A Creamy, Rich, And Savory Spread Made From Fresh Zucchini – Perfect For Adding A Burst Of Flavor To Your Breads, Crackers, Or Veggies!
This Zucchini Butter is a deliciously unique spread that’s perfect for summer. I decided to make it because I wanted to find a creative way to use up the abundance of zucchini in my garden while creating something that’s both savory and indulgent.
The zucchini is slowly cooked down with butter, garlic, and herbs, resulting in a creamy, flavorful spread that’s reminiscent of compound butter but with a fresh, garden twist. My family loves this spread because it’s so versatile – it works wonderfully on toast, as a dip for veggies, or even as a topping for grilled meats or pasta. It’s an easy way to elevate simple dishes with a burst of flavor!
Questions I Often Get Asked About This Recipe
Q: Can I use zucchini that isn’t fresh?
A: While fresh zucchini works best, you can use frozen zucchini if needed. Just make sure to thaw and drain the zucchini well before using it to avoid excess moisture.
Q: Can I use this spread as a topping for pasta?
A: Absolutely! This zucchini butter makes a great pasta topping. Simply stir it into hot, cooked pasta for a creamy, flavorful sauce.
Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Yes! This zucchini butter can be made up to 3 days ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator. It also freezes well if you want to make it in bulk for later use.
Q: Can I adjust the flavors?
A: Yes! Feel free to add different herbs, like thyme or basil, or even a pinch of red pepper flakes for some heat. It’s easily customizable based on your taste preferences.
Q: How do I store the zucchini butter?
A: Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months.
What You Need to Make Zucchini Butter
For the Zucchini Butter:
- 3 medium zucchinis, grated or finely chopped
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice (optional)
- 1 teaspoon fresh herbs (like thyme, basil, or parsley)
How to Make Zucchini Butter
1. Prepare the zucchini:
Grate or finely chop the zucchinis. You can peel them if you prefer, but leaving the skin on adds color and texture. Place the grated zucchini in a colander and lightly salt it to help release excess moisture. Let it sit for 10 minutes, then gently squeeze out any extra liquid.
2. Cook the zucchini:
In a large skillet, heat the butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Add the grated zucchini to the pan and cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the zucchini softens and becomes golden brown. If the zucchini releases too much moisture, let it cook down until most of the liquid evaporates.
3. Season and finish:
Stir in the salt, pepper, and fresh herbs. Add the lemon juice if desired to brighten the flavor. Continue cooking for another 2-3 minutes until the mixture thickens and reaches a creamy, spreadable consistency.
4. Serve:
Let the zucchini butter cool slightly before serving. It can be spread on toasted bread, crackers, or used as a topping for pasta or grilled meats.
Tips
- For extra flavor: Try adding grated Parmesan or goat cheese to the zucchini butter for a richer taste.
- Make it creamy: If you want a creamier texture, add a tablespoon of cream cheese or sour cream to the mixture once it’s cooked.
- Add heat: For a spicy kick, stir in some red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
Reader Reviews
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 Sophie W. – “This zucchini butter is incredible! The garlic and herbs add so much flavor, and it’s perfect on toast. I can’t stop eating it!”
🌟🌟🌟🌟 Rachel T. – “I love how easy this recipe is to make, and it’s such a unique spread! The zucchini butter is creamy and flavorful – a perfect summer treat.”
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 Megan P. – “This zucchini butter is so delicious and versatile! I used it on pasta and grilled chicken, and it was amazing. A perfect way to use up extra zucchini.”
🌟🌟🌟🌟 Emma B. – “I’ve never made anything like this before, but I’m so glad I did! The flavor is fantastic, and it’s great for snacking or serving at a dinner party.”
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 Lena S. – “I made this for a family gathering, and everyone loved it! The zucchini butter is savory and creamy, and it goes perfectly on everything from bread to grilled meats.”
Printable Recipe
Zucchini Butter
This Zucchini Butter is a savory, creamy spread made from fresh zucchini, garlic, and herbs. Perfect for spreading on toast, crackers, or as a topping for pasta or grilled meats.
Ingredients
- For the Zucchini Butter:
- 3 medium zucchinis, grated or finely chopped
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice (optional)
- 1 teaspoon fresh herbs (like thyme, basil, or parsley)
Instructions
1. Prepare the zucchini:
- Grate or finely chop the zucchinis. You can peel them if you prefer, but leaving the skin on adds color and texture. Place the grated zucchini in a colander and lightly salt it to help release excess moisture. Let it sit for 10 minutes, then gently squeeze out any extra liquid.
2. Cook the zucchini:
- In a large skillet, heat the butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Add the grated zucchini to the pan and cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the zucchini softens and becomes golden brown. If the zucchini releases too much moisture, let it cook down until most of the liquid evaporates.
3. Season and finish:
- Stir in the salt, pepper, and fresh herbs. Add the lemon juice if desired to brighten the flavor. Continue cooking for another 2-3 minutes until the mixture thickens and reaches a creamy, spreadable consistency.
4. Serve:
- Let the zucchini butter cool slightly before serving. It can be spread on toasted bread, crackers, or used as a topping for pasta or grilled meats.
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If You Enjoyed This Recipe, Please Share!
If you loved this Zucchini Butter, please share it with your friends and family! It’s the perfect way to use up extra zucchini and add a burst of flavor to your meals. Share it on social media and tag me – I’d love to see how your zucchini butter turns out!
