Description
This easy garlic butter spread is a flavorful and versatile kitchen staple, made with fresh garlic, rich butter, roasted red pepper, and smoked paprika. It is quick to prepare, much better than store-bought, and perfect for enhancing weeknight meals with an irresistible aroma and taste.
Ingredients
- 225 g unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 75 g jarred roasted red pepper, well-drained and patted dry
- 7 g smoked paprika, divided
- 3 g fine sea salt, or to taste
- 1 g freshly ground black pepper
- 5 g fresh flat-leaf parsley or chives, finely chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Soften Butter: Let the butter sit at room temperature for 30-60 minutes until it is pliable and easily spreadable. (If too firm, microwave for 10-15 seconds at a time until soft but not melted.)
- Prepare Aromatics: Finely mince the fresh garlic. In a small food processor or with an immersion blender, blend the well-drained roasted red pepper with 0.5 tablespoon (3.5 g) smoked paprika and a pinch of salt for 1-2 minutes until a smooth, brilliant red paste forms.
- Combine Ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine the softened butter, minced garlic, remaining 0.5 tablespoon (3.5 g) smoked paprika, 0.5 teaspoon (3 g) fine sea salt, and black pepper. Mix until creamy.
- Fold in Red Pepper Paste: Gently fold the vibrant red pepper paste into the butter mixture, creating distinct streaks and a marbled effect. (If the butter seems crumbly, continue mixing gently; it will smooth out.)
- Chill or Serve: Spoon the swirled garlic butter onto parchment paper, rolling it into a log (approximately 5 cm / 2 inches diameter) and twisting the ends to seal. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour until firm enough to slice or spread, allowing the flavors to meld.
Notes
For a milder flavor, use roasted garlic instead of fresh. If butter is too firm, microwave for 10-15 seconds at a time until soft but not melted. This spread can be made dairy-free using a high-quality plant-based butter alternative. Consider adding lemon zest for brightness or chili flakes for a spicy kick. Store refrigerated for up to 2 weeks.
- Prep Time: 60 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Spread
- Method: Mixing, No-Cook
- Cuisine: General
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 tablespoon (15 g)
- Calories: 110 calories
- Sugar: 0 g
- Sodium: 200 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 7.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4.5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 1 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 0 g
- Cholesterol: 33 mg
Keywords: easy dinner, garlic butter, spread, weeknight meal, family favorite, quick recipe, meal prep, savory spread, red pepper, butter log