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Did you know Caesar salad just turned 100? Yet, despite its age, our love for this classic hasn’t dimmed a bit. Imagine taking your love for Caesar salad and turning it into a rich, spreadable, and utterly irresistible butter. Sounds dreamy, right? That's exactly what this Caesar Butter delivers—a velvety blend of that iconic Caesar flavor infused into a warm, creamy base that's so good, you’ll be dipping into it again and again. If you’ve ever thought the dressing was the star of the Caesar show, prepare to be amazed because this butter is 100 times better. It's not just for salads anymore; it's a dippable, spreadable sauce that elevates everything it touches.
With just a few key ingredients, the magic of Caesar salad lies in its simplicity, and this Caesar Butter takes that simplicity and transforms it into something even more indulgent.
While you can make it with regular butter, using European-style butter—famed for its higher butterfat content—takes it to the next level. It’s extra creamy, which means your Caesar Butter will stay silky smooth and less likely to separate. So, next time you spot European butter on sale, grab a few extra sticks and stash them in the freezer. You'll thank yourself later when you’re whipping up this decadent, butter-worthy recipe.
Caesar Butter Recipe
Recipe from The Kitchn
Prep time:10 minutes
Cook time: 5 minutes
Makes about: 3/4 cup
Serves: 4 to 6
Ingredients
4 jarred oil-packed anchovies
3 cloves garlic
8 tablespoons (1 stick) cold unsalted butter, preferably European-style such as Kerrygold
1 medium lemon
3 sprigs fresh parsley
1 tablespoon water
1/2 teaspoon coarsely ground black pepper
2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
Kosher salt
Cooked chicken, shrimp, steak, bread, or crudités, for serving
Instructions
Place 4 oil-packed anchovies and 3 garlic cloves on a cutting board and chop them together until the garlic is finely chopped. Then, using the flat side of a chef’s knife, drag the blade through the mixture several times, scraping to create a very coarse paste. The garlic does not need to be totally smooth.
Cut 8 tablespoons cold unsalted butter into 8 pieces. Finely grate the zest from 1 medium lemon until you have 1 teaspoon, then juice the lemon until you have 1 tablespoon. Pick the leaves from 3 fresh parsley sprigs and coarsely chop until you have 1 tablespoon.
Place the lemon juice and 1 tablespoon water in a small saucepan and bring to a bare simmer over medium-low heat. Reduce the heat to low. Whisk in 1 piece of the butter until almost melted. Repeat whisking in the remaining butter 1 piece at a time, until all the butter is melted and the sauce is a creamy yellow. Do not let the butter boil, or it will separate.
Add the garlic and anchovy mixture, lemon zest, and 1/2 teaspoon coarsely ground black pepper. Whisk to combine. Remove from the heat.
Add 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard and whisk until smooth. Add the parsley and 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese, and whisk to combine. Taste and season with kosher salt as needed. Serve warm with chicken, shrimp, steak, bread, or crudités for dipping.
There are endless delicious and creative ways to enjoy Caesar Butter. Here are some ideas that will elevate your meals:
Crusty Bread and Rolls
- Garlic- Bread: Slather Caesar Butter on sliced baguettes or rolls, then toast for a Caesar-inspired garlic bread.
- Dinner Rolls: Serve warm dinner rolls with a side of Caesar Butter for a decadent spread that will leave everyone wanting more.
Grilled or Roasted Vegetables
- Grilled Asparagus: Drizzle Caesar Butter over grilled asparagus for a rich, tangy twist on a classic side dish.
- Roasted Potatoes: Toss baby potatoes in Caesar Butter before roasting, or use it as a dipping sauce once they’re crispy and golden.
Seafood Pairings
- Grilled Shrimp: Serve Caesar Butter as a dipping sauce for grilled or sautéed shrimp. The buttery, garlicky flavor will complement the seafood perfectly.
- Lobster or Crab: Melt Caesar Butter over freshly cooked lobster or crab for an indulgent seafood experience.
Meats and Poultry
- Steak Topping: Dollop Caesar Butter on a hot steak just before serving. The butter will melt into the meat, adding a luxurious, savory layer of flavor.
- Grilled Chicken: Use Caesar Butter as a finishing sauce for grilled chicken breasts or thighs to infuse them with that signature Caesar tang.
Pasta and Grains
- Caesar Butter Pasta: Toss your favorite pasta with Caesar Butter and a handful of Parmesan for a quick, flavorful dish.
- Risotto: Stir Caesar Butter into a creamy risotto just before serving for an extra layer of richness.
Appetizers and Snacks
- Roasted Artichokes: Use Caesar Butter as a dipping sauce for tender artichoke leaves.
- Pretzel Bites: Dip warm, soft pretzel bites into Caesar Butter for a salty, tangy treat.
- Crackers or Crostini: Spread Caesar Butter on crackers or crostini, and top with a sprinkle of Parmesan or a few capers for an easy appetizer.
Sandwiches and Burgers
- Caesar Butter Spread: Use it as a spread for sandwiches or burgers. It pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken, turkey, or even a juicy beef patty.
- Grilled Cheese: Swap out regular butter for Caesar Butter in your next grilled cheese sandwich for a flavor-packed upgrade.
Breakfast and Brunch
- Eggs Benedict: Use Caesar Butter instead of traditional hollandaise sauce on Eggs Benedict for a Caesar-inspired twist.
- Avocado Toast: Spread Caesar Butter on toast before adding avocado and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a savory breakfast treat.
With these serving ideas, you can turn an ordinary meal into something truly special with the bold, creamy flavors of Caesar Butter.
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