How to Freeze Butter

Stock up at the next sale and freeze your extra butter! Here’s how to freeze butter.

I’m the type of gal who buys butter whenever it goes on sale. Like if there’s a maximum about that’s allowed to be purchased, I’ll purchase it. Butter can be so expensive and if you’re baking a lot or cooking a lot with it, then it adds up. So I like to freeze any extra butter I have so it lasts longer.

Method 1: Full block

Freeze butter in the original packaging in a block.

Method 2: in ¼ portions

Follow the markings on the butter package and cut the butter into ¼ slices. Each package should be 8 slices.
Cut a sheet of parchment that has the same width as your butter.
Fold the parchment accordion style with the butter in-between.
Place the butter into an airtight freezer friendly container.
Thaw as needed or use directly from frozen.

Method 3: in tablespoons

Cut the butter into the ¼ portions.
Cut each slice into 4. (There are 4 tablespoons in every ¼ cup)
Cut a sheet of parchment that has the same width as your butter.
Fold the parchment accordion style with the butter in-between.
Place the butter into an airtight freezer friendly container.
Thaw as needed or use directly from frozen.

Frozen tablespoons of butter in a glass container.

FAQs

How Long Does Frozen Butter Lasts?

According to Land O’Lakes, “properly stored butter can be frozen for up to four months if frozen prior to the USE BY date on the package.” However, Still Tasty say you can freeze it for up for about 6 months! These are times for unsalted butter. Salted butter lasts longer.

How to Thaw Butter Quickly?

To thaw frozen butter quickly, defrost the butter in the microwave in short 10 second bursts at a low temperature until softened. In a normal time range, I thaw the frozen butter in the fridge. Or I use it from frozen.

How Do I Cut the Butter Smoothly?

Make sure your butter is firm. If your butter is sticking to your knife, run the knife under hot water in-between slicing the butter for clean even cuts.