If you have a passion for bold flavors and enjoy a little kitchen magic, this Garlic and Herb Spreadable Butter Recipe is exactly what your culinary adventures have been missing. Creamy, savory, and packed with the perfect balance of garlic and fragrant Italian herbs, this spreadable butter elevates everything from crusty bread to roasted veggies with effortless charm. Whether you’re whipping it up for a cozy family dinner or an impromptu gathering, this easy-to-make butter blend will quickly become your go-to kitchen secret for adding a luxurious, aromatic touch to every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Garlic and Herb Spreadable Butter Recipe starts with simple, wholesome ingredients that bring incredible flavor and texture. Each element plays a vital role: the butter offers creamy richness, olive oil adds the perfect silky smoothness, Italian seasoning brings herbal depth, and garlic delivers its unmistakable zest—all balanced with just the right pinch of salt and pepper.
- Butter (1/2 cup, softened): Use unsalted for full control over seasoning, and make sure it’s soft for easy mixing.
- Olive oil (1/4 cup): Adds smoothness and keeps the butter spreadable straight from the fridge.
- Italian seasoning (1 teaspoon): A fragrant herb blend that infuses classic Mediterranean notes.
- Garlic powder (1/2 teaspoon): Offers consistent garlic flavor without overpowering the mix.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Enhances all the flavors—adjust to your taste preferences.
- Pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Adds just a hint of piquancy to round out the flavor profile.
How to Make Garlic and Herb Spreadable Butter Recipe
Step 1: Soften the Butter
Begin by taking your butter out of the fridge at least 30 minutes before you start. This step is crucial, as properly softened butter whips up into a fluffy, spreadable consistency. If the butter is too cold, it will resist blending and you won’t get that smooth texture we’re aiming for.
Step 2: Combine Ingredients
Place the softened butter into a medium bowl, then add the olive oil, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Grab your electric hand mixer and start blending everything together. This process usually takes a few minutes, so be patient—your efforts will pay off when the butter looks light, airy, and beautifully whipped.
Step 3: Store and Chill
Once your garlic and herb butter is perfectly combined, transfer it to a clean container or jar for storage. Refrigerate it to maintain freshness and flavor. The butter will stay fresh for at least 2 to 3 weeks when kept cold, and its spreadable texture means it’s ready to use straight from the fridge. If you prefer it extra soft, feel free to add a bit more olive oil or let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving.
How to Serve Garlic and Herb Spreadable Butter Recipe
Garnishes
Want to make your spread look as fantastic as it tastes? Sprinkle some freshly chopped parsley or chives over the top right before serving for a bright, fresh pop of color. For a touch of elegance, a few lemon zest strands or tiny flakes of sea salt add wonderful visual and flavor contrast.
Side Dishes
This garlic and herb spreadable butter pairs beautifully with an array of side dishes. Slather it on warm, toasted baguette slices, roast your favorite vegetables tossed in the spread, or melt it gently over grilled corn on the cob. It effortlessly elevates mashed potatoes, steamed green beans, or even a juicy steak for that extra burst of herbal richness.
Creative Ways to Present
For a rustic charm, shape the butter into a log, wrap it in parchment paper, and chill before slicing into pretty rounds. This is fantastic for dinner parties! Alternatively, spoon dollops onto a cheese platter or dollop atop hot pasta for a quick sauce that instantly delights with garlic and herb goodness.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Your Garlic and Herb Spreadable Butter Recipe keeps well in the refrigerator for up to three weeks. Always use a clean utensil to scoop out the butter to avoid contamination and keep that fresh flavor intact.
Freezing
Freezing is a fantastic option if you want to extend the life of your spread. Simply place it in an airtight container or tightly wrapped in plastic wrap followed by foil. Frozen garlic and herb butter can last for up to three months. When you’re ready to use it, thaw it overnight in the fridge.
Reheating
No reheating required! This butter is designed to be spreadable straight from the fridge. If it feels too firm, just let it sit at room temperature for 10 to 15 minutes for an ideal softness. You can also microwave it for a few seconds, but be careful not to melt it completely.
FAQs
Can I use fresh garlic instead of garlic powder?
Yes, you can! If using fresh garlic, finely mince about one small clove. Keep in mind that fresh garlic is stronger and can add moisture, which might slightly change the texture. Adjust quantities to your taste and consider mixing well to blend evenly.
What if I don’t have Italian seasoning on hand?
No worries! You can easily make your own blend using dried basil, oregano, thyme, and rosemary. Even a simple mix of dried parsley and thyme will work well to bring herbal notes to your butter.
Can I substitute olive oil with another type of oil?
Olive oil offers a fruity, rich taste that works perfectly here, but you can use light-flavored oils like avocado or grapeseed oil as alternatives. Avoid strong oils like sesame or coconut as they can overpower the garlic and herbs.
How can I adjust the recipe to make it spicier?
To add some heat, consider mixing in a pinch of cayenne pepper, smoked paprika, or even a dash of crushed red pepper flakes. Add little by little until you reach your preferred spice level without overwhelming the herbal flavors.
Is this spread suitable for baking purposes?
While this butter is excellent as a spread or finishing touch, it’s not ideal for high-temperature baking since the herbs and seasonings might burn. Use it for sautéing or melting over cooked dishes instead for the best flavor experience.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Garlic and Herb Spreadable Butter Recipe enough if you want an easy, flavorful way to jazz up your meals. It’s simple to prepare, super versatile, and absolutely delicious, making it a true kitchen staple once you try it. So go ahead, whip some up and watch how it transforms everything it touches into a buttery, herbaceous delight!
Print
Garlic and Herb Spreadable Butter Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Condiment
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Description
A creamy and flavorful garlic and herb spreadable butter that’s perfect for breads, vegetables, and cooking. Made with softened butter, olive oil, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and simple seasonings, this easy-to-make spread combines richness with aromatic herbs to add a delicious twist to your dishes. Ideal for quick preparation with no cooking required.
Ingredients
Spreadable Butter Ingredients
- 1/2 cup butter (1 stick), softened
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt (or more to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper (or more to taste)
Instructions
- Soften Butter: Remove the butter from the refrigerator at least 30 minutes before starting. It needs to be very soft to blend properly with the other ingredients.
- Mix Ingredients: Place the softened butter in a medium bowl. Add the olive oil, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Use an electric hand mixer to whip the mixture until smooth and fluffy, which may take a few minutes especially if the butter is not fully softened.
- Store and Serve: Transfer the spreadable butter into a clean bowl or airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for optimal shelf life of 2-3 weeks. The butter will be soft and spreadable straight from the fridge, but can be softened slightly at room temperature if desired. For an even softer texture straight from the fridge, you may increase olive oil to 1/2 cup.
Notes
- Butter must be adequately softened to ensure a smooth, whipped texture.
- Adjust salt and pepper to personal taste.
- Increasing olive oil up to 1/2 cup results in a softer spread right from the refrigerator.
- Stored in the fridge, the spreadable butter lasts 2-3 weeks.
- Great as a flavorful spread on bread, a topping for vegetables, or for melting over hot dishes.
