16 Dishes That Show Why Butter Is a Kitchen Essential

Classic Buttery Mashed Potatoes

Nothing beats the comfort of buttery mashed potatoes. Creamy and rich, this dish combines potatoes, butter, milk, and a touch of salt to create a perfect side dish. To make, peel and chop 4 large potatoes, boil them in salted water until tender, then drain and mash with 1/2 cup of butter and 1/2 cup of warm milk. Season with salt to taste for a comforting and delicious side.

Butter-Basted Steak

Elevate your steak game by basting it with melted butter, garlic, and fresh herbs. The butter adds a luxurious richness and helps achieve a beautifully seared crust. Season the steak with salt and pepper, heat 2 tablespoons of butter in a skillet, and cook the steak for 4-5 minutes on each side. Add 2 more tablespoons of butter, 2 crushed garlic cloves, and fresh thyme, then baste the steak with the melted butter for 2 minutes for a restaurant-quality meal.

Garlic Butter Shrimp

Sauté shrimp in a garlic and butter sauce for a quick, flavorful meal. Serve over pasta or rice for an easy dinner that feels gourmet. Melt 4 tablespoons of butter in a skillet, add 4 minced garlic cloves, and cook until fragrant. Add 1 pound of shrimp and cook until pink, about 4-5 minutes. Season with salt, pepper, and a squeeze of lemon juice for a simple yet delicious dish.

Buttermilk Pancakes

Fluffy pancakes made with buttermilk and a generous amount of melted butter are perfect for breakfast. Top with more butter and syrup for an indulgent treat. Mix 2 cups of flour, 2 tablespoons of sugar, 2 teaspoons of baking powder, and 1 teaspoon of baking soda. In another bowl, whisk 2 cups of buttermilk, 2 eggs, and 1/4 cup of melted butter. Combine wet and dry ingredients until just mixed, then cook on a greased griddle until bubbles form, flip, and cook until golden brown.

Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies

Brown butter adds a nutty, caramel-like flavor to classic chocolate chip cookies, making them irresistible and extra special. Brown 1 cup of butter in a saucepan, let it cool, and mix with 2 1/4 cups of flour, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Mix the cooled brown butter with 1 cup of brown sugar and 1/2 cup of white sugar until creamy, add 2 eggs and 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract, then gradually add the dry ingredients and 2 cups of chocolate chips. Scoop dough onto a baking sheet and bake at 350°F for 10-12 minutes.

Butter-Glazed Carrots

Tender carrots glazed in a mixture of butter, brown sugar, and a pinch of salt make for a sweet and savory side dish that’s hard to resist. Peel and slice 1 pound of carrots, boil in salted water until tender, then drain. In a skillet, melt 4 tablespoons of butter and stir in 2 tablespoons of brown sugar. Add the carrots and cook until glazed, about 5 minutes, for a simple and delicious accompaniment to any meal.

Lemon Butter Salmon

Bake salmon fillets in a lemon butter sauce for a light yet flavorful main course. The butter keeps the salmon moist and adds a bright, zesty flavor. Preheat oven to 375°F, place 4 salmon fillets on a baking sheet, and mix 1/4 cup of melted butter, juice of 1 lemon, 2 minced garlic cloves, and salt to taste. Pour the butter mixture over the salmon and bake for 15-20 minutes for a perfectly cooked, flavorful fish.

Buttery Croissants

Flaky, buttery croissants are a breakfast staple. The layers of butter in the dough create a tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture that’s perfect with coffee. Mix 4 cups of flour, 1/4 cup of sugar, 2 teaspoons of salt, and 1 tablespoon of yeast. Add 1 1/4 cups of warm milk and knead into a dough. Roll out the dough and layer with 2 cups of cold butter, folding and rolling multiple times to create layers. Cut into triangles, roll into croissant shapes, let rise for 1 hour, then bake at 375°F for 15-20 minutes until golden brown.

Butter Chicken (Murgh Makhani)

This creamy, mildly spiced Indian dish features chicken simmered in a rich tomato and butter sauce, served over rice or with naan. Marinate 1 pound of chicken in 1/2 cup of yogurt, 1 tablespoon of lemon juice, and spices (garam masala, turmeric, cumin). Cook chicken in a skillet until browned, then in a separate pot, melt 1/4 cup of butter and sauté 1 chopped onion and 2 minced garlic cloves. Add 1 cup of tomato puree, 1 cup of cream, and the cooked chicken, simmer for 20 minutes, and serve hot.

Corn on the Cob with Herb Butter

Fresh corn on the cob slathered with herb-infused butter is a summer favorite. The butter enhances the corn’s sweetness and adds a savory touch. Boil 4 ears of corn until tender, about 8-10 minutes. In a bowl, mix 1/2 cup of softened butter with chopped fresh herbs (parsley, chives, thyme). Spread herb butter over hot corn and serve for a delightful side dish.

Butter-Poached Lobster

Indulge in succulent lobster tails poached in a luxurious butter bath. The butter keeps the lobster tender and imparts a rich, decadent flavor. Melt 1 cup of butter in a saucepan over low heat, add 2 lobster tails, and cook gently in the butter for 10-12 minutes. Season with salt and serve with lemon wedges for an elegant meal.

Buttery Garlic Bread

A simple loaf of bread is transformed into a garlic lover’s dream with a generous spread of garlic butter. Perfect alongside pasta or soup. Preheat oven to 375°F, mix 1/2 cup of softened butter with 4 minced garlic cloves and 1 tablespoon of chopped parsley, and spread garlic butter on a sliced loaf of French bread. Bake for 10-12 minutes until golden and crispy for a delicious side dish.

Butter-Infused Grilled Cheese

Upgrade your grilled cheese by spreading butter on the outside of the bread before grilling. The result is a crispy, golden crust with a gooey, melty center. Spread butter on the outside of 2 slices of bread, place cheese slices between the bread, and cook in a skillet over medium heat until golden brown on both sides and the cheese is melted for the ultimate comfort food.

Butter-Braised Green Beans

Green beans braised in butter with a touch of garlic and lemon juice make for a simple yet delicious side dish that complements any meal. Trim 1 pound of green beans, melt 4 tablespoons of butter in a skillet, add the green beans, and cook for 5-7 minutes until tender. Add 2 minced garlic cloves and a squeeze of lemon juice for a flavorful vegetable dish.

Butter and Sage Gnocchi

Pan-fry gnocchi in butter and sage until golden and crispy. The butter adds richness while the sage provides an aromatic touch. Cook 1 pound of gnocchi according to package instructions, melt 4 tablespoons of butter in a skillet, add the cooked gnocchi and 6 fresh sage leaves, and cook until the gnocchi is golden brown, about 5 minutes, for a delicious and easy meal.

Butter-Sautéed Mushrooms

Sauté mushrooms in butter until they’re tender and golden. These are perfect as a side dish or topping for steaks and burgers. Slice 1 pound of mushrooms, melt 4 tablespoons of butter in a skillet over medium heat, and add the mushrooms. Cook until the mushrooms are tender and golden, about 5-7 minutes, for a savory and versatile dish.

This article originally appeared on RetailShout.

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