So, you want to make butter at home? Whether you're looking for a fun kitchen experiment, trying to impress your brunch guests, or just craving something better than store-bought, you're in for a treat. Homemade butter is ridiculously easy to make, tastes richer than anything you'll find in a tub, and gives you complete control over flavor.
Plus, it makes you feel like an old-school kitchen wizard churning out magic (minus the actual churn). Let's get into it!
What You Need
- Heavy cream (the real deal, not half-and-half or whipping cream)
- A jar, stand mixer, food processor, or hand mixer (choose your weapon)
- A pinch of salt (highly recommended)
- Cold water (for rinsing)
Step 1: Whip It Real Good
If using a stand or hand mixer, pour the heavy cream into the bowl and start whipping on medium speed. You'll first get whipped cream (yum), then it'll look grainy. Keep going until the butterfat separates from the liquid (aka buttermilk). This takes around 5-10 minutes. If using a jar, pour in the cream, seal it tightly, and shake as if your life depends on it for 10-15 minutes.
Step 2: Separate the Butter From the Buttermilk
Once you see golden, clumpy butter and a pool of buttermilk, strain it. Save the buttermilk for pancakes or biscuits—waste not, want not!
Step 3: Rinse Like You Mean It
Run cold water over the butter while kneading it with a spatula or your hands. This removes any leftover buttermilk, which can cause your butter to spoil faster. Keep rinsing until the water runs clear.
Step 4: Salt It (Or Don't)
If you love salted butter, mix in a pinch of fine sea salt to taste. If unsalted butter is more your vibe, skip this step.
Bonus: Next-Level Butter Flavors
Why stop at plain butter when you can take it to flavor town?
Here are some easy ways to elevate your homemade spread:
Garlic Herb Butter
- 1/2 cup butter
- 1 minced garlic clove
- 1 tbsp chopped parsley (or any fresh herb you love)
- 1/2 tsp salt
Mix and slather on everything from bread to steaks.
Honey Cinnamon Butter
- 1/2 cup butter
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp vanilla extract
Perfect for pancakes, waffles, or sneaking a spoonful straight from the jar.
Spicy Chili Butter
- 1/2 cup butter
- 1/2 tsp chili flakes
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- Pinch of salt
Spread on cornbread, roasted veggies, or anything needing a little kick.
Storing Your Butter
Homemade butter can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two weeks or frozen for a few months. Pro tip: Shape it into a log using parchment paper for easy slicing.
Making butter at home is one of those kitchen wins that's way easier than people think. It's fresher, tastier, and totally customizable. Try it once, and you'll never look at store-bought the same way again.
Happy butter-making!