Costco Butter Recall Recipes: Delicious Dishes You Can Still Make Safely

The recent Costco butter recall has left many home cooks wondering what to do with their baking and cooking plans. While it’s crucial to adhere to the recall and ensure the safety of your food, it doesn’t mean you have to abandon your culinary aspirations altogether. This article will explore delicious recipes you can still make, focusing on butter alternatives and dishes that minimize or eliminate the need for butter, ensuring a safe and satisfying cooking experience.

Understanding the Costco Butter Recall

Before we dive into the recipes, let’s briefly understand the recall. It’s essential to know why the butter was recalled and what steps you should take if you purchased the affected product. Check your Costco receipts and the official recall information to determine if your butter is part of the recall. Dispose of or return the affected butter immediately to prevent any potential health risks. Always refer to the official recall notice for the most accurate and up-to-date information.

Safe Butter Alternatives: Exploring Your Options

Since the Costco butter is off-limits, let’s explore some excellent butter alternatives that can be used in various recipes:

* **Olive Oil:** A healthy and versatile option, olive oil adds a fruity flavor to dishes. It works well in savory recipes, especially Mediterranean-inspired cuisine. Consider extra virgin olive oil for its robust flavor and nutritional benefits.
* **Coconut Oil:** Coconut oil imparts a subtle coconut flavor, making it ideal for sweet treats and Asian-inspired dishes. Choose refined coconut oil if you prefer a neutral flavor.
* **Avocado Oil:** With its mild flavor and high smoke point, avocado oil is perfect for baking, sautéing, and frying. It’s a healthy alternative rich in monounsaturated fats.
* **Applesauce:** Unsweetened applesauce can replace butter in baking recipes, adding moisture and reducing the fat content. It’s a great option for cakes, muffins, and quick breads.
* **Mashed Banana:** Similar to applesauce, mashed banana adds moisture and sweetness to baked goods. It works well in recipes like banana bread, muffins, and pancakes.
* **Yogurt (Greek or Plain):** In some baking recipes, yogurt can substitute for butter, adding moisture and tanginess. It’s best used in cakes, muffins, and scones.
* **Nut Butters (Almond, Peanut, Cashew):** Nut butters can be used in cookies, brownies, and other desserts, adding flavor and richness. Be mindful of allergies when using nut butters.
* **Shortening:** While less healthy than other options, shortening can provide a similar texture to butter in baking, particularly in pie crusts and cookies.
* **Margarine:** Look for plant-based margarine with a lower saturated fat content than traditional butter. Margarine works well in baking and cooking, but its flavor may differ from butter.
* **Ghee:** Clarified butter with a rich, nutty flavor, ghee is lactose-free and has a high smoke point. It’s suitable for sautéing, frying, and baking.

Delicious Recipes Without Butter (or with Butter Alternatives)

Here are some recipes that either don’t require butter or can easily be adapted using butter alternatives:

1. Olive Oil Cake with Lemon and Rosemary

This cake is moist, flavorful, and relies entirely on olive oil for its richness. The lemon and rosemary add a refreshing and aromatic twist.

**Ingredients:**

* 3 cups all-purpose flour
* 1 teaspoon baking powder
* 1 teaspoon baking soda
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar
* 1 cup extra virgin olive oil
* 4 large eggs
* 1 cup buttermilk
* 1 tablespoon lemon zest
* 1/4 cup lemon juice
* 2 tablespoons chopped fresh rosemary
* Powdered sugar, for dusting (optional)

**Instructions:**

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together sugar and olive oil.
4. Add eggs one at a time, whisking well after each addition.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the buttermilk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
6. Stir in lemon zest, lemon juice, and rosemary.
7. Pour batter into the prepared pan and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. Let cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
9. Dust with powdered sugar before serving, if desired.

2. Coconut Oil Chocolate Chip Cookies

These chewy and delicious chocolate chip cookies use coconut oil instead of butter, adding a subtle coconut flavor that complements the chocolate perfectly.

**Ingredients:**

* 1 cup coconut oil, melted
* 3/4 cup granulated sugar
* 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
* 2 large eggs
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
* 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
* 1 teaspoon baking soda
* 1 teaspoon salt
* 2 cups chocolate chips

**Instructions:**

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together melted coconut oil, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until well combined.
3. Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla extract.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
6. Stir in chocolate chips.
7. Drop by rounded tablespoons onto the prepared baking sheets.
8. Bake for 9-11 minutes, or until edges are golden brown.
9. Let cool on baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

3. Applesauce Muffins

These moist and flavorful muffins are made with applesauce, reducing the need for butter and adding a hint of natural sweetness. You can customize them with your favorite spices and add-ins.

**Ingredients:**

* 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
* 1 teaspoon baking soda
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
* 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
* 1 cup unsweetened applesauce
* 1/2 cup granulated sugar
* 1/4 cup vegetable oil
* 1 large egg
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
* 1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional)
* 1/2 cup raisins (optional)

**Instructions:**

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a muffin tin with paper liners or grease well.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg (if using).
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together applesauce, sugar, and oil.
4. Beat in egg and vanilla extract.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
6. Stir in nuts and raisins (if using).
7. Fill muffin cups about 2/3 full.
8. Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
9. Let cool in the muffin tin for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

4. Roasted Vegetables with Olive Oil and Herbs

This simple and healthy side dish showcases the natural flavors of vegetables, enhanced with olive oil and herbs. No butter needed!

**Ingredients:**

* 1 pound assorted vegetables (such as broccoli, carrots, bell peppers, zucchini, and onions), cut into bite-sized pieces
* 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
* 1 teaspoon dried herbs (such as oregano, thyme, and rosemary)
* Salt and pepper to taste

**Instructions:**

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large bowl, toss vegetables with olive oil, herbs, salt, and pepper.
3. Spread vegetables in a single layer on a baking sheet.
4. Roast for 20-25 minutes, or until vegetables are tender and slightly caramelized, flipping halfway through.
5. Serve immediately.

5. Pesto Pasta

Pesto is a flavorful sauce made with basil, garlic, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil. It’s a delicious and easy way to dress up pasta without using butter.

**Ingredients:**

* 1 pound pasta (such as spaghetti, penne, or fusilli)
* 1/2 cup pesto (store-bought or homemade)
* 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
* Salt and pepper to taste

**Instructions:**

1. Cook pasta according to package directions.
2. Drain pasta and return it to the pot.
3. Stir in pesto and Parmesan cheese.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Serve immediately.

6. Peanut Butter Cookies

These classic peanut butter cookies don’t require butter and are a crowd-pleaser.

**Ingredients:**

* 1 cup peanut butter
* 1 cup granulated sugar
* 1 cup packed brown sugar
* 2 large eggs
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
* 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
* 1 teaspoon baking soda
* 1/2 teaspoon salt

**Instructions:**

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, cream together peanut butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth.
3. Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla extract.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
6. Roll dough into 1-inch balls and place on the prepared baking sheets.
7. Flatten each ball with a fork in a crisscross pattern.
8. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until edges are lightly golden brown.
9. Let cool on baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

7. Quick Bread with Mashed Banana

This moist and flavorful quick bread utilizes mashed bananas as a substitute for some of the butter, adding natural sweetness and reducing fat content. This recipe uses oil in addition to banana.

**Ingredients:**

* 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
* 1 teaspoon baking soda
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* 3/4 cup granulated sugar
* 1/4 cup vegetable oil
* 2 large eggs
* 1 cup mashed ripe bananas (about 2-3 bananas)
* 1/4 cup milk
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
* 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)

**Instructions:**

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5 inch loaf pan.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together sugar and oil.
4. Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in mashed bananas, milk, and vanilla extract.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
6. Stir in nuts (if using).
7. Pour batter into the prepared loaf pan.
8. Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. If the top starts to brown too quickly, tent with foil.
9. Let cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

8. Greek Yogurt Scones

Greek yogurt adds moisture and tanginess to these scones, making them a delightful treat for breakfast or afternoon tea. The butter component is significantly reduced, focusing on the texture provided by the yogurt.

**Ingredients:**

* 2 cups all-purpose flour
* 1/4 cup granulated sugar
* 1 tablespoon baking powder
* 1/4 teaspoon salt
* 1/4 cup (4 tablespoons) cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
* 3/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
* 1/4 cup milk, plus more for brushing
* Coarse sugar, for sprinkling (optional)

**Instructions:**

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry blender or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt and milk.
5. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until just combined. Do not overmix.
6. Turn dough out onto a lightly floured surface and pat into a 1-inch thick circle.
7. Use a sharp knife or biscuit cutter to cut into 8 wedges or rounds.
8. Place scones on the prepared baking sheet.
9. Brush the tops with milk and sprinkle with coarse sugar (if using).
10. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown.
11. Let cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool slightly.

9. Avocado Toast with Everything Bagel Seasoning

A quick, easy, and healthy breakfast or snack that requires no butter. The avocado provides all the creaminess you need.

**Ingredients:**

* 2 slices of your favorite bread (whole wheat, sourdough, etc.)
* 1 ripe avocado
* 1 tablespoon lemon juice
* Everything bagel seasoning
* Red pepper flakes (optional)
* Salt and pepper to taste

**Instructions:**

1. Toast the bread to your desired level of crispness.
2. While the bread is toasting, mash the avocado in a bowl with lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
3. Spread the mashed avocado evenly over the toasted bread.
4. Sprinkle generously with everything bagel seasoning and red pepper flakes (if using).
5. Serve immediately.

10. Shakshuka

This flavorful North African and Middle Eastern dish consists of eggs poached in a spicy tomato sauce. It’s a hearty and satisfying meal that doesn’t require any butter.

**Ingredients:**

* 2 tablespoons olive oil
* 1 onion, chopped
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 red bell pepper, chopped
* 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
* 1 teaspoon cumin
* 1/2 teaspoon paprika
* 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
* Salt and pepper to taste
* 6 eggs
* Fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped (for garnish)

**Instructions:**

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Add onion and bell pepper and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
3. Add garlic, cumin, paprika, and cayenne pepper (if using) and cook for 1 minute more.
4. Stir in crushed tomatoes, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer.
5. Use a spoon to create 6 wells in the sauce.
6. Crack an egg into each well.
7. Cover the skillet and cook until the eggs are set to your liking, about 5-7 minutes for runny yolks or longer for firmer yolks.
8. Garnish with fresh cilantro or parsley and serve immediately, with crusty bread for dipping.

Adapting Recipes That Call for Butter

Even if a recipe calls for butter, you can often adapt it using the alternatives mentioned above. Here are some tips:

* **Baking:** When substituting butter in baking, consider the flavor and texture you want to achieve. Applesauce, mashed banana, or yogurt can add moisture, while coconut oil or avocado oil can provide richness. Experiment to find the best combination for your taste.
* **Savory Dishes:** In savory dishes, olive oil, avocado oil, or ghee are excellent substitutes for butter. They add flavor and can withstand high heat.
* **Adjusting Liquid:** If using a liquid alternative like olive oil or applesauce, you may need to reduce the amount of other liquids in the recipe to maintain the correct consistency.
* **Experimentation is Key:** Don’t be afraid to experiment with different butter alternatives to find what works best for you. Each alternative will impart a unique flavor and texture to your dishes.

Important Safety Reminders

* **Check the Recall Information:** Always refer to the official recall notice for the most accurate and up-to-date information about the Costco butter recall.
* **Dispose of Affected Butter:** If you have purchased the affected butter, dispose of it immediately or return it to Costco for a refund.
* **Sanitize Surfaces:** After handling the recalled butter, thoroughly sanitize all surfaces and utensils that came into contact with it.
* **Wash Your Hands:** Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water after handling the recalled butter or any potentially contaminated food.
* **Follow Food Safety Guidelines:** Always follow general food safety guidelines to prevent foodborne illness.

Conclusion

The Costco butter recall doesn’t have to derail your cooking and baking plans. By exploring butter alternatives and focusing on recipes that minimize or eliminate the need for butter, you can continue to create delicious and satisfying meals. Remember to prioritize food safety and always refer to the official recall information for the most accurate details. Happy cooking!