This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my privacy policy.
Garlic herb butter is one of the most flavorful and versatile condiments around. It's effortless to prepare yet it easily adds so much complexity to any dish!
The Best Garlic Herb Butter Recipe
I first crafted this homemade garlic herb butter for my hasselback garlic cheesy bread recipe. It only takes 10 minutes and requires just four (4) simple ingredients!
While you can purchase garlic herb butter from brands like Kerry Gold and Land O’ Lakes, homemade is undeniably superior. It infuses dishes with a rich, garlicky, and herbaceous flavor that elevates every bite.
Since then, I’ve used it in various dishes—from garlic noodles to brushing it on grilled shrimp kebab or simply spreading it on morning toast.
The best part? Garlic herb butter stores well in both the fridge and freezer, just like regular butter. For a step-by-step guide to creating your own garlic and herb butter, check out the recipe below!
Looking for another twist on compound butter? Consider trying Try Honey Sriracha Butter next time for a unique flavor experience.
Where To Use Garlic Butter
This homemade garlic butter spread goes well with almost anything. Here are some of our favorite ways to use it:
- Topping: Add a dollop of herbed garlic butter on your steak to elevate it to restaurant level, just like my garlic butter steak. I also use it to make skillet pork chops.
- Grilling: I love brushing the herbed butter on grilled corn and lobster tail.
- Base for sauteing: This garlic compound butter works perfectly on the skillet for sauteing, such as garlic butter mushroom and mahi mahi.
Recipe Addition
I love adding honey to melted garlic herb butter and making honey garlic butter. I use it on chicken, salmon, shrimp, scallops, carrots, or just about anything. You can also make garlic parmesan butter for a cheesy twist.
Garlic & Herb Butter Ingredients
- Butter: I recommend using unsalted butter for a clean, creamy base for the garlic butter. However, feel free to use salted butter if you prefer.
- Garlic: Always use freshly minced garlic for bolder flavors. Garlic powder won’t give you the same taste. You can also roast the garlic cloves beforehand for a sweeter and nuttier flavor.
- Parsley: Chopped parsley adds a refreshing and earthy element to the butter. You can mix in other herbs like fresh thyme, rosemary, dill, or green onions. Fresh herbs are always preferable for this recipe, but if you only have dried herbs, use half the amount.
- Salt: Salt enhances the overall flavor of the butter. Only add salt if using unsalted butter.
Refer to the recipe card below for complete ingredient details.
How To Make Garlic Herb Butter
Butter makes everything better, especially when infused with garlic and herbs—it’s versatile and adds delicious flavor to countless dishes. Below, you’ll find how to make this irresistible herbed garlic butter recipe.
Step 1: Using a hand mixer or stand mixer, beat the butter and salt and beat for a couple of minutes, or until fluffy. Add the garlic and parsley and stir to combine well.
Step 2: Transfer the garlic butter onto a sheet of plastic wrap and roll up to form a cylinder shape. Twist both ends tight and keep it in the refrigerator. They are ready to use when the butter becomes cold and solid.
Helpful Tips For Home Cooks
- Let the butter soften at room temperature before blending with other ingredients. This will make it easier to mix, and you’ll end up with a smoother consistency.
- Experiment with different herbs, spices, and seasonings. You can create a unique flavor profile by adding ingredients like lemon zest, honey, or even chili flakes.
- Use fresh herbs for the best flavors. Dried herbs can also be used, but use only half the amount.
- Gently roll the butter into a log shape using plastic wrap or parchment paper. It’s easier to slice and store this way.
- Double or triple the recipe and store it in the freezer for future use. This way, you’ll always have garlic & herb butter on hand whenever you need it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Absolutely! You can experiment with a lot of fresh herbs like rosemary, oregano, basil, or chives.
Yes, you can use dried herbs instead of fresh ones. Just reduce the amount by about half, as dried herbs have a more concentrated flavor.
If your garlic butter turns green, it’s likely due to a reaction between the garlic and butter. This is harmless and won’t affect the flavor, but you may want to finish the butter sooner.
Keep the garlic butter in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. For longer storage, you can freeze the butter in an airtight container or wrapped in parchment paper for up to 3 months.
Homemade garlic butter will keep in the fridge for up to 2 weeks when stored in an airtight container.
Some signs that your garlic butter has gone bad include an off smell, discoloration, or mold growth. If the butter develops any of these, it’s best to discard it.
This garlic and herb butter recipe has only 273 calories per serving.
What To Serve With Garlic Herb Butter
Serve this butter with homemade garlic bread or brioche. For a wholesome meal and an easy weeknight dinner, I recommend the following recipes:
I hope you enjoy this post as much as I do. If you try my recipe, please leave a comment and consider giving it a 5-star rating. For more easy and delicious recipes, explore my Recipe Index, and stay updated by subscribing to my newsletter and following me on Facebook, Pinterest, and Instagram for new updates.
Garlic Herb Butter
Ingredients
- 2 sticks unsalted butter , room temperature
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon parsley leaves, chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Using a hand mixer or stand mixer, beat the butter and salt for a couple of minutes until fluffy. Add the garlic and parsley, and stir to combine well.
- Transfer the garlic butter onto a sheet of plastic wrap and roll it up to form a cylindrical shape. Twist both ends tightly and refrigerate. The butter will be ready to use once it becomes cold and solid.
Video
Notes
- Let the butter soften at room temperature before blending with other ingredients. This will make it easier to mix, and you’ll end up with a smoother consistency.
- Experiment with different herbs, spices, and seasonings. You can create a unique flavor profile by adding ingredients like lemon zest, honey, or even chili flakes.
- Use fresh herbs for the best flavors. Dried herbs can also be used, but use only half the amount.
- Gently roll the butter into a log shape using plastic wrap or parchment paper. It’s easier to slice and store this way.
- Double or triple the recipe and store it in the freezer for future use. This way, you’ll always have garlic & herb butter on hand whenever you need it.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
I WOULD LOVE TO MAKE THIS HERB BUTTER IF I COULD GET THE RECIPE. THANK YOU….
The recipe is where the red button is. It says GET RECIPE.
Hello! I’m making this for dinner rolls for Thanksgiving dinner. I am not using fresh garlic but rather minced in jar from grocery store. Could you tell me the amount of minced o would need? Thank you! Barbara
We buy a version of this but it’s not available where we are right now, so I might try my hand at making it again.
Our favorite way to use it is to get a foil pan, coat the bottom with butter, add tater tots and put more butter on top, then add the pan to the grill. Turn the tots over individually part way through and enjoy!
I didn’t say it was healthy ;)
I added more garlic, great recipe though. Excellent with fish, steak or on bread. Use your imagination.
Yes yes more garlic is better. Thanks for trying my garlic herb butter recipe.
Thank you, Rasa Malaysia, for providing this very easy recipe—it really has so many uses! If fresh parsley and garlic are not available, dried parsley flakes and garlic granules can be substituted, plus the shelf life may even stretch a bit longer if stored in an air-tight container. Bon appétit and happy cooking!
Can you freeze the garlic butter, and for how long?
Yes you can freeze it for a few weeks.
I am curious as why do we need to beat the butter. Can you explain? =)
Make it fluffy.
can you use dried parsley as a substitute for the fresh? how much would you add then? can’t wait to make it, thanks so much!
Yes you can just a few shakes, up to you. :)
So easy and delicious! Thanks for sharing!
hi bee,
how long will this last in the fridge?
thanks!
A couple of weeks. :)