This Rosemary Garlic Butter is a rich, aromatic compound butter that transforms everyday dishes into something truly special. Made with fresh rosemary, garlic, and a touch of lemon, it comes together in just minutes and adds deep, savory flavor to breads, vegetables, meats, and more.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe is quick, simple, and incredibly versatile. In just 15 minutes, you can create a flavorful butter that enhances almost any savory dish.
It’s made with fresh ingredients that deliver bold, natural flavor. The rosemary adds a fragrant, earthy note, while garlic provides warmth and depth. A splash of lemon juice keeps everything balanced and bright.
This butter is perfect for spreading over warm bread, melting onto grilled meats, stirring into pasta, or finishing roasted vegetables. It also freezes beautifully, making it easy to keep on hand whenever you need an instant flavor boost.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
1 cup (226 grams) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
2 tablespoons (6–8 grams) fresh rosemary, finely chopped
1 tablespoon (8–10 grams) fresh garlic, minced (about 1 large clove)
1 teaspoon (5 milliliters) freshly squeezed lemon juice
1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt, or to taste
1/8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, or to taste
Directions
Prepare the ingredients by finely chopping the fresh rosemary and mincing the garlic as small as possible for even distribution.
Place the softened butter into a small mixing bowl. The butter should be soft enough to press easily with a fork but not melted.
Add the chopped rosemary, minced garlic, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper to the bowl.
Using a fork, mash and mix everything together until fully combined. Continue pressing and stirring until the herbs and garlic are evenly incorporated throughout the butter.
The butter can be served immediately if desired.
To shape for storage or freezing, spoon the butter onto a sheet of parchment paper and form it into a rough log shape.
Roll the parchment paper around the butter, gently tightening as you roll to create a smooth log. Twist the ends to secure.
Refrigerate for at least 1 hour to firm up, or freeze for at least 6 hours or overnight until solid.
Once firm, slice into rounds as needed. If frozen, slices can be cut directly from the log.
Servings and timing
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Chilling Time (optional): 1 hour refrigeration or 6–8 hours freezing
Total Time: 15 minutes active time
Servings: 12 servings (approximately 1 tablespoon per serving)
Calories per serving: approximately 137 kcal
Variations
Herb Butter
Replace rosemary with 2 tablespoons of finely chopped fresh parsley, thyme, dill, or sage. You may also combine multiple herbs for a blended flavor.
Lime Garlic Butter
Substitute the lemon juice with 1 teaspoon lime juice and add 1/2 teaspoon finely grated lime zest for a brighter citrus profile.
Spicy Garlic Butter
Add 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes for gentle heat that pairs well with roasted vegetables or grilled chicken.
Shallot and Dill Butter
Replace rosemary with 1 tablespoon fresh dill and add 1–2 tablespoons very finely minced shallots for a delicate, savory variation.
Roasted Garlic Butter
Use roasted garlic instead of raw garlic for a sweeter, milder flavor. Mash 1–2 roasted cloves into the butter until smooth.
Storage/Reheating
Refrigerator
Store the butter in an airtight container or tightly wrapped in parchment paper in the refrigerator for up to 7 days.
Freezer
Wrap the butter log tightly in parchment paper and place it in a freezer-safe bag or container. Freeze for up to 6 months. For convenience, slice into rounds before freezing.
Using from Frozen
You can place a frozen slice directly onto hot foods, where it will melt quickly. Alternatively, allow it to thaw at room temperature for 20–30 minutes before serving.
Reheating
This butter does not require reheating. Simply allow it to soften at room temperature if needed. Avoid microwaving, as it may separate or melt unevenly.
FAQs
Can I use dried rosemary instead of fresh?
Yes, but the flavor will be more concentrated and slightly different. Use 2 teaspoons dried rosemary in place of 2 tablespoons fresh, and crush it slightly before mixing to release more flavor.
Why should the butter be softened but not melted?
Softened butter blends evenly with the herbs and garlic. Melted butter will separate and create a greasy texture rather than a smooth, spreadable consistency.
Can I make this butter ahead of time?
Absolutely. It’s ideal for making ahead since it stores well in both the refrigerator and freezer.
How long does compound butter last in the freezer?
When tightly wrapped and stored properly, it can last up to 6 months in the freezer without losing quality.
What dishes pair best with rosemary garlic butter?
It pairs beautifully with warm bread, roasted potatoes, grilled chicken, seared steak, sautéed vegetables, rice, and pasta.
Can I use salted butter instead?
Yes, but reduce or omit the added salt to prevent the butter from becoming too salty.
How finely should I chop the rosemary?
Chop it very finely so the texture remains smooth and pleasant when spread. Large pieces can feel woody.
Is raw garlic too strong in this recipe?
Raw garlic provides bold flavor. If you prefer a milder taste, use roasted garlic instead.
Can I double or triple this recipe?
Yes, simply multiply all ingredients proportionally. This is especially helpful if preparing for gatherings or long-term freezer storage.
Can I use plant-based butter?
Yes, a firm, high-quality plant-based butter can work well. Make sure it has a flavor you enjoy, as it will impact the final result.
Conclusion
Rosemary Garlic Butter is a simple yet powerful way to elevate your cooking. With just a handful of fresh ingredients and a few minutes of preparation, you can create a versatile compound butter that enhances everything from bread to vegetables to meats. Keep a log in your freezer, and you’ll always have an easy, flavorful finishing touch ready whenever you need it.
A rich and aromatic rosemary garlic butter made with fresh herbs, garlic, and a touch of lemon, perfect for enhancing breads, meats, vegetables, and more.
Ingredients
1 cup (226 g) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
