List of butter dishes

Butter dishes are specific types of dishware designed to serve or store butter. They come in various designs and materials, including ceramic, glass, plastic, and metal. Butter dishes are an essential part of many kitchenware collections and are often used in both formal and casual dining settings.

Types of Butter Dishes

Covered Butter Dishes

Covered butter dishes are the most common type of butter dish. They consist of a base, which holds the butter, and a lid, which covers the butter when it's not in use. The lid helps to keep the butter fresh and prevent it from absorbing odors from other foods.

Butter Bells or French Butter Dishes

Butter bells, also known as French butter dishes or beurrier, have a two-part design. The base is filled with water, and the butter is packed into the lid, which is then inverted and placed into the base. The water creates a seal that keeps air (and thus, odors) away from the butter, and also helps to keep the butter at a spreadable consistency.

Butter Boats

Butter boats are a type of butter dish that uses water to keep butter at the perfect spreading consistency. The butter is stored in a small, boat-shaped dish that sits inside a larger dish filled with water.

History of Butter Dishes

The use of butter dishes can be traced back to the 19th century when butter production became more widespread thanks to the invention of the butter churn. Butter dishes were originally made from pottery but as time went on, they were made from a variety of materials including silver and glass.

Cultural Significance

In many cultures, the butter dish is more than just a practical kitchen item. For example, in French cuisine, the butter dish is an important part of the dining table setup. In American culture, a butter dish is often included in the traditional Thanksgiving table setting.

See Also

• List of dishware
• Butter
• French cuisine
• American cuisine

This is a non-exhaustive food and drink related list.