Condiment/Fat | Vegetarian

Garlic Butter

N/A (Compound food) Allergens: Milk
Garlic Butter

Sourcing & Taxonomy

  • Family Alliaceae (Garlic), N/A (Dairy for butter)
  • Primary Cuisine Global (especially European, American)
  • Seasonality Year-Round
  • Source Butter (Milk), Garlic

What Is Garlic Butter?

A flavorful culinary preparation combining softened butter with minced garlic, often enhanced with herbs and salt, used as a spread or cooking fat.

What Does Garlic Butter Taste Like?

Garlic Butter has a rich, savory, pungent garlic, creamy, salty taste with strong garlic, buttery aromas.

Taste
Rich, savory, pungent garlic, creamy, salty
Texture
Soft, spreadable, smooth
Aroma
Strong garlic, buttery
Acidity
Low

Technical Metrics

Nutrition Facts

Per 14g (1 tbsp)
Calories720 kcal
Total Fat80 g
Saturated Fat50 g
Trans Fat3 g
Cholesterol210 mg
Protein1 g
Total Carbohydrate3 g
Dietary Fiber0 g
Total Sugars0 g
Calcium20 mg
Iron0.2 mg
Potassium20 mg

Chef’s Secret

For a richer, sweeter garlic flavor in your garlic butter, gently roast the garlic cloves before mincing and mixing them into the softened butter.

Garlic Butter Substitutes & Ratios

The best substitute for Garlic Butter is Plain Butter + Fresh Garlic, used at a 1:1 ratio. Provides identical flavor and functionality by simply combining the two main ingredients fresh.

Substitutes for Garlic Butter with ratios
Substitute Ratio Best for
Plain Butter + Fresh Garlic Best 1:1 Provides identical flavor and functionality by simply combining the two main ingredients fresh.
Olive Oil + Fresh Garlic 1:1 A dairy-free alternative for sautéing, brushing bread, or dressings, but lacks butter's creamy richness.
Garlic Powder + Butter 1:1 (powder to minced) Convenient when fresh garlic isn't available, but the flavor is less pungent and fresh.
Margarine + Fresh Garlic (Vegan option) 1:1 Dairy-free alternative with similar texture, but flavor will differ depending on margarine brand.

How to Choose & Store Garlic Butter

  1. Look for high-quality butter with natural garlic and herbs.
  2. Check for preservatives.

What Pairs Well With Garlic Butter?

  • Garlic bread
  • steak
  • shrimp scampi
  • roasted vegetables
  • corn on the cob
  • pasta
  • mashed potatoes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Garlic Butter taste like?

Rich, savory, pungent garlic, creamy, salty Strong garlic, buttery

What is a good substitute for Garlic Butter?

The best substitute is Plain Butter + Fresh Garlic (1:1). Provides identical flavor and functionality by simply combining the two main ingredients fresh.

How do you choose and store Garlic Butter?

Look for high-quality butter with natural garlic and herbs. Check for preservatives.

Recipes Using Garlic Butter

Cuisine Occasion Green Yellow Beans Holiday Event

Baby Beans With Orange Crumble

Elevate your weeknight meal with this vibrant and easy Baby Beans with Zesty Orange Crumble recipe! Tender baby beans are perfectly complemented by a crunchy, flavorful topping of toasted breadcrumbs, butter, fragrant orange zest, and crunchy almonds. Ready in just 15 minutes, this gourmet-inspired dish is surprisingly simple to make and perfect for a light lunch or side dish. Adapted from a recipe on the Simply Great Recipes Club website.

See Complete Recipe
Course European Vegetarian Easy

Mushroom Stroganoff On Toast

A quick and easy recipe for creamy mushroom stroganoff served on toasted bread. This satisfying dish combines the earthy richness of mushrooms with a tangy, creamy sauce, creating a flavor explosion in your mouth! Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a tasty appetizer, this recipe is sure to become a new favorite.

See Complete Recipe

Need a substitute for Garlic Butter right now, or a recipe that uses it? Ask Sous, your AI sous-chef.