There’s nothing worse than rock-hard butter when you’re trying to make pancakes or cookies. Luckily, keeping butter at room temperature is not only convenient but safe—if you do it right. Thanks to its low moisture content, butter resists spoilage better than other dairy products, making countertop storage a practical option.
To keep it fresh, use a covered butter dish or a butter bell, which seals out air and odors. Store it in a cool, shaded area—heat and sunlight can cause it to spoil faster. In a comfortably cool kitchen, butter can stay out for up to a week, but in warmer spaces, play it safe and refrigerate after a few days.
Need softened butter in a pinch? Grating refrigerated butter or microwaving it at low power speeds up the process. And always check for spoilage: sour smells, odd colors, or mold mean it’s time to toss it. With these simple tips, you’ll always have spreadable butter ready to go.
