Easy & Delicious Cracker Barrel Garlic Butter Recipe

Cracker Barrel’s Garlic Butter is one of those irresistible additions that elevate every meal.

If you’ve ever visited the popular Southern restaurant, you’ve likely experienced their delicious, creamy garlic butter, generously spread over warm, fluffy biscuits.

It’s a comforting blend of flavors that complements almost any dish, from fresh bread to roasted vegetables or grilled meats.

But what if you could recreate this mouthwatering treat at home?

In this blog, we’ll take you through a step-by-step guide to making your very own Cracker Barrel Garlic Butter, so you can enjoy that restaurant-quality flavor in the comfort of your own kitchen.

What Makes Cracker Barrel Garlic Butter So Special?

Cracker Barrel’s garlic butter isn’t just any regular garlic butter—it’s a symphony of flavors that comes together in the most perfect way.

The combination of rich, unsalted butter, fresh garlic, and just the right amount of seasonings creates a savory, smooth, and aromatic spread that’s loved by so many.

But what really makes it stand out?

The Flavor Balance

The beauty of Cracker Barrel’s garlic butter lies in its balanced flavor profile.

The creamy richness of unsalted butter is enhanced by the sharp, earthy taste of freshly minced garlic.

A touch of parsley adds brightness, while a pinch of salt and pepper provides just the right amount of seasoning to tie everything together.

This harmony of ingredients makes it versatile and incredibly satisfying on a variety of dishes.

Freshness is Key

Unlike some garlic butters that rely on dried garlic or garlic powder, Cracker Barrel uses fresh, minced garlic to achieve that pungent, vibrant flavor that garlic lovers crave.

Fresh garlic packs a punch, infusing the butter with its aromatic oils, creating a deeply flavorful spread that’s anything but bland.

Perfect Consistency

The consistency of Cracker Barrel Garlic Butter is also something to note. It’s smooth and creamy but with enough texture to spread easily on bread or to melt into other dishes.

The richness of the butter combined with the garlic and seasonings makes it spreadable, yet full of flavor with every bite.

Versatility

What really makes this garlic butter shine is its versatility.

Though it’s often served with Cracker Barrel’s signature biscuits, this garlic butter can be used on just about anything.

Spread it over freshly baked bread, stir it into mashed potatoes, or drizzle it over grilled chicken and vegetables.

It can even be used as a base for cooking, making it the perfect all-around flavor enhancer in the kitchen.

It’s no surprise that Cracker Barrel’s garlic butter has gained such a loyal following.

With the right combination of fresh ingredients and rich, creamy texture, it’s no wonder people can’t get enough of it!

Ingredients You’ll Need for the Cracker Barrel Garlic Butter Recipe

Before diving into the step-by-step process, it’s essential to gather all the ingredients that will make your garlic butter as delicious as Cracker Barrel’s.

Thankfully, the list is simple and straightforward, and you might already have most of these ingredients in your kitchen!

1. Unsalted Butter

The foundation of this garlic butter is, of course, butter.

Unsalted butter is preferred for this recipe as it allows you to control the amount of salt that goes into the mix.

It’s also creamier, giving the garlic butter a rich, smooth texture that melts beautifully on biscuits and bread.

2. Fresh Garlic

Fresh garlic is a must! It provides that bold, aromatic flavor that garlic lovers adore.

Mince it finely to release the essential oils, which will infuse the butter with an irresistible fragrance.

Avoid using garlic powder or garlic salt, as they won’t deliver the same depth of flavor.

3. Fresh Parsley

To add a touch of freshness and color, you’ll need a handful of fresh parsley.

Parsley helps balance the richness of the butter and garlic, brightening up the flavor profile.

It’s also what gives this garlic butter that signature green speckle that makes it visually appealing.

4. Salt

A pinch of salt helps bring all the flavors together.

Since we’re using unsalted butter, you’ll need to add salt to taste. Don’t overdo it—start with a small amount and adjust as needed.

5. Black Pepper

Freshly ground black pepper adds a subtle spice that complements the garlic and butter without overwhelming the taste.

It’s an essential ingredient that enhances the overall depth of flavor.

6. Optional: Lemon Zest (for extra brightness)

For an extra layer of freshness, you can add a bit of lemon zest.

This is optional, but it adds a citrusy note that contrasts nicely with the rich garlic butter. It’s a great way to take the recipe up a notch.

7. Optional: Parmesan Cheese (for extra flavor)

If you want to give your garlic butter an even more savory kick, consider adding some finely grated Parmesan cheese.

This will introduce a nutty, umami flavor that pairs wonderfully with the garlic.

Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Cracker Barrel Garlic Butter at Home

Now that you have all your ingredients, let’s dive into the simple steps of making Cracker Barrel-style garlic butter in your own kitchen.

With just a few easy steps, you’ll be enjoying this delicious spread in no time.

Step 1: Soften the Butter

The first thing you need to do is soften your unsalted butter. This is a crucial step in ensuring your garlic butter comes out smooth and spreadable.

Take the butter out of the fridge about 30 minutes before you plan to start, allowing it to soften at room temperature.

If you’re short on time, you can microwave the butter in 10-second intervals to soften it, but be careful not to melt it.

Step 2: Prepare the Garlic

While the butter is softening, it’s time to prepare your garlic. Start by peeling the cloves and finely mincing them.

The finer the mince, the more intense the garlic flavor will be.

If you prefer a milder taste, you can crush the garlic slightly using the side of a knife before mincing it, which will release less of its pungency.

You’ll need about 3-4 cloves of garlic for this recipe, but feel free to adjust based on how garlicky you want the butter to be.

Step 3: Mix the Ingredients

In a medium-sized bowl, add the softened butter.

Use a fork or a hand mixer to whip the butter until it’s creamy and smooth.

Then, add the minced garlic, chopped parsley, salt, and black pepper.

Stir everything together until all the ingredients are evenly incorporated.

If you’re adding optional ingredients like lemon zest or Parmesan cheese, mix them in now.

Step 4: Whip the Butter to Perfection

To achieve the signature fluffy texture of Cracker Barrel’s garlic butter, continue whipping the mixture for another minute or two.

This will aerate the butter, making it lighter and easier to spread.

The garlic will infuse throughout the butter, and the parsley will create little green specks, giving the butter a vibrant, homemade look.

Step 5: Store the Garlic Butter

Once everything is mixed together, you can either serve the garlic butter immediately or store it for later use.

If you’re storing it, transfer the butter to an airtight container and refrigerate.

The garlic butter will keep in the fridge for about a week.

If you want to store it for even longer, you can freeze it in an ice cube tray or in a tightly sealed container for up to three months.

When you’re ready to serve, simply let the garlic butter sit out for a few minutes to soften before spreading it on biscuits, bread, or anything else that could use a little extra flavor.

Tips for the Perfect Cracker Barrel Garlic Butter

Making garlic butter is straightforward, but a few tips can help ensure that your version tastes just as good, if not better, than Cracker Barrel’s!

Here are some helpful hints to perfect your garlic butter every time:

Adjusting the Garlic for Your Taste

The amount of garlic you use can be tailored to your personal preference.

If you’re a garlic lover, you can go ahead and add more cloves to intensify the flavor.

For those who prefer a milder garlic taste, you can reduce the amount or even opt for roasted garlic, which has a softer, sweeter flavor than raw garlic.

Experiment with Fresh Herbs

While parsley is the classic herb used in Cracker Barrel’s garlic butter, feel free to experiment with other fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or basil.

A touch of fresh thyme or rosemary will add a savory depth to the butter, while basil can bring a hint of sweetness.

Just make sure to chop the herbs finely so they’re well-distributed throughout the butter.

Don’t Skip the Whipping

To get the perfect texture, it’s important to whip the butter well.

This aerates the mixture, making it smooth and fluffy, just like the kind served at Cracker Barrel.

Using a hand mixer or stand mixer can make this process even easier.

Whipping the butter also ensures that the garlic and herbs are evenly incorporated.

Add Lemon Zest for Extra Freshness

A small amount of lemon zest adds an unexpected burst of freshness that complements the richness of the butter.

Just be sure to zest the lemon lightly to avoid the bitter white pith.

This is an optional step, but it’s one that can really brighten up the garlic butter.

Use Quality Butter

Since butter is the main ingredient in this recipe, the quality of the butter will make a big difference in the final flavor.

Opt for high-quality unsalted butter, ideally from a brand known for its rich, creamy texture.

Avoid margarine or butter substitutes, as they won’t produce the same flavor or consistency.

Conclusion

Cracker Barrel’s Garlic Butter is a timeless favorite for a reason—its rich, creamy texture, combined with the bold flavor of fresh garlic and herbs, makes it the perfect accompaniment to a variety of dishes.

Whether you’re slathering it on freshly baked biscuits, using it to enhance roasted vegetables, or spreading it on warm bread, this garlic butter is sure to become a go-to in your kitchen.

Making Cracker Barrel Garlic Butter at home is easy, and with a few simple ingredients, you can recreate this beloved recipe whenever the craving strikes.

So go ahead, whip up a batch of this creamy, flavorful garlic butter and elevate your meals with a taste that’s just as good as the real thing!

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make Cracker Barrel garlic butter with salted butter?

Yes, you can use salted butter in this recipe, but you’ll need to adjust the amount of salt added to the mixture. Start by reducing or eliminating the added salt and taste test the butter before serving to ensure it’s not too salty.

2. How long can I store homemade garlic butter?

Homemade garlic butter can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.

If you want to keep it for longer, you can freeze the garlic butter for up to three months. Just make sure to bring it to room temperature before using.

3. Can I use garlic powder instead of fresh garlic?

While fresh garlic is the best choice for this recipe, you can use garlic powder as a substitute if needed.

For every garlic clove, use about 1/8 teaspoon of garlic powder.

Keep in mind that the flavor won’t be as robust as using fresh garlic, but it will still give you a tasty result.

4. Can I add other spices to the garlic butter?

Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with other spices to enhance the flavor.

A pinch of cayenne pepper can add a bit of heat, while smoked paprika offers a savory depth.

You can also add a dash of onion powder or even a little bit of dijon mustard for a unique twist.

5. How can I make my garlic butter more spreadable?

If your garlic butter is too firm straight from the fridge, let it sit out for a few minutes to soften before spreading.

If you prefer a softer consistency, you can add a little bit of olive oil to the mix to make it more spreadable without compromising the flavor.