Easy Garlic Butter Recipe for Bread, Pasta, and More

This easy garlic butter recipe is one of my go-to staples, and once you make it yourself, you’ll wonder why you ever bought the store-bought kind.

Prep Time5

Cook Time0

Total Time5

Course: sauce

Cuisine: American

Keyword: butter sauce, easy recipe, pantry staple

Servings: servings, 1 cup

Calories: 103kcal

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Kitchen Essentials

Country Bowls

Measuring Spoons

Ingredients

1 Cup Unsalted Butter softened, 2 sticks
4 Cloves Fresh Garlic finely minced or grated
1 Tablespoon Fresh Parsley chopped (or 1 tsp dried)
½ Teaspoon Kosher Salt adjust to taste
Optional: ¼ teaspoon garlic powder for extra punch
Optional: A pinch of red pepper flakes Italian seasoning, or lemon zest

Instructions

Soften the butter at room temperature until it’s easy to mix.
1 Cup Unsalted Butter
In a medium bowl, combine butter, garlic, salt, and herbs.
4 Cloves Fresh Garlic, 1 Tablespoon Fresh Parsley, ½ Teaspoon Kosher Salt, Optional: ¼ teaspoon garlic powder for extra punch, Optional: A pinch of red pepper flakes
Mix until smooth and fully combined. You can use a fork, spoon, or hand mixer.
Taste and adjust salt or garlic to your liking.
Transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 1 week.

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Notes

Using Roasted Garlic

Swap raw garlic with 1–2 tablespoons of roasted garlic paste for a mellow, buttery flavor that’s less sharp — perfect for those who love garlic but want something gentler. It also spreads more easily.

Soften Butter Easily

Forgot to take your butter out of the fridge? Cut it into small cubes and leave it on the counter for 10–15 minutes, or microwave it for just a few seconds on low power.

Flavor Add-Ins

Try adding lemon zest, Parmesan, thyme, or Italian seasoning for more depth. For a seafood version, a squeeze of lemon juice adds brightness.

Storing for Later

Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week.
For longer storage, roll it into a log, wrap tightly in parchment paper or plastic wrap, and place in a freezer-safe bag.
Freeze in an ice cube tray for quick, individual portions.

Salted vs Unsalted Butter

If using salted butter, reduce or omit added salt and adjust to taste.

Safety Tip

If you're adding garlic oil or any fresh herbs, especially if stored in oil, always refrigerate and use within 3–4 days to avoid risk of bacteria growth. Never store garlic butter at room temperature.

Nutrition