This easy garlic butter recipe proves that sometimes the basics are the best! Butter, garlic, a few herbs and spices, and a little Parmesan cheese are all you need to make this decadent garlic butter. I've used this simple recipe for years to make garlic bread, and any leftovers go great on barbequed steaks, pasta, rice, or potatoes.

Direction

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease a 9x13-inch pan.
2. Combine water and 1/3 cup flour in a heavy saucepan over medium heat; cook, whisking constantly, until thick. Transfer mixture to a large mixing bowl and set aside to cool, 15 to 20 minutes.
3. Melt butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Mix in cocoa until smooth; remove from the heat and let cool, about 15 minutes.
4. Combine remaining 2 cups flour, baking powder, and salt in a small bowl.
5. Add sugar and vanilla to cooled flour-water mixture; mix with an electric mixer until well combined. Add cocoa mixture and mix until incorporated. Add dry flour mixture and stir until just blended; fold in walnuts. Spread evenly in the prepared pan.
6. Bake in the preheated oven until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, 20 to 25 minutes. Cool before cutting into 20 squares.