If you have been on the lookout for a luscious, flavor-packed butter that brings a whole new dimension to your meals, the Roasted Garlic Butter Recipe is an absolute must-try. This delightfully creamy butter, enriched with deep, mellow notes of roasted garlic and a subtle umami kick from anchovy paste and parmesan, becomes an instant favorite for spreading, melting, and enhancing all kinds of dishes. From crusty bread to grilled veggies, once you taste it, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without this gem in your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Roasted Garlic Butter Recipe uses simple, everyday ingredients that each play a crucial role in building rich flavor and smooth texture. Every element is thoughtfully chosen to balance garlic’s natural sweetness with a touch of savory depth and fresh herbal brightness.
- 1 large head of garlic (separated cloves, skin on): Roasting this transforms raw garlic’s sharp bite into sweet, caramelized goodness.
- 1 tsp olive oil: Helps roast the garlic cloves to perfection, ensuring golden softness.
- Pinch of salt: Enhances the natural sweetness of roasted garlic during cooking.
- 2 tbsp roasted garlic (from above): The star ingredient that infuses the butter with mellow garlic flavor.
- 125g (1 stick / 8 tbsp) unsalted butter (softened): Provides a creamy base that carries all the flavors.
- 1 tsp anchovy paste (or finely chopped anchovies): Adds an unexpected depth of umami that elevates the taste without fishiness.
- 25g (1/4 cup tightly packed) parmesan (finely grated): Brings a nutty, salty richness that complements the butter beautifully.
- 1/4 tsp cooking salt / kosher salt: Balances the overall seasoning perfectly.
- 1 tbsp finely minced parsley (optional): Adds fresh color and a mild herbal note to brighten the flavor.
How to Make Roasted Garlic Butter Recipe
Step 1: Roast the Garlic
Begin by preheating your oven to 140°C/285°F (120°C fan-forced). Take the whole head of garlic, separate the cloves but keep the skins on, drizzle them with olive oil, and sprinkle lightly with a pinch of salt. Wrap the garlic tightly in foil and roast it in the oven for about 1 hour, until the cloves are soft, golden, and irresistibly fragrant. This roasting process transforms the garlic into a velvety, sweet treasure perfect for blending.
Step 2: Extract the Roasted Garlic
Once the garlic is cool enough to handle, gently squeeze each clove out of its skin into a small bowl. The roasted garlic should be soft and easily mashed. Let it cool completely if it’s still warm — this helps preserve the butter’s texture when mixed.
Step 3: Mix the Butter and Flavors
In a mixing bowl, combine the softened unsalted butter with the roasted garlic. Stir in the anchovy paste or finely chopped anchovies, grated parmesan, and the cooking salt. Use a fork or spatula to mash and blend everything thoroughly, creating a smooth, creamy mixture bursting with flavor.
Step 4: Add Fresh Parsley and Adjust Seasoning
If you love a pop of fresh green and a subtle herbaceous note, fold in the finely minced parsley at this stage. Give your Roasted Garlic Butter Recipe a final taste and adjust the salt if needed. Then, transfer to a container and chill until firm – this allows the flavors to meld and the butter to set perfectly.
How to Serve Roasted Garlic Butter Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh parsley or chives on top of your roasted garlic butter adds a lovely pop of color and a hint of brightness that complements the richness. Some freshly cracked black pepper works wonders as well.
Side Dishes
Roasted Garlic Butter pairs beautifully with warm, crusty bread and roasted or steamed vegetables. It’s also fantastic dolloped atop grilled steaks, spread over baked potatoes, or melted into pasta for an indulgent finish.
Creative Ways to Present
For a charming touch, shape the butter into small balls or logs using parchment paper rolls before chilling. Another fun idea is to serve it softened with a small knife in individual ramekins alongside a bread basket for guests to help themselves during dinner parties.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This Roasted Garlic Butter Recipe keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks, giving you plenty of time to enjoy it on multiple meals.
Freezing
You can freeze the butter in portions wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and stored in a freezer bag for up to three months. Just thaw in the refrigerator overnight before use.
Reheating
Because this is butter, reheating typically just means letting it soften slightly at room temperature or melting it gently over warm dishes. Avoid high heat to preserve the silky texture and vibrant flavors.
FAQs
Can I use regular salted butter instead of unsalted?
While unsalted butter is preferred because you control the seasoning, using salted butter is perfectly fine. Just reduce added salt accordingly and taste as you go to avoid over-salting.
Is anchovy paste necessary in this recipe?
The anchovy paste adds umami depth without a fishy flavor, making the flavor more complex and savory. If you’re not a fan or have dietary restrictions, you can omit it or substitute with a small amount of soy sauce or miso for a different but tasty twist.
How do I store leftover roasted garlic from the head?
Keep leftover roasted garlic cloves in a sealed container in the fridge and use within a few days. You can also freeze extra roasted garlic in small portions for later use in recipes like this butter.
Can this butter be used for cooking or only as a spread?
It’s versatile enough for both! Use it as a spread or dollop it onto hot dishes to melt. It also works perfectly for sautéing or finishing sauces to add a rich garlic flavor.
What is the best bread to serve with this butter?
Crusty breads like French baguettes, sourdough, or even a hearty whole grain loaf complement the creamy Roasted Garlic Butter beautifully, offering satisfying texture contrasts.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something wonderfully comforting about the rich, mellow flavor of roasted garlic blended into creamy butter. This Roasted Garlic Butter Recipe is truly a kitchen treasure that transforms everyday meals into special occasions. I encourage you to give it a whirl—it’s easy, rewarding, and will quickly become your go-to addition for flavor-packed moments.
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Roasted Garlic Butter Recipe
- Prep Time: 7 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 37 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Condiments
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Western
Description
This roasted garlic butter recipe is a rich and flavorful spread that combines sweet, caramelized garlic with creamy butter, parmesan, and a hint of anchovy for umami depth. Perfect for enhancing steaks, roasted vegetables, or spreading on warm bread, this versatile butter adds a gourmet touch to any dish.
Ingredients
Roasted Garlic
- 1 large head of garlic (separate the cloves but keep skin on)
- 1 tsp olive oil
- Pinch of salt
Roasted Garlic Butter
- 2 tbsp roasted garlic (from above)
- 125g (1 stick / 8 tbsp) unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 tsp anchovy paste (or finely chopped whole anchovies)
- 25g (1/4 cup very tightly packed) parmesan (finely grated using microplane)
- 1/4 tsp cooking salt / kosher salt
- 1 tbsp parsley (finely minced, optional)
Instructions
- Roast the Garlic: Preheat the oven to 140°C/285°F (120°C fan-forced). Separate the garlic cloves from the large head but keep the skin on each clove. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with a pinch of salt. Wrap the garlic head in foil and roast in the oven for 30 minutes until the cloves are soft and golden.
- Extract Roasted Garlic: Remove the garlic from the oven and let cool slightly. Squeeze the soft roasted garlic cloves out of their skins and mash them into a smooth paste with a fork.
- Mix the Butter: In a bowl, combine the softened unsalted butter with the roasted garlic paste, anchovy paste, finely grated parmesan, and cooking salt. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
- Add Parsley and Shape: If using, fold in the finely minced parsley for a fresh note. Transfer the roasted garlic butter onto a piece of cling wrap or parchment paper and roll into a log shape. Chill in the refrigerator until firm, about 1 hour, before serving.
Notes
- You can prepare the roasted garlic in larger quantities to have on hand for other recipes.
- The anchovy paste adds a subtle umami flavor but can be omitted for a vegetarian version.
- This butter is excellent atop grilled steaks, roasted vegetables, or freshly baked bread.
- Store wrapped in the refrigerator for up to 1 week or freeze for longer storage.
