Learn how to make a classic French snack: Radishes with Butter and Salt! This simple treat couldn't be easier to make (or more delicious). It's the perfect seasonal snack or appetizer (ideal for apéro)!
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Ginnie's Take
Radishes were never a veggie I gravitated toward growing up (they tasted so sharp and spicy to me), but these days, I love them! This colorful, crunchy vegetable has character, and it's such a versatile ingredient, perfect in everything from salads to tacos to pickles. During spring when radishes are at their mildest and most tender, I love snacking on them plain or with a little butter. Radishes and butter (plus a pinch of good salt) make the best companions! The butter tones down any bitterness, and it adds a luxurious touch that's simply irresistible. Give this easy recipe a try the next time you have a bunch on hand!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Delicious - Buttered radishes have the tastiest combination of a crunchy, creamy texture and a rich, fresh flavor. Yum!
- Simple to Make - This is the easiest of recipes! You only need three ingredients and a few minutes to prepare it.
- Great Snack or Appetizer - Radishes with butter and salt (radis au beurre) are a classic French snack that's super basic, yet so luxurious! Serve this recipe anytime you're craving a small treat, or add it to a seasonal party menu.
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Ingredients
Because this recipe is so simple, make sure to use the highest quality ingredients:
- Radishes - Choose the freshest radishes you can find for this recipe. While you can buy radishes year round these days, in the U.S. they are in season during cooler weather (spring and fall). I used the round, bright red Cherry Belle variety you can find in any grocery store. Other types are available however, and in France, they use French Breakfast Radishes, which have an elongated shape with a white tip.
- Butter - While any butter works here, I recommend using a high quality, unsalted European style butter. These butters have a higher butterfat content, and a richer, creamier flavor. I used Plugra, but Kerrygold and Vermont Creamery are also good choices which are widely available in the U.S. Tip: Because you'll be adding salt, I recommend using unsalted butter.
- Salt - Use a high quality, coarse salt, such as kosher salt or sea salt. This is the perfect opportunity to break out your fancy finishing salts, like Maldon Sea Salt Flakes, Le Saunier de Camargue, or Sel Gris (grey sea salt).
This recipe is naturally vegetarian, gluten free, and nut free! For a vegan / dairy free option, check out the Variations section below.
How to Make Buttered Radishes
This radish snack is so easy, that you hardly need a recipe! You'll find a printable recipe card below with more details, but here's a quick overview:
- Trim radishes. Start by washing your radishes and trimming off the skinny root end and any greens. (I like to leave a little bit of the green end attached—it makes a great handle—but it's not necessary.) Then, cut the radishes in half. Tip: Radish greens are edible, so save them if they'e in good shape! You can add them to pesto, stir fry them, and more.
- Spread with butter. Top each radish half with a swipe of butter. Tip: Make sure to bring your butter to room temperature ahead of time, otherwise you won't be able to spread it.
- Sprinkle with salt. For the finishing touch, add a generous pinch of salt.
Okay, now that you know how to make radishes with butter, it's time to get snacking. Bon appétit!
Variations
Simplicity is best when it comes to this classic radish, butter, and salt crudité, but here are a few simple variations to try:
- Salt - As I mentioned above, this recipe is screaming for your fancy finishing salts. Experiment with flavored salts (like smoked, spicy, or Herbes de Provence) too, then decide which one you like best!
- Flavored Butter - Substitute flavored compound butters (like pesto or chive) for an easy twist on the traditional recipe.
- Butter Dipped - To make butter dipped radishes, melt your butter just until it's quite soft (but not totally melted and runny). Dip whole radishes into the butter, place them on a lined baking sheet, then sprinkle with salt. Then refrigerate the radishes to harden the butter (they can be made in advance). Tip: It helps to leave some of the stem attached to use as a handle when dipping.
- Bread - My favorite variation is to spread baguette slices (or chunks) with butter, then top with sliced radishes, and sprinkle with salt. This would also be delish on crostini!
- Vegan + Dairy Free - For a vegan and dairy free option, simply swap in your favorite plant based butter.
Serving Suggestions
These yummy radishes are perfect for casual get togethers or an afternoon apéro! Pair them with other simple appetizers, like veggies and dip (try this flavorful Green Goddess Dip), this easy pull apart Tarte Soleil, slices of Tomato Galette, mini Cheese and Mushroom Tarts, or these sweet-savory Goat Cheese Stuffed Dates.
Related Recipes
Looking for more radish recipes? Try one of these ideas next:
- This beautiful (and delicious) Radish Sandwich is a simple twist on this recipe!
- Serve this easy Butter Lettuce Salad recipe throughout spring and summer. It's the perfect addition to any meal.
- This colorful Spring Veggie Salad is loaded with healthy vegetables, and you won't be able to resist the lemon basil dressing!
Radishes with Butter and Salt
Ingredients
- 1 bunch radishes
- 4 tablespoons European style, unsalted butter, at room temperature
- sea salt or kosher salt
Equipment
Instructions
- Wash radishes thoroughly to remove any grit.
- Cut off greens and root end, then slice radishes in half.
- Spread radishes with butter, then sprinkle with a pinch of salt.
- Serve immediately. Enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition
