip: Freeze it in an ice cube tray, then store cubes in a zip-top bag for quick portions!
Garlic Butter Nutrition (Per Serving – approx. 1 tbsp)
| Calories | Carbs | Protein | Fat | Saturated Fat | Cholesterol | Sodium |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 103 | 1g | 0.5g | 12g | 7g | 30mg | 140mg |
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
Yes! Just reduce or skip the added salt to prevent it from becoming too salty.
Can I use garlic powder instead of fresh garlic?
You can, but fresh garlic provides a more vibrant, pungent flavor. If using garlic powder, start with ½ teaspoon and adjust to taste.
How long does garlic butter last?
It will stay fresh in the fridge for up to 2 weeks, or 6 months in the freezer.
Can I make this vegan?
Absolutely. Use a dairy-free butter alternative and adjust salt as needed.
What’s the best way to soften butter quickly?
Cut it into small cubes and let it sit at room temperature for 10–15 minutes, or microwave in 5-second intervals.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re whipping up a quick weeknight dinner or preparing a holiday feast, this 5-minute garlic butter adds next-level flavor with zero fuss. It’s incredibly easy, made with pantry staples, and endlessly customizable. From garlic bread to grilled meats and roasted veggies, this homemade garlic butter turns basic into brilliant.
Once you try it, you’ll never go back to store-bought!
