Wholesome, Wholesome Pantry
Wholesome Salted Butter
What it is
This is a dairy product made from cream that has been churned. It is a solid fat at room temperature and melts when heated. Salt is added during the manufacturing process to enhance its flavor and act as a preservative. The butter is typically sold in sticks or blocks.
How people cook with it
Salted butter is a versatile ingredient used in both sweet and savory cooking and baking.
- Baking cookies
- Sautéing vegetables
- Spreading on toast
- Sauce base
Salted butter can be used in many ways in the kitchen. For baking, it is often softened to cream with sugar for cakes and cookies, or melted for brownies and quick breads. In savory dishes, it can be used to sauté aromatics like onions and garlic, or to enrich sauces and pan gravies. It is also a common choice for finishing cooked vegetables or meats, adding richness and flavor. When a recipe calls for butter, salted butter can often be substituted, though you may need to adjust the added salt in the recipe.
How it differs from similar foods
Salted butter differs from unsalted butter by the addition of salt. This salt content can affect the final flavor of baked goods and other dishes. Unsalted butter allows the baker or cook to control the exact amount of salt in a recipe, which is often preferred for precision in baking.
Who it is for
Home cooks and professional chefs use salted butter for its flavor and functionality.
How to keep the rest
Refrigerate any unused portion of the butter. Keep it wrapped tightly in its original packaging or in an airtight container to prevent it from absorbing odors from other foods in the refrigerator. Properly stored, it will maintain its quality for several weeks.