Dairy, Fat | Vegetarian Keto

Butter

Bos taurus product (Dairy) Allergens: Milk
butter

Sourcing & Taxonomy

  • Family N/A (Animal Product)
  • Primary Cuisine Global
  • Seasonality Year-Round
  • Source Milk (from Cows)

The Forktionary Angle

"The foundational fat in countless cuisines, transforming dishes with its creamy texture and unparalleled richness, from flaky pastries to savory sauces."

Definition

A dairy product made from churning fresh or fermented cream, prized for its rich flavor and fat content in cooking and baking.

Sensory Profile

TasteRich, Creamy, Salty (salted), Slightly Sweet, Umami
TextureSolid (cold), Soft (room temp), Melted (liquid)
AromaMilky, Nutty (when browned), Sweet
AcidityLow

Technical Metrics

Science

Composed of about 80% butterfat, 15% water, and 5% milk solids; its melting point is around 32-35°C (90-95°F).

Storage

Can be stored for 1-2 months in the refrigerator or up to 6-9 months frozen.

Usage

Essential for achieving flaky pastries, rich sauces, and adding depth to sautéed foods.

Nutrition Facts

Per 1 tbsp (14g)
Calories717 kcal
Total Fat81 g
Saturated Fat51 g
Trans Fat3 g
Cholesterol215 mg
Protein0.9 g
Total Carbohydrate0.1 g
Dietary Fiber0 g
Total Sugars0.1 g
Calcium24 mg
Iron0.02 mg
Potassium24 mg

Chef’s Secret

Browning butter (beurre noisette) creates a rich, nutty flavor that elevates both sweet and savory dishes, especially when paired with sage or mushrooms.

Substitutions

Best Match

Margarine

1:1

Similar fat content and texture, good for baking and spreading, often dairy-free.

Shortening

1:1

Excellent for flaky crusts and tender baked goods, neutral flavor, no water content.

Coconut Oil

1:1 (by weight)

Solid at room temperature, good for vegan baking, may impart coconut flavor.

Ghee (Clarified Butter)

1:1

Higher smoke point, nutty flavor, suitable for cooking and dairy-sensitive individuals (lactose/casein removed).

Buying Guide

Choose unsalted for baking to control sodium. Grass-fed butter often has better flavor and nutrient profile.

Flavor Pairings

Toast Vegetables Baked Goods Sauces Steaks Seafood.

Recipes Using Butter

Cuisine Desserts Oven American

21 Club Flourless Chocolate Torte

Indulge in this decadent flourless chocolate torte, a legendary dessert from the famed NYC 21 Club! This rich and intensely chocolatey recipe (adapted from Bon Appetit) is perfect for serious chocoholics. A little slice is all you need to satisfy your chocolate cravings. Prepare to be amazed!

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Vegetables Potatoes Preparation Easy

Au Gratin And Scalloped Potatoes

Indulge in the ultimate potato experience! This irresistible recipe combines creamy scalloped potatoes with the rich, cheesy goodness of au gratin, all enhanced by crispy bacon. A family heirloom recipe, perfected for your modern kitchen. Get ready for a comforting classic with a gourmet twist!

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Low Protein Course Southern United States Vegetables

Aunt Fanny's Baked Yellow Squash

A taste of Smyrna, Georgia! This recipe recreates the beloved yellow squash casserole from the legendary Aunt Fanny's restaurant. Now closed, their secret lives on. This creamy, comforting side dish is perfect for family dinners and potlucks. Get ready for a burst of buttery, savory squash with a perfectly crunchy topping!

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Fruit Pies Preparation For Large Groups

Aunt Helens Pecan Pie

This isn't your grandma's pecan pie! Aunt Helen's recipe boasts a deliciously unique twist – it's delightfully less sweet than traditional pecan pies, using about half the sugar. A family heirloom recipe, this pie delivers rich pecan flavor without the cloying sweetness. Get ready for rave reviews! The filling should have a slight jiggle in the center when finished, ensuring a perfect balance of set and gooey texture. Baking time may vary depending on your oven; see instructions for details.

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Easy Casseroles Clams Easy

Aunt Phyllis Clam Casserole

This recipe, passed down from Aunt Phyllis herself, is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser! A creamy, comforting clam casserole bursting with fresh seafood flavors. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this easy-to-follow recipe.

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Low In Something Novelty Low Cholesterol Time To Make

Auntie Anne's Pretzels Copycat

Craving that iconic Auntie Anne's pretzel taste? This copycat recipe lets you make warm, soft, and perfectly salted pretzels at home! Learn the secrets to that signature pretzel flavor and texture with this easy-to-follow guide. Get ready for a delicious baking experience!

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Main Ingredient Main Ingredient Ground Beef Preparation

Authentic Swedish Meatballs

Transport yourself to a Swedish Christmas Eve with this treasured family recipe! These incredibly soft and flavorful meatballs are a nostalgic centerpiece of our annual smorgasbord. My mother still recounts tales of my toddler self devouring these tender morsels—a testament to their irresistible taste. Unlike many Scandinavian dishes, these meatballs aren't spicy, boasting a rich, savory profile that's perfect for holiday gatherings, potlucks, or even a casual weeknight meal. Enjoy them warm, cold, or straight from the freezer—yes, they freeze beautifully! This recipe offers flexibility: feel free to use beef and pork only if you prefer to skip veal. But don't even think about serving them with spaghetti—their delicate seasonings are best enjoyed on their own or with the classic gravy (recipe included!). Prepare to be amazed by how incredibly tender these meatballs are—a simple chilling trick ensures perfectly round, juicy results every time. Make a big batch (I often make 100!) and freeze them for future meals. This is more than a recipe; it's a heartwarming tradition.

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Desserts Preparation Winter Fruit

Autumn Apple Buckle

This Autumn Apple Buckle is a delightful twist on the classic buckle cake! Instead of summer berries, we're using tart apples for a denser, more comforting coffee cake experience. A buttery, cinnamon-spiced streusel topping perfectly complements the tender apple-filled cake, making it the ideal dessert for crisp autumn evenings. This recipe is easy to follow and perfect for beginner bakers.

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Time To Make Diabetic Picnic Taste Mood

Autumn Main Dish Salad

Embrace the vibrant flavors of fall with this hearty and delicious main dish salad! This recipe combines crisp autumn greens, juicy seasonal fruits, and crunchy nuts for a satisfying and healthy meal your whole family will love. Featuring locally sourced apples (check your local orchard!), smoky bacon (or smoked turkey for a non-pork option), and a delightful blend of fall spices, this salad is perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or a portable lunch packed in wraps. Serve alongside your favorite bread, biscuits, or cornbread for a complete and unforgettable autumn experience.

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Dietary Time To Make North American Cuisine

Autumn Moon Cafe's Apple Crisp

Indulge in the irresistible aroma and taste of our Autumn Moon Cafe's Apple Crisp! This classic dessert features a perfectly spiced apple filling nestled under a buttery, oat-crumble topping. A perfect fall treat for family gatherings or a cozy night in. Easy to make and guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser!

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Easter Kid Friendly Oven Comfort Food

Autumn Two Potato Scallop

Indulge in the irresistible flavors of fall with this creamy Autumn Two Potato Scallop! Sweet and red potatoes create a delightful harmony in a rich parmesan cream sauce. This easy-to-follow recipe is perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or a special occasion. Get ready for tender potatoes and a beautifully browned, cheesy top!

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Comfort Food Beginner Cook Number Of Servings Dietary

Avocado Cheddar Grilled Cheese

Elevate your lunch game with this ridiculously easy yet incredibly delicious Avocado Cheddar Grilled Cheese! Creamy avocado and sharp cheddar melt together between perfectly toasted bread for a flavor explosion in just minutes. This recipe is a quick, satisfying, and healthy meal – perfect for busy weekdays or a weekend treat. Prepare to be obsessed!

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30 Minutes Or Less Preparation 30 Minutes Or Less Drop Cookies

Awesome Blowouts

Get ready for an explosion of peanut buttery goodness! These chewy, chocolate-studded peanut butter cookies are ridiculously easy to make and even more irresistible to eat. Perfect for satisfying any sweet tooth, these cookies are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Try them today!

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Weeknight Weeknight Breads 4 Hours Or Less

Awesome Chocolate Chip Streusel Coffee Cake

Indulge in this 5-star, buttery, and moist chocolate chip streusel coffee cake! This recipe creates a supremely high-rising cake, bursting with chocolate chips and topped with a delightful crunchy streusel. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon treat! Get ready for rave reviews!

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Spicy Beef Ground Beef Spicy

Awesome Enchiladas

Craving the BEST enchiladas you'll EVER taste? Look no further! This recipe delivers unbelievably flavorful enchiladas, so good you'll be making them twice a month (we don't blame you!). Customize them with shredded chicken or ground beef, and flour or corn tortillas – it's the incredible homemade sauce that truly makes these enchiladas shine! Prepare for a flavor explosion!

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Gluten Free Cookies And Brownies Time To Make Drop Cookies

Awesome Gluten Free Chocolate Chip Cookies

These soft and chewy gluten-free chocolate chip cookies are a game-changer! Adapted from a beloved recipe in Taste of Home's "Best of Country Cookies," this recipe delivers the ultimate texture without the dryness often found in gluten-free baked goods. Perfect for satisfying your chocolate chip cookie craving, even with dietary restrictions.

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Time To Make Oven Preparation 60 Minutes Or Less

Awesome Penne Spinach Bake

Creamy, cheesy, and utterly irresistible! This Awesome Penne Spinach Bake combines tender penne pasta and fresh spinach in a luscious cream sauce, then bakes to golden perfection under a crunchy breadcrumb and cheese topping. Get ready for a comforting and flavorful dish the whole family will adore. Easy to make and perfect for a weeknight dinner or a weekend treat!

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Main Dish South West Pacific Main Ingredient Chicken

Awesome Hawaiian Haystacks

This easy-to-make Hawaiian Haystacks recipe is perfect for feeding a large family or group! Enjoy the amazing blend of savory chicken, creamy mushroom soup, and sweet pineapple, all piled high on a bed of fluffy rice. Customizable with your favorite toppings, this dish is sure to be a new family favorite. Get ready for a flavor explosion!

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