There’s something so comforting about a good pat of butter. Some things simply never go out of season! This Homemade Basil Lemon Zest Butter recipe takes that everyday comfort and gives it a little brightness of summer that feels fancy without the effort.
My girlfriend Tobi came home from France last summer and brought me the most thoughtful (and very ‘me’) gift: butter. Now while this feels like a strange thing to throw into your suitcase, it was truly the most perfect gift for a gal like me. I’m declaring this summer the summer of fancy butter.
Fresh basil, garlic, and bright lemon zest come together to transform everyday butter into a flavourful, fresh, and ready to elevate everything compound butter that you can throw on grilled corn to warm sourdough. It’s easy to make, freezes beautifully, and is one of my favourite ways to preserve a summer basil harvest.
If you’ve been following along with this basil series, think of this as the grand finale. And if you happened to miss my Homemade Basil Salt or Homemade Basil Oil, you’ll want to add those to your summer pantry too.
Let’s just say this little herb has been working overtime at Fraîche.
Why This Basil Lemon Zest Butter Deserves a Spot in Your Fridge
Butter has a way of making almost everything better – let’s be honest. Add fresh basil, garlic, and a little lemon zest to the mix, and you’ve got something really magical happening.
If you made my Chive Blossom Butter earlier this summer, you already know how impactful a simple flavoured butter can be. It’s become a staple in my kitchen, and I have a feeling this basil version will earn its place right alongside it.
Slice some off and spread it onto warm sourdough, let it melt over hot pasta or veggies, brush it over corn straight off the grill – I could go on forever. It’s one of those small details that will completely transform a meal.
And then comes every home cook’s favourite question: “What did you put on this?!”
What You’ll Need
A few simple ingredients is all you’ll need:
- Unsalted butter
- Fresh basil
- Garlic
- Flaky sea salt
- Lemon zest
The lemon zest adds just enough brightness to balance the richness of the butter without overpowering the basil. If you’re feeling a little extra, a handful of freshly grated Parmesan folded into the butter is delish.
Basil Lemon Zest Butter
Basil butter (compound butter) is one of my favourite ways to preserve a summer basil harvest. It's incredibly versatile and freezes beautifully. Option: add 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese!
Ingredients
- 1 cup (227 g) unsalted butter softened
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves loosely packed
- 1 garlic clove crushed
- 1/2 teaspoon flaky sea salt
- 1 teaspoon grated lemon zest
Instructions
-
Finely chop the basil or pulse it briefly in a food processor.
-
Mix the softened butter with the basil, crushed garlic, salt, and lemon zest until well combined.
-
Spoon onto parchment or plastic wrap, roll into a log, twist the ends, and refrigerate until firm or up to 1 week or in the freezer for up to 3 months.
So Many Ways to Enjoy Basil Lemon Zest Butter
This Basil Lemon Zest Butter might just become the hardest-working ingredient in your fridge.
Some of my favourite ways to enjoy it:
- Melted over grilled steak, chicken, salmon, or Garlic Butter Shrimp
- Brushed onto fresh corn on the cob
- Stirred through hot pasta – this Tomato Basil Gnocchi would be a dream
- Spread generously over warm sourdough, focaccia, or classic Garlic Bread
- Melted over roasted or baked potatoes
- Finished on scrambled eggs, an omelette, or a frittata
- Tossed with steamed green beans, asparagus, peas, or corn
- Add a dollop to homemade tomato soup just before serving
- Melt over popcorn – yum
How to Freeze Compound Butter
One of my favourite things about compound butter is that it freezes perfectly. Roll it into a log, wrap it tightly, and keep it in your freezer for up to 3 months.
Whenever dinner needs a little something extra, simply slice off a coin straight from frozen and let it melt over whatever you’re making. It’s like gifting your future self a little piece of summer, and feels very French.
The Gift of Basil Lemon Zest Butter
If you’re putting together a hostess gift (or simply looking for a thoughtful way to share your garden) this butter is always a winner.
Wrap the chilled butter log in parchment paper, tie it with baker’s twine, and pair it with Homemade Basil Salt, Homemade Basil Oil, and a fresh loaf of sourdough. It feels adorably French (my goal always), and carries the message: I made this with love and just for you.
My Basil Recipe Series
Basil has been working hard to deliver these three simple recipes. We are obsessed over here and slabbing this butter on everything.
Whether you’ve made the Basil Salt, Basil Oil, or this Basil Lemon Zest Butter, I hope this little series inspires you to make the most of your summer herbs and discover just how satisfying homemade pantry staples can be. We’re preserving the season, one basil leaf at a time.
Leave a Reply