Butter is one of those ingredients that home cooks keep coming back to. Used well — and in moderation — it adds richness, shine and flavour that’s hard to beat, whether you’re finishing a sauce, making pastry, or getting the kids involved in the kitchen.
Here are 10 easy, practical tips from the MyKidsTime team for getting the most out of butter in your everyday cooking.
10 easy tips for cooking with butter
#1. A small knob of butter finishes a dish nicely
Stir a small knob of butter into a risotto just before serving. It makes the whole dish lovely and creamy.
#2. Add a little melted butter to your pancake batter
Melt some butter and add it to your pancake mix before cooking. It gives the batter extra flavour and helps stop the pancakes sticking to the pan.
#3. The secret to perfect buttery popcorn
Pop your popping corn kernels in a pan with the lid on, then tip them into a bowl once they’ve finished popping. Put a knob of butter into the still-hot pan, let it melt, then pour it over the popcorn for easy, buttery homemade popcorn.
You might also enjoy reading How to Make Popcorn Cones
#4. Make brown butter for extra flavour
Melt butter in a stainless steel pan over a low heat. Once the foam subsides, you’re left with a beautiful amber liquid that’s lovely over chicken, fish or vegetables.
#5. Adding butter to your onions stops them burning
Add a small knob of butter to your olive oil when frying onions. It helps stop them catching and burning, and gives them a nice flavour too.
#6. Butter is the secret to delicious mashed potatoes
Add hot milk to your potatoes along with some butter and a little salt, then mash well for smooth, creamy mash every time.
You might also enjoy reading 10 Sensational Summer Potato Recipes The Kids Will Love
#7. When baking, mix on a low speed
When a recipe calls for creamed butter, mix on a low speed so the butter doesn’t lose its emulsion.
#8. Easiest ever garlic bread
This is a great one to get the kids involved in. Mash some garlic or chop fresh herbs and mix through softened butter, spread onto bread, wrap in foil, and pop it in the oven until warm and fragrant.
#9. How to give your sauces extra shine
For a glossy finish, whisk a few cubes of cold butter into your sauce just before serving.
#10. Keep your butter cold for pastry
For the best pastry, keep your butter cold and rest the pastry in the fridge before rolling it out.
Have you got a favourite tip for cooking with butter? Let us know in the comments below.
Frequently asked questions
Is it okay to cook with butter regularly?
Many home cooks use butter as part of everyday cooking, using it in moderation alongside other ingredients like oils. It’s really about balance and what works for your family’s meals.
Why does butter make dishes taste better than oil in some recipes?
Butter adds richness and a distinct flavour that oils don’t always give, which is why it works so well in things like mash, sauces and pastry.
Can I substitute margarine for butter in these tips?
These tips are written with butter in mind, as it behaves differently to margarine when melted, browned or creamed. Results may vary if you swap it out.
What’s the easiest butter tip for beginners to try first?
The buttery popcorn tip (#3) and the mash tip (#6) are both quick, simple wins that make a noticeable difference with very little extra effort.
You might also like
- How to Make Popcorn Cones
- 10 Sensational Summer Potato Recipes The Kids Will Love
- Easy Family Recipes to Cook Together
Want more easy kitchen ideas?
Browse our food and recipes section for more simple, family-friendly cooking tips and ideas to try together.
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