Homemade Instant Garlic Spread Recipe for Bread & Dips

I created this instant garlic butter spread after a trip to visit my sister in Japan, where I found tubes of ready-made garlic spread that tasted amazing on toast. Fans have suggested using this spread on fried rice, vegetables, or any dish that could use a hit of garlic-butter flavor.

Important: spread on bread before toasting for the best results.

I thought about roasting fresh garlic and mashing it into the mix for extra depth, but the point of an “instant” spread is convenience. If you prefer a richer roasted-garlic flavor, feel free to roast and mash garlic before mixing it in.

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter (4 oz, one stick)
• 1/2 cup avocado oil (or another neutral oil)
• 1 teaspoon salt, adjust to taste
• 1 tablespoon dried parsley
• 1 tablespoon garlic powder

I use avocado oil for a neutral taste, but you can substitute another neutral oil or olive oil if you prefer its flavor. Using a combination of butter and oil keeps the spread soft and easy to spread straight from the fridge—100% butter will firm up more when cold.

Steps

Detailed measurements and the complete recipe are below.

Pour the oil into a small bowl, then add garlic powder, dried parsley, and salt. Stir until evenly combined.

Add softened butter and whisk or stir until the mixture is smooth and fully combined. Using room-temperature butter makes blending much easier.

For easy use, transfer the spread to a squeeze bottle. Otherwise store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Remember to spread it on bread before toasting for best flavor and even toasting.

Tips

Adjust the quantities of garlic powder, parsley, or salt to match your preferred intensity. If you want herb-forward spread, add extra parsley or substitute a portion with dried oregano or chives.

Mix while the butter is soft at room temperature so the texture is smooth. If you refrigerate the spread, let it sit briefly at room temperature before spreading to make it easier to work with.

Store in an airtight container in the fridge for freshness. A squeeze bottle is convenient for dispensing, but any sealed jar works well.

Beyond toast, this spread is great for fried rice, roasted vegetables, pasta, or brushed on chicken or seafood before broiling.

VIDEO: Watch how I made this recipe

Recipe