Homemade Garlic Herb Butter

If you’re looking for a simple yet decadent addition to your cooking arsenal, this Homemade Garlic Herb Butter is a total game-changer. Picture this: smooth, creamy butter infused with garlic and a burst of fresh herbs, ready to elevate everything from bread to steak to vegetables. It’s one of those recipes that’s so easy to make but adds a touch of luxury to any dish. Trust me, once you whip this up, you’ll be spreading it on everything!

Why You’ll Love Homemade Garlic Herb Butter

• Quick & Easy: You only need a few basic ingredients to create a rich, flavorful butter that will impress everyone.
• Versatile: Use it to finish off grilled meats, veggies, pasta, or even just slather it on warm, crusty bread.
• Customizable: Don’t like a particular herb? Swap it for your favorites, or add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
• Homemade Goodness: Skip the store-bought butter and make your own—it’s fresh, full of flavor, and much more satisfying!

Ingredients

Ready to get your garlic herb butter on? Here’s everything you’ll need:

For the Butter:

• Unsalted Butter: Softened to room temperature so it blends perfectly with the herbs and garlic.
• Garlic: Fresh garlic is a must for that robust, savory flavor. You’ll want to finely mince it to get the most out of it.
• Fresh Herbs: A combo of parsley, thyme, and rosemary adds freshness and depth. Feel free to mix and match based on what you have on hand.
• Lemon Zest: A little bit of zest brightens up the butter, giving it a lovely citrusy kick that balances the richness.
• Salt & Pepper: Season to taste, making sure that the flavors shine through.

Instructions

Let’s make this butter come to life! Here’s how to do it:

Step 1: Soften the Butter

Start by letting your unsalted butter sit out at room temperature for about 30 minutes. It should be soft enough to easily mix with the garlic and herbs, but not melted.

Step 2: Mince the Garlic

Finely mince the garlic or use a garlic press for an extra-smooth texture. The smaller you chop it, the better it will incorporate into the butter.

Step 3: Chop the Herbs

Finely chop your fresh parsley, rosemary, and thyme. If you’re using any other herbs, make sure they’re finely chopped too. This will help them meld into the butter and spread evenly.

Step 4: Mix It All Together

In a medium bowl, combine the softened butter, minced garlic, chopped herbs, lemon zest, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Use a fork or spatula to mix everything until it’s evenly blended.

Step 5: Taste & Adjust

Give your butter a taste! Add more salt, pepper, or herbs if you want to adjust the flavor. You can also add a squeeze of lemon juice if you like a bit more tang.

Step 6: Chill & Serve

Once everything is well mixed, transfer the garlic herb butter to a piece of plastic wrap or parchment paper. Roll it into a log, twist the ends, and refrigerate for at least an hour to let the flavors meld. Alternatively, you can store it in an airtight container.

When you’re ready to serve, just slice off as much as you need. It’s ready to spread on everything from warm rolls to grilled chicken or roasted veggies!

Nutrition Facts

Note: These values are approximate and based on standard ingredients.

Servings: About 12
Calories per serving: 90 calories (1 tablespoon)

How to Serve Homemade Garlic Herb Butter

• With Fresh Bread: Slather this butter on warm, crusty bread or baguette slices for a mouthwatering appetizer or snack.
• On Grilled Meats: Top steaks, chicken, or pork chops with a dollop of garlic herb butter to bring out extra flavor.
• With Roasted Veggies: Drizzle or spread on roasted vegetables like carrots, potatoes, or asparagus for a burst of savory goodness.
• On Pasta: Toss with your favorite pasta for an easy, flavorful dinner.
• For Corn on the Cob: Spread over hot, buttered corn for the ultimate summer treat.

Additional Tips

• Make Ahead: This butter can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to a week. It also freezes well, so feel free to make a big batch and freeze some for later!
• Add Spice: If you love a bit of heat, try adding some red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to the butter mixture.
• Infuse Other Flavors: Want to switch things up? Try adding a bit of parmesan cheese, truffle oil, or balsamic vinegar for an extra flavor punch.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use salted butter?
A1: You can, but keep in mind that it will change the flavor balance. If you use salted butter, be sure to taste and adjust the salt content in the recipe accordingly.

Q2: How long will this garlic herb butter last?
A2: Stored in the refrigerator, it will last for about a week. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months!

Q3: Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh?
A3: Yes, you can! Dried herbs are more concentrated, so use about one-third of the amount listed for fresh herbs. For example, use 1 teaspoon of dried thyme instead of 1 tablespoon of fresh.

Q4: Can I make garlic herb butter without garlic?
A4: Absolutely! You can skip the garlic and use just herbs, or swap it out for something like shallots or chives for a different flavor profile.

Q5: How can I use this butter in baking?
A5: You can use this garlic herb butter in savory baked goods like rolls, biscuits, or scones. Just substitute it for regular butter in the recipe!

Q6: Can I make this butter spicy?
A6: Yes! Add a bit of cayenne pepper or chili flakes for a spicy kick that’ll pair beautifully with the garlic and herbs.

Q7: Can I use this butter on grilled corn?
A7: Yes! This garlic herb butter is perfect on grilled corn on the cob. Just slather it on hot corn for a flavorful side dish.

Q8: Can I make this vegan?
A8: Yes, you can use vegan butter instead of regular butter to make this recipe vegan-friendly.

Q9: How can I use this butter on pasta?
A9: Simply toss your cooked pasta with a couple of tablespoons of the garlic herb butter and enjoy a simple, flavorful pasta dish. You can add Parmesan or extra herbs for more flavor!

Q10: Can I add other flavors to this butter?
A10: Absolutely! You can add grated Parmesan cheese, a squeeze of lemon juice, or even a splash of white wine for extra depth of flavor.

Conclusion

Making Homemade Garlic Herb Butter is one of those little culinary wins that’ll elevate so many dishes with minimal effort. Whether you’re using it to finish off a steak, spread on warm bread, or add richness to roasted vegetables, it’s sure to impress. Plus, once you’ve tried homemade, you’ll never go back to store-bought. So, gather your ingredients, and get ready to spread some homemade goodness everywhere!

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