How to Make Homemade Cultured Butter

By Food & Wine
Updated May 16, 2017
Credit: Photo © John Kernick
European-style cultured butter doesn't happen by accident: Before churning, you first have to add "good" bacteria to heavy cream with a small amount of either buttermilk or store-bought crème fraîche. As the cream sits out on a counter, the bacteria go to work, thickening the texture and creating wonderfully tangy and nutty flavors.—Daniel Gritzer
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The Mission: DIY Cultured Butter

Credit: Photo © John Kernick

We asked Adeline Druart, dairy expert and general manager of the excellent Vermont Creamery, to teach us how to make cultured butter at home.

  • Tips for Success:
  • A stand mixer makes a great butter churner—but a messy one. Use a pouring shield or cover the bowl with plastic.
  • Any good-quality cream will work well, but look for the highest fat content possible. At least 40 percent butterfat is ideal.
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Culture

Credit: Photo © John Kernick
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Stir buttermilk or crème fraîche into cream and let stand.

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Churn

Credit: Photo © John Kernick
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Beat until the butterfat and buttermilk separate.

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Check

Credit: Photo © John Kernick
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The butter is fully churned when it forms a ball on the whisk.

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Drain

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Strain the butter in a sieve over a bowl; reserve the buttermilk.

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Rinse

Credit: Photo © John Kernick
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In batches, pour ice water over the butter to wash it.

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Knead

Credit: Photo © John Kernick
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Press the butter between rinsings to remove excess water.

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Finish

Credit: Photo © John Kernick
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Form the butter into a cylinder or block, wrap it in cheesecloth and gently squeeze to remove any remaining moisture. Discard the cheesecloth and wrap the butter tightly in plastic, followed by parchment paper. Refrigerate for up to 1 week.

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