This creamy garlic scapes butter is a tasty treat that’s super easy to whip up! With fresh garlic scapes blended into buttery goodness, it’s perfect on bread or veggies.
I love spreading it on warm toast—so simple but so good! Just a little dollop makes everything better, and who can resist that garlic flavor? Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Butter: Unsalted butter is best here, as it allows you to control the saltiness. If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, try using a plant-based butter alternative; it works well in this recipe.
Garlic Scapes: These are the green shoots of garlic and have a milder flavor. If you can’t find them, consider using fresh garlic (start with 1-2 cloves, minced) for a stronger taste.
Lemon Juice: This is optional but adds brightness. If you’re out of lemon, a splash of vinegar can work too to cut through the richness. I personally love using fresh lemon juice for that zesty kick!
Salt and Pepper: Season to your liking. Use sea salt for a finer taste or flavored salts if you want to get fancy. Black pepper adds a bit of warmth! You could also use white pepper for a milder spice.
How Do I Get the Buttery Mixture Just Right?
Mixing the butter and garlic scapes properly is key for a great texture and flavor. Here are some tips:
- Make sure your butter is soft—it should be at room temperature, which makes it easier to blend.
- Chop the garlic scapes finely so they incorporate easily into the butter. A food processor can speed up this step!
- Blend everything thoroughly to ensure there are no chunks, giving you a smooth and creamy butter.
- When rolling the butter, aim for a tight log to help it keep its shape while refrigerating. Twist the ends securely!
Letting it chill in the fridge is essential. This allows all the flavors to mingle nicely. If you don’t have much time, even a quick 30 minutes can still enhance the flavor.
How to Make Creamy Garlic Scapes Butter
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup garlic scapes, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice (optional, for brightness)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 15 minutes of prep time plus at least 1 hour to chill in the refrigerator. The chilling time allows the flavors to blend nicely and the butter to firm up. It’s a quick process, and the results are totally worth it!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Garlic Scapes:
Start by washing your garlic scapes thoroughly to remove any dirt. Then, chop them finely into small pieces. The finer the pieces, the better they’ll mix into the butter.
2. Mix the Ingredients:
In a medium-sized bowl, combine your softened unsalted butter with the finely chopped garlic scapes. If you’re using it, add the lemon juice for a little zing. Then, sprinkle in the salt and black pepper. This is your chance to tailor the flavor just to your liking!
3. Blend it Well:
Using a spatula or a sturdy spoon, mix all the ingredients together thoroughly. Make sure the garlic scapes are evenly distributed throughout the butter. You want every bite to have that delicious garlic flavor!
4. Shape the Butter:
Take a piece of parchment paper or plastic wrap and transfer your buttery mixture onto it. Roll it into a log shape, twisting the ends to secure it tightly. This not only helps keep the shape but also makes it easier to slice later!
5. Chill and Serve:
Place the wrapped butter log in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully and lets the butter firm up. When you’re ready, simply slice it into rounds and enjoy it on bread, grilled meats, or steamed vegetables. Bon appétit!
Can I Use Different Types of Butter?
Absolutely! While unsalted butter is recommended for better flavor control, you can also use salted butter if that’s what you have on hand. Just be mindful to adjust the added salt in the recipe to avoid it becoming overly salty.
What If I Can’t Find Garlic Scapes?
No problem! If garlic scapes are unavailable, you can substitute them with fresh garlic. Start with 1-2 cloves, minced, as they have a much stronger flavor than scapes. Adjust the amount based on your personal taste preference!
How Long Does This Garlic Scapes Butter Last?
When stored in an airtight container or wrapped tightly in parchment paper in the fridge, this butter will stay fresh for up to 2 weeks. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months! Just slice off what you need when you’re ready to use it.
Can I Add Other Herbs or Spices?
Yes! Feel free to get creative! Fresh herbs like parsley, chives, or dill can enhance the flavor. Just chop them finely and mix them in at the same time as the garlic scapes. You can also add spices like smoked paprika or chili flakes for an extra kick!
