Salted vs. Unsalted Butter: What to Use When
There’s a time and place for both butters
July 20, 2024 | Source: Real Simple | by Phoebe Fry
Not all types of butter are the same, and the most common varieties are salted and unsalted butter. The difference between them is simple (spoiler: it’s salt!), but it’s worth understanding how salt affects butter so you can become a better cook and baker. Keep reading for an explainer on all things salted vs. unsalted butter, including how and when to use each of them for the best results.
What Is Salted Butter?
Salted butter is exactly what it sounds like: butter with salt added to it during the manufacturing process. The amount of salt in salted butter depends on the brand and style, but a rough estimate is ¼ teaspoon per stick (½ cup) of butter. High-quality salted butter should taste rich and creamy, with balanced saltiness. Because salt acts as a preservative, salted butter has a longer shelf life than unsalted butter. If you like keeping room-temperature butter on your counter to spread on toast, salted butter is a good choice for both longevity and flavor.
What Is Unsalted Butter?
Unsalted butter is simply butter without added salt. It has a pure, fresh flavor that highlights the quality of the butter. Bakers typically prefer unsalted butter for greater control over the flavor and texture of baked goods, like chocolate chip cookies or brownies. Unsalted butter is also ideal for savory recipes where you want greater control over the salt content, like this Buttery Shrimp With Marinated White Beans or butter-based sauces like hollandaise.