Garlic Herb Butter Spread

Glorious garlic herb butter melting over a juicy steak, seasoned with fresh herbs. Save
Glorious garlic herb butter melting over a juicy steak, seasoned with fresh herbs. | cookingwithnadine.com

This garlic herb butter offers a rich and creamy blend of softened butter with minced garlic, fresh parsley, chives, thyme, sea salt, black pepper, and optional lemon zest. Simply mix all ingredients, chill the mixture to meld flavors, then slice and enjoy. It's perfect for spreading over warm bread, melting atop grilled steak, or tossing with steamed vegetables. Variations include roasting garlic for deeper flavor or swapping herbs like basil or dill for a new twist. Store refrigerated or freeze portions for convenience.

Discovering this garlic herb butter was like unlocking a secret flavor treasure—I remember the first time I spread it on warm bread and felt like my kitchen had just transformed into a cozy bistro.

Once, unexpected guests arrived just as I finished this butter, and their delighted faces made me realize I’d nailed something truly special—and so fast.

Ingredients

  • Unsalted butter: I always use softened butter so it’s easy to mix and absorbs the herbs nicely
  • Garlic: Fresh and finely minced for punchy flavor without being overwhelming
  • Fresh parsley and chives: Bright and earthy, chopped finely to spread the flavor evenly
  • Fresh thyme leaves: Adds subtle complexity, chopped just right
  • Fine sea salt and freshly ground black pepper: Balances and enhances all the flavors together
  • Optional lemon zest: A tiny zing that lifts the whole butter wonderfully

Instructions

Get Everything Ready:
Make sure your butter is softened to room temperature so it blends smoothly, and mince your garlic and herbs finely for the best infusion.
Mix Flavors Together:
Combine all ingredients in a bowl using a spatula, feeling the buttery texture come alive as you fold in the herbs and garlic.
Shape and Chill:
Transfer the mix onto parchment and roll into a log, twisting the ends so it holds shape—then refrigerate to let the flavors meld and the butter firm up.
Slice and Serve:
Cut into discs to top anything from fresh bread to hot steaks—watch it melt and watch the smiles grow.
Save
| cookingwithnadine.com

This butter became my go-to comfort whenever life needed a little celebration—whether it was cozy family dinners or that spontaneous toast for a small win.

Keeping It Fresh

I store the butter wrapped tightly in parchment and plastic wrap to keep it from picking up fridge smells, and it stays vibrant for up to a week.

Serving Ideas That Clicked

Besides bread and steak, try melting this butter over steamed veggies or stirring it into warm pasta for an instant flavor upgrade that always gets compliments.

A Time This Recipe Saved the Day

Once, I forgot to buy a sauce for dinner guests—and whipping up this garlic herb butter at the last minute saved both the meal and my kitchen cred.

  • Remember, fresh herbs make all the difference—frozen won’t quite hit the mark
  • If you want it less garlicky, reduce the cloves but keep the herbs for balance
  • Wrapping well before freezing keeps it ready for a quick flavorful fix anytime
A close-up shot of homemade garlic herb butter, ready to spread on warm bread. Save
A close-up shot of homemade garlic herb butter, ready to spread on warm bread. | cookingwithnadine.com

Thanks for sharing this little kitchen moment with me—can’t wait to hear how this garlic herb butter adds magic to your cooking.

Common Questions

Roasting the garlic before mixing it into the butter adds a richer, sweeter garlic taste.

Yes, basil, tarragon, or dill work well as alternatives to parsley and chives.

Spread it on warm baguettes, melt over grilled meats, or toss with steamed vegetables for enhanced flavor.

Keep refrigerated for up to a week or freeze portions for longer storage.

Yes, it fits vegetarian and gluten-free preferences but contains dairy.

Garlic Herb Butter Spread

Creamy butter infused with garlic and fresh herbs, ideal for enhancing bread, meats, and vegetables.

Prep 10m
0
Total 10m
Servings 8
Difficulty Easy

Ingredients

Dairy

  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened

Herbs & Aromatics

  • 3 cloves garlic, finely minced
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
  • 1 tablespoon fresh chives, finely chopped
  • 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves, chopped

Seasonings

  • ½ teaspoon fine sea salt
  • ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon lemon zest (optional)

Instructions

1
Combine Ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine softened butter, minced garlic, chopped parsley, chives, thyme, sea salt, black pepper, and optional lemon zest.
2
Mix Thoroughly: Blend all ingredients evenly using a spatula or spoon until fully incorporated.
3
Shape Butter Log: Transfer the mixture onto parchment paper or plastic wrap and shape into a log, sealing the ends by twisting.
4
Chill to Meld Flavors: Refrigerate the butter log for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to develop.
5
Serve or Store: Slice as needed for use; store refrigerated up to one week or freeze for longer preservation.
Additional Information

Equipment Needed

  • Mixing bowl
  • Spatula or spoon
  • Knife
  • Parchment paper or plastic wrap

Nutrition (Per Serving)

Calories 110
Protein 0.2g
Carbs 0.5g
Fat 12g

Allergy Information

  • Contains dairy (butter); verify cross-contamination if using store-bought butter.
Nadine Carter

Sharing approachable recipes, kitchen hacks, and practical cooking tips for home cooks and food lovers.