Creole Butter Recipe
Creole Butter is that unsung hero every kitchen needs—a bold, zesty spread that instantly jazzes up almost any dish! Picture this: creamy, rich butter gets punched up with a medley of garlic, lemon, paprika, herbs, and a feisty kick of cayenne. Whether you’re spreading it over crusty bread or melting it onto sizzling steaks and shellfish, it transforms ordinary meals into something truly unforgettable. If you’ve never made a homemade compound butter before, this is a fantastic and rewarding place to start!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Creole Butter may taste complex, but you only need a handful of pantry staples to create its signature layers of flavor. Each ingredient plays a starring role and builds that crave-worthy balance of heat, tang, savoriness, and irresistible creaminess.
- Unsalted butter: The foundation — creamy, rich, and perfect for carrying all those spicy flavors. Make sure it’s softened for easy mixing!
- Garlic: Two tablespoons add a punchy aromatic note that is classic in any Creole-inspired spread.
- Lemon juice: Brightens and cuts through the richness, keeping the butter from feeling heavy.
- Paprika: Brings color as well as a smoky, sweet background warmth.
- Cayenne pepper: The main source of heat, giving your Creole Butter its signature kick.
- Onion powder: Adds savory depth without overwhelming the fresh garlic.
- Dried oregano: Lends earthiness and a hint of herbal complexity.
- Dried parsley: Offers a gentle freshness and lovely green flecks throughout.
- Kosher salt: Essential for making all the flavors pop.
- Black pepper: Provides an extra nudge of warmth and subtle bite.
- Worcestershire sauce: Just a touch adds umami richness to pull everything together perfectly.
How to Make Creole Butter
Step 1: Gather and Soften Your Butter
Start by making sure your unsalted butter is at room temperature—soft but not melted. This step is essential: soft butter not only blends more easily with the seasonings, but it also ensures your Creole Butter will be smooth and luscious instead of lumpy.
Step 2: Combine All Ingredients
In a medium-sized bowl, combine the softened butter, minced garlic, lemon juice, paprika, cayenne pepper, onion powder, dried oregano, dried parsley, kosher salt, black pepper, and that little splash of Worcestershire sauce. Mix everything together with a spatula or sturdy spoon until you see flecks of herbs and the butter turns a beautiful golden hue. If you own a food processor, feel free to pulse—but honestly, clean hands or a good spatula work just as well!
Step 3: Shape Into Compound Butter (Optional)
If you plan to use Creole Butter as a compound butter, scoop your finished mixture onto a piece of plastic wrap. Roll it into a log, smoothing and tightening as you go, so you end up with a compact tube. Twist the ends of the plastic wrap to secure, then pop it in the fridge until it’s firm enough to slice into rounds whenever the craving hits.
Step 4: Make a Butter Dip (Optional)
Prefer a melted dip? Transfer your Creole Butter to a microwave-safe bowl and heat in 20-second bursts, stirring each time, just until totally melted and pourable. This is perfect for dunking everything from seafood to warm baguette slices.
Step 5: Store Properly
Store your Creole Butter in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. It tastes even better as the flavors meld, so don’t be afraid to make it ahead!
How to Serve Creole Butter
Garnishes
Dress up your Creole Butter with a little extra parsley or a sprinkle of paprika right before serving for a fresh pop of color and flavor. A few thin lemon slices or even a sprinkle of flaky salt can make each slice or dollop look mouthwatering and restaurant-worthy.
Side Dishes
There are endless ways to pair Creole Butter! It’s heavenly on corn on the cob, grilled vegetables, mashed potatoes, or rice. For gatherings, pile it next to roasted potatoes or even slather it on warm, rustic bread for a Southern-inspired starter.
Creative Ways to Present
For something a little extra, pipe softened Creole Butter into rosettes or spread it into a ramekin with a swirl. Serve compound rounds atop hot steaks, fish, or roasted chicken so it melts while you bring the dish to the table, creating a dramatic—and delicious—effect!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Pop any extra Creole Butter into an airtight container and keep it in the refrigerator. It stays fresh for up to five days and actually gets better as the garlic and herbs mingle with the butter.
Freezing
If you can resist eating it all at once, know that Creole Butter freezes beautifully. Roll it tightly in plastic and then foil, then stash it in a freezer bag. It’ll keep well for up to three months; simply slice off what you need straight from the freezer.
Reheating
When you’re ready to use frozen or chilled Creole Butter, let it sit at room temperature until it’s soft enough to spread. For a melted dip, gently microwave it in a microwave-safe bowl in short, 20-second bursts, stirring between each until it’s perfectly liquid.
FAQs
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
Yes, you can! Just decrease the added kosher salt slightly or taste as you go. Salted butter will still give you that rich Creole Butter flavor, just keep an eye on the seasoning.
What proteins pair best with Creole Butter?
Creole Butter is honestly versatile—but it’s especially magical on grilled shrimp, steak, chicken breasts, roasted salmon, and even pork chops. Don’t be afraid to get creative with whatever you have on hand!
Is Creole Butter very spicy?
It does have a bit of a kick from the cayenne, but you control the heat! Adjust the cayenne up or down to match your heat preference while still keeping that signature Creole flavor.
Can I make a dairy-free version?
For a dairy-free spin, try using a high-quality plant-based butter substitute. The flavor will be a bit different but still delicious and lively with all those spices!
How should I serve Creole Butter at parties?
Shape compound butter into logs and slice into coins, or pipe it into swirls for bread baskets. You can also melt it for a dipping sauce—either way, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser on a snack board or buffet.
Final Thoughts
There’s something undeniably exciting about a slab or swirl of Creole Butter melting over hot food, releasing all those punchy, savory, and tangy aromas into the air. Give this recipe a whirl and let your taste buds transport you straight to the bayou—then come back and tell me how you made it your own!
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Creole Butter Recipe
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 1 cup of Creole Butter 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Creole Butter recipe is a flavorful compound butter that can be used to enhance the taste of various dishes. It combines the richness of butter with the bold flavors of garlic, lemon, and Creole seasonings.
Ingredients
Creole Butter:
- 1 cup (2 sticks / 227 g) unsalted butter, softened
- 2 tablespoons garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 teaspoons paprika
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon dried parsley
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon pepper
- ¼ teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
Instructions
- Mix all ingredients together. To a medium bowl, add the softened butter, garlic, lemon juice, paprika, cayenne pepper, onion powder, oregano, parsley, salt, pepper, and Worcestershire sauce. Mix together until combined. This will make about 1 cup of butter. (You could also mix the ingredients in a food processor.)
- For compound butter, roll it up into plastic. To make a compound butter: Scoop the Creole butter onto a piece of plastic wrap. Roll the butter into a log shape, pressing and shaping as you go until the butter is completely wrapped in plastic. Twist the ends of the plastic wrap together and refrigerate until firm.
- For butter dip, melt in the microwave. To make a butter dip: Melt the mixture in the microwave in 20-second increments, stirring in between, until fully melted.
- Store in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Serve with chicken, beef, pork, seafood, or vegetables.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Condiment
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: Creole
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 tablespoon
- Calories: 102
- Sugar: 0.1g
- Sodium: 105mg
- Fat: 11.3g
- Saturated Fat: 7.2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3.5g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 0.5g
- Fiber: 0.1g
- Protein: 0.2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: Creole Butter, Compound Butter, Creole seasoning, Flavorful butter
