Save This garlic herb butter combines softened unsalted butter with finely minced garlic and fresh parsley, chives, and thyme. Seasoned with sea salt, black pepper, and optional lemon zest, it's mixed until smooth and shaped into a log to chill. This aromatic spread melts beautifully over warm breads, grilled meats, vegetables, or seafood, adding a rich and fresh herbal note. Suitable vegetarian and gluten-free condiment, ready in minutes, with tips to customize flavors or swap for plant-based butter.
Discovering this garlic herb butter was like unlocking a little treasure in my kitchen. I remember the first time I whipped it up on a rainy afternoon when I just needed something cozy and flavorful to brighten my day.
One unexpected evening, when guests dropped by, I sliced some of this compound butter onto warm bread and watched everyone light up—it was the night the recipe truly won its place in my heart.
Ingredients
- Unsalted butter: I always reach for unsalted so I control the saltiness and get a creamy base that blends perfectly with herbs
- Garlic: Fresh and finely minced garlic offers that punch of flavor that store-bought just can't match
- Fresh parsley, chives, thyme: Using fresh herbs ensures brightness and aroma that bring the butter to life
- Sea salt & black pepper: These simple seasonings balance the flavor and enhance all the other ingredients
- Optional lemon zest: Adds a subtle zing that lifts the whole mix
Instructions
- Get Everything Ready:
- Start by softening the butter until it's pliable and easy to blend, then finely mince your herbs and garlic so they'll spread evenly through the butter.
- Mix It Up:
- Combine everything in a bowl and mix with a spatula or fork, enjoying the fresh aroma that fills your kitchen and the rich creamy texture forming as the herbs fold in.
- Shape and Chill:
- Transfer the butter mixture onto parchment paper, shaping it into a tight log, then roll it up and refrigerate so it firms up nice and sliceable.
- Get Ready To Serve:
- Slices of this butter melt temptingly over hot bread or fresh vegetables, releasing a warm herbal scent that always makes me smile.
Save This butter became more than food when we shared it at a family picnic, everyone reaching for just one more slice—the simple joy of homemade spread turning into a cherished memory.
Keeping It Fresh
Store this butter tightly wrapped in the fridge and it will keep for about a week. For longer storage, freezing works beautifully and you can slice frozen discs as needed.
Serving Ideas That Clicked
I love melting this butter over grilled steak, steamed veggies, or even tossed with warm pasta for an instant flavor boost that never gets old.
A Time This Recipe Saved the Day
Once, I forgot to buy a sauce for a dinner party and this butter was my quick and delicious fix that had everyone asking for the recipe
- Remember to always have herbs on hand for last-minute magic
- If you're ever short on fresh herbs, frozen ones can be a decent substitute
- Don't be afraid to experiment with different herb combos to make it your own
Save Thanks for hanging out and letting me share this recipe—it's always a pleasure to pass along kitchen favorites like this. Happy cooking!
Recipe FAQs
- → How long does it take to prepare garlic herb butter?
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Preparation takes about 10 minutes, with no cooking required. Chilling for an hour ensures firm slices.
- → Can I use plant-based butter for this spread?
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Yes, substituting dairy with plant-based butter works well, making it suitable for vegan diets.
- → What herbs are best for this garlic butter spread?
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Fresh parsley, chives, and thyme provide balanced flavors, while additions like dill or tarragon can customize the profile.
- → How should I store homemade garlic herb butter?
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Wrap tightly and refrigerate up to one week or freeze for up to three months to preserve freshness.
- → What dishes pair well with garlic herb butter?
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It complements warm bread, grilled meats, steamed vegetables, and seafood, enhancing each with rich herbal notes.
