Calabrian Chili Butter

Calabrian Chili Butter is a slightly spicy compound butter that is easy to make. The butter can be used on steaks, with vegetables, or even for scrambled eggs. It's the perfect easy way to elevate a dish!

This recipe checks three boxes for me - easy, delicious, versatile.

Easy - All you need is a fork and a small bowl! No need to get out a mixer. And literally only takes a minute to make.

Delicious - Even though it only takes a minute to make this Calabrian butter, the payoff is big. Elevating a simple butter with the calabrian chili paste amps up the flavor and makes it feel fancy!

Versatile - the Calabrian butter can be used in so many ways! I love it to add a touch of spice to mashed potatoes, served in roasted sweet potato or regular baked potato, and in the fall months, I love it with winter squash.

Ingredients

• Butter
• Calabrian chili paste
• Salt (optional)

What is calabrian chili paste?

Calabrian chili paste is made from chili peppers from the Calabrian region of Southern Italy. It's spicy, a little acidic from vinegar, and incredibly delicious.

Calabrian chili paste can be used to flavor pastas, sauces, and used as a condiment. I love using it to make Calabrian Potatoes, Calabrian Chicken, or Spicy Calabrian Shrimp.

The spice level is high, so a little chili paste goes a long way!

Where can you find calabrian chili paste?

Calabrian chili paste can be found at many grocery stores including Whole Foods. It can also be found at World Market and many local grocery stores. If you have trouble finding it, you can always order it online.

Trader Joe's also makes a version called Bomba Sauce which is inexpensive and delicious. Read our review of Trader Joe's Bomba Sauce and learn more ways to use it!

If you can't find Calabrian chili paste, but do have harissa, I recommend making this harissa butter.

Here are the best substitutes for Calabrian chili paste.

How to use

I love using the spicy calabrian chili butter in so many ways!

Topping steak - This is a delicious spicy compound butter that is delicious served over the top of a seared steak.

Mixed into or served on top of potatoes - Whether it's mixing into mashed potatoes or serving on top of a baked potato, this calabrian butter adds a delicious flavor.

On squash - I love adding a little butter when I'm roasting a whole squash like these air fryer butternut squash halves or air fryer acorn squash. It melts perfectly, and then I kinda mash it into the squash when eating.

When making scrambled eggs - I've used this calabrian butter instead of regular butter when making scrambled eggs. Adds a slightly spicy kick.

Recipe tips

• Make sure the butter is room temperature before trying to mash. If the butter is too cold, you won't be able to incorporate the chili paste in properly.
• If you want the butter a little spicier, you can add more chili paste to the butter, but taste before adding more! A little calabrian chili paste goes a long way.
• You can use salted or unsalted butter to make this recipe. If using unsalted butter, you may want to add a touch of salt to the butter.

How to store leftovers

Calabrian butter can be stored in the fridge in a small bowl covered with plastic wrap or in a bowl with a lid. You can also form the butter into a log and wrap in plastic wrap.

I store the calabrian butter in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or 6 months in the freezer.

How to make Calabrian chili butter

First, make your your butter is room temperature. Then place in a small bowl.

Mash the butter until softened in the bowl, then add the calabrian chili paste.

Mash together with a fork until combined.

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