Easy Roasted Garlic Butter

This easy roasted garlic butter is a flavorful and aromatic spread that can be used in all sorts of dishes, such as garlic bread, steak, vegetables, and roasted meats. It can also be used as a spread on crusty sourdough bread or as a dip for vegetables.

Whether you're looking for a simple way to add flavor to your meals or you're a garlic lover looking for a new way to enjoy this beloved ingredient, this creamy butter is a must-try. With just a few simple ingredients and a little bit of time, you can create a delicious and versatile condiment that will elevate all of your favorite dishes.

If you like garlic recipes, check out also this Garlic Parmesan Risotto and this Garlic Tomato Pasta.

🧾 Ingredients

• Garlic: Use your favorite garlic, either white garlic or purple garlic. See this post about the different types of garlic.
• Butter: I used unsalted butter to control the amount of salt by taste. But you can also use salted butter if you prefer. Use good quality butter for the best result (prefer european-style butter).
• Seasonings: I only used regular salt and black pepper as seasonings to keep it simple. But you can customize it any way you like with spices and herbs.

See the recipe card for quantities.

🍳 Substitutions

If you are looking to make roasted garlic butter but don't have all the ingredients on hand, don't worry. There are many substitutions you can make to still achieve a delicious and flavorful butter.

• Garlic: If you don't have fresh garlic, you can use roasted garlic paste or roasted minced garlic in a jar. You can also use pre-peeled garlic cloves and roast them yourself. Simply toss the cloves in olive oil, wrap them in foil, and roast in the oven at 400°F for 30-40 minutes until soft and caramelized.
• Butter: If you are vegan or looking for a plant-based option, you can use vegan butter or coconut oil instead of regular butter. Keep in mind that the flavor and texture of the butter will be slightly different, but it will still be delicious.
• Salt and Herbs: I used regular salt but you can use kosher salt, sea salt, or flaky salt. You can also omit the salt entirely if you are watching your sodium intake. As for herbs, you can use any fresh herbs you have on hand to make a garlic herb butter. Some popular options include thyme, rosemary, chives, and parsley.

🥣 Variations

This homemade garlic butter is a versatile and delicious condiment that can be customized to your liking. Here are some variations to try:

• Herb-infused butter: Mix in some fresh or dried herbs like parsley, chives, thyme, rosemary, or basil to add a burst of flavor to your garlic butter. Use a combination of herbs for a more complex taste.
• Spicy garlic butter: Add some heat to your garlic butter by mixing in chili pepper flakes or chipotle pepper. Adjust the amount of spice to your preference.
• Black garlic butter: Use black garlic instead of roasted garlic for a sweeter, milder flavor. Black garlic has a unique umami taste that pairs well with butter.
• Flavored butter: Mix in some lemon zest for a tangy twist or add some minced olives for a savory flavor. Get creative and experiment with different flavors.
• Cheesy garlic butter: Mix in some shredded cheddar cheese, blue cheese, or parmesan cheese for cheesy garlic butter. This variation is perfect for spreading on bread or topping on grilled meats.

📋 Instructions with Photos

There are only a few simple steps to make this roasted garlic butter recipe. Check the recipe card for more detailed instructions and nutritional information.

Step 1. Cut off the top part of the garlic bulb, then add a drizzle of olive oil and sprinkle salt and pepper. Cover with aluminum foil.

Step 2. Bake the garlic heads in the oven until soft. Let it cool completely.

Step 3. Add the roasted garlic cloves to the softened butter. Mash with a fork or pulse in a food processor.

Step 4. Season to taste, then cover the butter with plastic wrap and let it set in the fridge.

🔪 Equipment

To make this easy homemade roasted garlic butter, you don't need a lot of equipment. Here are the basic things you'll need:

• Oven: You'll need an oven to roast the garlic. A toaster oven or an air fryer can also be used for roasting garlic.
• Baking sheet: You'll need a baking sheet to place the garlic bulbs on while roasting.
• Aluminum foil: You'll need aluminum foil to wrap the garlic bulbs before roasting.
• Mixing bowl: You'll need a mixing bowl to combine the roasted garlic with the butter.
• Fork or food processor: You'll need a fork or food processor to mix the roasted garlic and butter together.
• Plastic wrap: Use plastic wrap to shape the butter into a log so you'll be able to slice it up ready for use.

If you're using an air fryer to roast the garlic, you'll need to follow the manufacturer's instructions for roasting garlic. Some air fryers have a specific setting for roasting garlic, while others require you to manually adjust the temperature and time.

❄️ Storage

Roasted garlic butter is a versatile ingredient that can add flavor to many dishes. However, it is important to store and freeze the homemade butter properly to ensure its freshness and quality.

• Storing the Butter: To store this delicious butter, you should keep it in an airtight container in the fridge. This will help to prevent the butter from absorbing any unwanted flavors and odors from other foods in the fridge. You can also cover the butter with plastic wrap to provide an extra layer of protection. It is important to note that roasted garlic butter should be used within a week of making it. If you notice any discoloration or off smells, it is best to discard the butter.
• Freezing the Butter: If you want to store roasted garlic butter for a longer period, you can freeze it. To freeze the butter, you should portion it out into slices and separate each slice with parchment paper. Then, place the wrapped portions in an airtight container or freezer bag. Frozen roasted garlic butter can be kept for up to three months. When you are ready to use the butter, simply thaw it in the fridge overnight before using it in your recipe.

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