Leaving Butter on the Counter: Is it Safe?

 

Method with a Microwave: Break up the butter into smaller pieces and put them on a plate that can go in the microwave. Shortly heat the butter in the microwave on low power until it gets a little soft but not melted. Be careful not to get too hot.

If you have a box grater, you can shred cold butter into very small pieces. This will make the surface area bigger, which will let it soften at room temperature more quickly.

Even though butter is usually safe at room temperature, it's important to know when it's going bad:

Having an off smell: If your butter starts to smell funny or sour, it means it has gone bad. The smell of fresh butter should be light and rich.

Taste Off: Take a small bite of butter. If it tastes sour or weird, it's time to throw it away.

Mold or Discoloration: If you can see mold growing on the butter or any other strange color changes, it's no longer safe to eat.

If you follow the right storage rules, leaving butter out on the counter can be safe and useful. Knowing why butter is safe at room temperature, how long it can last, the right way to store it, and how to quickly bring cold butter to room temperature are all important things to do to make sure your butter stays a tasty addition to your meals. Keep an eye out for signs of spoiling, and you can enjoy your butter at room temperature without any worries!