By Stacey O’Sullivan
Caesar butter
9 steps
Prep:10minCook:5min
Caesar butter takes all the flavors of the classic salad and infuses them into a warm, buttery base that can double as a dip or a sauce. Think bagna cauda, but instead of focusing on the anchovy, it’s balanced with tangy lemon and Dijon, nutty Parmesan cheese, and, of course, butter. European-style butter is not an absolute necessity, but it makes a big difference. Compared to American butter, European butter has a higher butterfat content, and that translates to an extra-creamy base less likely to separate. Stash some in the freezer next time it’s on sale so you can always have it on hand for this butter-worthy recipe.
Why You’ll Love It
It’s creamy without mayo or eggs. The butter base adds rich decadence without any eggy taste.
It’s a sauce! It’s a dip! It’s a dressing! Caesar butter is just as good with raw radishes as it is generously spooned over chicken or roasted cauliflower. (I may have even slurped a small spoonful.)
Updated at: Thu, 29 Aug 2024 09:20:47 GMT
Nutrition balance score
Unbalanced
Glycemic Index
23
Low
Glycemic Load
0
Low
Nutrition per serving
Calories150.5 kcal (8%)
Total Fat15.9 g (23%)
Carbs1.5 g (1%)
Sugars0.3 g (0%)
Protein1.4 g (3%)
Sodium225.6 mg (11%)
Fiber0.3 g (1%)
% Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet
Ingredients
6 servings

4Anchovies
oil packed a stronger bolder flavor, go for five anchovies, or six if you’re feeling daring

3 clovesGarlic
Briefly scraping the chopped garlic with the side of a knife works the bits even finer so you get a solid dose of garlic flavor without big, spicy chunks

1 Stickunsalted butter
as there are plenty of other salty ingredients, If possible, use European-style butter because the higher butterfat content gives the sauce a beautiful yellow color and yields a more stable emulsion

1Lemon
medium, Using both the zest and the juice gives deep lemony flavor and acidity that cuts through the heavy butter

2 tspDijon mustard
In addition to its unique slightly fiery burn, the thickness of Dijon helps bind the sauce and keep it from separating, the same as in a vinaigrette

2 TBSParmesan cheese
Grate it yourself or use pre-grated, look for refrigerated and not shelf-stable tubs, and don’t worry if it doesn’t totally melt

3 sprigsParsley

1 TBSWater

½ tspGround pepper

kosher salt
Instructions
Step 1
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.
Step 2
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.
Step 3
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.
Step 4
Add the garlic and anchovy mixture, lemon zest, and 1/2 teaspoon coarsely ground black pepper. Whisk to combine. Remove from the heat.
Step 5
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.
Step 6
Storage: This butter sauce is best made right before serving, but you can refrigerate leftover butter in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat in a small saucepan over low heat until completely melted and warm; do not let it boil. Remove from the heat. Drizzle in cool water 1 teaspoon at a time while whisking vigorously, until the sauce is creamy and emulsified again.
Step 7
The butter sauce can also be used cold: Toss with hot pasta, boiled potatoes, or cooked green beans for an instant flavor boost.
Step 8
Helpful Swaps Anchovy paste can replace the whole anchovies. We recommend using 1/2 teaspoon paste for every anchovy, so start with 2 teaspoons for this recipe. Chopped chives can sub in for fresh parsley, although it will add a stronger, more oniony flavor.
Step 9
The butter sauce can also be used cold. Toss with hot pasta, boiled potatoes, or cooked green beans for an instant flavor boost.
Notes
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