Garlic Butter is a delightful and easy-to-make condiment, known for its creamy texture and rich garlic flavor, enhanced by Italian herbs. You just need room-temperature butter, fresh garlic, and herbs to whip up this versatile spread. It’s an excellent addition to a variety of dishes, from pasta and chicken to seafood and steak.
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Quick to prepare, taking less than 10 minutes, this homemade garlic butter also boasts a long shelf life, remaining fresh in the refrigerator for up to a week and for months in the freezer.
Explore More Garlic and Butter-Based Recipes:
- Garlic Butter Sauce
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- Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta
Ingredients and Substitutions Overview
Create this Homemade Garlic Butter with commonly available ingredients, likely already in your kitchen. These ingredients are readily found in most retail grocery stores. Here's what you'll need:
- Butter: The base of this recipe is unsalted butter, although salted butter can be substituted. Remember to omit additional salt if using salted butter.
- Garlic: Fresh garlic is preferred for its robust aroma and taste. However, garlic powder or garlic salt are suitable alternatives.
- Parsley: Dried parsley is used here, but fresh parsley is also a great option if available.
- Rosemary: This herb adds a wonderful flavor and aroma. Feel free to adjust or substitute with herbs of your choice to suit your taste.
- Mixed Italian Herbs: An optional but recommended ingredient that enhances the overall taste and aroma of the dip.
How to Make Garlic Butter?
Dive into the world of flavors with our Homemade Garlic Butter recipe, showcased through a series of step-by-step photos and a detailed video guide. These visual aids will effortlessly walk you through the process, ensuring your culinary success. Let's get started!
Explore More Delicious Sauces and Dips:
- French Onion Dip
- Tzatziki Sauce
- Garlic Aioli
- Garlic Parmesan Sauce
- Roasted Garlic
- Remoulade Sauce
- Mayonnaise
- Tartar Sauce
- Mango Chutney
- Guacamole
Garlic Butter
Ingredients
- 1 lb Unsalted Butter, at room temperature
- 6 cloves Garlic, minced
- 1 tsp Parsley, dried
- 1 tsp Rosemary, dried
- 1 tsp Italian Herbs, mixed
- Salt, as needed
Instructions
To Make Garlic Butter
- Start by peeling fresh garlic cloves. Finely chop them and set aside.
- In a mixing bowl, add butter that's been brought to room temperature. Mix thoroughly using a fork, or for a creamier texture, use an electric beater to whisk or beat the butter.
- Add the chopped garlic, parsley, rosemary, mixed Italian herbs, and salt to the butter. Mix everything well to ensure the ingredients are fully combined.
- Your delicious garlic butter is now ready to be used in various recipes!
To Serve
- You can enjoy this garlic butter as a versatile spread on bread, or use it to enhance the flavors of your favorite dishes, including pasta, steak, shrimp, fish, or chicken.
Recipe Video
Chef's Notes and Tips
- Quality Butter Matters: Choose high-quality unsalted butter for the best flavor. The butter you use serves as the base for your garlic butter, so opting for a premium option can make a significant difference.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Opt for fresh garlic and herbs whenever possible. They impart a superior aroma and flavor to the dip. Fresh ingredients can significantly elevate the taste.
- Achieving Creamy Texture: To ensure a smooth and creamy consistency, start with butter at room temperature. This makes it easier to blend with other ingredients, resulting in a creamier texture.
- Mixing Techniques: While a fork and spatula are great for mixing, consider using an electric beater for an even creamier texture. The beater aerates the butter, making it fluffier.
- Infuse Time for Flavor: Allow the garlic to infuse in the butter for a sufficient amount of time before using it. This process enhances the flavor as the garlic oils meld with the butter, creating a richer taste.
- Experiment with Herb Combinations: Don't be afraid to experiment with different herb combinations. Whether it's parsley, chives, or a hint of thyme, finding the right blend can add depth and complexity to your garlic butter.
- Season Thoughtfully: Pay attention to the salt content in your recipe, especially if you're using salted butter. Taste as you go and adjust accordingly to achieve the perfect balance of flavors.
- Customize Spice Levels: If you enjoy a bit of heat, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to give your garlic butter a subtle kick.
Nutrition Info
Disclaimer: We’re not nutrition experts. Nutritional info is estimated and should be used as a guide. For precise details, consult a professional.
Delve into our delicious culinary collection, where you'll find an array of Italian recipes, an assortment of imaginative sauces, and distinctive dips. Each recipe is meticulously designed to enhance and enrich your cooking journey, perfect for adding a touch of elegance to any occasion!
Serving Suggestions
Enhance your meals with the delicious flavor of Garlic Butter. Here are some great pairings to elevate your dishes:
- Garlic Bread: Spread on warm, toasted baguette slices for a classic garlic bread.
- Steak Topper: Melt a bit on a sizzling steak just before serving for an extra burst of flavor.
- Chicken Dishes: Smother-grilled or roasted chicken with luscious garlic butter for an extra burst of savory goodness.
- Grilled Seafood: Brush on grilled shrimp, lobster, or fish for a tasty seafood experience.
- Roasted Vegetables: Toss with roasted vegetables like potatoes, green beans, broccoli, cauliflower, asparagus, or Brussels sprouts for added savory goodness.
- Pasta Enhancement: Mix into hot pasta dishes to coat each strand with a simple yet flavorful kick.
- Corn on the Cob: Smear on hot corn on the cob for a mouthwatering treat.
Storage Suggestions
Ensure the longevity of your homemade Garlic Butter by following these practical storage tips, preserving its flavor and freshness for an extended period.
- Refrigeration: Ensure your Garlic Butter remains delightful by storing it in the refrigerator in an airtight container. While it can last in the fridge for up to a week, be mindful that refrigeration may cause some firming. To fully enjoy its creamy texture, allow it to reach room temperature before use.
- Freezing Option: For an extended shelf life, consider freezing your Garlic Butter. Optimal freezing involves dividing it into manageable portions, using ice cube trays or individual servings. Even when frozen, your garlic butter maintains its exquisite taste and quality, offering the freedom to enjoy its richness for several months.
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