Garlic Butter Medallions: Easy, Flavorful, and Perfect For Every Dinner Table

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Creamy, flavorful garlic butter medallions are the secret to elevating everything from roasted veggies to grilled meats. Made with just a few ingredients and customizable to your taste, they’re a quick and elegant way to bring gourmet flavor to everyday meals.

Looking for more flavor-packed staples? Try Stone Ground Mustard Sauce, Ginger Scallion Sauce, or Teriyaki Marinade.

3 varieties of garlic butter medallions sliced on a cutting board.

Introduction

These garlic butter medallions are not only easy to make but also incredibly versatile. With just a few ingredients and a few minutes of prep, you can stock your freezer with flavorful, ready-to-use butter rounds perfect for everything from weeknight meals to holiday feasts.

This post includes three variations — dill, cayenne, and mustard — but the possibilities for customization are endless. Once you make these, you’ll always want a few in your freezer.

Why This Recipe Works

It takes only minutes to prepare, making it perfect for busy cooks or last-minute prep.
It uses simple, wholesome ingredients you probably already have on hand.
It freezes beautifully, so you can make it ahead and use as needed.
It’s customizable with endless flavor combinations for both savory and sweet dishes.
It adds instant flavor to everything from vegetables to meats and breads.

Ingredients For Garlic Butter Medallions

seasonings in condiment dishes and garlic bulbs on a cutting board.

Just a few ingredients come together to create these buttery flavor bombs.

Olive Oil: Optional — used only if roasting the garlic.
Garlic: Use fresh, high-quality garlic; roasted garlic offers a sweeter, milder taste.
Butter: Choose a high-quality, preferably farm-fresh or European-style butter.
Salt: Only needed if using unsalted butter.
Flavorings: Dried dill, cayenne pepper, or mustard powder work beautifully in these versions.

See recipe card below for full information on ingredients and quantities.

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Variations or Substitutions

Try other herbs and spices like rosemary, chives, scallions, oregano, or smoked paprika.
Add savory extras such as lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, or parmesan.
Make sweet versions with honey, maple syrup, vanilla, cinnamon, or citrus zest.
Use flavored salts for an added layer of complexity.
Substitute roasted garlic with raw if you prefer a bolder, sharper garlic flavor.

How To Make Garlic Butter Medallions

These butter medallions come together quickly and can be prepped entirely in advance.

Mix the ingredients:
In a bowl, combine the softened butter, roasted garlic, and salt. Mix well until smooth and evenly combined.
Shape the butter log:
Lay a piece of plastic wrap on a flat surface. Spoon the butter mixture onto the plastic wrap, shaping it into a rough log.
Roll and seal:
Use the plastic wrap to tightly roll the butter into a smooth log. Twist the ends to secure.
Freeze until solid:
Place the wrapped butter log in the freezer and let it freeze completely.
Store for later use:
Once frozen, transfer the butter log to a freezer-safe bag for long-term storage.
Slice as needed:
When ready to use, remove the log from the freezer and slice into medallions.

Recipe FAQs

How long will garlic butter medallions last in the freezer?

They store well for 6–9 months if wrapped and placed in a sealed freezer-safe bag.

Can I store them in the fridge instead?

Yes, for short-term use. They will keep for 10–15 days refrigerated in an airtight container.

Can I use salted butter?

Yes. Skip the added salt if using pre-salted butter.

Do I have to roast the garlic?

No, but roasted garlic adds sweetness and removes the sharp bite of raw garlic.

Can I make these without plastic wrap?

Yes, use waxed paper or shape the butter into small ramekins instead. But, please note, that plastic wrap works best.

Serve

Use cayenne butter medallions on roasted vegetables, dill butter on seafood, and mustard butter on meats. These also elevate pasta, baked potatoes, grilled cheese, toast, and corn on the cob.

Sweet versions are excellent on pancakes, waffles, muffins, or scones. Whether savory or sweet, they’re a delicious, elegant touch to nearly any dish.

garlic butter medallion rolls laid out on a cutting board.

Expert Tips

Try different flavor variations: Add dried dill for a fresh, herby taste, cayenne pepper for a touch of heat, or mustard powder for a tangy kick.
Roasting garlic first adds depth and sweetness: Roasted garlic has a milder, slightly caramelized flavor that blends beautifully into the butter, making it richer and less sharp than raw garlic.
Perfect for finishing dishes: Place a medallion on top of a hot steak, grilled fish, or roasted vegetables for an easy, gourmet touch.
Use high-quality butter: Farm-fresh or European-style butter will give the best flavor and texture.
Let it soften before use: If using on bread or for spreading, let a medallion sit at room temperature for a few minutes to soften.

These garlic butter medallions are packed with rich, savory flavor and make it so easy to add a delicious touch to any dish. With three different flavor options, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. If you try this recipe, I’d love to hear what you think. Be sure to leave a review and let me know how it turned out for you. If you have any questions, feel free to ask in the comments — I’m happy to help!