Dairy Products & Eggs
How long does butter last?
Butter keeps 1–2 months in the fridge and 6–9 in the freezer — the counter butter dish is a days-scale habit, not a storage plan.
How long does it keep?
| Fridge, from purchase | 1–2 months |
|---|---|
| Freezer, from purchase | 6–9 months |
Can you freeze butter? YES, FREEZE IT →
Can it sit out?
Butter is perishable — the FSIS 2-hour rule applies.
Perishable food left at room temperature for more than 2 hours should be thrown out — 1 hour if it’s 90°F or hotter (a picnic, a hot car, a summer kitchen).
How to tell if butter has gone bad
- A rancid, crayon-like smell
- A dark yellow outer layer around a pale center
- A sour or cheesy taste
When in doubt, throw it out.
Freeze sticks in their wrappers inside a zip bag — and grate frozen butter straight into pastry dough.
Quick answers
How long does butter last?
Butter keeps 1–2 months in the fridge and 6–9 in the freezer — the counter butter dish is a days-scale habit, not a storage plan.
Can you freeze butter?
Butter freezes for 6–9 months with zero drama — the rare dairy that comes back exactly as it went in.
How long can butter sit out?
The FSIS 2-hour rule applies to butter. Perishable food left at room temperature for more than 2 hours should be thrown out — 1 hour if it’s 90°F or hotter (a picnic, a hot car, a summer kitchen).