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- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped - 1 tablespoon fresh chives, finely chopped - 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves - 1 teaspoon lemon zest - 1/2 teaspoon sea salt - 1/4 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper - Assorted bread (baguette slices, sourdough, or crostini) - Optional: extra herbs for garnish (e.g., oregano, dill) Gather these ingredients before you start. I love using unsalted butter for more control over the salt. Minced garlic gives this butter a bold flavor. Fresh herbs like parsley, chives, and thyme add brightness. Lemon zest brings a nice zing, while sea salt and black pepper enhance all the flavors. For the bread, I recommend baguette slices, sourdough, or crostini. These options are great for dipping. You can even add extra herbs on top for a pop of color. This garlic herb butter board is simple yet full of flavor. It's perfect for sharing with friends or family. {{ingredient_image_1}} To start, gather your ingredients. You need one cup of softened unsalted butter, four cloves of minced garlic, and fresh herbs. Use two tablespoons of parsley, one tablespoon of chives, and one tablespoon of thyme. Don't forget the lemon zest, sea salt, and black pepper. In a mixing bowl, add the softened butter. Next, toss in the minced garlic, parsley, chives, thyme, lemon zest, sea salt, and black pepper. Use a fork or a spatula to combine everything well. Mix until you have a smooth and even blend. This step is key for great flavor. Now, it's time to transfer the garlic herb butter to a serving board. Choose a large wooden board or platter for this. Carefully scoop the butter mixture from the bowl and spread it out evenly on the board. To make your butter look nice, use the back of a spoon. Create swirls or pretty designs in the butter. You can add extra herbs on top for a colorful touch. This makes it look fancy and inviting. Now for the fun part—serving! Arrange assorted bread slices around your butter board. Baguette slices, sourdough, or crostini work best. Make sure there’s enough bread for everyone to dip. For a stunning display, consider the layout. Place the bread in a circle around the butter. This invites guests to grab a slice and enjoy. Serve your garlic herb butter board at room temperature. This helps bring out the best flavor. To make the perfect garlic herb butter, start with soft butter. Softened butter blends well with herbs and garlic. Leave it at room temperature for a bit. If you're in a hurry, microwave it for a few seconds. Just don’t melt it! Mix in your herbs and garlic with a fork. Press down to break up any lumps. Aim for a smooth and creamy mix. If it feels too thick, add a tiny bit of olive oil. This helps with spreadability. To boost the flavor, try adding extra herbs. Oregano and dill work well with this mix. You can also add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a kick. Be creative! Find what you love. Serve your garlic herb butter at room temperature. This helps the flavors shine. If it’s too cold, it won’t spread easily. Pair it with a crisp white wine. A chilled Sauvignon Blanc or a light Pinot Grigio goes well. If you prefer non-alcoholic drinks, try sparkling water with lemon. It complements the butter’s rich taste. Your friends and family will love this simple yet tasty treat. Enjoy! Pro Tips Use Room Temperature Butter: Ensure your butter is at room temperature to make mixing easier and create a smoother texture. Experiment with Herbs: Feel free to mix in your favorite herbs or spices, such as basil or smoked paprika, for a unique flavor twist. Chill for Enhanced Flavor: Allow the garlic herb butter to chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving to let the flavors meld together. Presentation Matters: Use a variety of colorful breads and arrange them artistically around the butter board to make it visually appealing. {{image_2}} You can change the taste of your garlic herb butter. Try adding different herbs or spices for fun. Here are some ideas: - Basil: It adds a sweet, fresh flavor. - Oregano: This gives a warm and earthy taste. - Rosemary: It brings a strong, piney note. - Red pepper flakes: For a spicy kick. You can also create a sweet version for dessert. Mix in honey or maple syrup. Add a pinch of cinnamon for warmth. Spread it on warm bread or pancakes for a tasty treat. Serving your garlic herb butter on a charcuterie board is a great idea. Arrange it with a variety of bread. Here are some options: - Baguette slices: Crunchy and perfect for dipping. - Sourdough: Soft and chewy, it pairs well. - Crostini: Thin and crisp, ideal for a bite-sized snack. You can add seasonal ingredients, like fresh fruits or veggies. Spring brings radishes and asparagus, while fall has apples and pears. These additions make your board colorful and fun. To keep your garlic herb butter fresh, place it in an airtight container. This helps prevent any odors from your fridge from mixing in. You can also wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. Store it in the fridge, where it will stay fresh for up to one week. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing it. You can freeze it for up to three months. Just scoop it into an ice cube tray. Once frozen, pop out the cubes and store them in a bag. This way, you can enjoy garlic herb butter anytime! If your butter is too hard after refrigeration, don’t worry. Let it sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes. This will soften it nicely. You can also microwave it for a few seconds. Just be careful not to melt it completely. To bring back its bright flavor, mix in some fresh herbs or a squeeze of lemon juice. These simple steps help your garlic herb butter taste fresh again. Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted? Yes, you can use salted butter. It will add a nice flavor. Just reduce the sea salt in the recipe. This way, you won’t make it too salty. How long can I leave the butter board out at room temperature? You can leave the butter board out for about two hours. This keeps it safe to eat. If it’s very warm, aim for just one hour. What type of bread pairs best with garlic herb butter? Baguette slices are a classic choice. Sourdough also works well for its texture. Crostini adds a nice crunch and can hold the butter well. Can I make this in advance, and how should I store it? Yes, you can make it a day ahead. Store it in the fridge in an airtight container. Let it sit at room temp for about 30 minutes before serving. This helps bring back the soft texture. In this blog post, we explored making garlic herb butter, from gathering simple ingredients to mixing them for a smooth blend. You learned how to create an inviting display on a serving board, with tips for presenting bread beautifully. Remember, you can tweak flavors with different herbs or spices, and adjust the butter's texture for the perfect spread. With proper storage, your garlic herb butter can last, ready to elevate any meal. Enjoy the process and make every bite count!

Garlic Herb Butter Board

A delicious and easy-to-make garlic herb butter served with assorted bread for dipping.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Course Appetizer
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 150 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
  • 1 tablespoon fresh chives, finely chopped
  • 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest
  • 0.5 teaspoon sea salt
  • 0.25 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
  • assorted pieces bread (baguette slices, sourdough, or crostini)
  • optional amount extra herbs for garnish (e.g., oregano, dill)

Instructions
 

  • In a mixing bowl, combine the softened butter, minced garlic, fresh parsley, chives, thyme, lemon zest, sea salt, and black pepper.
  • Using a fork or a spatula, mix the ingredients thoroughly until well combined and an evenly blended herb butter forms.
  • Transfer the garlic herb butter mixture onto a large wooden board or platter.
  • Using the back of a spoon, create swirls or patterns in the butter for an attractive presentation.
  • Optionally, sprinkle extra herbs on top for garnish and added color.
  • Arrange the assorted bread slices around the butter board for dipping.
  • Serve immediately at room temperature for the best flavor.

Notes

Serve at room temperature for the best flavor.
Keyword appetizer, bread, butter, garlic, herbs