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Dairy & Eggs

How to Store Butter

Butter keeps for months in the fridge and longer in the freezer.

Best kept: Refrigerator

Pantry

1–2 days (covered dish, salted)

Fridge

1–3 months

Freezer

Up to 1 year

How to store it

  • Keep butter in its wrapper or a covered dish to block fridge odors and light.
  • A small amount in a covered butter dish at cool room temperature is fine for easy spreading.
  • Freeze extra sticks in their box, sealed in a freezer bag.

Signs it has gone bad

  • Rancid, cheesy or sour smell
  • Discolored or darkened edges
  • Off taste

Pro tips

  • Salted butter lasts longer than unsalted.
  • Wrap tightly — butter easily picks up freezer and fridge smells.

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