The Absolute Best Way To Enjoy Irish Butter

Have you discovered the rich, creamy mouth feel of Irish butter? If not, you're in for a treat. Being a European type of butter, it has more butterfat than the domestic alternatives you might be used to but that's also one of the things that makes it so delectable. When comparing Irish butter to regular butter, there are some notable differences. Beyond the creaminess, the color is also a deeper, richer yellow.

Irish butter also has a bit of twang to the taste, which might seem odd, but this actually improves the flavor for many eaters. The extra tastiness comes from the diet of cows on the Emerald Isle, as noted on the Kerrygold website. Since they are primarily grass-fed, the milk these cows produce is the key to making outstanding Irish butter products.

One of the drawbacks to enjoying Irish butter is the cost. Compared to other well-known butter brands, the cost can be 40 to 50% more, even at discount supermarkets. That's why it's important to savor it and find the very best way to enjoy this palatable delight.

Once you fall in love with Irish butter, you might be tempted to incorporate it into everything. Both baking and stovetop cooking often require butter as an ingredient, after all. Considering the extra cost of the Irish variety, though, is it a good idea?

While all brands of Irish butter can be used for baking, it's best to steer clear unless a recipe specifically calls for it. The reason is that European-style butter has less water and can make even butter-intense recipes like shortbread turn out too greasy, as noted by King Arthur Baking. Also, in instances where the butter essence is overpowered by other stronger flavors like spices or chocolate, it might not make enough of a difference to warrant the extra expense when baking cakes and cookies.

Instead, saving the Irish butter for a nice piece of artisan bread, a bit of baguette, or a freshly baked biscuit might be a better option so you can really appreciate the distinctive taste. It's also good for a finishing touch in cooking like buttering vegetables. And yes, you can splurge when making scampi if you like. Just make sure you're not burying all that costly goodness in something where it won't really be enjoyed to its fullest.