Elevate your culinary creations with the ultimate homemade Roasted Garlic Butter – a simple blend of roasted, mashed garlic, creamy butter, fresh herbs, and savory spices that promises to transform any dish into an unforgettable gourmet experience.
There’s something inherently comforting and luxurious about a perfectly grilled steak, a crisp salad, or a fluffy baked potato. But what truly completes these classic summer dinners, elevating them from good to absolutely extraordinary, is the addition of a crusty loaf of toasted garlic bread, slathered with homemade roasted garlic butter. Imagine the tantalizing aroma filling your kitchen as the butter melts, infusing every nook and cranny of the bread with its rich, savory essence. It’s a simple pleasure that leaves a lasting impression, a staple that transcends seasons but shines brightest during those relaxed, sun-drenched evenings.
While garlic bread is often seen as a side dish, its versatility knows no bounds. Recently, I conceived an “Italian Burger” served on a garlic bread bun, and the result was nothing short of sensational! The flavorful, crisp-yet-soft garlic bread provided the perfect foundation for a juicy burger, adding a layer of depth and savory goodness that took it to an entirely new level. This innovative approach to a classic burger highlights just how much a simple ingredient like roasted garlic butter can revolutionize your everyday meals and spark culinary creativity.
Of course, you could opt for the convenience of garlic powder when making garlic bread, but for that truly exceptional, deep, and subtly sweet flavor, fresh roasted garlic is simply unparalleled. Roasting garlic transforms its pungent bite into a mellow, caramelized sweetness, creating a spreadable, almost jam-like consistency that is pure magic when blended with butter. This is why I decided it was high time to break in my new garlic baker. For years, I had always wrapped garlic bulbs in foil for roasting, a method that worked but often resulted in messy cleanup. Discovering the convenience and efficiency of a dedicated garlic baker has been a delightful revelation. This ingenious kitchen tool simplifies the roasting process, yielding perfectly tender, golden garlic every time, without the fuss. It’s a game-changer for anyone who loves the rich taste of roasted garlic but prefers an easier preparation.
Mastering the Art of Roasted Garlic Butter
The Perfect Roast: Simplicity and Aroma
Roasting garlic is surprisingly simple, especially with the right tools. To begin, gently remove any loose, papery outer layers from your garlic bulbs, but keep the bulbs intact. Slice off about a quarter-inch from the top of each bulb, exposing the individual cloves. Place these prepared bulbs into the base of your garlic baker or a small oven-safe dish. Drizzle generously with high-quality olive oil, ensuring each clove is lightly coated, then sprinkle with Italian seasoning for an aromatic boost. Place the terracotta lid (or foil if using a regular dish) over the top. Roast in a preheated oven at around 400°F (200°C) for 30-40 minutes, or until the cloves are incredibly tender and have turned a beautiful golden-brown. During this process, your home will be filled with an absolutely amazing, warm, and inviting aroma – a precursor to the deliciousness to come.
Crafting the Butter: Silky Smooth Perfection
Once roasted, allow the garlic bulbs to cool slightly. The magic happens when you gently squeeze the soft, caramelized cloves from their papery skins. They will emerge easily, like small pockets of golden goodness. Using a fork, a potato masher, or even the back of a spoon, mash these tender cloves into a smooth paste. This mashed roasted garlic forms the heart of our exquisite butter. The texture should be creamy and lump-free, ready to be incorporated into softened, high-quality butter.
Mashed roasted garlic, soft and aromatic.
To create the roasted garlic butter, simply combine the mashed garlic with softened, salted butter in a bowl. Add a touch of paprika for a subtle hint of color and warmth, along with a generous helping of fresh Italian parsley, finely chopped. The fresh herbs provide a vibrant contrast to the rich garlic, adding brightness and a beautiful visual appeal. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well combined and the butter is consistently smooth and creamy. The result is a gourmet spread that’s ready to transform ordinary bread into something truly special.
Transforming Bread: Bake, Grill, or Broil
Once your exquisite roasted garlic butter is prepared, the next step is to lavishly spread it over thick slices of your favorite crusty bread. An Italian loaf, a French baguette, or even a hearty sourdough will work beautifully. For baking, arrange the buttered bread slices on a baking sheet and toast in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 8-10 minutes, or until golden brown and fragrant. For a delightful smoky flavor, you can also grill the bread. Place buttered slices directly on the grates of a medium-hot grill for 1-2 minutes per side, watching carefully to prevent burning. The edges will crisp up, and the butter will melt into the bread, creating an irresistible texture and taste.
Taking it a Step Further: Cheesy Garlic Bread
For the ultimate indulgence, consider elevating your garlic bread with a layer of melted cheese. After spreading the roasted garlic butter on your bread, top each slice generously with shredded mozzarella cheese, a blend of Italian cheeses, or even some grated Parmesan. Then, bake or grill as usual until the cheese is bubbly, golden, and perfectly melted. The combination of savory roasted garlic, rich butter, and gooey cheese creates an addictive side dish that’s hard to resist. More cheese? Yes, please!
Beyond Garlic Bread: The Versatility of Flavored Butters
The beauty of homemade flavored butters extends far beyond garlic bread. These versatile creations can enhance a myriad of dishes, transforming simple ingredients into gourmet delights. Here are a few inspirations:
Speaking of butter, last summer, I perfected these Herb Butter Filet Mignons. Oh my, they were unbelievably good! With this method, you can achieve a perfectly cooked filet mignon every single time, topped with your own homemade herb butter for that exquisite finishing touch. The melting herb butter infuses the tender steak with incredible flavor, making it a truly restaurant-worthy meal right in your own home.
Another fantastic butter recipe that adds a sweet twist is my Whipped Cherry Butter. This delightful creation is perfect for spreading over warm Homemade Popovers, creating a symphony of sweet and tangy flavors. It’s a simple yet elegant way to elevate breakfast or brunch, making every bite feel like a special treat. The light, airy texture of popovers combined with the fruity sweetness of the cherry butter is absolutely swoon-worthy!
And let’s not overlook my Copycat Texas Roadhouse Cinnamon Honey Butter! I developed this recipe a few years ago for Thanksgiving, and it was such an instant hit that it has become a regular fixture on our family table. It’s incredibly easy to make and captures that beloved sweet, spiced flavor that makes Texas Roadhouse’s version so famous. Perfect for warm rolls, toast, or even pancakes, this butter is a true crowd-pleaser.
For more incredible butter-infused recipes, I highly recommend checking out my friend Michele’s creations over at West Via Midwest. Her recipes are nothing short of amazing! You simply must try her Cajun Shrimp Appetizer. It’s a simple yet impressive dish that brilliantly mimics Ruth’s Chris famous Spicy BBQ Shrimp. Bursting with flavor from garlic, various spices, and a luscious Cajun butter drizzled over succulent shrimp, it’s a true taste sensation. Additionally, her Grilled Steak with Bourbon Garlic Butter is perfect for entertaining. Imagine perfectly seared steaks, juicy and tender on the inside, blanketed with melted Bourbon Garlic Butter – an effortlessly elegant BBQ meal that will delight your guests.
With so many delicious possibilities, there’s no time to waste. Let’s stop chatting about these incredible butter creations and start making them! What do you say? Dive into the world of gourmet flavors right in your own kitchen.
I genuinely hope you enjoy this versatile and incredibly flavorful Roasted Garlic Butter recipe. It’s a simple addition that makes a huge difference!
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Roasted Garlic Butter
Garlic roasted and mashed, added to butter with fresh herbs and spices, makes the most mouth-watering garlic bread ever!
Prep Time: 5 mins
Total Time: 5 mins
Cuisine: American/Italian
Keyword: Roasted Garlic Butter
Servings: 1 cup
Calories: 1634 kcal
Author: Michaela Kenkel
Ingredients
- 2 sticks salted butter, softened
- 2 bulbs of garlic, roasted and mashed
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1 heaping Tablespoon fresh Italian parsley
Instructions
- Stir softened butter until creamy, then add in mashed roasted garlic, paprika, and parsley.
- Spread on bread before toasting in the oven to make amazing garlic bread. Can also be topped with mozzarella cheese.
Notes
Store any leftovers in the refrigerator. Soften before using.
Also great on baked potatoes!
Nutrition
Serving: 1 | Calories: 1634kcal | Carbohydrates: 3g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 184g | Saturated Fat: 116g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 55g | Trans Fat: 7g | Cholesterol: 486mg | Sodium: 1457mg | Fiber: 1g