Mastering how to make brown butter in the slow cooker is a game-changer, especially if you need a larger batch with minimal effort! It’s a mostly hands-off process—just add your butter, set it on low, and let the heat do its thing. With very little effort, you’ve got perfectly browned butter, ready to use in all your favorite recipes!
Once you start using this flavorful ingredient, you’ll definitely want to check out our full collection of Brown Butter Recipes. Whether you’re in the mood for sweet or savory, we’ve got you covered!
Using the slow cooker to make this nutty, truly magnificent ingredient? Who knew? We did! It is such an easy way to elevate the taste of baked goods and savory dinners alike.
We want to make sure that you are never without this yumminess, so we worked to perfect every method with step-by-step instructions: brown butter in the microwave, brown butter on the stovetop, and brown butter in the Instant Pot.
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Why this recipe is great
- No need to fuss—this method is hands-off, aside from the occasional stir.
- It’s perfect for making big batches and even better for prepping ahead.
Ingredients
- Butter: Whether you use regular butter (salted or unsalted is up to you), but skip the margarine or butter substitutes - only real butter has the milk proteins that brown and create that rich, toasty magic.
How to make brown butter in the slow cooker
There are four simple steps to one of our favorite ingredients of all time:
- Melt: First the butter must melt completely.
- Foam: After cooking for a while it will begin to foam. This is when the excess water evaporates.
- Light brown: The foam will begin to subside, exposing milk solids that have turned a golden brown and are emitting a nutty aroma.
- Dark brown: The longer the butter cooks, the darker and more caramel-like the brown specks become. Just be careful to watch it as it will burn quickly at this point.
If you have several hours and don’t want to stand over the stove cooking, the slow cooker works as well. Place the butter in a small or medium slow cooker and cook for 3 hours on high, stirring the butter every 30 minutes.
During the second-half of the cooking time, be sure to watch the color of the butter. Once it has reached the golden-level you would like, turn off the heat and remove the crock from the appliance. An remaining heat will continue to cook the butter.
Hint: If the butter is getting past dark golden brown, carefully pour it into a heatproof bowl or jar to stop the cooking process. Be sure to get all the little brown bits.
How to store leftovers
If you have any leftovers, allow to cool in a glass jar or airtight container, then place in the refrigerator. It should remain good for up to two weeks.
Recipes that use brown butter
FAQs
Yes, this is the perfect method for making sure you have plenty on hand. The time it takes will depend on how many sticks you're using and the size of your slow cooker.
If butter is browned too long, it will burn and turn bitter. It can go from deeply golden brown to scorched quickly so keep your eye on it.
Tips & Tricks
- Set a timer so that you remember to stir it every 30 minutes.
- If it is getting too brown, carefully pour it into a heatproof container. Any heat that is left in the slow cooker insert will continue to cook the butter dolids which could result in it burning.
More slow cooker recipes
Looking for other recipes like this? Try these:
Recipe
How To Make Brown Butter In the Slow Cooker
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 sticks butter 16 tbsp
Instructions
- Place butter in a small or medium slow cooker. Cook on high for 3 hours, stirring every 30 minutes.2 sticks butter
- During second half of cooking, watch the color closely. Remove from slow cooker once it has reached the desired golden brown color.
Notes
- Set a timer so that you remember to stir it every 30 minutes.
- If it is getting too brown, carefully pour it into a heatproof container. Any heat that is left in the slow cooker insert will continue to cook the butter dolids which could result in it burning.
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 method is so easy and achieves the perfect rich nutty flavor!