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savory butter with bacon

Roasted Garlic Bacon Butter

Elevate your meals with this indulgent roasted garlic bacon butter that transforms simple dishes into gourmet experiences. The compound butter features rich, roasted garlic combined with smoky bacon and a hint of fresh herbs, making it the perfect topping for steaks, baked potatoes, or even grilled corn.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Compound Butter
  • 1/2 cup (1 stick/113g) unsalted butter softened to room temperature
  • 2 cloves roasted garlic mashed; roast a whole head and use 2 cloves here, saving the remainder for other uses
  • 1-3 tablespoons finely crumbled cooked bacon adjust to your preference
  • freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • a pinch kosher salt optional; use if butter is unsalted
  • 1 teaspoon finely chopped fresh parsley optional; adds a fresh note
  • a tiny pinch smoked paprika optional; for an extra flavor dimension

Equipment

  • Oven
  • Aluminum foil
  • Baking tray
  • Bowl
  • Mixing spoon
  • Parchment paper or plastic wrap

Method
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F. Trim the top off a whole garlic head, drizzle it with olive oil, wrap it in foil, and roast for 35–40 minutes until the cloves become soft and sweet.
  2. Allow the roasted garlic to cool, then squeeze out two cloves and mash them until smooth.
  3. In a bowl, combine the softened unsalted butter with the mashed roasted garlic, crumbled bacon (using 1–3 tablespoons depending on your taste), and freshly ground black pepper. If using unsalted butter, add a small pinch of kosher salt to balance the flavors.
  4. For an extra touch of freshness and complexity, stir in the optional chopped parsley and a tiny pinch of smoked paprika.
  5. Spoon the mixture onto a piece of parchment paper or plastic wrap and roll it into a tight log about 1½ inches thick. Twist the ends to seal it completely.
  6. Refrigerate the butter log until firm—this takes about an hour, or you can freeze it for 20–30 minutes if you’re in a hurry.
  7. When ready to use, slice the log into coins and serve over steaks, burgers, baked potatoes, roasted vegetables, or even stir into pasta for a savory upgrade.

Notes

This roasted garlic bacon butter is a simple yet luxurious way to infuse your dishes with gourmet flavor. The process of roasting garlic and combining it with quality butter and bacon creates a compound butter that is both versatile and indulgent. Feel free to experiment with additional herbs and spices like thyme, rosemary, or even a hint of cayenne for a spicy kick. For faster preparation, consider freezing the butter log for 20 to 30 minutes before slicing.