This garlic butter recipe is so easy that you’ll want to make it often. All you need is some butter at room temperature and a few simple ingredients. You can use either jarred or fresh herbs to add delicious flavor to all of your savory foods.

I highly recommend reading this entire post before you begin preparing the recipe. However, if all you want is the list of ingredients with full directions, please either click on the jump-to-recipe button above or scroll to the bottom of this post.

Homemade Garlic Butter Recipe

Make this recipe in advance so that all you have to do is pull it out of the fridge and add it to any food that needs more flavor. I use whatever regular butter I have on hand, either softened butter or straight from the refrigerator. 

You can also use this delicious homemade butter. The advantage here is knowing exactly what is in the butter.

I make the basic garlic butter recipe and add other seasonings as needed. I use it as-is to top steaks. But if I want homemade garlic bread, I often add a little bit of parmesan cheese.

Ingredients

You don’t need many ingredients to make this delicious garlic butter. Here is the list of ingredients:

• Butter (softened either by leaving it out for a few hours or microwaved for a few seconds)
• Salt (if using unsalted butter)
• Garlic (either jarred or fresh)
• Garlic powder
• Parsley flakes (either dried or fresh parsley)

For exact measurements of each ingredient and full directions, go to the recipe card at the bottom of the page. You can even print out the card by using the “print” button.

I typically use either Himalayan pink salt or Redmond’s Real Salt. However, table salt and kosher salt work just as well to make this easy garlic butter. Also the amount of salt you need is up to you and your personal taste.

Sometimes I scoop garlic straight from a jar, while other times I buy fresh garlic cloves and chop it.

You can also make roasted garlic butter by toasting or roasting the garlic until it turns light brown.

Either chop the garlic into small pieces. Or use a garlic press.

After our move a year and a half ago, I haven’t been able to find my garlic press, so I chop it.

Every once in a while, I purchase fresh parsley. But since I hate throwing out food that I don’t eat, most of the time, I use dried parsley flakes.

A quality butter makes the best garlic butter. However, even store brand butter is good in this recipe. 

A little bit of garlic powder gives this recipe a boost. Keep in mind that you don’t need much since you already have chopped or minced garlic added to the mixture.

Alternate or Additional Ingredients

This is my most basic garlic butter that goes with almost all savory foods. However, there are times when I like to add more.

Here are some extra ingredients that are good:

• Italian seasoning
• Old Bay seasoning
• Onion powder
• Olive oil
• Lemon juice
• Black pepper
• Paprika
• Any fresh herbs, finely chopped

If there is something else you’d like to try, test it on a small amount of the butter. Add it to the entire batch if it tastes good to you.

When I serve children, I typically use a little less garlic than the recipe calls for. I’ve learned the hard way that some of their taste buds are more sensitive to the flavor of garlic.

How to Make Garlic Butter

For the basic recipe, add all of the ingredients to a small bowl. 

Mash the butter with the back of a fork and then stir it until all of the ingredients are well blended.

Cover the bowl or place it in an airtight container and set it on the counter for at least an hour.

Stir it one more time, and it’s ready to use.

How to Serve Garlic Butter

This is such an easy recipe that you’ll want have some on hand at all times. There are so many different ways to use it.

Add it to green beans while cooking. It’s delicious on these cheesy green beans or added to canned green beans to boost the flavor even more

I enjoy add it to my favorite steak recipes. Whether I cook the steaks on the grill or in a skillet, this add-on turns into the most delicious garlic butter sauce and flavors the meat so well. In fact, it’s an easy way to take your steak dinner to next level goodness.

I also like it on pork chops. You can add it to your favorite sauce or top the pork chop with a dollop of garlic butter.

Try using this when you make homemade garlic bread. Since you’ve mixed the ingredients in advance, allowing the flavors to meld, the flavor will be so much richer than adding one ingredient at a time.

Another way to use it on bread is to serve it at the table with dinner rolls. This is especially good with any Italian dish, such as this flavorful chicken zucchini casserole or this amazingly delicious penne with meat sauce.

I’ve also used it on French bread, saltines, and other breads and crackers. 

Questions About Garlic Butter

You may have some questions about garlic butter. Here are some common questions and answers that I hope will help.

How Long Can You Leave Garlic Butter at Room Temperature?

You can leave it on the counter for up to a week. However, if you add cheese to it, I recommend refrigerating it between uses.

How Long Does It Last in the Refrigerator?

I have kept garlic butter in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. It will probably last longer, but we use it up very quickly. All you have to do is cover the bowl in plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container before putting it in the fridge.

Can You Freeze Garlic Butter?

Yes, you absolutely can! I like to use an ice cube tray so all I have to do is pop out however many I need. Place them in a dish on the counter and allow them to thaw before using.

Benefits of Homemade Garlic Butter

Using garlic butter to cook food is the best way to take a dish and turn it into one of our favorite recipes. Next time you cook a vegetable or meat, give it a try. You’ll be amazed by how much flavor it adds.

This is also an easy thing to make. Whether you make a little bit for one meal or a double batch to use for days or even weeks, you can count on it to season any savory dish.

Please feel free to share!