Roasted Garlic Butter Recipe

If you have a penchant for rich, flavorful spreads that elevate every bite, this Roasted Garlic Butter Recipe is an absolute must-try. Imagine the sweet, mellow depth of roasted garlic perfectly blended into creamy, soft butter, with a hint of fresh parsley and just the right amount of sea salt. It’s incredibly versatile and turns simple dishes into memorable meals. Whether you’re spreading it on warm bread, melting it over steamed veggies, or dolloping it onto grilled steaks, this recipe will quickly become your go-to kitchen secret.

Ingredients You’ll Need

What’s truly delightful about this recipe is how straightforward and accessible the ingredients are. Each one plays a vital role: the garlic brings that luscious caramelized flavor, the butter provides smooth richness, parsley adds a pop of color and freshness, and sea salt perfectly balances everything. Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this gem:

• 2 whole bulbs garlic: Roasting mellows out the garlic’s sharpness, giving you buttery sweet cloves perfect for blending.
• 2 teaspoons olive oil: Helps the garlic caramelize evenly while roasting.
• 8 ounces (226 grams) unsalted butter (at room temperature): Softened butter offers the best texture for mixing in the roasted garlic smoothly.
• 1 tablespoon chopped parsley: Fresh parsley adds a subtle herbaceous brightness and a lovely green hue.
• 1 teaspoon sea salt: Enhances and balances the roasted garlic’s sweetness and the butter’s creaminess.

How to Make Roasted Garlic Butter Recipe

Step 1: Prepare and roast the garlic

Start by preheating your oven to 350ºF (180ºC). Cut each bulb of garlic in half horizontally so you expose the cloves, then drizzle and spread the olive oil evenly over these cut surfaces. Once it’s dripping with golden goodness, rejoin the halves to form each bulb again and wrap them tightly in aluminum foil. This foil pouch locks in the steam needed to soften the garlic, allowing it to roast slowly into a caramelized treasure.

Step 2: Roast until golden and fragrant

Place the foil-wrapped bulbs on a baking sheet and roast them for about 45 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when the garlic cloves inside are deeply golden and tender enough to mash with ease. That irresistible roasted aroma will start filling your kitchen, making it almost impossible to wait!

Step 3: Cool and extract the garlic

Remove the garlic from the oven and let it cool for 10 minutes or until it’s cool enough to handle safely. Carefully open the foil, then squeeze or gently pull the soft cloves out of their skins into a small bowl. This roasted garlic is now soft, spreadable, and packed with mellow flavor.

Step 4: Combine garlic with butter and seasonings

Once your garlic has cooled completely, add the room temperature butter, chopped parsley, and sea salt to the bowl. Use a fork to mash everything together until the roasted garlic is fully incorporated into the butter and you have a smooth, fragrant compound butter bursting with flavor.

Step 5: Chill or use immediately

You can use the roasted garlic butter straight away, like spreading it on crusty bread or melting it over hot vegetables. For easy storage and pretty presentation, scoop the butter onto a piece of non-stick parchment paper and form it into a log by rolling and twisting the ends tight. Refrigerate this log for at least 2 hours so it firms up, then slice it as needed for serving.

How to Serve Roasted Garlic Butter Recipe

Garnishes

Sprinkling a little fresh parsley or finely chopped chives on top of your roasted garlic butter slices adds a burst of vibrant green color. A dash of cracked black pepper can also bring a slight kick that contrasts beautifully with the butter’s richness. Garnishes turn a simple spread into a stunning centerpiece for your table.

Side Dishes

This roasted garlic butter is a dream companion to steamed asparagus, roasted potatoes, or sweet corn on the cob. Try melting a pat on a juicy grilled steak or mixing it into warm mashed potatoes for instant luxury. It’s wonderful on fresh, crusty bread, making any meal feel special without extra effort.

Creative Ways to Present

Shape the butter into fun forms using molds or piping bags for an elegant touch at dinner parties. You can also add a sprinkle of smoked paprika or a pinch of lemon zest for unique flavor twists. Serve portions of the roasted garlic butter alongside charcuterie boards, allowing guests to add just the right amount to their bites.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover roasted garlic butter can be kept refrigerated for up to two weeks when stored in an airtight container or wrapped tightly in parchment and foil. Keeping it cold will preserve the fresh flavors and creamy texture.

Freezing

If you want to keep roasted garlic butter longer, freezing is a great option. Wrap the butter log in parchment paper and then in foil, or place it in a freezer-safe container. It will hold well in the freezer for up to 3 months without losing its delicious taste.

Reheating

No complicated reheating needed here—just let frozen portions thaw in the fridge overnight or at room temperature for an hour before serving. If you want it melted, a few seconds in a warm pan or microwave will do the trick, but be careful not to overheat and separate the butter.

FAQs

Can I use roasted garlic paste instead of bulbs?

While you can substitute pre-made roasted garlic paste, fresh roasted bulbs will have a richer, sweeter flavor and a better texture for combining into butter. Making it yourself is well worth the extra step.

What type of butter works best?

Unsalted butter is preferred so you can control the saltiness perfectly, but you can use salted butter if that’s all you have—just reduce or omit the added sea salt.

Can I add other herbs or spices?

Absolutely! Fresh thyme, rosemary, or a pinch of smoked paprika can compliment the roasted garlic beautifully. Feel free to experiment and make this butter truly your own.

Is this butter suitable for freezing?

Yes, roasted garlic butter freezes wonderfully and keeps well for months. Just make sure it’s properly wrapped to avoid freezer burn and retain its aroma and texture.

How long does roasted garlic butter last in the fridge?

Stored properly in an airtight container, it lasts about two weeks refrigerated. Always check for any off smells or discoloration before use, just like with any fresh butter-based spread.

Final Thoughts

There’s something so comforting about homemade butter infused with the sweet magic of roasted garlic, and this Roasted Garlic Butter Recipe captures that perfectly. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a casual kitchen explorer, this recipe is a delightful way to add incredible flavor with minimal effort. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do and find countless delicious ways to share it with friends and family!

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