What is zucchini butter?

Zucchini butter is a savory spread made by slowly cooking grated zucchini with olive oil or butter and aromatics like shallots or garlic. As it cooks down, the zucchini softens and caramelizes into a rich, jam-like consistency. Despite the name, there’s no actual butter unless you choose to use it—it’s more about the texture and richness of the final spread.

How to make zucchini so it's not soggy?

To avoid soggy zucchini, always drain it before cooking. After grating, let it rest in a colander or wrap it in a clean towel to wring out excess water. This step is crucial for recipes like zucchini butter spread, where texture matters. Cooking it in a wide skillet over medium-high heat also helps evaporate moisture quickly.

Why soak zucchini in salt water?

Soaking zucchini in salt water helps draw out its natural moisture. This trick improves the final texture, especially in sautéed dishes or spreads. For zucchini butter spread, salting and draining the zucchini before cooking ensures a thick, spreadable consistency without added wateriness.

What is the healthiest way to eat zucchini?

Zucchini is healthiest when it’s minimally processed—steamed, sautéed, or gently roasted. Zucchini butter spread is a great option because it uses just a few wholesome ingredients. When cooked with olive oil and paired with whole foods like toast or vegetables, it offers a balance of fiber, hydration, and flavor without added sugars or preservatives.

Zucchini Butter Spread: 5 Irresistible Reasons to Try It

Description

Zucchini butter spread is a simple, savory spread made from fresh zucchini, olive oil or butter, and garlic or shallots. Great on toast or as a vegetable side.

Ingredients

Scale

2 pounds zucchini, coarsely grated

1/4 cup olive oil or butter

2 minced shallots or garlic cloves

Salt to taste

Pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Grate zucchini and let it drain in a colander for 3–4 minutes.

2. Wrap zucchini in a clean towel and squeeze to remove moisture.

3. Heat olive oil or butter in a deep skillet.

4. Add minced shallots or garlic and sauté briefly.

5. Add drained zucchini and cook over medium to medium-high heat.

6. Stir regularly until the zucchini turns soft, spreadable, and jammy.

7. Scrape up any browned bits for extra flavor.

8. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

9. Serve warm or chilled on toast or as a side.

Notes

Store in an airtight container in the fridge up to 5 days.

Can be frozen in small jars for up to 2 months.

Use as a base layer for sandwiches or in omelets.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Spreads, Sides
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 2 tbsp
Calories: 50
Sugar: 2g
Sodium: 90mg
Fat: 4.5g
Saturated Fat: 1.5g
Unsaturated Fat: 3g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 3g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 1g
Cholesterol: 0mg

Keywords: zucchini butter spread, zucchini recipes, summer spreads