🧈Dairy & Eggs

Butter

Pure dairy fat made by churning cream. Unsalted butter gives you control over seasoning and is the standard for baking. Salted butter is great for cooking and spreading. European-style butter has higher fat content (82%+ vs 80%) and richer flavor.

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Where to Find It

Dairy aisle, refrigerated, near cream cheese and margarine. European-style and specialty butters are sometimes in a separate section. Check the baking aisle for shelf-stable clarified butter or ghee.

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How to Pick a Good One

Unsalted for baking (you control the salt). Salted for everyday cooking and spreading. European-style (Plugra, Kerrygold, President) for pastry and finishing. Check the date — butter absorbs fridge odors. Avoid anything labeled 'butter spread' — it's not real butter.

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How to Store

Refrigerate for daily use. Freeze for long-term storage (up to 12 months) — wrap in foil over the box to prevent freezer burn. Counter butter is fine for 1-2 days in a butter dish if your kitchen stays under 72°F.

Shelf life: Refrigerated: 1-3 months past the date. Frozen: up to 12 months. Counter: 1-2 days max.

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Prepping Tips

For baking: use cold butter for flaky pastry, room-temp (soft but not melting) for cakes and cookies. To soften quickly: cut into small pieces and wait 15 minutes — DO NOT microwave. For brown butter: cook in a light-colored pan over medium heat until it smells nutty and the solids turn golden.

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Substitutions

Coconut oil

Equal amount

Works in baking and cooking. Slight coconut flavor. Dairy-free.

Olive oil

3/4 the amount

For sauteing and roasting only. Don't use in baking.

Ghee (clarified butter)

Equal amount

Higher smoke point. Technically dairy but most lactose-intolerant people tolerate it.

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Common Uses

Baking (cakes, cookies, pastry)Sauteing and pan saucesSpreading on bread/toastFinishing steaks and vegetablesRoux for gravy and sauces

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between salted and unsalted butter?

Unsalted butter is pure cream with no added salt — standard for baking because you control the seasoning. Salted butter has about 1/4 tsp salt per stick — great for cooking and spreading. In baking recipes, always use unsalted unless specified otherwise.

Can you leave butter out on the counter?

Yes, for 1-2 days if your kitchen stays below 72°F. Use a covered butter dish. Salted butter lasts longer out than unsalted because salt is a preservative. Beyond 2 days, it can go rancid.

Can you substitute margarine for butter in baking?

Technically yes, but results differ. Margarine has more water and less fat, so cookies spread more and pastry is less flaky. Stick margarine works better than tub. For best results in baking, use real butter.

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Recipes Using Butter

71 recipes in our collection use butter.

Nutrition

Per 1 tbsp (14g)

Calories102

Protein0.1g

Carbs0g

Fat11.5g

Key Nutrients

Vitamin AVitamin DVitamin EButyrate (gut health)CLA

Quick Facts

Store SectionDairy & Eggs

Shelf LifeRefrigerated: 1-3 months past the date

Substitutions3 options