Melting butter might seem trivial, but doing it the wrong way can turn into a small disaster: splatters, burns, or butter still solid in the center. Fortunately, with the microwave, you can get perfectly melted butter in no time, without stress and without dirtying multiple pots.
Personally, I use this trick a lot in the kitchen: I no longer melt butter in a double boiler, the microwave is enough for me, with a few intervals and some stirring. The same method works perfectly for melted chocolate, which I often need for desserts or decorations. It’s a small great trick that saves me a lot of time and makes everything simpler.
In this article, I’ll explain step by step how to melt butter in the microwave without errors, so you can use it every time you cook.
- Difficulty: Very easy
- Cost: Very economical
- Preparation time: 2 Minutes
- Cooking methods: Microwave
- Cuisine: Italian
- Seasonality: All seasons
Ingredients
- as needed butter (whole, in cubes or slices)
Tools
- 1 Microwave oven
- 1 Spatula
- 1 Bowl microwave safe
- 1 Plate
Steps
Cut the butter into pieces and place it in a microwave-safe bowl, glass or ceramic.
The smaller the pieces, the more evenly they melt.
If you put it in whole, the outside may melt while the inside remains cold.Cover it with a small plate or some food wrap making a few holes. Do not seal.
Set medium power, 600 – 700 watts is ideal.
Heat 10 seconds at a time, pause and stir.
10 seconds, pause and stir.
10 seconds, pause and stir. …Continue this way until you achieve the consistency you need.
Even if it still seems solid, stirring it will make it melt thanks to the residual heat.
If you need melted but not hot butter, melt it only halfway and then stir: it becomes creamy in an instant.
How long does it take?
It depends on the amount:
20 g: 10–15 seconds
50 g: 20–25 seconds
100 g: 30–40 seconds
250 g: melt it in three 15-second steps, always stirring
Mistakes to avoid
Using the highest power
Letting it “go” without pauses
Not covering it
Boiling it (changes flavor)
FAQ – How to melt butter in the microwave
Can I melt salted butter?
Sure, same procedure.
Why does it explode?
When butter reaches the boiling point, the water inside heats up too quickly and splatters. That’s why pauses and medium power should be used.
Can I use it immediately in recipes?
Yes, but if you need to whip it with sugar or eggs, wait until it’s no longer hot.
There you go! As you’ve seen, melting butter in the microwave is super easy if you follow the right tips.
It allows you to save time, avoid splatters, and always get perfect butter for desserts, doughs, or for brushing on your dishes.
Now you have no excuses: butter will always be ready in a moment!
