Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes (for roasting garlic if needed)
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: About 1½ cups (24 servings)
Ingredients
Base
- 2 cups (454 g) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
- ½ cup finely grated Parmesan cheese
- 6–8 roasted garlic cloves, mashed into a paste
- ¼ cup finely chopped oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes, drained well
- 2 tablespoons sun-dried tomato oil (optional, for extra flavor)
Fresh Herbs
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
- 1 teaspoon chopped chives
Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt (or to taste)
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
Optional Add-Ins
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon heavy cream for an extra creamy texture
- 1 tablespoon finely chopped roasted red peppers
Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Silicone spatula
- Hand mixer (optional)
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Plastic wrap or parchment paper
- Airtight container
Instructions
Step 1: Roast the Garlic
If using fresh garlic, cut the top off one garlic bulb. Drizzle with olive oil, wrap in foil, and roast at 400°F (200°C) for 35–40 minutes until soft and caramelized. Allow it to cool, then squeeze out the cloves and mash them into a smooth paste.
Step 2: Prepare the Butter
Allow the butter to soften naturally at room temperature for 45–60 minutes. It should be soft enough to mix easily but not melted.
Place the softened butter in a large mixing bowl.
Step 3: Mix the Flavor Base
Add:
- Parmesan cheese
- Roasted garlic paste
- Sun-dried tomatoes
- Sun-dried tomato oil
Mix thoroughly until evenly incorporated.
Step 4: Add the Herbs
Fold in:
- Parsley
- Basil
- Thyme
- Chives
These fresh herbs provide brightness and balance the richness of the butter.
Step 5: Season
Add:
- Italian seasoning
- Onion powder
- Garlic powder
- Red pepper flakes
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Lemon zest
- Lemon juice
If using smoked paprika, Dijon mustard, or heavy cream, stir them in now.
Mix until the butter becomes smooth, creamy, and evenly seasoned.
Step 6: Taste and Adjust
Taste the butter and adjust seasoning as needed.
For a richer flavor, add more Parmesan.
For extra heat, increase the chili flakes.
For more brightness, add another teaspoon of lemon juice.
Step 7: Shape the Butter
Transfer the butter onto parchment paper or plastic wrap.
Roll into a log about 2 inches thick.
Twist the ends tightly.
Alternatively, spoon it into ramekins or airtight containers.
Step 8: Chill
Refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow the flavors to meld.
For best flavor, chill overnight before serving.
Serving Suggestions
Marry Me Butter is delicious on:
- Warm artisan bread
- Garlic bread
- Grilled steak
- Roast chicken
- Salmon
- Shrimp
- Corn on the cob
- Roasted vegetables
- Mashed potatoes
- Baked potatoes
- Pasta
- Rice
- Burgers
- Sandwiches
- Toast
- Pizza crust
- Eggs
- Biscuits
- Dinner rolls
Storage
Refrigerator
Store in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks.
Freezer
Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months.
Slice off portions as needed without thawing the entire log.
Tips for Success
- Use high-quality butter for the richest flavor.
- Freshly grate the Parmesan instead of using pre-shredded cheese.
- Pat the sun-dried tomatoes dry before chopping to prevent excess moisture.
- Fresh herbs provide the best taste, though dried herbs can be substituted in smaller amounts.
- Allow the butter to sit at room temperature for 10–15 minutes before serving for easy spreading.
- Make a double batch and freeze half for future meals.
Recipe Variations
Spicy Marry Me Butter
Increase the crushed red pepper flakes to 1 teaspoon and add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
Herb Lover’s Version
Double the parsley, basil, and chives for a vibrant herbaceous flavor.
Smoky Version
Add smoked paprika and a touch of chipotle powder.
Lemon Herb Version
Increase the lemon zest and add extra thyme for a fresher finish.
Extra Cheesy Version
Mix in shredded mozzarella or Romano cheese alongside the Parmesan.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use salted butter?
Yes. Reduce or omit the added salt and adjust to taste.
Can I use dried herbs?
Yes. Use about one-third the amount of dried herbs in place of fresh.
Can I make it ahead of time?
Absolutely. In fact, the flavor improves after chilling overnight.
Is it good for cooking?
Yes. Melt it over meats, vegetables, seafood, or stir it into pasta and rice for instant flavor.
Can I freeze it?
Yes. Wrap it well and freeze for up to 3 months. Slice off portions whenever needed.
Final Thoughts
Marry Me Butter is an easy yet luxurious compound butter that transforms simple dishes into unforgettable meals. Creamy butter, roasted garlic, Parmesan, herbs, and sun-dried tomatoes create a bold, savory spread that complements everything from bread to steak. Make a batch once, keep it on hand, and you’ll always have a quick way to add gourmet flavor to your favorite recipes.
