How to soften butter at room temp quickly?

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Expert Comments

04/07/25 10:30pm
To soften butter quickly, cut it into cubes or grate it using a cheese grater (especially if it's frozen), then leave it out at room temperature. These methods create more surface area, which allows your butter to warm up and soften faster.

If you’re really pressed for time, try microwaving a whole stick of butter in short 5-second increments until it’s soft enough, being careful not to melt it too much. If you have more time, place the frozen butter in your refrigerator overnight to thaw, then leave it out on the counter for several minutes until softened.
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wikiHow Expert
Ollie George Cigliano
Private Chef & Food Educator
04/07/25 10:54pm
Put your butter out on the kitchen counter to soften it. According to the USDA, it’s safe to keep butter at room temperature, just not for too long. If it's left out for several days, it can turn rancid and cause off flavors, so the USDA recommends not leaving it out more than 1-2 days.
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