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

The Forktionary Angle

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Definition

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

Sensory Profile

TasteRich, savory, pungent garlic, creamy, salty
TextureSoft, spreadable, smooth
AromaStrong garlic, buttery
AcidityLow

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.

Substitutions

Best Match

Plain Butter + Fresh Garlic

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.

Buying Guide

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

Flavor Pairings

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

Recipes Using Garlic Butter

Course Side Dishes Served Hot Christmas

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
Inexpensive For 1 Or 2 Mushrooms Occasion

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