This post was originally published on March 21, 2019. It has been updated as of July 19, 2024 with new photos, information and small recipe changes.
This Garlic Basil Parmesan Butter Spread takes minutes to make and is the perfect addition to any type of bread! It is made with simple ingredients and is better than anything you can buy pre-made the store.
What ingredients are needed to make this Garlic Butter?
This creamy butter spread has the perfect blend of seasonings. Garlic powder, garlic salt, onion powder, dried basil leaves, and grated Parmesan cheese (the plastic bottle kind works great) is mixed with salted butter to make a savory butter spread that has so many uses!
The Seasonings
I use garlic, Parmesan and basil in this spread. It’s the perfect combination and the flavors work well together.
I use dried basil instead of fresh basil because fresh basil can pack a punch and be a bit overpowering. The dried basil gives it just enough flavor balance and adds a bit of color.
I use both garlic powder and garlic salt, one for the salt factor and the other for a stronger garlic taste.
NOTE: Different brands of spices/seasonings can range in the amount of flavor and even can vary a bit in the actual flavor of the spice/seasoning. So you will probably want to adjust the seasonings to your liking after you have mixed it all together.
A quick side not on this: Normally, I do not recommend using the bottled Parmesan cheese for anything (other than a quick shake over pasta), but for this butter spread it’s all about fast and easy!
Fresh Parmesan would work too, but is not necessary (and let’s be honest, from a bottle is so much easier than grating fresh sometimes).
How do you make Garlic Basil Parmesan Butter Spread?
This butter spread could not be more simple to make. It take minutes to mix up. Make sure your butter is at room temperature and super soft.
TIP: DO NOT MELT YOUR BUTTER! You want the butter really soft but not melted. The seasonings will mix better in butter that is not melted but just soft; and it is easier to spread on your baked goods!
In a small dish, just mix the softened butter with the seasonings/spices.
Give the butter a taste and adjust the seasonings as needed.
What can you use Garlic Basil Parmesan Butter Spread with?
There are so many ways to use this butter spread. Any type of bread is an obvious choice!
This butter spread is used on my Easy Garlic Knots. This recipe is so easy and is the perfect side for so many meals.
My Easy Homemade Breadsticks are also the perfect baked recipe to use this butter with. I also have Halloween Bones Breadsticks, and Valentine’s Day Heart Breadsticks for the holidays you can use this butter spread on.
Homemade French Bread is so simple to make! This bread is soft and chewy and Garlic Basil Parmesan Butter is so delicious on a slice of this fresh, hot baked French Bread!
You can make my French Bread into Garlic Bread and use this butter spread (or buy a loaf of bread at the store and use this butter).
You can also try it on a baked potato, or a butter topping for a fresh grilled steak (I know your mouth is watering just thinking of that!) It is also delicious on cooked noodles for a simple pasta dish.
Give it a try, and you will agree that this Garlic Butter Spread is something that you need to have on hand at all times.
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Garlic Parmesan Basil Butter Spread
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup Salted butter (or one stick), softened *unsalted butter works too
- 2 tbsp grated parmesan cheese see note
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp garlic salt
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp dried basil leaves optional
Instructions
- Make sure your butter is softened to room temperature. Put it in a small dish and add in the other ingredients.
- Mix until all ingredients are well incorporated. Adjust the seasonings/spices to your liking.
- Store this butter spread in the fridge like you would any other butter.
Notes
- This recipe can easily be adapted to suit your personal taste. I love basil in this butter spread, the flavor is not too overpowering (that is why I use dried basil instead of fresh) but you can leave it out or use less.
- The garlic powder and garlic salt can easily be adapted to your personal taste as well. I use both, one for the added salt and the other for the stronger garlic profile.
- I use the bottled grated parmesan cheese just because it mixes in so well with the other ingredients. It is certainly yummy to use a fresh block and grate it, but in my opinion it is not needed and doesn’t ruin the flavor.
- This can be kept in the fridge in an air tight container for many weeks (if its not air tight container your entire fridge may smell a little garlicky), but I promise it won’t last that long!
- To make the garlic bread you see pictured, just cut a loaf of French bread lengthwise, butter the bread on both sides (this recipe is the exact amount needed). Then bake in the oven (right on oven rack) at 400 degrees to desired crispness. If you like your garlic bread softer and chewier, after buttering, put the loaf back together and then wrap up tightly in aluminum foil (I like heavy duty). Make sure the foil is tightly sealed so the heat stays in. Cook in oven (right on the rack) at 400 degrees until butter is melted- about 8-10 minutes. You can also cook it either way on a heated grill.
Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should only be used as an approximation.
Yummy and easy