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Easy Zucchini Butter

Transform fresh zucchini into a creamy, spreadable butter with garlic and herbs. This simple recipe turns ordinary zucchini into a delicious spread that's perfect for bread, crackers, or as a veggie dip.

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Updated on Fri, 03 Jan 2025 01:23:42 GMT
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A jar of green zucchini spread with a spoon rests on a wooden surface, accompanied by sliced zucchini and toasted bread in the background. Save it
A jar of green zucchini spread with a spoon rests on a wooden surface, accompanied by sliced zucchini and toasted bread in the background. | myhomemaderecipe.com

I discovered zucchini butter one summer when my garden went crazy with zucchini. Now it's my favorite way to transform this humble vegetable into something magical. Slow cooked with olive oil garlic and fresh herbs it turns into this incredible savory spread that makes everything taste better from simple toast to fancy pasta dishes.

Why This Works Magic

Think of this as summer in a jar. That mountain of zucchini cooks down into something rich and jammy packed with flavor. Perfect for using up your garden bounty or just creating something special from simple ingredients. Once you try it you'll find yourself making it all season long.

Your Shopping List

  • The Star: Fresh zucchini right from the garden or farmers market if you can get it.
  • The Good Stuff: Your best olive oil it really makes a difference here.
  • Fresh Flavors: Whole garlic cloves fresh thyme sprigs bring everything to life.
  • Final Touch: Fresh lemon juice brightens all those deep cooked flavors.

Let's Cook

Get Started
Warm that olive oil in your biggest skillet just until it shimmers.
Prep Your Zucchini
Grate those zucchini right into the pan saves time and dishes skip any tough seeds you find.
Add The Flavors
Nestle in whole garlic cloves and fresh thyme sprigs give everything a good pinch of salt.
Time And Patience
Let it all cook down slow and gentle stirring now and then until it turns soft and jammy about 30 minutes.
A platter of toasted bread slices topped with creamy cheese and green pesto, alongside a jar of pesto. Save it
A platter of toasted bread slices topped with creamy cheese and green pesto, alongside a jar of pesto. | myhomemaderecipe.com

Kitchen Secrets

Grating straight into the pan keeps everything simple and quick. Keep that heat low and slow lets all those flavors develop without burning. Fresh garlic and herbs make such a difference here dried just isn't the same. That squeeze of lemon at the end wakes up all the flavors don't skip it.

Ways To Serve

Spread it thick on crusty toast maybe add some fresh ricotta on top. Toss it with hot pasta and good parmesan for the quickest dinner. Sometimes I use it as a sandwich spread or pile it on grilled chicken. It makes everything taste special.

Save Some For Later

Keep your zucchini butter in the fridge it stays good for a week. Want to save summer for later? Freeze small portions they'll keep for 6 months. Just let them thaw in the fridge give them a good stir before using.

Mix It Up

Try yellow squash instead of zucchini or throw in some grated tomato. Switch up your herbs maybe rosemary instead of thyme. Love some heat? Red pepper flakes work beautifully here. Each batch can be a new adventure.

A bowl of smooth, green zucchini mash is placed beside slices of bread and a whole zucchini on the countertop. Save it
A bowl of smooth, green zucchini mash is placed beside slices of bread and a whole zucchini on the countertop. | myhomemaderecipe.com

Make It Yours

Sometimes I stir in a spoonful of cream cheese makes everything extra rich. Sundried tomatoes add nice color and deep flavor. Fresh basil or parsley right at the end brings brightness. Your kitchen your rules that's what makes cooking fun.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ How long does zucchini butter last?
Zucchini butter stays fresh in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week. You can also freeze it for up to 6 months for longer storage.
→ Can I use different herbs instead of thyme?
Yes, you can experiment with other fresh herbs like rosemary or basil. Thyme works particularly well, but feel free to use herbs you enjoy.
→ Why is my zucchini butter watery?
Zucchini naturally contains a lot of water. Keep cooking it down until it reaches a spreadable consistency. The longer you cook it, the thicker it becomes.
→ What can I serve with zucchini butter?
Zucchini butter is great spread on toast, crackers, or fresh bread. It also works well as a vegetable dip or pasta sauce.
→ Do I need to peel the zucchini?
No, you don't need to peel the zucchini. The skin adds color and nutrients to the butter. Just trim the ends and remove any damaged parts.

Zucchini Butter

A creamy, spreadable zucchini butter made with fresh zucchini, garlic, and herbs. Great on bread or as a dip for vegetables.

Prep Time
10 Minutes
Cook Time
45 Minutes
Total Time
55 Minutes
By: Zaho

Category: Side Dishes

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: American

Yield: 10 Servings (2.5 cups)

Dietary: Low-Carb, Vegan, Vegetarian, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free

Ingredients

01 4 tablespoons olive oil, divided.
02 3 medium-large zucchini (about 2.5 pounds).
03 3 whole garlic cloves.
04 4 fresh thyme sprigs.
05 Sea salt to taste.
06 Black pepper, freshly ground.
07 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice.

Instructions

Step 01

Pour 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large cast iron skillet. Warm over medium heat.

Step 02

Cut off ends of zucchini. Remove any soft or seedy centers if needed. Shred using a box grater's large holes.

Step 03

Add shredded zucchini to the hot pan. Mix in whole garlic cloves and thyme sprigs. Season with salt and stir well.

Step 04

Cook for 20-45 minutes, stirring often. Lower heat gradually as mixture reduces. Add a splash of water if needed to prevent sticking.

Step 05

Remove from heat when mixture is thick and spreadable. Take out thyme stems and mash garlic. Stir in remaining olive oil, pepper, and lemon juice. Add salt if needed.

Notes

  1. Store in fridge up to 1 week or freeze up to 6 months.
  2. Can substitute lemon juice with red wine or apple cider vinegar.
  3. Best served at room temperature.

Tools You'll Need

  • Large cast iron skillet.
  • Box grater or food processor.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • None.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 36
  • Total Fat: 3 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 3 g
  • Protein: 1 g