Why Mixing Butter and Olive Oil Is a Great Cooking Hack

Butter and olive oil are both beloved staples in the kitchen, each bringing its own unique flavor and cooking properties. But can you mix the two when cooking, and is there a benefit to doing so?

Why Mix Butter and Olive Oil?

Mixing butter and olive oil can be a fantastic choice for both flavor and practicality. Here’s why. Butter has a rich, creamy taste that’s perfect for adding depth to dishes like sauces, sautéed vegetables, or pan-seared meats. Olive oil, on the other hand, has a more delicate, fruity taste, especially if you’re using extra virgin olive oil. Combining the two allows you to enjoy the best of both worlds—a buttery richness with a hint of olive oil’s freshness.

One of the practical reasons for mixing butter with olive oil is to raise the smoke point of the butter. Butter alone has a relatively low smoke point (around 150°C or 302°F) due to its milk solids, which can burn easily. Olive oil, especially refined versions, has a higher smoke point (up to 220°C or 428°F). When combined, the olive oil helps prevent the butter from burning too quickly, making it easier to cook at slightly higher temperatures.

The combination of butter’s creaminess with olive oil’s liquid texture can help create smoother sauces and give sautéed dishes a beautifully balanced mouthfeel. It’s a great option when you want to add richness without using too much butter.

How to Mix Butter and Olive Oil for Cooking

Mixing butter and olive oil is easy, but it’s important to get the proportions right for the best results:

For Sautéing and Pan-Frying

When sautéing or pan-frying, use a ratio of 1:1 or 2:1 (olive oil to butter). Heat the olive oil first, then add the butter once the oil is warm. This way, the butter melts evenly without burning.

For Baking

You can use a mixture of butter and olive oil in baking for a softer texture, such as in cakes or muffins. Typically, you’ll replace a portion of the butter with olive oil. For example, if a recipe calls for 1 cup of butter, you might use ½ cup of butter and ¼ cup of olive oil.

For Sauces

Mixing butter and olive oil is perfect for finishing sauces, like drizzling over pasta or vegetables. Heat them together gently until the butter melts, then pour over your dish for a luscious finish.

When Not to Mix Butter and Olive Oil

While the combination is generally beneficial, there are a few instances where it might not be ideal:

• Although olive oil raises the smoke point of butter slightly, it’s not always suitable for very high-heat methods like deep frying. In such cases, a pure high-smoke-point oil, like vegetable or grapeseed oil, might be a better choice.
  
• Some dishes benefit from the distinctive flavor of pure butter or extra virgin olive oil on their own. For example, in a delicate pastry or a traditional olive oil cake, you might prefer to stick to a single fat to maintain the recipe’s authentic taste.