Cracker Barrel Garlic Butter
Cracker Barrel Garlic Butter is a creamy, flavorful spread that adds a burst of savory goodness to any meal. Made with fresh garlic, unsalted butter, and a sprinkle of herbs, this simple yet delicious recipe is perfect for slathering on biscuits, bread, or any dish that needs a little extra flavor. It’s easy to make at home, and with just a few ingredients, you’ll have a batch of this irresistible garlic butter ready in no time!
Equipment
- 1 Fork or hand mixer (for whipping butter)
- 1 Knife (for mincing garlic)
- 1 cutting board
- 1 Small bowl (for mixing butter)
- 1 Airtight container (for storing butter)
Ingredients
- 1 cup 227g Unsalted butter, softened
- 3-4 cloves Fresh garlic minced
- 2 tbsp Fresh parsley finely chopped
- 1/2 tsp Salt or to taste
- 1/4 tsp Black pepper freshly ground
- 1 tsp Lemon zest optional, for extra freshness
- 2 tbsp Parmesan cheese optional, for extra flavor
Instructions
Soften the Butter:
- Allow the unsalted butter to come to room temperature for about 30 minutes, or soften it in the microwave in 10-second intervals if you're in a hurry.
Prepare the Garlic:
- Peel and finely mince 3-4 cloves of fresh garlic. The finer the garlic is minced, the stronger the flavor will be.
Combine Ingredients:
- In a medium-sized bowl, place the softened butter and whip it using a fork or hand mixer until it’s creamy and smooth. Add the minced garlic, chopped parsley, salt, and black pepper. If you’re using lemon zest and Parmesan, add them now.
Whip the Butter:
- Continue whipping the butter mixture for 1-2 minutes until it becomes light and fluffy, ensuring the garlic and herbs are evenly incorporated.
Store or Serve:
- Transfer the garlic butter into an airtight container and refrigerate if you're not using it immediately. If serving right away, spread it on fresh biscuits, bread, or anything else you desire.
Notes
- Storage: This garlic butter will last in the refrigerator for about 1 week. If you want to keep it longer, freeze it for up to 3 months. Store it in an airtight container, and allow it to soften before using.
- Adjusting Garlic Levels: If you love a strong garlic flavor, feel free to add more minced garlic. For a milder version, use fewer cloves or even roasted garlic, which has a softer, sweeter taste.
- Parmesan Option: Adding Parmesan cheese gives the garlic butter a rich, savory flavor. If you're not a fan of cheese, feel free to leave it out.
- Lemon Zest: For a zesty kick, lemon zest adds a refreshing twist. It’s optional but highly recommended if you enjoy a bright contrast to the creamy butter.