Garlic Compound Butter is a simple yet powerful way to enhance the flavor of everyday meals. Made with roasted garlic, softened butter, and a touch of salt, this versatile spread adds richness and depth to steaks, bread, vegetables, and more. It’s a kitchen essential that turns the ordinary into something extraordinary.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and easy: Just a few ingredients and a few minutes of prep are all you need.
Incredibly versatile: Use it on grilled meats, warm bread, mashed potatoes, or roasted vegetables.
Customizable: Add herbs, spices, or lemon zest to create your own signature butter.
Make-ahead friendly: Store in the fridge or freezer for instant flavor whenever you need it.
Restaurant-quality results: Brings professional-level flavor to home-cooked dishes.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

unsalted butter (softened)
roasted garlic (mashed; about 2–3 cloves)
kosher salt (adjust to taste)

Directions

Soften the Butter
Place the softened unsalted butter in a mixing bowl. Ensure it’s at room temperature for easier mixing.
Add Salt
Stir in the kosher salt. Taste and adjust according to preference, especially if using salted butter.
Incorporate Garlic
Add the mashed roasted garlic and mix until evenly combined. Taste and adjust for flavor intensity.
Shape and Store
Option 1: Spoon into an airtight container for easy storage.
Option 2: Transfer onto a sheet of parchment paper and roll into a log. Twist the ends like a candy wrapper for a classic compound butter presentation.
Refrigerate
Chill for at least 12 hours to allow flavors to meld. It can also be used immediately if needed.

Servings and timing

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Chill Time: 12 hours (optional for flavor development)
Total Time: 5 minutes (plus optional chilling)
Servings: About 8 tablespoons
Calories: Approximately 105 kcal per tablespoon

Variations

Herbed garlic butter: Add chopped fresh herbs like parsley, rosemary, thyme, or chives.
Citrus twist: Mix in lemon zest or a splash of lemon juice for a fresh finish.
Spicy version: Add crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne for heat.
Cheesy blend: Stir in finely grated Parmesan or blue cheese for extra depth.
Smoky flavor: Use smoked salt or a touch of smoked paprika for a BBQ-friendly twist.

Storage/Reheating

Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container or rolled log in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
Freezing: Freeze for up to 3 months. Slice portions from the frozen log as needed.
Reheating: Not required. Let it soften at room temperature before use, or melt directly onto hot dishes.

FAQs

Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?

Yes, just reduce or omit the added kosher salt to avoid over-seasoning.

How do I roast garlic for this recipe?

Slice the top off a head of garlic, drizzle with olive oil, wrap in foil, and roast at 400°F (200°C) for 30–40 minutes until soft and golden. Mash the cloves before using.

Can I use fresh garlic instead of roasted?

Roasted garlic is recommended for a mellow, sweet flavor. Fresh garlic will be sharper and more pungent.

How long does garlic butter last?

Stored in the fridge, it lasts up to 2 weeks. In the freezer, up to 3 months.

Is it safe to freeze compound butter?

Yes, compound butter freezes very well. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil or store in a sealed freezer bag.

Can I make this dairy-free?

You can substitute with a plant-based butter alternative. Choose one with a neutral flavor and solid texture.

What dishes pair best with garlic butter?

It’s excellent on grilled steaks, baked potatoes, sautéed vegetables, corn on the cob, garlic bread, or stirred into pasta.

Can I shape the butter into portions?

Yes, spoon into silicone molds or ice cube trays before chilling or freezing for perfect single-serve pats.

Should I let it sit before serving?

Let it come to room temperature for spreading, or use chilled slices for melting on hot dishes.

Can I make this in a food processor?

Yes, a food processor can quickly blend all the ingredients into a smooth, even consistency.

Conclusion

Garlic Compound Butter is a staple condiment that effortlessly transforms meals with its rich, savory flavor. Whether melted over a steak, spread on crusty bread, or stirred into mashed potatoes, it adds a touch of elegance and depth with minimal effort. Keep a batch ready in your fridge or freezer, and elevate your everyday cooking with this simple, flavorful enhancement.

Garlic Compound Butter

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Aromatic garlic compound butter made with roasted garlic and kosher salt. Ideal for spreading over warm bread, melting on steaks, or mixing into mashed potatoes and vegetables.

Author: Mari
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes
Yield: 8 tablespoons 1x
Category: Condiment
Method: No-Cook
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale

½ cup unsalted butter (softened)
2 tablespoons roasted garlic (about 2–3 cloves, mashed)
⅛ teaspoon kosher salt (adjust to taste)

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Instructions

Place softened unsalted butter into a mixing bowl.
Stir in kosher salt. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Add mashed roasted garlic and mix until fully combined. Adjust to desired flavor.
To store:
- Option 1: Transfer to an airtight container.
- Option 2: Roll the butter in parchment paper into a log and twist the ends. Chill for at least 12 hours to allow flavors to meld. Can also be used immediately.

Notes

Salted butter may be used—reduce or omit added salt accordingly.
Add chopped herbs like parsley, thyme, or rosemary for variety.
Let butter sit at room temperature for easier mixing, or use a mixer or food processor.
Roasted garlic gives a mellow flavor, but pre-minced garlic works in a pinch.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 tablespoon
Calories: 105
Sugar: 0g
Sodium: 38mg
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Unsaturated Fat: 4g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 1g
Fiber: 0g
Protein: 0.2g
Cholesterol: 31mg