How to Make French Butter: Authentic Recipe

The French butter-making process is both an art and a science, steeped in tradition. Most French butters are made from cream that has been cultured or fermented in France.

This process involves adding live bacteria to the cream and allowing it to rest for some time, typically about 12-36 hours. This fermentation process results in lactic acid, imparting the butter with a distinctive tangy flavor.

The cream is then churned until the fat separates from the buttermilk. The fat is what eventually becomes the butter, and it is washed and worked to remove excess moisture.

It’s this careful process that creates butter with a rich, creamy texture and a nuanced depth of flavor!

Want to make your own French butter? Here are the steps.

Making French Butter Step-by-Step

Making French butter at home is a simple process that requires just one ingredient: heavy cream. Here’s a step-by-step recipe for making French butter:

Ingredients

• Heavy cream (preferably high-quality and fresh)

Equipment

• Stand mixer or hand mixer
• Cheesecloth
• Rubber spatula
• Bowl
• Cold water

Instructions

Follow these steps to make butter like the French.

Prepare the Cream

Ensure that your mixing bowl and beaters or whisk attachments are clean and dry.

Pour the heavy cream into the bowl. You can start with any amount, but a pint (about 2 cups) is a good starting point.

Whip the Cream

Begin whipping the cream on medium speed. As the cream thickens, you can increase the speed gradually.

Keep a close eye on the process. After a few minutes, the cream will transform from whipped cream to a more grainy texture.

Separate the Buttermilk

Continue whipping until you notice a clear separation between the solids (butter) and the liquid (buttermilk). This usually takes about 8-10 minutes, depending on the speed and power of your mixer.

Drain Buttermilk

Once the separation is clear, stop the mixer and use a rubber spatula to gently press and squeeze out as much buttermilk as possible. Save the buttermilk for later use.

Rinse the Butter

Rinse the butter under cold running water. This helps remove any leftover buttermilk, which could cause the butter to spoil faster.

Knead the Butter

Place the butter on a clean surface or in a bowl and knead it with your hands or spatula to remove any excess water. This process helps make the butter smoother.

Shape the Butter

Shape the butter into a block, or log, or use molds for a decorative touch. You can also add a pinch of salt if desired for salted butter.

Store the Butter

Wrap the butter in cheesecloth to help it retain its shape and to absorb any remaining moisture. Place it in the refrigerator to firm up.

Congratulations! You’ve made French butter at home. Enjoy your homemade butter on fresh bread, pastries, or use it in your favorite recipes.

How to Eat and Cook with Your Butter Like the French

Butter is one of the most popular ingredients called for when making classic French recipes and traditional dishes.

In France, butter is more than just an ingredient; it’s a culinary staple. It’s used both as a condiment and as a crucial element in cooking. French people love spreading a thick layer of butter on their morning baguette, sometimes with or without jam.

In cooking, it is used generously to baste meats, create rich sauces, and of course, for baking. One of the classic French dishes, sole meunière, involves frying fish in a generous amount of butter.

Then there are the glorious pastries like croissants, pain au chocolat, and brioche, all of which owe their flaky, tender crumb to high-quality French butter.

Enjoy making tons of French recipes with this homemade French butter!