Homemade Garlic Butter

Description

Homemade Garlic Butter

This easy Garlic Butter is a must-have in your kitchen! It brings a rich, savory flavor to bread, steak, and veggies, making every meal unforgettable. Once you make this at home, you’ll never want to go back to store-bought versions—plus, it’s so simple to whip up. Perfect for anyone who loves bold flavors without breaking the bank.

1/2 cup Salted Butter (softened)
2 Tbsp Olive Oil
1 Tbsp Minced Garlic
1 Tbsp Dried Parsley (finely chopped)

Directions:
1. Mix all ingredients in a medium-sized bowl.
2. Use a hand mixer to blend until smooth.
3. Spread on bread, steak, or veggies.

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Kcal: 89 per serving

Step-by-Step Guide

Follow these detailed instructions to create the perfect garlic butter every time.

1. Ensure your salted butter is softened to room temperature. This is crucial for achieving a smooth, spreadable consistency.
2. In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the softened butter, olive oil, minced garlic, and finely chopped dried parsley.
3. Using a hand mixer on medium speed, blend the ingredients together for 1-2 minutes. Scrape down the sides of the bowl with a spatula halfway through to ensure everything is fully incorporated.
4. Continue mixing until the mixture is completely smooth, creamy, and uniform in color. Avoid over-mixing once this stage is reached.
5. For immediate use, transfer the garlic butter to a small serving dish. For storage, spoon the mixture onto a sheet of parchment paper, roll into a log, twist the ends, and refrigerate.

Serving Suggestions

This versatile garlic butter can elevate countless dishes. Here are some of the best ways to use it:

• Garlic Bread: Spread generously on sliced baguette or Italian bread and toast until golden and bubbly.
• Protein Power: Melt a dollop over grilled steak, seared shrimp, baked salmon, or roasted chicken just before serving.
• Vegetable Enhancer: Toss with steamed or roasted vegetables like asparagus, broccoli, or potatoes.
• Simple Pasta: Stir into hot pasta along with a splash of pasta water for a quick and delicious sauce.
• Flavorful Base: Use it to sauté mushrooms or onions as a start to other recipes.

How-to Summary

In short, making homemade garlic butter involves softening butter, mixing it with olive oil, minced garlic, and dried parsley using a hand mixer until smooth, and then using it to enhance bread, proteins, and vegetables.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use unsalted butter? Yes, but you will likely need to add a pinch of salt to the mixture to properly season it. Taste and adjust after mixing.

How long does homemade garlic butter last? When stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, it will keep for up to 2 weeks. You can also freeze the log for up to 3 months.

Can I use fresh garlic and parsley? Absolutely. Use 2-3 fresh garlic cloves, finely minced, and 2 tablespoons of fresh chopped parsley. Note that fresh garlic has a more potent flavor and may not keep as long.

Why add olive oil? The olive oil helps create a smoother, more spreadable texture and adds a subtle, fruity depth to the flavor profile.

My butter separated after mixing. What went wrong? This can happen if the butter was too warm. Ensure it is softened but still cool to the touch. If it separates, briefly chill the mixture and then re-mix.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Using cold butter: This will make blending difficult and result in a lumpy, uneven texture.
• Over-mixing: Once smooth, stop mixing. Overworking can cause the butter to become greasy.
• Using old or pre-minced jarred garlic: For the best flavor, use fresh garlic cloves or high-quality, freshly minced garlic.
• Not tasting for seasoning: Especially if using unsalted butter or fresh herbs, always taste and adjust salt levels before serving or storing.

Conclusion

Mastering this simple homemade garlic butter recipe is a small kitchen victory with big rewards. It’s an effortless way to add a punch of rich, savory flavor to your everyday cooking, far surpassing anything you can buy in a store. With your custom batch ready in just minutes, you have a secret weapon to transform simple ingredients into memorable meals. Keep it on hand and enjoy the delicious difference.