Whether you are prepping to bake your favorite cookies or you love a warm slice of toast, you’ve probably asked yourself: “How long can I leave butter out on the counter?” With so many different opinions and varieties of butter, it can be hard to know what’s safe. As a fifth-generation creamery, Minerva Dairy knows a thing or two about butter, and we’re here to clear things up.
How Long Can Butter Sit Out at Room Temperature?
In general, you can leave butter out on the counter for up to 1-2 days, depending on the type of butter, your kitchen temperature, and how it’s stored. Butter is a dairy product, and like any food, it’s vulnerable to being spoiled if mishandled. Let’s take a closer look based on the type of butter.
How Long Can You Leave Unsalted Butter Out?
You can leave unsalted butter out for no more than a few hours to overnight, especially if your kitchen is warm. After that, it should be refrigerated to prevent spoilage or bacterial growth. Unsalted butter is made without added salt, which means it’s fresher in flavor but also more prone to spoilage. Salt acts as a preservative, so its absence means the butter should be handled with a bit more care. If you regularly use unsalted butter for baking and want it to be soft, consider cutting a few tablespoons from Minerva Dairy’s Unsalted Butter and letting only that portion sit out before use.
How Long Can You Leave Salted Butter Out?
Salted butter can be left out for up to 1-2 days at room temperature, and maybe even longer if your kitchen is cool (below 70℉). Salted butter has a longer shelf life at room temperature thanks to its added sodium content. The salt not only enhances flavor but also acts as a barrier against microbial growth. This makes Minerva Dairy’s Sea Salt Butter a fantastic choice for countertop storage – just keep it covered and in a clean dish.
How Long Can You Leave Garlic Herb Butter Out?
Garlic herb butter should be refrigerated after being left out for 2 hours. Garlic, herbs, and other flavorings introduce moisture and compounds that can foster the growth of harmful bacteria when left at room temperature for too long. So, even though Minerva Dairy’s Garlic Herb Butter is absolutely delicious, it’s best stored in the fridge and only left out for immediate use. For easy spreading, let it sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving.
Can You Leave Butter Out in a Butter Dish?
Yes – but with some caution. A covered butter dish protects butter from light, air, and contaminants, which helps extend its freshness. Use a clean, dry butter dish with a tight-fitting lid, and store it in a cool spot away from direct sunlight or the stove. For food safety, stick to storing salted butter in a dish on the counter and keep unsalted and flavored butters in the fridge unless you’re serving them soon.
How Long Can Butter Be Unrefrigerated?
Let’s break it down by butter type:
- Salted Butter: 1-2 days on the counter; longer in a cool kitchen (under 70℉).
- Unsalted Butter: A few hours to overnight; refrigerate after.
- Garlic Herb or Flavored Butter: No more than 1-2 hours refrigerated.
If your home gets warm during the day, it’s best to play it safe and limit the butter’s time on the counter. You can always soften a refrigerated stick quickly by cutting off a piece and leaving it out for 10 minutes.
Does Butter Expire on the Counter?
Yes, butter can and does expire when left out too long. Signs that butter has gone bad include:
- A sour or rancid smell
- Discoloration (yellowing or dark spots)
- Mold growth
- A bitter or “off” taste
Even if it looks fine, spoiled butter will affect the flavor of your food and could potentially make you sick. If you’re unsure, it’s best to throw it out and start fresh with a new stick of Minerva Dairy butter.
Can You Put Butter Back in the Fridge After Leaving It Out?
Yes, but with conditions. If the butter has only been out for a day or less and shows no signs of spoilage, it’s safe to put it back in the fridge. Just make sure to:
- Store it in an airtight container or wrap it tightly.
- Avoid mixing it with fresh butter.
- Use it within a week or two.
If it’s been sitting out uncovered or near heat for more than a day, it’s best to toss it. When in doubt, throw it out.
Tips for Keeping Butter Fresh on the Counter
To enjoy butter safely, follow these quick tips:
- Use Salted Butter: It’s the safest option for countertop storage
- Keep it Covered: Store butter in a dish with a lid to keep out light, air, and contaminants.
- Use Clean Utensils: Never double-dip or use dirty knives, as this brings in bacteria.
- Rotate Often: Only leave out what you’ll use in a couple of days.
Keep Your Butter Fresh
Butter can absolutely be kept out on the counter, but only under the right conditions. If you’re storing salted butter, a couple of days at room temperature is usually safe. Unsalted butter is best left out only briefly, and garlic herb butter should always be refrigerated after two hours. When you follow proper storage guidelines, you can enjoy creamy, flavorful butter that’s always ready to spread.
Ready to elevate your butter game? Whether you prefer salted, unsalted, or garlic herb butter, Minerva Dairy has you covered. Find our products using our Store Locator or shop online through Instacart or Goldbelly for delivery right to your door. Minerva Dairy butters are made with care, tradition, and high-quality ingredients, because you deserve the best!
