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How to Microwave Brown Butter

Quick and easy brown butter made in the glass Anyday dish, featuring rich and nutty flavors. This method ensures perfectly browned butter, ideal for enhancing baked goods, pasta, and more. It can also be frozen in Anyday Freezer Trays for later use.
Microwave brown butter
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Prep Time

1 min

Cook Time

5-6 mins
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Free Time

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How to Microwave Brown Butter

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Brown butter makes everything better. Use it to add a warm nuttiness to baked goods, toss with fresh sage for the most luxurious pasta sauce, and so much more. The possibilities are endless.

All of Anyday’s recipes are tested (and retested!) in many different microwave and home kitchens to make sure they work— and work well. Unless specified otherwise, all recipes should be cooked at full power.

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Brown butter makes everything better. Use it to add a warm nuttiness to baked goods, toss with fresh sage for the most luxurious pasta sauce, and so much more. The possibilities are endless.

All of Anyday’s recipes are tested (and retested!) in many different microwave and home kitchens to make sure they work— and work well. Unless specified otherwise, all recipes should be cooked at full power.

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Pairs well with

Select your serving size and microwave wattage in the dropdown. The recipe will change accordingly.

¼ cup
  • ¼ cup
  • ½ cup
✕

Select your microwave wattage in the dropdown. The cook times in this recipe will automatically change accordingly.

[[video-wattage]]

To find your microwave’s wattage, look at the front panel, the side of the door, in the back, in the user manual, or Google the model number. If both an input and output wattage are listed, use the output.

Wattage translates to how powerful the microwave is. The higher the wattage, the faster your food will cook. The lower the wattage, the longer the cook time.

When in doubt, start with less time — you can always add more.

700w
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Dish

The Medium Deep Dish

Ingredients

  • 4 tablespoons butter, diced

Preparation

  1. Place the butter in the Anyday. Cover with the lid slightly ajar. (Note: you don’t want to fully cover the Anyday because otherwise, the lid won’t allow the moisture in the butter to evaporate and therefore it won’t brown! But you also don’t want butter to splatter all over your microwave, so having the lid ajar is a happy medium.)
  2. Cook at Power Level 7
    ✕

    Certain foods cook best in the microwave at lower power levels. 

    [[video-power]]

    Different microwaves have different settings. See your microwave manual (or look it up online) to learn how to change your microwave’s power level.

    For many microwaves: enter the cook time, press the “Power” (or “Power Level”) button, and select a number between 1-10. Other microwaves may require selecting the Power Level first, and then entering the cook time.

    Microwaves list power levels in different ways. Here’s a guide to help you adjust:

    PL 10 = 100% = High (default)

    PL 9 = 90% = High

    PL 8 = 80% = Med-High

    PL 7 = 70% = Med-High

    PL 6 = 60% = Medium

    PL 5 = 50% = Medium

    PL 4 = 40% = Med-Low

    PL 3 = 30% = Med-Low

    PL 2 = 20% = Low

    PL 1 = 10% = Low

    You will know if the power level has been successfully changed if you hear periodic changes in the microwave’s tone after it begins cooking.

     for 5-6 minutes,  or until butter smells fragrant and nutty and turns golden brown. You will definitely hear loud popping sounds while the water in the butter bubbles and evaporates — that is normal! The lid should prevent any butter from escaping.
  3. Whisk and use as desired.

Suggestions

  • Drizzle over savory dishes: Spoon brown butter over cooked chicken, pasta, fish, or roasted vegetables for a rich, nutty flavor boost.
  • Use in baking: Substitute brown butter in cookies, cakes, or any recipe that calls for regular butter to add depth and a warm, caramelized flavor.
  • Freeze for convenience: Portion and freeze brown butter in the 2-tablespoon Anytime Freezer Trays so it’s ready to use whenever you need it.

Recipe Notes

  • Some loud popping sounds are normal, and expected. It is the water in the butter evaporating as it breaks through the fatty top of the melted butter.
  • Microwave ovens vary, even with the same wattages. Adjust cooking times as needed.

Everything About Butter

Whether you're softening, melting, or browning butter, your microwave can handle it all! Place the butter (wrapper removed) in a Shallow Dish and cover it with the lid (knob lifted). The silicone-lined lid will create gentle heat around the butter, offering a consistent result every time.

For softened butter: Microwave on full power for 10-15 seconds per stick, or until the butter is soft enough to press with a fork. It’s perfect for turning into compound butters or spreading over toast.

For melted butter: Microwave on full power for 40-50 seconds per stick, or until fully melted. Keep an eye on it to avoid splattering, and you’ll have the perfect melted butter for cooking and baking!

Brown Butter

See for yourself— microwaving brown butter is simply faster, start to finish.

Appliance Cook Time
Microwave in an Anyday dish 5-6 mins
Stovetop 15-20 mins
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All You Need to Know About Making Brown Butter in the Microwave

What is brown butter?

Brown butter, or "beurre noisette" in French, is a classic culinary technique where butter is gently cooked until the milk solids turn golden brown and develop a nutty, aromatic flavor. It’s a versatile ingredient that enhances both sweet and savory dishes with its rich, caramelized taste.

Can I make brown butter in the microwave?

Yes! Making brown butter in the microwave is quick and mess-free using an Anyday dish. Using the lid ajar helps contain splatters while allowing moisture to evaporate, ensuring the butter browns beautifully. This method saves time compared to the stovetop while delivering the same deep, nutty flavor.

Why does the lid need to be slightly ajar?

Keeping the lid slightly ajar allows the water in the butter to evaporate, which is essential for browning. Fully covering the dish prevents splatter from dirtying your microwave and accelearted the process all togetehr. An ajar lid is a perfect balance to allow evaporation while minimizing splatter in your microwave.

Why does butter pop while browning?

The popping sounds are caused by water in the butter turning to steam and evaporating. This is normal and part of the browning process. The Anyday lid helps contain splatters while still allowing moisture to escape, making it safe and mess-free.

How do I know when the butter is browned?

The butter is ready when it turns a golden brown color, smells nutty and fragrant, and the popping sounds begin to subside. Keep a close eye on it to avoid overcooking, as brown butter can quickly turn into burnt butter.

What should I do if the butter doesn't brown evenly?

Microwave ovens can have hot spots. If your butter isn’t browning evenly, give it a stir halfway through cooking to redistribute the milk solids. This ensures even browning and prevents burning.

Can I use salted butter to make brown butter?

Yes, you can use salted butter, but keep in mind that the salt will intensify as the butter reduces. If you’re using salted butter, adjust the seasoning in your recipe accordingly to avoid overly salty results.

How do I store brown butter?

Once cooled, transfer the brown butter to out silicone Anytime Freezer Trays for up to 3 months. Frozen portions are convenient for adding to recipes as needed.

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