Creamy and smooth, this Roasted Garlic Butter IS the move. A simple delight, sure to season any dish just right.
I love bread and butter. If I could, I would live off the two. It’s one of the best combos there is. In fact, this probably started when I was in college and living frugally was the order of the day. But did I mind? Not at all! No wonder I still think this is one of the best culinary experiences! For this recipe, we roast a whole head of garlic until it’s tender, then easily slip out the cloves for mashing. Fresh and finely chopped parsley provides peppery and earthy notes. Once made, this butter can be stored in the fridge and kept on hand to easily season breads, pastas, meats, and fish. I am all about pre-made and homemade dressings, sauces, and spreads ready to go to elevate just about any dish.
This roasted garlic butter spread makes a delightful seasoning for just about anything you would add butter or olive oil to. Spread it on a fresh baguette and bake for crunchy and easy homemade garlic bread, or use it to season al dente noodles just right! Or, simply spread it on toast.
Is Roasted Garlic Butter Healthy?
No, butter is not very healthy, as it is high in saturated fat. It’s important to enjoy this garlic butter as part of a balanced meal. As much as I wish I could advise you that bread and butter is a complete meal, it’s best to add a protein and fresh veggies to your lunch or dinner. However, I will say this spread uses just a few simple, clean ingredients and is much healthier than store-bought garlic butter. You can also easily make it vegan by using your favorite plant-based butter, which is super easy to find at the grocery store these days. If you’re watching your sodium intake, experiment with using less salt.
Variations
There are a few different ways to mix it up. You can use either unsalted or salted butter, or even vegan butter as mentioned above. Next are the stars of the show: fresh herbs. They are key! Add fresh parsley, rosemary, thyme, chives, or basil to enhance the flavor. How about spices? Try incorporating sweet paprika, oregano, or red pepper flakes. A splash of onion salt or garlic salt will also do, as would some fresh cracked pepper. I also suggest flaky sea salt if you have it on hand; it adds a fancy touch to just about any dish! A few tablespoons of Parmesan cheese also go a long way in this spread, giving it a slightly nutty flavor that is divine.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Once the garlic butter is prepared, transfer it to an airtight container or shape it into a log using parchment paper to easily slice off portions as needed. Store the garlic butter in the refrigerator for up to 4 weeks. You can also freeze it for 3 months. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then place it in a freezer-safe bag or container. When ready to use, simply take out the desired amount and let it soften at room temperature for a few minutes before serving.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this butter with slices of toast, or mix it into a pasta, like this Delicious Angel Hair Pasta. It adds a creamy and beyond decadent touch to just about any dish. Serve melted or chilled. It goes great on freshly cooked ricotta cavatelli or Healthy Pumpkin Fettuccine. Use it on ciabatta or focaccia bread, or swirl it through some Bolognese sauce for extra flavor and lusciousness. It also pairs well with Oven-Roasted Vegetables. This roasted garlic butter goes with just about any Italian entrée, like this Italian Meatloaf. With pockets of veggies and hearty meats, it’s a dish fit for a feast. Or perhaps you’re more in the mood for this Air-Fryer Chicken Parmesan with a cheesy inside and crispy outside.
Ingredients
- 1 head garlic
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- 1 stick unsalted butter softened
- 1 teaspoon fresh parsley finely chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F.
- Cut the top off the head of garlic to expose the cloves, drizzle with olive oil, wrap in foil, and roast for 40 minutes until soft and caramelized.
- Allow the garlic to cool, then squeeze the cloves out of their skins into a bowl.
- Mash the roasted garlic, then mix with softened butter, chopped parsley, and salt until well combined.
- Use immediately or store in the refrigerator.
Nutrition Info:
Nutrition information are estimates only and may vary based on the specific brands, ingredients, and portion sizes you use. This data is provided for informational purposes only.
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