8 Types of Butter You Need to Know and How to Use Them

Butter is the secret ingredient that turns any dish from ordinary to extraordinary. Looking to transform a simple recipe into something spectacular? Just add butter. Need an easy yet impressive dish to wow at your next potluck? Incorporate the magic of creamy, rich butter, and watch your meal go from good to 'wow, you can really cook.'

But how do you pick the right butter for each dish? With so many options out there, it can be tough to navigate the aisles. That's why we’ve created this handy guide to help you choose the perfect butter for every culinary project—from flaky biscuits and delicate croissants to rich sauces and juicy grilled meats. Find out which creamy, dreamy butter is your kitchen's best friend.

Unsalted Butter

Unsalted butter is the go-to variety for almost any dish and is often considered the most versatile. Also known as sweet cream butter, this kitchen essential adds rich flavor to some of your favorite baked goods—think casseroles, cookies, and a variety of sautéed dishes. It’s the foundation of many recipes that rely on its pure, creamy taste.

Salted Butter

For an instant flavor boost, look no further than salted butter. This indulgent variety is essentially sweet cream butter with a sprinkle of salt and can be used in a variety of dishes. Spread it on toast, toss it with sautéed vegetables, or melt a pat onto pasta for a silky finish. The added salt also acts as a preservative, meaning salted butter tends to last longer than unsalted butter.

Clarified Butter or Ghee

Clarified butter is butterfat that's been separated from water and milk solids, resulting in a higher smoke point and a richer flavor. It's perfect for dipping seafood, sautéing proteins and vegetables, or even frying. The clarity gives it a golden color and enhances its versatility.

Ghee is a more refined version of clarified butter. After the milk solids separate, the mixture is heated further until the proteins turn golden-brown and release a nutty aroma. Once this step is complete, the ghee is strained to remove any remaining solids, resulting in a smooth, flavorful oil.

Whipped Butter

Whipped butter is a light, airy version of traditional butter, made by incorporating air into softened butter. Using a hand or stand mixer, you can create a smooth, spreadable consistency that remains soft even when chilled. Add a touch of milk for extra creaminess. Spread this luxurious butter on warm, crusty bread for a truly indulgent treat.

Compound Butter

Unleash your culinary creativity with compound butter, a customizable ingredient that adds unique flavors to your dishes. By blending herbs, spices, or other seasonings with softened unsalted butter, you create a personalized spread. Typically chilled and sliced into rounds, compound butter makes a perfect savory companion to steak, enhances baked goods, or lends a rich creaminess to pasta sauces.

Cultured Butter

Cultured butter is a game-changer for bakers. Created by fermenting cream with bacterial cultures for at least 24 hours, this butter develops a thick, tangy flavor that elevates the taste of any dish. It's perfect for butter-forward recipes like pancakes, pound cakes, or mashed potatoes, adding complexity and depth.

European Butter

European butter is richer than its American counterpart, containing between 82 to 90 percent butterfat. This higher fat content, along with a longer churning process and the use of live cultures, gives European butter its signature golden hue and indulgent flavor. Swap it for unsalted butter in your recipes to achieve a flakier texture and a higher rise in your baked goods.

Brown Butter

Brown butter is a luxurious ingredient that elevates everything from quick breads and cakes to Brussels sprouts with its rich, toasty flavor. By gently heating unsalted butter until the milk solids turn golden-brown, you create a fragrant, nutty butter that's both delicious in its liquid and solid forms.

Incorporate brown butter into chocolate chip cookies for a decadent, bakery-style treat or drizzle it over seafood and roasted vegetables for an irresistible finish. Its nutty depth and versatility make it a go-to favorite for chefs everywhere.