This homemade roasted garlic butter is rich, creamy, and infused with mellow, caramelized garlic flavor. Roasting the garlic brings out its natural sweetness, making it the perfect addition to warm bread, roasted vegetables, grilled meats, or mashed potatoes.
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Peel the outer layers off a whole garlic bulb, then slice about ¼ inch off the top to expose the cloves.
1 garlic bulb
Drizzle the cut side of the garlic bulb with olive oil and loosely wrap it in aluminum foil. Roast in the oven for 30 minutes or until the cloves are golden and soft enough to be easily pierced with a fork.
2 teaspoons olive oil
Let the garlic cool until it’s safe to handle, then squeeze out the cloves. Mash two of the roasted cloves until smooth, reserving the rest for another recipe.
Mix the softened butter, mashed roasted garlic, Italian seasoning, and salt in a small bowl until smooth and creamy. A spoon works well for small batches, but a hand mixer makes blending even easier, especially if you’re making a larger amount.
½ cup butter, pinch of salt, ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
Let the butter sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes so the flavors can meld. Enjoy it immediately while soft and spreadable, or transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes to firm up. If you prefer a sliceable butter, roll it into a log using plastic wrap and chill until set.
Notes
Roasted garlic butter should be stored properly to maintain its flavor and texture. It can sit at room temperature for up to 2 hours, but any longer than that, and it should be refrigerated. Keep it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week to preserve freshness. If you want to keep it longer, freeze it for up to 3 months.For easy use, roll the butter into a log, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and freeze. When you need it, slice off as much as you’d like and let it soften at room temperature for a few minutes before spreading.The garlic flavor will deepen as the butter sits, so if you prefer a milder taste, start with two cloves and adjust as needed. If the butter is too firm straight from the fridge, let it sit at room temperature for about 10–15 minutes to soften. For an ultra-smooth texture, whip in a teaspoon or two of olive oil before chilling.