Garlic butter might sound fancy, but it’s really just a humble blend of good butter, fresh or roasted garlic, and a few herbs. All things you can grow or make right in your own kitchen.
If you’re already making your own butter at home (or thinking about it), this is the next step in turning simple ingredients into something truly special.
This homemade garlic butter recipe is one of those things I like to keep in the fridge year-round. Whether you’re pulling in garlic from the garden, using up the last of your homemade French butter, or simply trying to avoid the store-bought stuff, this is an easy win in the homestead kitchen.
🧄 Why We Love It
- It’s a great way to use homegrown garlic (fresh or roasted).
- It stretches your homemade butter while adding big flavor.
- It keeps well and can be frozen for winter meals.
- It’s incredibly versatile. From garlic bread to veggies to meat and pasta.
Perfect for spreading on garlic bread, tossing into pasta, or melting onto meats or veggies, this is one of those recipes you’ll find yourself making on repeat.
Homemade Garlic Butter Recipe: A Flavorful Way to Use Butter
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Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 Cup Unsalted Butter softened, 2 sticks Homemade Butter
- 4 Cloves Fresh Garlic finely minced or grated, can use roasted garlic
- 1 Tablespoon Fresh Herbs chopped (or 1 tsp dried), (parsley, thyme, or chives work well)
- ½ Teaspoon Kosher Salt adjust to taste depending on your butter
- Optional: ¼ teaspoon garlic powder for extra punch
- Optional: A pinch of red pepper flakes Italian seasoning, or lemon zest
Instructions
- Let your butter come to room temperature so it’s easy to work with.1 Cup Unsalted Butter
- In a bowl, combine butter, garlic, herbs, and salt.4 Cloves Fresh Garlic, 1 Tablespoon Fresh Herbs
- Mix well with a fork or spoon until smooth and fully combined.
- Taste and adjust salt or herbs as needed.½ Teaspoon Kosher Salt, Optional: ¼ teaspoon garlic powder for extra punch, Optional: A pinch of red pepper flakes
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge or freeze for later.
Notes
Herb Variations. Try adding chopped chives, thyme, or dill if you have them growing fresh.
Freezer Tip. Shape into a log with parchment paper and freeze. Slice off pieces as needed.
Nutrition
Perfect for spreading on garlic bread, tossing into hot pasta, or melting over grilled meats and garden veggies. A rustic, homemade staple every Hobby Homesteader should have on hand.
Garlic Butter Variations
- Parmesan Garlic Butter. Add 2 tablespoons of grated Parmesan cheese for a savory kick.
- Italian Garlic Butter. Stir in ½ teaspoon of Italian seasoning or a mix of dried oregano and basil.
- Smoky Paprika Garlic Butter. Add ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika for a subtle smoky depth.
- Lemon Herb Garlic Butter. Add ½ teaspoon lemon zest and a touch of thyme or rosemary for a fresh twist.
Storage for Long-Term Use
- Fridge. Up to 1 week
- Freezer. Form into a log, wrap in parchment paper, and store in a freezer-safe bag for 3–4 months
- Ice cube tray. Great for individual portions for cooking or spreading
Homestead Tips
- Grow your own garlic. Garlic is easy to plant in the fall and harvest in summer. Another flavorful add-in.
- Roast your garlic. If you grew a big garlic harvest, try making roasted garlic cloves or even garlic confit for a milder, richer flavor.
- Make compound butters. Customize this recipe by adding in garden-fresh herbs, honey, or even chili flakes depending on the season.
Making Your Own Garlic Butter
Making your own garlic butter at home isn’t just about flavor. It’s about self-sufficiency, resourcefulness, and getting more out of the ingredients you already have. Whether you churn your own butter or buy high-quality cream, blending in fresh garlic and herbs is a simple step that brings big rewards at the dinner table.
Next time you’ve got a batch of fresh butter or a basket of garlic from the garden, give this recipe a try. It just might become one of your favorite ways to dress up everyday meals.
My family loved this!