garlic herb butter

Preparation Time 10 minutes Mixing Time 5 minutes Chilling Time 1 hour Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes Ingredients Main Ingredients 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened 4 cloves garlic, finely minced 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped 1 tablespoon fresh chives, finely chopped 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary, minced

Equipment

• Mixing bowl
• Fork or silicone spatula
• Measuring spoons
• Sharp knife
• Cutting board
• Plastic wrap or parchment paper

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• 4 cloves garlic, finely minced
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh chives, finely chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
• 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary, minced
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt
• ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Optional Additions

• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon honey
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika

Instructions

Step 1: Soften the Butter

1. Remove the butter from the refrigerator and allow it to sit at room temperature until softened.

Time and Intensity

1. Time: 30–45 minutes
2. Temperature: Room temperature (68–72°F / 20–22°C)
3. Intensity: No heat required
4. The butter should be soft enough to mix easily but not melted.

Step 2: Prepare the Herbs and Garlic

1. While the butter softens, finely chop the parsley, chives, thyme, and rosemary.
2. Mince the garlic as finely as possible to ensure even distribution throughout the butter.
3. Zest the lemon and squeeze out one tablespoon of fresh juice.

Preparation Intensity

1. Difficulty Level: Easy
2. Preparation Time: 10 minutes
3. Fresh herbs provide the best flavor and aroma, making this butter especially vibrant.

Step 3: Mix the Ingredients

1. In a medium mixing bowl combine:
2. Softened butter
3. Minced garlic
4. Chopped parsley
5. Chives
6. Thyme
7. Rosemary
8. Lemon zest
9. Lemon juice
10. Salt
11. Black pepper
12. Using a fork or spatula, thoroughly mix until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.

Mixing Intensity

1. Time: 3–5 minutes
2. Effort Level: Light
3. Continue mixing until the herbs and garlic are evenly distributed throughout the butter.

Step 4: Taste and Adjust

1. Taste a small amount of the butter and adjust seasonings if necessary.
2. Possible adjustments include:
3. More garlic for stronger flavor
4. Additional herbs for freshness
5. Extra salt for enhanced seasoning
6. Red pepper flakes for heat
7. Mix again after making any adjustments.

Step 5: Shape the Butter

1. Transfer the garlic herb butter onto a sheet of parchment paper or plastic wrap.
2. Roll it into a log shape approximately 1½ inches thick.
3. Twist both ends securely.
4. Alternatively, place the butter into a small airtight container.

Shaping Time

1. Time: 3 minutes
2. Difficulty: Easy

Step 6: Chill the Butter

1. Place the wrapped butter in the refrigerator.

Chilling Intensity

1. Temperature: 34–40°F (1–4°C)
2. Time: 1 hour minimum
3. Chilling allows the flavors to blend and the butter to firm up for slicing.

Nutrition

Calories: 102 · Protein: 0.2g · Fat: 11g · Carbohydrates: 0.4g · Saturated Fat: 7g · Fiber: 0.1g · Sugar: 0g · Sodium: 78mg