Although it’s not the healthiest, butter is one of the most delicious and popular ways to add some flavor to many dishes. But when the butter’s gone, you’re left with paper or foil that has to be disposed of, and quite frankly, it feels like such a waste, particularly for those who try to live sustainably. But here are ten creative ways to repurpose an old butter wrapper you’ve likely never thought of.
1. A Butter Wrapper Divider

Like store-bought sliced cheese, butter wrappers can separate food like cookies, bagels, or frozen meat patties. Plus, you can start cutting cheese slices at home, which could also help you save money.
Read More: Mayo vs Butter: Which Makes a Better Grilled Cheese?
2. A Butter Wrapper Prevents Splashing

You can repurpose butter wrappers by placing them on top of a dish for the microwave, preventing splashes.
3. A Butter Wrapper as a Substitute

Butter wrappers are a perfect replacement for cupcake or muffin papers as they have butter residue that will work as a non-sticking agent. First, rub the leftover butter on the tin, flip the butter wrapper up, then place it in the tin. Next, fill each wrapper as usual and bake! This method doesn’t just repurpose butter wrappers. It also will help add a “subtle buttery flavor” to your cupcakes and muffins.
4. A Butter Wrapper for Homemade Treats

Many people prefer to make candies and caramel at home and a butter wrapper is a great alternative to plastic wrap or parchment paper. Create the candies as you normally would then the butter wrappers to fit the size and shape of each individually wrapped candy. This method is ideal for truffles and caramels but may also work for hard candies.
5. Use Them for Leftovers

Butter wrappers also make a great alternative to plastic wraps and bags. They can be used to wrap food items like sandwiches or to cover bowls or containers without lids.
6. Use them for Homemade Dough

Like sandwiches and leftovers, homemade dough needs to be wrapped. However, a butter wrapper in place of plastic wrap will prevent sticking and is an eco-friendly alternative to plastic wrap. Furthermore, you can wrap already baked loaves to prevent them from drying out.
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7. Use the Residue on a Butter Wrapper

The butter residue left on the wrappers is a great tool for flavoring food and preventing it from sticking to pans. In place of cooking spray, wipe pots and pans with the buttery side of the wrapper. Additionally, the residue can be spread on corn cobs and other vegetables.
8. Make Cutting Easier

Unsurprisingly, a butter wrapper can also be used to grease knives, facilitating perfectly cut, otherwise sticky, foods. Some examples include fruits like dates or apricots, and gooey baked goods like cake.
9. Greasing more than Pans or Knives

Butter wrappers can also be used to grease measuring cups before using sticky ingredients like peanut butter or honey. Not only will this ensure the measurements are more accurate but it will also make the clean-up process much easier.
10. Perfectly Baked Potatoes

Baked potatoes are a delicious addition to many meals but can be time and energy-consuming. Fortunately, a butter wrapper can aid. Poke some holes in the potato and cover it, as thoroughly as possible with the buttery side facing the potato. Cook for about 5 minutes. Next, flip it and cook again for the same timeframe, ensuring even cooking. Check that it’s cooked thoroughly with a knife or fork. If not, repeat the process for a couple more minutes. Allow the potato to cool before unwrapping to prevent injuries or burns. You may be astounded by the perfectly cooked and buttery microwave-baked potato.
Butter Wrappers are Versatile

Saving money and living sustainably are just 2 of the many great reasons to find ways to repurpose everyday items, and butter wrappers have so much versatility the possibilities are seemingly endless.
Read More: Which Is Better: Butter Or Margarine?
Sources
- “14 Things To Do With Butter Wrappers Besides Put Them In The Trash.” Yahoo Life. Catherine Brookes. May 24, 2024.
- “6 Ways to Reuse Your Butter Wrappers.” ToH. Nancy Mock. November 18, 2023.