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Whatever kitchen problem frustrates you the most, a professional chef will have the solution. I always seem to punch holes through bread when I’m trying to spread rock-hard butter, and I never finish a whole stick before it gets crusty and gross. When I asked three professional chefs for solutions, they had several recommendations on how to keep butter fresh—and as it turns out, they’re all quite affordable.
Norpro Glazed Stoneware Butter Keeper
Amazon
$16 at Amazon
“As a trained pastry chef, butter is an essential ingredient in my kitchen, and keeping it fresh and/or spreadable is key,” says Emily Laurae Carter, a recipe developer and pro pastry chef in Los Angeles. Her first solution is a traditional one: a butter bell. “This classic French butter keeper keeps butter soft and fresh on the counter without refrigeration,” she says. Butter bells create an airtight seal using just a little bit of water, which should be refreshed every other day. With one of these, there’s no more torn toast and no more nuking butter in the microwave to soften it up—just soft, buttery goodness.
We’ve tested the chef Carter-recommended Norpro butter keeper before and were impressed with its ability to keep an entire stick of butter fresh for 30 days. It’s a nice-looking little crock and will look cute on your countertop. “[It’s] ideal for daily use if you're baking or spreading [butter] frequently!” says chef Carter.
OXO Good Grips Butter Dish
Amazon
$12 at Amazon
The next storage solution is for people who prefer butter sticks to tubs, like I do. OXO’s Good Grips Butter Dish is a sleek and attractive dish that holds both East Coast and West Coast-style butter. Chef Carter admires the non-slip bottom and the clear cover that offers easy access to what’s inside.
She wasn’t the only expert who recommended this particular dish; it’s also a favorite of Marissa Stevens, recipe developer and food blogger at Pinch and Swirl. She praised the stability of the dish and how she can stack things above or below it to save space. “It has measurement markings on the base, which is surprisingly helpful when I’m baking,” she says. No need to stuff butter into measuring cups or break out the kitchen scale to dole out 2 tablespoons.
Sweese French Butter Dish
Amazon
$23
$16 at Amazon
Stevens’ next recommendation is another butter crock: the Sweese porcelain butter keeper. Like the Norpro crock, it uses water to keep butter soft and fresh. Unlike the Norpro, the Sweese crock comes in several colors, including navy blue and a bright turquoise. “I like that it’s simple, easy to clean, and doesn’t take up much space. I’ve had mine for a few years and it still looks new,” says Stevens. The crock is currently on sale for 34 percent off.
Smotot Airtight Butter Slicer Cutter Dish
Amazon
$12 at Amazon
In addition to being a professional pastry chef, Trina DeKett is also the Operations and Creative Specialist at BāKIT Box, so she knows a thing or two about the importance of fresh butter. She recommends this unique 2-in-1 butter dish. “I love this tool for its multifaceted features!” she says. “Not only can you use it for basic storage, but it has a slicer attachment that allows for even and precise slices of butter—every pastry chef’s dream.”
Food Huggers Butter Hugger
Amazon
$6 at Amazon
“For those who like to save space, this is your new best friend,” says chef DeKett. She recommends this silicone butter saver from Food Huggers. “A butter cap is a great solution when you only need a tablespoon or two. This saves you the hassle of unwrapping the entire stick.” The brand also has reusable silicone savers for fruits and vegetables.
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