This article was co-authored by Sarena Nelson and by wikiHow staff writer, Annabelle Reyes. Sarena Nelson is a Private Chef and the Founder of Chef Sarena, based in Palm Springs, California. With over 10 years of experience, she specializes in customized menus for private events, has worked in 5-star restaurants, and has helped small restaurants redesign their menus. She earned her degree from Le Cordon Bleu School of Culinary Arts in Pasadena, California.
There are 12 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page.
This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources.
This article has been viewed 264,298 times.
So you want to melt some butter quickly and easily. You’ve come to the right place! We’ve compiled a complete guide on melting butter, whether you want to use the stove or the microwave. We’ll also go over how to soften butter and how to make browned butter and clarified butter, so keep reading!
The Best Ways to Melt Butter
Cut your butter into small chunks. Then, place the butter in a microwave-safe bowl and heat it in 10-second increments in the microwave until it’s fully melted. To melt butter without a microwave, place the butter in a saucepan on the stove over low heat and cook it until it's fully melted.
Steps
Expert Q&A
-
QuestionHow do you keep butter fresh at room temperature?Sarena NelsonSarena Nelson is a Private Chef and the Founder of Chef Sarena, based in Palm Springs, California. With over 10 years of experience, she specializes in customized menus for private events, has worked in 5-star restaurants, and has helped small restaurants redesign their menus. She earned her degree from Le Cordon Bleu School of Culinary Arts in Pasadena, California.
Private ChefStore it in a butter bell—this is a ceramic container that has separate compartments for water and butter. This helps the butter stay fresher at room temperature and prevents it from melting. -
QuestionThe recipe that I am using requires me to melt butter over water. How do I do this?Community AnswerYou can boil water in a pan on the stove while suspending the butter in a jug or heat resistant plate/bowl over the hot water. Just stir the butter a bit, and you're done.
-
QuestionCan I melt butter in a toaster oven instead of a microwave?Community AnswerYou could. It would just take longer. Also, make sure that the dish you use is toaster oven safe.
Video
Reader Videos
Share a quick video tip and help bring articles to life with your friendly advice. Your insights could make a real difference and help millions of people!
Tips
-
Choosing unsalted butter instead of salted butter will give you more control over how much sodium to add to your dishes, which is particularly important if you have high blood pressure or are on a low-sodium diet.Thanks
-
Always have a butter dish out on your counter so you have some soft butter on hand.Thanks
References
- ↑ https://www.kitchenaid.ca/en_ca/blog/s/butter-measurement-conversion.html
- ↑ https://bakeschool.com/butter-temperature-in-baking/
- ↑ https://www.bonappetit.com/story/double-boiler
- ↑ https://www.bonappetit.com/story/double-boiler
- ↑ https://thetoastedpinenut.com/how-to-soften-butter
- ↑ https://thetoastedpinenut.com/how-to-soften-butter
- ↑ https://www.thekitchn.com/3-ways-to-soften-butter-quickly-and-easily-54814
- ↑ https://www.thekitchn.com/3-ways-to-soften-butter-quickly-and-easily-54814
- ↑ https://www.thekitchn.com/3-ways-to-soften-butter-quickly-and-easily-54814
- ↑ https://www.dairygoodness.ca/butter/butter-tips-tricks/how-to-use-hard-or-frozen-butter
- ↑ https://www.bbcgoodfood.com/glossary/clarified-butter-glossary
- ↑ https://www.foodandwine.com/chefs/easiest-ever-way-clarify-butter
- ↑ https://www.foodnetwork.com/how-to/packages/food-network-essentials/how-to-brown-butter
- ↑ https://www.foodnetwork.com/how-to/packages/food-network-essentials/how-to-brown-butter
- ↑ https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/packages/baking-guide/baking-with-butter
- ↑ https://www.landolakes.com/expert-advice/cooking-with-butter
- ↑ https://www.masterclass.com/articles/cooking-oils-and-smoke-points-what-to-know-and-how-to-choose
About This Article
To melt butter, start by cutting it up into small pieces. Then, put the pieces in a microwave-safe bowl and cover the bowl with a paper towel so the butter doesn't splatter when it's heating. Microwave the butter for 10-second intervals until it's fully melted, stirring after each interval. You can also melt butter on the stovetop by cutting it up into small pieces and heating it on low until it's nearly melted. Then, turn off the heat and stir the butter until it's fully melted. If you want to learn how to soften the butter instead of melting it, keep reading the article!
Reader Success Stories
-
"Soften butter over hot water. Microwave has blown the butter all over it when I tried melting with microwave even slowly at lower temp and covered."..." more