
Olive Butter Recipe: Rich Spread for Crusty Bread
I’m excited to share my olive butter recipe, a rich and versatile spread perfect for elevating crusty bread. This compound butter combines the deep flavor of olives with creamy butter, creating a deliciously savory addition to any meal.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and flexibility. You can adjust the amount of garlic and herbs to suit your taste, making it a great way to use up fresh herbs from your garden.
By mixing high-quality ingredients, you’ll create a luxurious spread that’s perfect for serving at dinner parties or enjoying on a quiet night in. The olive butter can be stored in the refrigerator for up to two weeks, making it a convenient addition to your culinary arsenal.
Let’s get started and make this delicious olive butter!
Ingredients for olive butter
Here’s what you need to create this delicious olive butter for crusty bread.
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Unsalted Butter π§ | 1 cup | Softened to room temperature |
| Kalamata Olives π« | Β½ cup | Pitted, drained well |
| Garlic Cloves π§ | 3 cloves | Minced, fresh |
| Fresh Parsley πΏ | 2 tbsp | Chopped, fresh |
| Fresh Thyme πΏ | 1 tsp | Chopped, fresh |
| Lemon Zest π | 1 tsp | Freshly grated |
| Salt π§ | ΒΌ tsp | Kosher or sea salt |
| Black Pepper πΆοΈ | 0.125 tsp | Freshly ground |
[recipe_ingredient_scaler]
You can find all these ingredients at your local grocery store. For the best quality, choose high-quality unsalted butter and fresh herbs. Kalamata olives from Whole Foods or Trader Joe's work well. Fresh parsley and thyme from the produce section or your garden add great flavor.
If you don't have fresh thyme, you can substitute with dried thyme at one-third the amount. For a stronger garlic flavor, roast the garlic cloves before mincing. You can also use different types of olives, like green olives or a mix, for a different flavor profile.
Store the olive butter in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months – simply slice and wrap individual portions in parchment paper.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Olive Butter
Let’s create this delicious olive butter together – a perfect spread for crusty bread.
π₯ Step 1: Prepare the Olive Mixture
Start by draining the 0.5 cup Kalamata Olives well and patting them dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. I like to use a food processor for this step as it gives a nice consistent texture. Process the olives with 3 cloves Garlic Cloves until you get a coarse paste – you want some texture remaining, so don’t overprocess.
The mixture should have a rustic appearance with visible olive pieces. This texture will add character to your final butter. Be careful not to create olive dust – we want to maintain some chunkiness for better flavor distribution.
π¨βπ³ Step 2: Combine Butter and Olive Mixture
In a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the 1 cup Unsalted Butter (softened to room temperature) on medium speed until it’s light and fluffy. This should take about 2 minutes. The butter should be pale and almost doubled in volume.
Now add the olive-garlic mixture you prepared earlier, 2 tbsp Fresh Parsley, 1 tsp Fresh Thyme, and 1 tsp Lemon Zest to the butter. Mix on low speed until just combined – be careful not to overmix at this stage.
π₯ Step 3: Season and Finish the Butter
Add 0.25 tsp Salt and 0.125 tsp Black Pepper to the mixture and give it one final mix on low speed until the seasoning is evenly distributed. Taste the butter and adjust the seasoning if needed – you can add more salt, pepper, or even lemon zest to taste.
Transfer the olive butter to a serving dish or roll it into a log using parchment paper. For a log shape, chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to firm up before slicing. This makes it easier to slice and serve.
Are you ready to elevate your bread game? ποΈ Making your own olive butter recipe is a game-changer for anyone who loves a good crusty loaf. This rich and savory spread is perfect for topping your favorite bread, and it’s surprisingly easy to make.
πͺ Preparing the Ingredients
To start, you’ll need a few simple ingredients: high-quality olives, unsalted butter, garlic, and a pinch of salt. You can use any variety of olives you like, but green or black olives work particularly well. Simply pit the olives and chop them coarsely.
π₯ Blending the Mixture
Next, combine the chopped olives, softened butter, minced garlic, and salt in a food processor. Blend the mixture until it’s smooth and creamy, stopping to scrape down the sides as needed.
π‘ Tips for the Perfect Olive Butter
- Use high-quality ingredients for the best flavor.
- Adjust the amount of garlic to your taste.
- Experiment with different types of olives for unique flavor profiles.
- Store your olive butter in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week.
You can also customize your olive butter by adding other ingredients, such as sun-dried tomatoes or fresh herbs. The possibilities are endless, and it’s a great way to get creative in the kitchen! π
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Olives | 1 cup, pitted |
| Unsalted butter | 1/2 cup, softened |
| Garlic | 2 cloves, minced |
| Salt | Pinch |
Tips & Tricks for Perfect Olive Butter
With these simple tips, you’ll be able to create delicious olive butter that’s perfect for serving with crusty bread.
Olive Preparation: Make sure to pat the 0.5 cup Kalamata Olives dry with paper towels after draining to remove excess moisture. This helps prevent a watery texture in your final butter. I also recommend using high-quality olives for the best flavor.
Butter Temperature: Ensure your 1 cup Unsalted Butter is softened to room temperature before beating. This will help it become light and fluffy, creating a better texture for your olive butter. If you’re short on time, you can soften butter quickly by microwaving it for a few seconds.
Mixing Technique: When combining the olive-garlic mixture with the butter, mix on low speed until just combined. Overmixing can lead to a dense or separated butter, so stop mixing as soon as everything is incorporated.
Storage Tips: You can store your olive butter in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Let it come to room temperature before serving for the best flavor and texture. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months – just thaw it in the fridge overnight.
Nutrition Facts
105kcal
This olive butter recipe is a delicious and rich spread perfect for crusty bread. The combination of unsalted butter, kalamata olives, and fresh herbs creates a savory flavor profile that’s sure to impress. You’ll love the way the olive flavor pairs with the freshness of parsley and thyme.
This recipe is high in fat, primarily from the unsalted butter, with 11g per serving (14% DV). It contains 7g of saturated fat (35% DV) and 30mg of cholesterol (10% DV). The sodium content is relatively low at 120mg (5% DV). It’s low in carbohydrates and protein.
Enjoy this olive butter in moderation as part of a balanced diet. It’s perfect as a spread on bread or as a finishing touch for various dishes. The serving size is approximately 2 tablespoons per serving, making it easy to control your portions.
[recipe_ingredient_scaler]
- Recipe for Boneless Pork Chops in Cast Iron Skillet: Sear and Baste to Juicy Perfection - October 3, 2026
- Recipe for Boneless Cross Rib Roast: Slow-Roasted Beef with Herb Crust - October 3, 2026
- Hamburgers in Sauce Recipe Crock Pot: Slow-Cooked Savory Delight - October 3, 2026