Garlic Butter Spread Recipe

Looking for an easy yet incredibly flavorful addition to your meals? This Garlic Butter Spread recipe is the perfect way to elevate your dishes with a rich, savory blend of butter, garlic, and herbs. Whether you’re looking to slather it on bread, use it as a base for garlic bread, or add it to grilled meats and vegetables, this versatile spread will become a staple in your kitchen. With just a few ingredients, you can whip up a homemade garlic butter that’s miles better than any store-bought version. Keep reading for the full recipe, along with tips and variations!

What is Garlic Butter Spread?

Garlic Butter Spread is a simple but flavorful mixture of softened butter, fresh garlic, and herbs. It’s typically used as a topping for bread (hello, garlic bread!) but can also be spread on grilled meats, seafood, or vegetables. The combination of creamy butter with the sharpness of fresh garlic and aromatic herbs creates a versatile condiment that enhances almost any dish. It’s quick to make, stores well, and is customizable with your favorite herbs and seasonings.

Ingredients List for Garlic Butter Spread

Here’s everything you need to make this delicious and easy Garlic Butter Spread:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened (2 sticks)
• 4-6 cloves garlic, minced (adjust to taste)
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped (or 1 tablespoon dried parsley)
• 1 tablespoon fresh chives, finely chopped (optional)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder (optional, for extra garlic flavor)
• ½ teaspoon onion powder (optional)
• 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
• ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional, for a slight tang)
• 1 teaspoon olive oil (optional, for added smoothness)

Optional Add-ins:

• 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese for extra richness
• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes for a spicy kick
• Zest of 1 lemon for added brightness
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano or basil for an Italian twist

Substitutions and Variations

This Garlic Butter Spread recipe is super versatile. Here are a few substitutions and variations to suit different tastes and dietary needs:

• Dairy-Free Version: Use a vegan butter alternative, like plant-based margarine or coconut oil, to make the spread dairy-free.
• Herb Substitutes: If you don’t have fresh parsley or chives, you can substitute with dried herbs like thyme, basil, or oregano. Just use half the amount of dried herbs, as they are more concentrated in flavor.
• Extra Creaminess: For an ultra-creamy spread, you can add a tablespoon or two of cream cheese to the mixture. This will give the garlic butter a slightly tangy flavor and even smoother texture.
• Roasted Garlic Version: Swap out the raw garlic for roasted garlic if you prefer a milder, sweeter garlic flavor. Roasting the garlic gives the spread a deeper, more complex taste.
• Spicy Option: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes for some heat, especially if you plan on using it with seafood or meats.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Making Garlic Butter Spread is as easy as mixing a few ingredients, but following these steps will ensure it’s perfectly blended and bursting with flavor:

Step 1: Soften the Butter

• Take the butter out of the refrigerator and allow it to come to room temperature. This will make it easier to mix with the other ingredients. If you're short on time, you can microwave the butter in 5-second intervals, but be careful not to melt it completely.

Step 2: Prepare the Garlic and Herbs

• Mince the garlic cloves as finely as possible for a smooth texture. If you want a more subtle garlic flavor, you can also grate the garlic using a microplane.
• Finely chop the parsley and any other herbs you're using, like chives, basil, or oregano.

Step 3: Mix the Ingredients

• In a medium-sized bowl, combine the softened butter, minced garlic, parsley, chives (if using), garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and lemon juice.
• Use a fork or spatula to mix everything together until fully combined and smooth. If you're using any optional add-ins like Parmesan cheese or red pepper flakes, stir them in as well.
• If the butter feels too stiff, you can add a teaspoon of olive oil to make it smoother and easier to spread.

Step 4: Adjust Seasonings

• Taste the garlic butter and adjust the seasoning if needed. Add more salt, pepper, or lemon juice to suit your preferences.
• If you want a more pronounced garlic flavor, add a pinch of garlic powder or extra minced garlic.

Step 5: Store or Serve

• Transfer the Garlic Butter Spread to an airtight container or roll it into a log using plastic wrap for easy slicing.
• You can serve it immediately or store it in the refrigerator for up to a week. If you're storing it for later, bring it to room temperature before serving for easy spreading.

How to Make Garlic Butter Spread: A Step-by-Step Guide

1. Soften the Butter: Allow the butter to come to room temperature for easy mixing.
2. Mince the Garlic: Finely mince or grate the garlic to blend well with the butter.
3. Chop the Herbs: Finely chop fresh herbs like parsley and chives for added flavor.
4. Mix Everything Together: Combine the softened butter, garlic, herbs, and seasonings until smooth and well blended.
5. Adjust and Store: Taste the mixture and adjust the seasoning, then store it in the fridge or serve immediately.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Using Cold Butter: Always use softened butter, not cold or melted. Cold butter will be difficult to mix, and melted butter will make the spread too runny.
• Overpowering Garlic: While garlic is the star of the show, adding too much raw garlic can make the spread overpowering. Start with 4 cloves and taste-test before adding more.
• Skipping the Salt: Unsalted butter is best for this recipe because it allows you to control the salt level. However, be sure to add enough salt to balance out the garlic and butter’s richness.
• Not Finely Mincing the Garlic: If the garlic isn't minced finely enough, you’ll get large pieces of raw garlic, which can be too strong in flavor and harsh in texture.

Serving and Presentation Tips

This Garlic Butter Spread is not only flavorful but also visually appealing when served properly. Here’s how to serve and present it for maximum impact:

How to Serve Garlic Butter Spread

• Garlic Bread: Spread the garlic butter generously on slices of baguette or a loaf of French bread. Toast in the oven until golden brown and bubbly for perfect homemade garlic bread.
• Grilled Meats: Add a pat of garlic butter to grilled steaks, chicken, or seafood like shrimp and lobster for a rich and savory finish.
• Vegetables: Toss steamed or roasted vegetables like broccoli, asparagus, or carrots with garlic butter for a flavorful side dish.
• Mashed Potatoes or Baked Potatoes: Stir a spoonful of garlic butter into mashed potatoes or spread it on a baked potato for an extra burst of flavor.

Presentation Ideas for Garlic Butter Spread

• Garlic Butter Log: Roll the mixture into a log using plastic wrap, then slice it into rounds for a clean, professional presentation. This is especially handy for serving on grilled meats.
• Ramekins or Small Jars: Serve the spread in small ramekins or mason jars with a sprig of fresh parsley or thyme on top for an elegant touch.
• Herb Garnish: Sprinkle some extra chopped parsley or chives over the top of the butter when serving to highlight the fresh ingredients and add a pop of color.
• Individual Servings: For dinner parties, pre-slice baguettes and individually butter them, placing them in a bread basket for guests to grab.

Garlic Butter Spread Recipe Tips

• Roast the Garlic: If you’re looking for a sweeter, more mellow garlic flavor, roast the garlic cloves before adding them to the butter. To do this, wrap whole garlic heads in foil, drizzle with olive oil, and roast at 400°F for about 40 minutes. The roasted garlic will be soft and easy to mash.
• Make It Ahead: Garlic Butter Spread keeps well in the fridge for up to a week, or you can freeze it for up to 3 months. Just be sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container.
• Mix and Match Herbs: Don’t be afraid to experiment with different herb combinations. Fresh thyme, rosemary, or even cilantro can add unique flavors depending on how you plan to use the garlic butter.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I use salted butter for this recipe?
A: Yes, you can use salted butter, but be sure to reduce or omit the added salt in the recipe. Taste the butter before adjusting the seasoning.

Q: How long does Garlic Butter Spread last?
A: You can store Garlic Butter Spread in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. If you want to make a large batch, you can freeze it for up to 3 months.

Q: Can I freeze Garlic Butter Spread?
A: Absolutely! Garlic Butter Spread freezes beautifully. Roll it into a log, wrap it in plastic wrap, and store it in a freezer-safe bag or container. When ready to use, thaw in the refrigerator or slice off pieces as needed.

Q: Can I use roasted garlic instead of raw garlic?
A: Yes! Roasted garlic gives the spread a sweeter, milder flavor. Simply roast a garlic head, squeeze the softened garlic cloves into the butter, and mix it as you would with raw garlic.

Q: What can I do if my garlic butter is too salty?
A: If your garlic butter turns out too salty, you can try diluting it with more unsalted butter or a splash of cream. You could also mix in some fresh herbs to balance out the saltiness.

Conclusion

Whether you're spreading it on bread, melting it over a steak, or tossing it with veggies, this Garlic Butter Spread is a must-have in any home cook's repertoire. It’s quick and easy to make, endlessly customizable, and adds a burst of flavor to any dish. Plus, it stores well, so you can make a batch ahead of time and have it on hand whenever you need to add a little something extra to your meal. Give this recipe a try, and you’ll never want to go back to store-bought garlic butter again! Happy cooking!

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