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Home » Recipes » Salad Dressings & Dips

Easy 3 Ingredient Garlic Butter 

January 29, 2025 by Suzie J. Leave a Comment

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Who doesn’t love the rich, robust flavor of garlic butter? This easy 3 ingredient garlic butter recipe uses just three simple ingredients—fresh garlic, salted butter, and Italian seasoning—to create a versatile, flavor-packed spread or sauce that’s a total game-changer in the kitchen.

Trust me, once you try this, it’ll become a beloved refrigerator staple.

Side view of 3 ingredient garlic butter sliced into rounds. this …

This easy recipe was a beloved staple at our pizza restaurant. We served it alongside our warm, cheesy asiago breadsticks, and let me tell you—it was always a hit with our customers. There’s something magical about the way this garlic butter elevates even the simplest dishes. It’s ridiculously easy to make, bursting with flavor, and guaranteed to have everyone asking for more.

Whether you’re using it as a dip, a spread, or a sauce, this is the secret ingredient you didn’t know your kitchen was missing!

Why This Recipe Is a Game Changer

Garlic butter is one of those simple recipe hacks that add tons of flavor with minimal effort. Whether you’re smearing it on a fresh loaf of French bread or sliders, melting it on a perfectly cooked steak, tossing it with green beans, or using it as a base for homemade garlic bread or french bread pizza this recipe delivers the best flavor every single time. The fresh garlic combined with good quality butter creates a robust flavor that’s simply irresistible.


Pro Tips for the Best Garlic Butter

  • Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic and high-quality butter are key to the best flavor.
  • Add a Pinch of Salt: If you’re using unsalted butter, add a small pinch of kosher salt or flaky sea salt (my favorite!) to enhance the flavors.
  • Customize Your Butter: Sprinkle in a little parmesan cheese, fresh parsley, or even a touch of red pepper flakes for a unique twist.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Ingredients needed to make 3 ingredient garlic butter.
  • 1 stick butter (salted butter works best, but you can also use unsalted butter and adjust the salt to taste)
  • 3-4 fresh garlic cloves, minced or crushed with a garlic press
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning for that extra herby kick

Don’t forget to check out the recipe card for full details.

How to Make Garlic Butter (The Easy Way!)

3 ingredeint garlic butter mixed up in a bowl with a fork.
  1. Soften the Butter: Start by letting your butter come to room temperature. This makes it easier to mix.
  2. Prepare the Garlic: Mince or crush the garlic. If you want a stronger flavor, use more cloves or even a dash of garlic powder to amplify the garlic flavor.
  3. Mix It Together: In a small bowl, combine the softened butter, fresh minced garlic, and Italian seasoning. Use an electric mixer, food processor, or a fork to blend until smooth and creamy.
  4. That's it! Use as is to make garlic bread or use as a spread.
  5. If you’d like, transfer the butter onto a piece of plastic wrap, shaping it into a tight log and twisting the ends securely. Pop it in the refrigerator to chill for at least 1 hour. Once firm, slice it into rounds—perfect for melting over this sizzling cast iron steak for an irresistible burst of flavor.
Garlic butter rolled into a log and wrapped tightly in plastic.

Favorite Ways to Use Garlic Butter

This simple garlic butter recipe is a great way to elevate your meals. Here are some of my favorite ideas:

  • Spread on parmesan bites, dinner rolls, or pizza crust before baking for a quick garlic bread upgrade.
  • Use as a simple garlic butter sauce for crispy smashed potatoes, blackened steak, sautéed Brussels sprouts or roasted broccoli. 
  • Melt over medium heat to create a dipping sauce for seafood dishes like fresh crab, or seared shrimp. 
  • Mix with cooked pasta with fresh spinach and seared shrimp for a quick, flavorful dish. 
3 ingredient garlic butter log sliced into rounds on crinkled parchment paper.

Storage + Freezer Instructions

Store your garlic butter in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a couple of weeks (2 to 3).  For longer storage, portion it into ice cube trays or roll into a log, wrap tightly in plastic wrap, and freeze. This makes it super convenient to grab a cube for quick use later!

This garlic butter is packed with flavor made from basic ingredients you already have on hand. The easy process means you can whip this up in minutes—perfect for busy weeknights or unexpected guests.

So, whether you’re planning a cozy dinner at home or need a quick way to elevate a great recipe, this homemade garlic butter sauce is the answer. Try it out and let me know your favorite ways to use it in the comments below!

Recipe

Side view of 3 ingredient garlic butter sliced into rounds.

Easy 3 Ingredient Garlic Butter

Discover the secret to flavorful dishes with this 3-ingredient garlic butter recipe. Perfect for garlic bread, steak, shrimp, pasta, vegetables, and more!
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*Easily adjust serving size to your liking by clicking the number under servings or with the boxes below in the ingredients section.

Prep Time 5 minutes mins
Total Time 5 minutes mins
Course Condiments
Cuisine American
Servings 8 tablespoons
Calories 104 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • ½ cup butter (1 stick) salted butter works best, but you can also use unsalted butter and adjust the salt to taste
  • 1 tablespoon minced fresh garlic (3-4 cloves)or grated with a microplane
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
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Instructions
 

  • Soften the Butter: Start by letting your butter come to room temperature. This makes it easier to mix.
  • Prepare the Garlic: Mince or crush the garlic. If you want a stronger flavor, use more cloves or even a dash of garlic powder to amplify the garlic flavor.
  • Mix It Together: In a small bowl, combine the softened butter, fresh minced garlic, and Italian seasoning. Use an electric mixer, food processor or a fork to blend until smooth and creamy.
  • That's it! Use as is to make garlic bread or use as a spread.
  • If you’d like, transfer the butter onto a piece of plastic wrap, shaping it into a tight log and twisting the ends securely. Pop it in the refrigerator to chill for at least 1 hour. Once firm, slice it into rounds—perfect for melting over this sizzling cast iron steak for an irresistible burst of flavor.

Notes

Store your garlic butter in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a couple of weeks (2 to 3).  For longer storage, portion it into ice cube trays or roll into a log, wrap tightly in plastic wrap, and freeze for up to 6 months. 
 

Nutrition

Serving: 1tablespoonCalories: 104kcalCarbohydrates: 1gProtein: 0.2gFat: 11gSaturated Fat: 7gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.4gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gTrans Fat: 0.5gCholesterol: 30mgSodium: 91mgPotassium: 11mgFiber: 0.1gSugar: 0.03gVitamin A: 357IUVitamin C: 0.4mgCalcium: 9mgIron: 0.1mg
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3 ingredient garlic butter log sliced into rounds on crinkled parchment paper

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Hi, I'm Suzie!

I'm the recipe creator, photographer, and official taste tester here! I create everyday recipes inspired by dishes I've had from my favorite restaurants around Sonoma, Napa, and beyond.

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