Garlic Butter Spread Recipe

If you're looking for an easy way to add rich, garlicky goodness to your meals, then this Garlic Butter Spread is the perfect recipe to have in your kitchen arsenal. Whether you're slathering it on warm bread, using it to top grilled steaks, or mixing it into mashed potatoes, this simple yet flavorful spread is incredibly versatile. Plus, it takes just a few minutes to whip up and can be customized to suit your taste. Keep reading to discover how to make this savory, buttery spread and how to use it in a variety of delicious ways!

What is Garlic Butter Spread?

Garlic butter spread is a flavorful mixture of softened butter, fresh garlic, and herbs. It’s often used as a spread on bread, like for garlic bread, but can also be used as a cooking condiment for meats, vegetables, and pasta dishes. The butter melts beautifully and infuses any dish with a rich, garlicky flavor, while the herbs add freshness and depth. The beauty of homemade garlic butter is that you can adjust the garlic intensity, choose your favorite herbs, and even add cheese or other ingredients to suit your taste.

Ingredients List for Garlic Butter Spread

This simple garlic butter spread requires only a handful of basic ingredients, many of which you may already have in your pantry or fridge. Here’s what you’ll need:

Ingredients:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened (2 sticks)
• 4-6 cloves garlic, minced (adjust to taste)
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried parsley)
• 1 tablespoon fresh chives, finely chopped (optional)
• ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• Optional add-ins: ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese, 1 teaspoon lemon juice, or red pepper flakes for heat

Substitutions and Variations

This garlic butter spread recipe is incredibly adaptable. Here are some ideas for substitutions and variations to customize it to your preferences:

• Butter: For a dairy-free version, substitute the butter with vegan butter or margarine. It won’t have the same richness but will still carry the garlicky flavor.
• Garlic: You can adjust the garlic level depending on your preferences. If you prefer a milder garlic flavor, roast the garlic beforehand or use garlic powder instead of raw garlic.
• Herbs: If fresh parsley and chives aren’t available, you can use dried herbs like oregano, thyme, or rosemary. Fresh basil also adds a bright, aromatic touch.
• Cheese: For extra flavor, mix in grated Parmesan or Pecorino cheese. This makes the spread even more decadent, especially for garlic bread or pasta dishes.
• Lemon: A splash of fresh lemon juice can add a nice tang that brightens the flavors, especially if you’re using the spread on seafood or vegetables.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Garlic Butter Spread

Making garlic butter spread at home couldn’t be easier. Follow these simple steps to create a rich, flavorful spread that you can use in countless dishes.

Step 1: Soften the Butter

• Make sure your butter is at room temperature before starting. This makes it easier to mix and ensures that all the ingredients incorporate smoothly. If you’re in a hurry, microwave the butter for 10-15 seconds, but be careful not to melt it.

Step 2: Mince the Garlic

• Peel and mince the garlic cloves. If you want an even more intense garlic flavor, finely grate the garlic using a microplane. For a milder taste, you can lightly sauté the garlic in olive oil before adding it to the butter.

Step 3: Combine the Ingredients

• In a medium-sized bowl, combine the softened butter, minced garlic, chopped parsley, chives (if using), salt, and pepper. Mix everything together using a fork or a hand mixer until well combined and smooth.

Step 4: Taste and Adjust Seasonings

• Taste the spread and adjust the garlic, salt, or pepper according to your preference. If you're adding optional ingredients like Parmesan or lemon juice, fold them in at this point.

Step 5: Store or Serve

• Transfer the garlic butter spread to an airtight container or wrap it in plastic wrap, shaping it into a log if desired. Store it in the refrigerator for up to two weeks, or freeze for up to three months.

How to Make Garlic Butter Spread: A Step-by-Step Guide

Here’s a quick summary of how to make your own Garlic Butter Spread:

1. Soften the butter: Bring unsalted butter to room temperature.
2. Mince the garlic: Peel and finely mince or grate the garlic cloves.
3. Mix the ingredients: Combine butter, garlic, parsley, salt, and pepper in a bowl until smooth.
4. Adjust seasoning: Taste and add more garlic, salt, or herbs if desired.
5. Store or serve: Transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate until ready to use.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Using cold butter: Cold butter is difficult to mix and won't incorporate the garlic and herbs evenly. Always soften the butter before mixing.
• Overpowering with garlic: Raw garlic can be quite strong. If you're not a fan of intense garlic flavor, start with fewer cloves or roast the garlic for a milder taste.
• Over-salting: If you use salted butter instead of unsalted, you’ll want to reduce or omit the added salt in the recipe to avoid making the spread too salty.

Serving and Presentation Tips

This Garlic Butter Spread is versatile and can be used in a variety of ways to add flavor to your favorite dishes. Here’s how you can serve and present it.

How to Serve Garlic Butter Spread

• Garlic bread: Spread generously on slices of French or Italian bread, then bake in the oven until golden and crispy.
• Steak topper: Place a dollop of garlic butter on a freshly grilled steak for an extra layer of richness and flavor.
• Pasta: Toss hot, cooked pasta with garlic butter instead of regular butter or oil for a simple but flavorful dish. Add grated Parmesan and fresh herbs for extra flair.
• Roasted vegetables: Mix the garlic butter into roasted or sautéed vegetables like broccoli, carrots, or potatoes for a savory side dish.
• Seafood: Use garlic butter to baste shrimp, scallops, or lobster for a deliciously garlicky seafood meal.

Presentation Ideas for Garlic Butter Spread

• Garlic butter log: Wrap the mixed garlic butter in plastic wrap and shape it into a log. Chill until firm, then slice into rounds. This makes it easy to serve individual portions and looks elegant for entertaining.
• Herb garnish: When serving garlic butter with bread or steak, garnish the dish with a sprig of fresh parsley or thyme to enhance the presentation.
• Butter dish: For a classic look, place the garlic butter in a decorative butter dish or ramekin and serve with a small butter knife for spreading.

Garlic Butter Spread Recipe Tips

• Make it ahead: Garlic butter spread can be made in large batches and stored in the refrigerator or freezer. It freezes well, so consider making extra and storing it for future meals.
• Try roasting the garlic: Roasting garlic mellows its sharpness and brings out a sweet, caramelized flavor. To roast, wrap the garlic head in foil, drizzle with olive oil, and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 30-40 minutes. Then mash the roasted garlic into the butter.
• Use room temperature butter: The butter should be softened to room temperature to ensure the ingredients mix well and spread easily.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How long can I store garlic butter spread?
You can store garlic butter spread in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. Alternatively, you can freeze it for up to three months.

Can I use salted butter?
Yes, but if you use salted butter, you may want to reduce or omit the added salt in the recipe to avoid making the spread too salty.

Can I freeze garlic butter spread?
Yes! Garlic butter spread freezes beautifully. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container. To use, simply thaw in the refrigerator and it will be ready to spread.

How can I roast garlic for the spread?
Roasting garlic adds a sweet, mellow flavor. Wrap a head of garlic in foil, drizzle with olive oil, and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 30-40 minutes. Once cooled, squeeze the roasted garlic out of the cloves and mix it into the butter.

What can I use garlic butter spread for?
Garlic butter spread is extremely versatile. Use it to make garlic bread, baste meats, toss with pasta, roast vegetables, or add flavor to seafood dishes like shrimp or lobster.

Conclusion

This Garlic Butter Spread recipe is a simple yet flavorful condiment that will quickly become a staple in your kitchen. With its rich, garlicky goodness and herby undertones, it can be used in a variety of dishes, from garlic bread to steak and seafood. The best part? It’s incredibly easy to make and can be customized to suit your taste preferences. Make a batch today and discover all the ways this versatile spread can elevate your meals!

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