Learning How To Brown Butter in the Microwave is a quick and easy way to get that rich, nutty flavor in just 5 minutes! It’s perfect for any recipe that calls for brown butter, and we’ve got all the tips to help you get the exact level of flavor you want—plus the visual cues to know when it’s just right.
Not sure how to use this magic ingredient? We got you! We love Brown Butter Recipes so much that we put together a whole guide packed with amazing ideas that’ll have you making it again and again!
We’ve spent decades using brown butter to flavor everything from chocolate chip cookies to classic rice pilaf, so trust us—we’ve tried every method to make it. When we just need a small batch or it’s too hot to stand over the stove, the microwave is our go-to!
The next time you find yourself in need of brown butter, for either sweet of savory recipes, see our tutorials:
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Why use the microwave to brown butter
- It’s a super quick method—think 5 minutes or less—and mostly hands-off!
- It’s almost mess-free and doesn’t heat up your kitchen, which is a lifesaver when you don’t want to add extra warmth.
Ingredient
- Butter: You can use salted or unsalted butter—totally up to you! Just make sure to use regular butter sticks, not whipped butter. And definitely no margarine or butter-like spreads—the real deal is a must.
How to make brown butter in the microwave
No matter which method you use to get your butter all nutty and toasted, there will be the same four stages. Each one is a visual cue that should help you know where you are in the process.
- Melted: Allow the butter to melt completely.
- Foaming: Once it is melted, it will continue to cook for a few minutes, and then it will begin to foam.
- Light brown: As the foam begins to fade, light golden milk solids will begin to bubble up through the foam. It should have a nutty aroma at this point.
- Dark brown: As the foam clears, the solids will darken into brown specks the longer it cooks. It should be very fragrant and deeply golden, but it should not smell burnt.
If you need your butter in a jiffy, your best bet may be the microwave.
Fair warning, while this method is pretty low on the messy scale, things can get messy if you’re not careful. Use a large microwave-safe container (clear glass is best so you can see the color). And I mean large—bigger than you think you need! As it foams it will spill over the container if it is not big enough.
Cover it with a plate and microwave on high for 4-8 minutes, stopping every 30 seconds to swirl and check the color. Microwave times can vary a lot, so keep a close eye on it. Once it hits that perfect golden brown shade, take it out and get ready for some serious flavor
Hint:
What should brown butter look like?
Brown butter should look like melted butter with tiny toasted bits floating in it. The color can range from light golden brown to deep, dark brown—totally depends on how much flavor you’re going for. Lighter means a more subtle, buttery taste, while darker gives you a bold, nutty punch!
What to make with microwave brown butter
FAQs
Unless you’ve got a really big bowl, I wouldn’t recommend it. As the butter heats up, it foams and expands - a lot. Adding more sticks means the chance of it overflowing is almost guaranteed.
If stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, already browned butter can last for up to two weeks. Before using gently warm it or allow it to come to room temperature.
Tips & Tricks
- Use an extra-large, microwave-safe bowl. A glass bowl or measuring cup is ideal, as it allows you to see the color of the butter as it toasts.
- Keep a careful eye on it, especially once it begins to foam. Not long after it will begin to brown.
More butter recipes
Looking for other recipes like this? Try these:
Recipe
How To Brown Butter In the Microwave
Equipment
- large glass measuring cup or microwave-safe container
Ingredients
- 2 sticks butter 16 tablespoons
Instructions
- Place butter in a large microwave-safe container (clear glass is best). Cover with a plate and microwave on high for 4-8 minutes, pausing to swirl and check color every 30 seconds. Butter will splatter and pop.2 sticks butter
- Time varies depending on your microwave. Watch the color carefully and remove from the microwave once desired golden brown color.
Notes
- Use an extra-large, microwave-safe bowl. A glass bowl or measuring cup is ideal, as it allows you to see the color of the butter as it toasts.
- Keep a careful eye on it, especially once it begins to foam. Not long after it will begin to brown.
Add Your Own Notes
Nutrition
All nutrition information is provided by a third party and is an estimate only. Use your own nutritional calculator for more specific measurements.
Misty says
This is such an easy method. It only takes 5 minutes!