Creole Butter is the secret weapon you need to add a burst of bold, spicy flavor to your meals. Imagine a pat of this rich, seasoned butter melting over a sizzling steak, grilled chicken, or even roasted vegetables, infusing them with the unmistakable taste of the Louisiana bayou. This isn’t just any butter—it’s a blend of classic Creole seasonings like paprika, cayenne, garlic, and herbs, mixed with a hint of citrus for brightness. Whether you’re preparing a simple weeknight dinner or a festive gathering, Creole Butter can elevate your dishes to a whole new level of deliciousness. The tradition of using flavored butters, particularly in Creole and Cajun cuisine, dates back centuries, with cooks using it to enrich their meals with layers of flavor effortlessly.

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The reason people love Creole Butter is that it delivers complexity with minimal effort. The spices in this butter create a symphony of flavors that dance across your palate, starting with the earthy warmth of paprika, followed by the heat of cayenne pepper, and rounded out by the aromatic presence of garlic and thyme. The addition of lemon zest adds a fresh, tangy note that balances the richness of the butter, making it versatile enough to pair with a wide range of dishes. When you top a hot piece of meat or fish with Creole Butter, the heat causes the butter to melt, seeping into every nook and cranny, ensuring each bite is infused with its zesty, spicy goodness. This technique of finishing dishes with flavored butter is deeply rooted in French cuisine, which has heavily influenced Creole cooking, creating a fusion that’s both comforting and full of character.

Creating Creole Butter is not only easy but also incredibly practical. This butter can be made ahead of time and stored, so it’s ready whenever you need a quick way to boost the flavor of your meals. Beyond meats and seafood, Creole Butter is fantastic on corn on the cob, tossed with boiled or grilled shrimp, or even spread on a slice of French bread. It’s a versatile staple that every home cook should have in their culinary arsenal. And the best part? You can adjust the level of spice to suit your preference—go mild for a more subtle flavor, or amp up the cayenne for a fiery kick. This recipe provides a perfect balance of spice and flavor, but it’s also a canvas for your creativity, allowing you to customize it to your liking.

Nutritional Information (per serving, based on 12 servings):

• • - Calories: 85
  • - Total Fat: 9g
  • - Saturated Fat: 6g
  • - Cholesterol: 25mg
  • - Sodium: 55mg
  • - Total Carbohydrates: 0g
  • - Dietary Fiber: 0g
  • - Sugars: 0g
  • - Protein: 0g

Serving Suggestions:

• - Top a perfectly grilled steak with a generous pat of Creole Butter to add a spicy, zesty flavor.
• - Melt it over freshly boiled or grilled shrimp for a quick and flavorful seafood dish.
• - Spread it on corn on the cob for a delicious, spicy twist on a classic side dish.
• - Use it to finish pan-seared chicken breasts or thighs, letting the butter melt into the pan juices for an easy sauce.
• - Toss it with roasted or grilled vegetables to give them an extra kick of flavor.
• - Spread it on a slice of warm French bread for a quick and delicious snack or side.

Storage Information:

- Refrigerate the butter for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld together.

- The butter can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks, making it a convenient option for quick flavor enhancements.

- For extended storage, place the butter in the freezer, where it can be kept for up to 3 months. When ready to use, slice off the desired amount and let it come to room temperature before serving.

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Creole Butter

Ingredients:

• - 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• - 2 teaspoons paprika
• - 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
• - 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• - 1 teaspoon onion powder
• - 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• - 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• - 1 tablespoon lemon zest
• - 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• - 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Ingredients:

   - In a mixing bowl, combine the softened butter, paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, dried oregano, lemon zest, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper.

   - Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper depending on how spicy you want the butter to be.

2. Mix the Butter:

   - Using a spatula or an electric mixer, blend all the ingredients until they are well combined and the butter is smooth and evenly seasoned.

   - Ensure that the spices and lemon zest are evenly distributed throughout the butter.

3. Shape and Store:

   - Transfer the butter mixture onto a piece of parchment paper. Roll it into a log, twisting the ends of the parchment to seal.

   - Alternatively, you can place the butter in a small bowl or ramekin for easy serving.

   - Refrigerate the butter for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld together.

   - The butter can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks or in the freezer for up to 3 months.

4. Serve:

   - To use, slice off a pat of butter and place it on top of a hot steak, grilled chicken, or fish right before serving. The butter will melt, spreading its spicy, flavorful goodness throughout the dish.

Enjoy your Creole Butter, a spicy and flavorful addition to your kitchen that brings a taste of Louisiana to any dish. Whether you’re looking to spice up a weeknight meal or add a bold finish to a special dinner, this butter will deliver the perfect punch of flavor every time.