The BEST Homemade Garlic Butter Recipe

Garlic butter is one of those simple things that makes everything better. With fresh herbs and a squeeze of lemon, this easy mix is perfect for spreading on warm bread or drizzling over your favorite vegetables.

Garlic Butter Recipe with a loaf of bread

Flavor: This garlic butter is rich and buttery with bright, fresh notes from the herbs and a subtle zing of lemon that makes it irresistible.
Serving Suggestions: I love brushing this garlic butter onto warm bread or letting it melt over corn on a summer evening. It’s amazing on baked potatoes, steak, fish, or hot veggies.
Freezer: I always keep a log of garlic butter in the freezer for last-minute dinners

lemon , chives , butter , garlic , parsley with labels to make Garlic Butter Recipe

What You’ll Need

Butter: Salted butter is the base of this recipe, but unsalted butter works too; just add a little salt for flavor. Softened butter blends easily and gives the best spreadable texture.
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic gives the sharpest flavor, while grated garlic blends more smoothly for a more even bite. Use roasted garlic for a sweeter, milder version.
Herbs: Fresh parsley adds bright color and a clean, herbaceous flavor. Fresh chives bring a mild onion note that keeps the butter tasting fresh. Swap in extra parsley or a bit of green onion if needed.
Lemon: Start with less and add more to taste so the butter does not get too loose.
Variations: You can add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat, or stir in a spoonful of parmesan for a savory garlic bread twist. Add thyme, dill, or rosemary, depending on what you’re serving it with.

adding garlic , chives and parsley to butter to make Garlic Butter Recipe

How To Make Garlic Butter

Soften the butter (full recipe below).
Chop the parsley, chives, and garlic.
Combine all ingredients in a bowl.

Use Softened Butter: Soften the butter before mixing in the herbs, but ensure it isn’t melted. This keeps herbs suspended and the texture fluffy.
Mince or Grate the Garlic Very Finely: This keeps the flavor even and prevents one bite from being more potent than the others.
For the Perfect Brightness: Start with 2 teaspoons of lemon juice, then add more only if needed.
To Make Garlic Bread: Spread it on bread, then broil briefly until the edges are lightly golden.
For Vegetables or Steak: Add it while the food is hot so it melts into a quick sauce.
Make Extra: Double the batch and roll half into parchment for the freezer.
If the Garlic Tastes Too Sharp: Let the butter sit 20 to 30 minutes before serving so the flavors mellow and blend.

bowl of Garlic Butter Recipe with bread slices

Keep It Fresh

Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Keep it tightly covered, so it does not pick up other fridge odors.

For longer storage, roll it into a log, wrap well, and freeze for up to 3 months. Slice off rounds as needed or thaw in the refrigerator overnight.

Best Ways to Use Garlic Butter

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image of Everyday Comfort cookbook by Holly Nilsson of Spend With Pennies plus text

Prep Time 5 minutes

Total Time 5 minutes

Mix softened butter, garlic, parsley, chives, and lemon juice in a bowl until combined.
Serve with bread or over hot vegetables.

Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week and in the freezer for up 3 months.

Nutrition information provided is an estimate and will vary based on cooking methods and brands of ingredients used.

Course Appetizer

Cuisine American

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