Garlic Herb Butter is the secret weapon every kitchen needs! Whether you’re spreading it on warm, crusty bread, tossing it with pasta, or using it to top a juicy steak, this creamy, garlicky goodness will elevate any dish. It’s super easy to make, full of fresh herbs, and oh-so-delicious. Trust me, you’ll be spreading this on everything once you try it!
Why You’ll Love Homemade Garlic Herb Butter
- Quick & Simple: With just a few ingredients, you can create a flavorful butter that makes everything taste better.
- Versatile: Perfect for garlic bread, veggies, steaks, seafood, pasta, or even just a dollop on potatoes.
- Customizable: You can adjust the herbs to your liking, adding rosemary, thyme, or any of your favorites.
- Impressive & Delicious: Even though it’s so easy to make, it tastes gourmet. Your guests (or your family) will be wowed by the rich flavor.
- Make Ahead: You can prepare this butter ahead of time and keep it in the fridge or freezer, so you’re always ready for a flavor boost.

Ingredients
This garlic herb butter is as simple as it gets but packed with flavor! Here’s what you’ll need:
- Unsalted Butter: The base of the butter, soft and ready to be flavored. You can use salted butter, but unsalted gives you better control over the seasoning.
- Garlic: Fresh garlic is key here! It adds that deep, savory aroma and flavor that makes this butter irresistible.
- Fresh Parsley: For a bright, herby kick that adds color and flavor.
- Fresh Thyme or Rosemary: These herbs bring an earthy, fragrant touch. Choose the one you prefer or use both!
- Lemon Zest: A little lemon zest will give the butter a fresh, citrusy lift that balances the richness.
- Salt & Pepper: Essential for seasoning the butter to perfection.
(Note: The full ingredient list with measurements is provided in the recipe card below.)
Instructions
Here’s how you can whip up this luscious garlic herb butter in no time:
- Soften the Butter:
Start by letting the butter soften at room temperature. This will make it easier to blend with the other ingredients. - Mince the Garlic:
Mince the fresh garlic finely so it blends well into the butter. The smaller the pieces, the more evenly they’ll distribute. - Chop the Herbs:
Finely chop the parsley and thyme (or rosemary) to help release all their delicious oils and flavors. - Combine the Ingredients:
In a bowl, mix together the softened butter, minced garlic, chopped herbs, lemon zest, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir until everything is evenly combined. - Taste & Adjust:
Give it a taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. Add more garlic for extra flavor, more lemon zest for a citrusy kick, or more salt to enhance the flavors. - Store or Serve:
You can store the butter in a jar or wrap it in parchment paper and refrigerate it. If you want it to be even more spreadable, leave it out at room temperature for a bit before using. - Enjoy!
Spread this garlic herb butter on toast, top your cooked vegetables, toss it with pasta, or use it to finish off your steak or seafood!
Nutrition Facts
- Servings: 10
- Calories per serving: 100 kcal (estimate)
(Note: Nutritional information provided is an estimate and can vary based on ingredient substitutions.)
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: None (just mixing!)
- Total Time: 10 minutes
How to Serve Garlic Herb Butter
This butter is incredibly versatile and pairs with so many dishes! Here are a few ways to serve it:
- Garlic Bread: Slather it on a baguette and bake for a warm, garlic bread treat.
- Roasted Vegetables: Toss this butter with roasted vegetables like carrots, potatoes, or broccoli.
- Grilled Steak or Chicken: Use it as a topping for your favorite grilled meats, adding rich flavor.
- Pasta: Stir it into freshly cooked pasta for a creamy, garlicky sauce.
- Corn on the Cob: Brush it on warm corn for a deliciously savory touch.
- Baked Potatoes: Top your baked potatoes with a dollop of garlic herb butter for extra flavor.
Additional Tips
- Storage: This garlic herb butter can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks or in the freezer for up to 3 months.
- Flavor Variations: Feel free to experiment with different herbs like basil, oregano, or even chives to give it your own twist.
- Make It Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat in the butter.
- Smooth & Spreadable: If you prefer a softer butter, let it sit at room temperature for a while before serving. You can also blend it with a hand mixer for an even smoother texture.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use this butter for cooking, or just as a topping?
A1: Absolutely! This garlic herb butter is great for cooking as well. You can sauté vegetables, cook meat, or even stir it into sauces for extra flavor.
Q2: How do I store leftover garlic herb butter?
A2: Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. You can also freeze it for longer storage.
Q3: Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh?
A3: Yes, you can use dried herbs, but fresh herbs give the best flavor. If using dried, reduce the amount by about half, as they’re more concentrated.
Q4: Can I make this butter without garlic?
A4: Yes, you can make a herb butter without garlic for a milder flavor. Just omit the garlic and use extra herbs instead.
Q5: Can I use this butter for baking?
A5: Yes! This garlic herb butter is perfect for brushing over bread before baking, or even adding to savory baked goods like scones or biscuits.
Q6: How do I make this butter spreadable?
A6: If you prefer a softer, spreadable butter, leave it at room temperature for a bit before using or blend it with a hand mixer to incorporate air and make it smoother.
Q7: Can I add cheese to this butter?
A7: Yes! Adding grated Parmesan or a sharp cheddar can make this butter even richer and more flavorful.
Q8: How much garlic should I use?
A8: You can adjust the garlic to your taste, but typically 3-4 cloves will give a nice garlicky flavor without overpowering the butter.
Q9: Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
A9: Yes, you can, but just be cautious with additional salt. Taste as you go to avoid over-seasoning.
Q10: Can I make this butter in a food processor?
A10: Yes! You can use a food processor to blend all the ingredients together quickly and evenly, which is especially helpful if you’re making a larger batch.
Conclusion
Homemade Garlic Herb Butter is one of those simple yet transformative ingredients that instantly takes your meals to the next level. With its rich, savory flavor and versatility, it’s bound to become a staple in your kitchen. Spread it on warm bread, toss it with pasta, or use it to finish off a steak—no matter how you serve it, it’ll be nothing short of amazing!
PrintHomemade Garlic Herb Butter
This Homemade Garlic Herb Butter is a simple yet flavorful addition to any meal. With a rich blend of garlic, fresh herbs, and butter, it’s perfect for spreading on steaks, bread, bagels, or vegetables. The ideal way to elevate your dishes with a burst of savory flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 1 log of butter 1x
- Category: Condiments
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 1 cup butter (softened)
- 3 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme
- 1 tablespoon fresh basil
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine all ingredients until well incorporated.
- Place the mixture on a piece of plastic wrap and roll it into a log shape.
- Seal the ends of the plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least one hour before using.
- Once chilled, slice and enjoy on steaks, breads, bagels, baguettes, or vegetables.
Notes
- You can adjust the herbs to your taste, adding more thyme, basil, or even rosemary for a different flavor profile.
- This butter can be stored in the fridge for up to a week or frozen for later use.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 tablespoon
- Calories: 100 kcal
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 70mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 0g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 30mg