How to Keep Butter Fresh at Room Temperature

Butter can be kept soft and ready to use without refrigeration.

Softened butter is a popular condiment, but is difficult to maintain at spreadable consistency. A specialized container, called a "butter bell", keeps butter soft and ready to use, without refrigeration, for up to 30 days. The butter bell is a two-part container, one part holds the butter, and the other, cool water. Water provides a barrier that prevents contamination or oxidation (spoilage) of the butter.

Things You'll Need

• Butter bell
• Spoon
• Butter
• Water

Instructions

Buy a Butter Bell

1. Butter bells, also known as "butter crocks", are available at many kitchen specialty stores. Look for a butter bell that is made of heavy ceramic or stoneware, holds one-quarter pound butter and has a hole near the rim of the butter container to purge water, ensuring complete contact between the butter and water.

2. Thoroughly clean and dry the butter bell. Remove the butter from the refrigerator, and place it on the counter or table top. Leave the quarter pound stick of butter in its wrapper, and allow it to soften to a firm spreading consistency before you pack the butter into the lid of the butter bell.

3. Using a spoon, fill the lid of the butter bell with the softened butter. Press excess air out of the butter.

4. Fill the lower (water) container of the butter bell half full of cool water. Invert the butter container and place it in the water container.

5. Change the water in the butter bell at least every three days, recommends Sharon Thompson writing for the Flavors of Kentucky, and keep the butter bell at 80 F or lower.

Tips & Warnings

• Other spreads, such as margarine, may be stored in the butter bell.

References

• Flavors of Kentucky: Old-fashioned butter bell makes a comeback
• Reluctant Gourmet: Butter Bell Crocks and Keepers

Resources

• The Official Butter Bell Crock