Garlic Butter Spread Recipe

If you’re a fan of rich, savory flavors, this Garlic Butter Spread is a must-have in your kitchen. Perfect for slathering on warm bread, spreading on sandwiches, or using as a base for garlic bread, this spreadable butter is packed with garlicky goodness and herbs that will elevate any dish. It’s incredibly versatile and takes just a few minutes to whip up. Follow this easy recipe and learn how to make a delicious garlic butter spread that will be your new go-to for appetizers, sides, or even adding flavor to cooked meats and veggies.

this Recipe

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What is Garlic Butter Spread?

Garlic Butter Spread is a smooth, creamy blend of butter, fresh garlic, and herbs that’s perfect for enhancing the flavor of bread, vegetables, meats, and more. Made with softened butter and minced garlic, it’s simple to prepare but full of bold flavor. You can spread it on warm, crusty bread to create an amazing garlic bread, use it to sauté vegetables, or even melt it over grilled meats or seafood for an extra flavor boost.

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Ingredients List for Garlic Butter Spread

Here’s what you’ll need to make this flavorful garlic butter spread:

1. Unsalted Butter: 1 cup (2 sticks), softened to room temperature.
2. Garlic: 4-5 cloves, minced or grated (adjust based on how garlicky you like it).
3. Fresh Parsley: 2 tablespoons, finely chopped.
4. Fresh Thyme or Oregano: 1 teaspoon, finely chopped (optional, for extra herb flavor).
5. Salt: ½ teaspoon (add more to taste if you like it saltier).
6. Black Pepper: ¼ teaspoon, freshly ground.
7. Lemon Juice: 1 teaspoon (optional, for a hint of brightness).
8. Olive Oil: 1 teaspoon (optional, for a smoother consistency).

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Substitutions and Variations

There are plenty of ways to customize this Garlic Butter Spread to suit your tastes:

• Herb Variations: Swap parsley for other herbs like basil, cilantro, or dill for a different flavor profile.
• Roasted Garlic: For a sweeter, more mellow garlic flavor, use roasted garlic instead of raw garlic.
• Spicy Garlic Butter: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to create a spicy version of the spread.
• Cheesy Garlic Butter: Stir in a few tablespoons of grated Parmesan or Romano cheese for a cheesy twist.
• Vegan/Dairy-Free Option: Use a dairy-free butter substitute like coconut oil or plant-based butter for a vegan version.

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Step-by-Step Instructions

This Garlic Butter Spread is incredibly easy to make. Follow these simple steps:

Step 1: Soften the Butter

1. Make sure your butter is softened to room temperature so it’s easy to mix. If you’re short on time, microwave the butter for about 10 seconds to soften it, but be careful not to melt it.

Step 2: Mince the Garlic

1. Peel and mince 4-5 garlic cloves. You can also grate the garlic using a microplane for an even smoother texture. Adjust the number of garlic cloves based on your preference for garlicky intensity.

Step 3: Mix the Ingredients

1. In a medium-sized bowl, add the softened butter, minced garlic, chopped parsley, and other herbs (if using). Mix everything together using a spoon or spatula until well combined.
2. Add salt, black pepper, and lemon juice (if using). Taste the mixture and adjust the seasoning to your liking.
3. For an extra smooth and spreadable texture, add 1 teaspoon of olive oil and stir to combine.

Step 4: Store or Serve

1. Transfer the garlic butter spread to a small serving dish if you plan to use it right away.
2. If you’re storing it for later use, place the mixture in an airtight container and refrigerate. The spread will keep for up to 1 week in the fridge.

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Common Mistakes to Avoid

While making Garlic Butter Spread is simple, here are a few tips to avoid common mistakes:

• Using Cold Butter: If your butter isn’t softened properly, it will be difficult to mix with the other ingredients. Make sure the butter is soft to achieve a smooth spread.
• Burning the Garlic: If you plan to sauté the garlic before mixing it into the butter, be careful not to overcook it. Burnt garlic can become bitter, which will affect the flavor of the spread.
• Overloading with Garlic: While garlic is the star ingredient, too much raw garlic can overpower the butter and become too pungent. Taste as you go and adjust based on your garlic tolerance.

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Serving and Presentation Tips

This Garlic Butter Spread can be used in countless ways. Here are a few ideas to present and serve it beautifully:

How to Serve Garlic Butter Spread

• On Bread: Spread it on baguette slices or French bread, then toast in the oven for a few minutes to create garlic bread.
• With Seafood: Melt the garlic butter over grilled shrimp, lobster, or fish for a simple but elegant flavor enhancer.
• For Vegetables: Toss steamed or roasted vegetables like broccoli, green beans, or asparagus with the garlic butter to take them to the next level.
• On Steak or Chicken: Use the spread to melt over freshly grilled steaks or chicken breasts as a finishing touch.

Presentation Ideas for Garlic Butter Spread

• Rustic Style: Serve the garlic butter in a small rustic bowl or ramekin, garnished with a sprinkle of extra parsley or herbs.
• Herb Butter Logs: Shape the garlic butter into a log using plastic wrap, chill until firm, then slice it into rounds to place on top of steaks, seafood, or bread.
• Fancy Serve: For special occasions, pipe the garlic butter into rosettes using a pastry bag for a fancier presentation on the table.

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Garlic Butter Spread Recipe Tips

Here are a few extra tips to make sure your Garlic Butter Spread turns out perfectly:

1. Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh parsley and herbs provide the best flavor and color. If you don’t have fresh herbs, dried herbs will work, but use them sparingly as they are more concentrated.
2. Roast the Garlic for Extra Flavor: For a richer, deeper garlic flavor, try roasting the garlic before mixing it with the butter. Roasted garlic is sweet, nutty, and adds a lot of complexity to the spread.
3. Make It Ahead: You can make this spread ahead of time and store it in the fridge. It’s great to have on hand for quick meals or snacks.
4. Customize to Your Taste: Adjust the amount of garlic, herbs, and seasoning to your taste. This recipe is very forgiving, so feel free to play around with the flavors.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I freeze garlic butter spread?
A: Yes, garlic butter can be frozen! Shape it into a log using plastic wrap, then wrap it tightly and place it in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to use, slice off what you need and let it thaw at room temperature.

Q: Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
A: Yes, you can use salted butter. Just be sure to reduce or omit the added salt in the recipe to avoid making the spread too salty.

Q: How long does garlic butter spread last in the fridge?
A: Garlic butter spread will keep in the refrigerator for up to 1 week in an airtight container. If you’re making it in advance, be sure to store it properly to keep it fresh.

Q: Can I use store-bought minced garlic?
A: While fresh garlic offers the best flavor, you can use store-bought minced garlic if you're short on time. However, keep in mind that the flavor won’t be as potent or fresh.

Q: What type of butter is best?
A: High-quality unsalted butter is best for this recipe. Using unsalted butter allows you to control the salt level in the spread.

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Conclusion

This Garlic Butter Spread is a versatile and easy-to-make recipe that will add a flavorful touch to many of your favorite dishes. Whether you’re spreading it on bread for garlic bread, melting it over steaks, or mixing it into pasta, this spread brings richness and depth of flavor to any meal. Plus, it’s a quick and simple recipe that can be made ahead and stored, making it the perfect go-to for busy weeknights or when you want to elevate a special dinner. Enjoy the irresistible combination of garlic, butter, and herbs in every bite!

Happy cooking! 🧄🧈

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