What is a butter crock?

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The butter crock, also known as a butter bell or butter keeper, is a two-piece contraption that keeps butter fresh on the counter for up to 30 days. The butter goes in the “bell,” which you place in the water-filled crock. This device keeps butter smooth and spreadable for whenever you need it.



Similarly, you may ask, does a butter bell really work?

Yes, the butter bell works decently, but the cure comes with a few side effects. To squeeze a fresh stick of cold butter into the bell shaped holder, I had to soften it and then mold the stick into the bell. When the butter gets too warm, the butter drops from the top of the bell and goes for a swim in the water below.

Also Know, what is a butter well? Butter Well: A small well on the farm of Upper Manbeen, by the S side of the Tyrock Burn; so called on account of the people formerly frequenting it in summer for cool water to cool their butter in. It is now (1870) nearly covered up and over it is a stone, inscribed Ex Dono De + Bil + Te Gratis Mhu .

Consequently, does butter get wet in a butter bell?

The bell isn't supposed to be filled all the way with butter but to less than the depth of the water. Then it doesn't get wet. Also they are not made for long term storage of butter, just for a day or so.

Can I leave butter on the counter?

Either way, leaving your butter on the counter in a covered container is perfectly safe, but all things in moderation. Keeping butter on the counter makes it soft and delicious. As long as it's done right, leaving butter out at room temperature is also just as safe as leaving it in the fridge.

32 Related Question Answers Found

Why use a butter crock?

The butter crock, also known as a butter bell or butter keeper, is a two-piece contraption that keeps butter fresh on the counter for up to 30 days. The butter goes in the “bell,” which you place in the water-filled crock. This device keeps butter smooth and spreadable for whenever you need it.

What is the best butter keeper?

A butter keeper helps to keep the butter stick fresh and spreadable at room temperature.

Quick Comparison: Top 10 Best Butter Keepers.
Product Name Grade
The Original Butter Bell Crock by L. Tremain A+
Arc International Luminarc Cow Butter Dish A+
Now Designs Square Butter Dish A-
Butter Bay American Made Butter Keeper A

How often should you change the water in a butter bell?

Make sure you change the water every 3 days.

Do you have to refrigerate butter?

In agreement with USDA and FDA guidelines, most butter companies say to keep butter refrigerated. Keeping butter in an airtight container like a crock makes butter last at room temperature longer (about 2 weeks), but when room temperature rises above 70° F, all butter should be refrigerated.

What is a container for butter called?


A butter dish is defined as "a usually round or rectangular dish often with a drainer and a cover for holding butter at table". The water is placed into the base of the dish and the butter is put into a bell-shaped lid, creating an air seal.

How do you store butter without refrigeration?

Using a French crock or a butter bell is an almost foolproof way to keep your unrefrigerated supply fresh, yet soft and spreadable. These “bells” work by immersing a small pot in cold water, creating an airtight seal.

How do you know when butter is bad?

Signs of Bad Butter and Ghee
  1. Discoloration is a sign of rancid butter. Good butter has an even yellow color from inside out. Slice a small portion of your butter, if the inside looks brighter or lighter, then it has gone bad.
  2. Black spots on butter are signs of mold formation. Butter with mold should be discarded.

What is the best butter dish?

3 Best Butter Dishes (Reviews) in 2020
  • Butter Bay American Made Butter Keeper Butter Dish. If you are looking for an insulated butter dish you might want to consider this attractive model by Butter Bay.
  • Norpro Porcelain Butter Dish with Lid.
  • Rubbermaid Standard Butter Dish.

How long does butter last in a French butter dish?

Pack the butter in the lid when it is still fresh out of the refrigerator; it is easier to mold at a cooler temp. Keep the house cool. As long as your home stays below 80°F, the butter can last up to a month.

How does a butter keeper with water work?

The water creates an airtight seal that keeps oxygen away from the butter (oxygen is what turns butter rancid). In the bell shaped lid your butter will stay soft and fresh! When the inverted bell shaped lid is on, a seal is created that keeps oxygen away from the butter. Your Butter will stay soft and fresh!

Does butter go bad?

If you keep it at room temperature for too long, the oils in the butter will go rancid. For long-term storage, put your butter in the freezer, and it'll last for 6 to 9 months. In the fridge, it should last a month past the printed date unopened and two weeks beyond the printed date after it's been opened.

How do you soften butter for a butter bell?

Not sure how long to soften butter? Keep an eye on it, but the easiest way to soften butter is to remove a cold stick from the refrigerator and let it stand at room temperature for 30 to 60 minutes until it becomes room temperature or until just spreadable.

How do you store butter?


Butter can be stored in the fridge in its original greaseproof paper as long as it is tightly sealed. If the paper came is ripped and you cannot reseal it tightly, just wrap it up in aluminum foil to keep it fresh. Place the butter in the fridge away from other foods.

How do you use Le Creuset butter crock?

The stoneware butter crock from Le Creuset uses that same principle, keeping your butter spreadable at room temperature. To use, pack the cup on the underside of the lid with six ounces (about 1-1/2 sticks) of butter. Fill the crock one-third of the way up with cold water.

Who invented the butter bell?

The butter bell is a nifty ceramic crock invented in France in the late 19th century to keep butter fresh tasting at room temperature. It does this by covering the butter with water so that it is not exposed to the air.