Butter is not just for your toast. It can be used in a variety of dishes, sauces and desserts to make them extra delicious. Whether you are cooking with butter or baking with it, there are many ways that this ingredient will enrich your dish. But how do you store the butter so that it stays fresh? You may have heard that you cannot freeze butter because of its low melting point but trust us when we say otherwise!
It is a good idea to freeze butter as a means of preserving the life of it. If you want to keep your butter fresh, store it in a freezer with a temperature of 0°F (-18°C). Be sure to wrap the butter tightly before storing it in the freezer, and be sure to use it within six months.
Can You Freeze Butter?
The two most basic kinds of butter is salted and unsalted. Frozen salted butter will generally last longer than unsalted butter by three months. This is due to salt’s natural preserving properties.
If done right, the butter will retain its freshness even when it is frozen. Several factors such as size, temperature and package type however can possibly affect its taste.
Depending on said factors, the butter may exhibit a stale or off-flavor from 12 to 18 months of freezing.
The trick there is to pack and store it properly. Make sure that you do not place it beside items that have strong odors as the butter might absorb the smell.
When ready to use it, thawing butter is pretty simple as it melts easily. You may refrigerate it overnight for 6 hours or pop in the microwave in 10-second intervals until you reach the desired softness.
Spoiled butter will start to look pale and might even grow some mold. Its texture will be either too soft or hard and no longer easy to spread.
In conclusion, it is safe to freeze butter, but it must be wrapped in plastic, film, or foil before being put into the freezer. The best way to use frozen butter is to leave it out at room temperature for about 30 minutes.
How To Freeze Butter?
The process of freezing butter is a very easy and convenient way to have fresh, quality butter on hand. All it takes is a few minutes and a couple of steps.
- Buy the butter that has the most recent manufacturing date to ensure its freshness.
- Make sure that the butter you bought is packed and sealed properly.
- Without removing its original package, wrap it neatly with aluminum foil or a plastic freezer wrap. Retain the original package so you can refer to its expiration date later on.
- Label the packed butter with the date that it will be placed inside the freezer so you can monitor how long it has been inside.
- Keep it away from other food that have strong odors such as onions so that it does not absorb the smell.
Freezing dairy products is an easy way to preserve them. Butter freezes best when it is wrapped tightly in either aluminum foil, plastic wrap, or freezer paper.
How To Use Up Extra/Leftover Butter?
Butter is a delicious and versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of recipes. But what do you do when you have extra butter? Here are five delicious ways to use up your leftover butter:
- Make a compound butter – Compound butter is simply butter that has been mixed with other ingredients to create a flavorful spread. To make compound butter, simply mix together softened butter with your desired spices and herbs. common flavor combinations include garlic and chives, lemon and thyme, or honey and cinnamon. Once you’ve mixed together your desired flavors, simply place the compound butter in a small dish, cover, and refrigerate until ready to use.
- Use it as a pan sauce – Butter can be used to make a delicious pan sauce. Simply melt some butter in a pan over medium heat and add in your desired spices and herbs. Once the butter has melted, add in some flour to thicken and cook for 1-2 minutes. Then, add in your chosen liquid (stock, milk, etc.) and cook until the sauce has thickened.
- Make a garlic bread – Garlic bread is a classic dish that is always a hit. To make garlic bread, simply mix together some softened butter with garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Spread the mixture on a loaf of bread and bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit until the bread is crispy and golden brown.
- Use it as a topping – Butter can also be used as a topping for a variety of dishes. Try melting some butter and pouring it over cooked vegetables, baked potatoes, or even popcorn for a delicious and unique flavor.
- Make a chocolate ganache – Ganache is a type of icing made from chocolate and cream. To make ganache, simply melt together equal parts of chocolate and cream. Once the mixture is smooth, add in butter and stir until combined. Allow the ganache to cool slightly before using it as an icing or filling for cakes or other desserts.
So there you have it – five delicious ways to use up your leftover butter. next time you find yourself with extra butter, try one of these recipes and enjoy!
Cooking With Butter
Butter is a healthy, natural ingredient that can be used in many ways. Butter contributes a richness and flavor to dishes that other ingredients simply cannot provide.
Be sure to buy the right type of butter for your recipe- whether it’s salted or unsalted or creamy or whipped!
Now you are ready to cook with butter starting with some delicious French Toast for breakfast. Served with freshly brewed coffee to help you jumpstart your day.
For lunch, make healthy food tasty with butter. Whip up an easy vegetable dish such as buttery broccoli with fresh lemons and herbs.
You can also never go wrong with a cocktail favorite, garlic butter shrimps. Perfect with a glass of wine and a night out with friends.
Butter can be a healthy, wholesome addition to your diet. Butter is the butter of choice for many cooks and chefs because it offers a wider range of flavors and textures than its three main competitors: Crisco, margarine and vegetable shortening.
Wrap Up
Many people like to freeze butter to extend its shelf life. Salted butter lasts longer than unsalted butter. If done right, the butter will not change taste or color even after 18 months of freezing. When ready to use, just thaw the frozen butter by putting it in the fridge overnight or in the microwave for 10 seconds at a time until soft!
