Butter is one of the most commonly used culinary fats. Many people love the taste of butter and high-quality butter can be a good source of fat-soluble vitamins. However, butter is also high in saturated fat and cholesterol and it is the target of a number of dietary restrictions. Many styles of eating – including vegan and Whole30 – don’t use butter. In most cases, EVOO is the perfect substitute.

EVOO is a natural replacement for butter either in whole or in part. It can take the place of butter as a finishing touch on dishes like roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, and toast. EVOO can replace butter in sauteing recipes in a 1:1 ratio.

In most baking recipes a mild EVOO can be substituted for a portion of butter:

  • For substitutions below 2 tablespoons, use a 1:1 ratio
  • For .substitutions above 2 tablespoons, use a 4:3 ratio of butter to EVOO
    • One cup butter becomes 3/4 cup EVOO
    • 3/4 cup butter becomes 2/3 cup EVOO
    • 1/2 cup butter becomes 1/3 cup EVOO
    • 1/4 cup butter becomes 3 tablespoons EVOO

When considering this substitution,  you must look at the function butter is playing. Butter and oil both act as moistening agents but butter is also used as a structural agent. In recipes that call for creaming together butter and sugar, the air bubbles that allow butter to keep its shape provide structure to the dish. EVOO is not the best choice as a substitution in these recipes.

F. Oliver’s Petit Beurre EVOO is a perfect choice when you want to flavor of butter and the health properties of EVOO.