brown butter

Brown Butter

Brown butter, also known as beurre noisette in French, is a transformative ingredient made by cooking unsalted butter until the milk solids toast and caramelize. This process imparts a nutty, rich, and complex flavor that elevates both sweet and savory dishes. The butter will change in appearance from a pale yellow to a beautiful amber-brown color, emitting a distinctive toasted aroma. Its texture also changes, separating into clarified butter with browned milk solids at the bottom. The result is a flavorful cooking medium with a depth unmatched by regular melted butter. Discover how to use brown butter to add incredible flavor to your cooking!

Common Uses

  • Use brown butter to enhance the flavor of baked goods like cookies, cakes, and brownies. The nutty notes complement chocolate and other sweet flavors beautifully, creating a sophisticated taste.- Drizzle brown butter over roasted vegetables such as Brussels sprouts, squash, or potatoes for a savory and decadent side dish. The browned butter adds depth and richness that elevates simple vegetables.- Brown butter makes an excellent sauce for pasta. Toss cooked pasta with brown butter, fresh herbs like sage or parsley, and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for a simple yet satisfying meal.- Incorporate brown butter into savory sauces to add a nutty, toasted flavor dimension. It works well in sauces for pan-seared meats, fish, or poultry, complementing the natural flavors of the ingredients.- Use brown butter as a flavor enhancer in dips and spreads. Add it to hummus, white bean dip, or whipped ricotta to create a rich and complex flavor profile that your guests will love.- Create a brown butter vinaigrette for salads by whisking it with vinegar, Dijon mustard, and seasonings. The nutty flavor pairs well with a variety of greens, fruits, and cheeses, making for a truly unique salad dressing.

Nutrition (per serving)

Calories

717.0kcal (35.85%)

Protein

0.8g (1.7%)

Carbs

0.0g

Sugars

0.0g (0.02%)

Healthy Fat

24.5g

Unhealthy Fat

53.7g

% Daily Value based on a 2000 calorie diet

Health Benefits

  • May be easier to digest for some individuals due to reduced lactose content compared to regular butter.
  • Provides fat-soluble vitamins like A, D, E, and K, essential for various bodily functions.
  • Contains butyrate, a short-chain fatty acid that may promote gut health.
  • Offers a source of conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), a fatty acid potentially linked to health benefits.
  • Provides a rich, satisfying flavor that can enhance the enjoyment of meals.

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Storage Tips

Brown butter should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze it in ice cube trays or small containers for several months. When thawing, do so in the refrigerator overnight. You may notice some separation; simply reheat and whisk to recombine the butter solids and fat.

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