We've all unwrapped those foil packets of butter—also known as pats—in restaurants and lavishly spread them over a biscuit or roll. But is a pat of butter a good serving size? How many calories are in a pat of butter? We investigate.
How Many Calories Are In a Pat of Butter, Anyway?
Updated on Feb. 22, 2023
Growing up, I thought the height of luxury was a restaurant’s basket of freshly sliced bread, and the accompanying foil packets of butter softening over a candle. I’d go through one or two (or three) of the packets, and who knows how many pieces of bread, while waiting for my entree. Sometimes, I’d wonder…how many calories in a pat of butter? I had no idea. Intrigued, I investigated and fell down a bit of an Internet rabbit hole. Here’s what I found.
Psst! Is it safe to leave butter out of the fridge?
What Is a Pat of Butter?
Generally, a pat of butter is a single portion of butter, typically served up in a foil packet, tiny plastic tub, or artfully molded and shaped into a ball or square.
What’s the best store brand butter? We did a taste test.
How Much Butter is in a Pat?
There’s no uniform size or quantity of butter provided in a pat. Most pats, however, contain between 1/3 and 1/2 tablespoons of butter. (That’s about 1 to 1.5 teaspoons.) If you wanted to make your own pats—to serve at a dinner party, say—a good size is 1″x1″ square, and about 1/3″ thick. If your recipe calls for a “pat,” that generally means it’s a flexible measurement, and you can add to taste.
So, How Many Calories Are in a Pat of Butter?
- 1 teaspoon of butter is about 34 calories
- 1.5 teaspoons is 51 calories
Generally, pats will be on the small side of that spectrum.
Salted vs. unsalted butter…does it matter?
Why Is It Called a “Pat”?
Restaurants used to press butter into wooden molds to press it into unique shapes, like flowers, before serving on a plate with bread. The cook would “pat” the butter into the mold, and the name stuck. (Fun fact: grocery stores used to sell butter from a large bulk block, which was commonly pressed with a decorative design. Molded butter was also a popular tabletop decoration for many holidays.)
Craving Butter? These Recipes Are For You
Wisconsin Butter BurgersIt’s no secret that Wisconsinites love their dairy—so much that they sometimes top their burgers with a generous pat of butter.
My recipe is a lot like the butter burgers you’ll find in popular restaurants all over the state. —Becky Carver, North Royalton, Ohio
Herb-Buttered Baby CarrotsThe herb butter can be used for everything from vegetables to roast chicken, turkey, game hens—let your imagination be your guide.—Sandra Corey, Caldwell, Idaho
Dreamy PolentaI grew up eating polenta, so it’s a must at my holiday gatherings. Traditional recipes require constant stirring, but using my handy slow cooker allows me to turn my attention to the lineup of other foods on my spread. —Ann Voccola, Milford, Connecticut
Layered Yellow Cake with Chocolate ButtercreamThis yellow cake will become your go-to recipe for birthdays, but the tender cake with flavorful chocolate buttercream is truly perfect for any occasion. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Lemon Popovers with Pecan Honey ButterMy mom passed this recipe down to me many years ago. We love the delicate lemon flavor with the pecan honey butter. The popovers are a nice addition to any dinner, but they're especially delicious at breakfast with a bowl of fruit and yogurt. —Joan Hallford, North Richland Hills, Texas
Buttery Herb Roasted ChickenRoasting chicken is always such a comforting thing, especially when you can pick the herbs right from your garden and pair them with some fresh citrus to smear across the bird! My family can't get enough of this herb-roasted chicken recipe. —Jenn Tidwell, Fair Oaks, California
Easy BiscuitsWhip up this buttery, easy biscuit recipe to serve with breakfast or dinner. The dough is very simple to work with, so there's no need to roll with a rolling pin; just pat to the right thickness. — Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Kentucky Butter CakeLook no further than Kentucky butter cake for a fluffy, buttery cake with an excellent crumb and a vanilla-almond butter sauce that permeates every bite.
Original Brown Butter Refrigerator CookiesI especially like these cookies because they’re quick and easy to prepare. I can mix them up in a few minutes and pop them into the refrigerator or freezer until I’m ready to bake. These cookies won Country Woman’s first-ever recipe contest back in December 1970. —Ione Diekfuss, Muskego, Wisconsin
Oma’s Apfelkuchen (Grandma’s Apple Cake)My husband’s German family calls this Oma’s apfelkuchen, which translates to "Grandma’s apple cake." They’ve been sharing the recipe for more than 150 years. I use Granny Smith apples, but any variety works. —Amy Kirchen, Loveland, Ohio
Grilled Veggies with Caper ButterWe enjoy the tart, peppery taste of capers. No one likes a bland veggie, and caper butter helps peppers, squash and zucchini shine. —Danyelle Crum, Indian Trail, North Carolina
Aunt Rose’s Fantastic Butter ToffeeElevate your homemade candy game with this easy butter toffee recipe—wonderful for gifting, sharing or indulging in a sweet, crunchy treat.
Blood Orange Caramel Tarte TatinI never had blood oranges until I moved to California. Their growing season is pretty short, so I use them in everything I possibly can. Whenever I have something to go to, my friends demand that I bring this dessert. The sweet orange flavor pairs perfectly with brown sugar and looks so lovely. —Pamela Butkowski, Hermosa Beach, California
Browned Butter Red PotatoesI've been making my version of Dad's potatoes for years, and it goes great with any meal. Browning the butter gives the potatoes a whole new taste. —Anne Pavelak, Endicott, Washington
French Butter CookiesThe Brittany region of France is known for its use of butter. These French butter cookies, also known as sable Breton, shine the spotlight on the famous ingredient. This recipe is mildly sweet, rich, crisp and has a hint of salt. You won't be able to resist having a second—or third. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Classic Butter Pie PastryThe best pies start with the best crusts. Learn how to make a pie crust recipe from scratch using these step-by-step instructions.
Buttery-Onion Corn on the CobMy mother has been making this oven-roasted corn on the cob recipe for years. Every time I make it for company they rave and can't believe how easy it is! —Lisa Denson, Decatur, Alabama
Buttery Whiskey-Glazed Pearl OnionsI always have pearl onions on hand to add to stews and vegetable dishes—they're great pickled too. Every Thanksgiving, I make this glazed onion dish. It can easily be made ahead and reheated. —Ann Sheehy, Lawrence, Massachusetts
Holland Butter CookiesMy great-grandmother's Holland butter cookies have been passed down in my family from generation to generation. This recipe uses only five ingredients that are usually already in the house. For different holidays, I swap the almonds for cherries, walnuts or ginger. —Tineke De Rosa, Blairstown, New Jersey
Buttery Mashed PotatoesThese creamy, buttery mashed potatoes use simple ingredients. The tricks are to use Yukon Gold potatoes and then to warm the cream and butter before adding them to the potatoes. —Rashanda Cobbins, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Spiced Grilled Chicken with Cilantro Lime ButterThis grilled chicken gets a lovely pop of color and flavor from the lime butter—don't skip it! —Diane Halferty, Corpus Christi, Texas
Carrots LyonnaiseThis recipe from a junior high home economics class was brought home by my sister Laurie. My family liked it so much that it became a part of our Christmas dinner tradition. — Elizabeth Plants, Kirkwood, Missouri
Crescent RollsAll the right words describe homemade crescent rolls: buttery, flaky, easy and tasty. One bite, and you'll never buy canned dough again.
Tender Pecan LogsFolks always ask me to make these tender nutty logs. Not overly sweet, they're just right with a steaming cup of coffee or tea. —Joyce Beck, Gadsden, Alabama
Cheesy Mashed PotatoesForget everything else you know about mashed potatoes. These creamy, rich, cheesy mashed potatoes are the ultimate decadent side dish for get-togethers and gatherings.
Gooey Butter CookiesAs a native of St. Louis, I wanted to make a cookie version of the famous gooey butter cake. And although many gooey butter cake recipes use a cake mix, these cookies are made from scratch. —Julia TenHoeve, Richmond, Virginia
Dutch LettersGolden, flaky and filled with luscious almond paste, these S-shaped Dutch letters are a hit pastry in Iowa and Holland during Christmas season. Our simple 10-ingredient recipe teaches you how to master the art of this popular Dutch treat.
Cast-Iron Loaded Breakfast BiscuitsThese loaded breakfast biscuits are full of hearty breakfast ingredients like eggs, bacon, mushrooms and cheese! They are perfect to bake up on the weekends, then freeze for a quick weekday breakfast. A gluten-free flour blend can be substituted for the all-purpose flour. —Courtney Stultz, Weir, Kansas
Cauliflower GratinCauliflower gratin is a lower-carb side dish that pairs well with pork, ham or beef. It's so creamy and delicious that even the kids will ask for seconds! If you like a little crunch, sprinkle buttered bread crumbs over the top after 30 minutes of baking. — Mary Zinchiak, Boardman, Ohio
Maple Butter TwistsMy stepmother gave me the recipe for a delicious yeast coffee cake shaped into pretty rings. When I make it for friends, they always ask for seconds. —June Gilliland, Hope, Indiana
Butter-Dipped Biscuit SquaresThese are the easiest and best biscuits I've ever made. They're light and buttery and they go well with virtually any meal. —Rebekah DeWitt, Star City, Arkansas
SuccotashThis succotash recipe has everything that makes Southern cooking irresistible: ham hocks, beans, vegetables and herbs. It's easily customizable too, so you can add pretty much anything from your vegetable garden.
Buttery Bubble BreadHomemade bread can be time-consuming, difficult and tricky to make. But this fun-to-eat monkey bread, baked in a fluted tube pan, is easy and almost foolproof. If I'm serving it for breakfast, I add some cinnamon and drizzle it with icing. —Pat Stevens, Granbury, Texas
Pumpkin Waffles with Orange Walnut ButterThis is so delicious! Bring a flourish to the breakfast table with these unique and flavorful waffle. —Brandi Davis, Pullman, Washington
Lemon BarsThese delightful lemon bars have a wonderful tangy flavor, and they're always a hit. As a bonus, the color and shape make them a nice addition to a dessert platter.
Grilled Corn in HusksIf you're new to grilling corn in the husk, season the ears with butter, Parmesan cheese and parsley. It's especially good! Be sure to give the corn a long soak before putting it on the grill. Hot off the grate, the kernels are moist and tender with a wonderful, sweet flavor. —Nancy Zimmerman, Cape May Court House, New Jersey
CornbreadGolden squares of buttery cornbread pair perfectly with any comfort meal. This cornbread is crisp on the outside with a soft, crumbly interior.
Grilled ShrimpThese buttery grilled shrimp are so good you'll want to eat them all summer long! Learn how to grill shrimp as an easy appetizer or topping for salads, grain bowls and more.
Buttery Spritz CookiesSpritz cookies are perfect for holiday cookie trays, or for any time during the year when you want a soft and delightful treat!
Buttery Radish BaguetteMy dad and brother are crazy for radishes, and this peppery baguette appetizer is a big-time favorite. Add a sprinkle of fresh dill or parsley on top. —Kathy Hewitt, Cranston, Rhode Island
Bread Pudding with NutmegI always make this bread pudding recipe for my dad on his birthday and on holidays. He says it tastes exactly like the bread pudding with nutmeg he enjoyed as a child. —Donna Powell, Montgomery City, Missouri
Chocolate EclairsWith creamy filling and fudgy frosting, this chocolate eclair recipe is extra special. —Jessica Campbell, Viola, Wisconsin
Sweet Potato CasseroleBring back memories of Thanksgivings past with this sweet potato casserole with marshmallows. The classic fall spices give it an almost dessert-like quality.
Hot Buttered Cider MixPut the butter base for this beverage in a decorative jar and attach a copy of the recipe for a great gift from your kitchen. You can omit the brandy for a kid-friendly version. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Thumbprint CookiesButtery and not-too-sweet thumbprint cookies filled with fruit preserves make for a refreshing little bite any time of day.
ShortbreadI live in Missouri, but many of our family recipes come from New Zealand, where I lived as a youngster. I proudly claim a Down Under heritage! These special-occasion cookies bring back warm and sweet memories of my childhood, and I'm going to make sure they're passed on to the next generation in my family—no matter where they live. —A. Swenson, Camdenton, Missouri
Roasted Potatoes with Garlic ButterA platter of golden and orange potatoes can serve double duty as your dinner centerpiece. —Elizabeth Kelley, Chicago, Illinois
Baked Potato SoupThis baked potato soup recipe tastes just like a loaded baked potato but in soup form! Bowls of the cozy soup are served with sprinkles of cheddar cheese and smoky bacon.
Brown Sugar Pound CakeThis tender pound cake is the first one I mastered. You'll want to eat the browned butter icing by the spoonful. It tastes like pralines. —Shawn Barto, Winter Garden, Florida
Cashew CookiesSome merry dairy snacking is guaranteed when you pass out these cashew-packed goodies! I found the recipe years ago in a flier promoting dairy products. It's been this farm wife's standby ever since. —June Lindquist, Hammond, Wisconsin
Butter SteakThis garlic butter steak recipe is the restaurant-quality steak you've been looking for. The pan-seared steak is deliciously rich and garlicky, and the butter makes it oh, so tender—even if you use a budget cut like top sirloin or flat iron steak.
Lemon Butter CookiesThese tender cutout cookies have a slight lemon flavor that makes them stand out from the rest. They're very easy to roll out compared to other sugar cookies I've worked with. I know you'll enjoy them as much as we do. —Judy McCreight, Springfield, Illinois
Garlic Butter ShrimpAromatics and lemon lend pleasant flavor to this garlic butter shrimp recipe. I like to serve it over wild rice mix from a box. —Sheryll Hughes-Smith, Brandon, Mississippi
Swedish Butter CookiesIt's impossible to eat just one of these Swedish cookies. Naturally, they're a favorite with my Swedish husband and children—but anyone with a sweet tooth will appreciate this treat. My recipe is "well-traveled" among our friends and neighbors. —Sue Soderland, Elgin, Illinois
Yellow Cake RecipeA yellow cake recipe is a staple for any home baker. This recipe comes complete with chocolate buttercream frosting to make the ultimate birthday celebration treat.
Stollen Butter RollsMy family members enjoy my stollen so much and say it’s just too good to be served only on holidays. I created this buttery, less-sweet dinner roll version. —Mindy White, Nashville, Tennessee
Grilled CabbageIf you're only eating cabbage in coleslaw, you're missing out! Grilled cabbage is the secret to transforming the crunchy leaves into sweet, tender bites. Here's how to grill cabbage so it turns out perfect, every time.
Frosted Butter Rum Brickle BitesThe rum, real butter and toffee bits made these cookies my husband’s new favorite. If you’d like them less sweet, skip the frosting and sprinkle the cookies with confectioners’ sugar while still warm. —Cindy Nerat, Menominee, Michigan
Cranberry Christmas CakeCranberry Christmas cake is a one-bowl recipe that yields a pretty and pleasing dessert. Whole ruby-red cranberries are folded into the batter, where they will burst open when baking, creating gorgeous red swirls with tangy flavor.
Swiss Cheese BreadThis bread will receive rave reviews, whether you serve it as an appetizer or with a meal. For real convenience, you can make it ahead of time and freeze it! —Karla Boice, Mahtomedi, Minnesota
Amish Sugar CookiesThe Amish seem to be master bakers, and they did not skimp on Amish sugar cookies.
Browned Butter Red PotatoesI've been making my version of Dad's potatoes for years, and it goes great with any meal. Browning the butter gives the potatoes a whole new taste. —Anne Pavelak, Endicott, Washington
Butter Pecan FudgeThis butter pecan fudge recipe is one you'll return to again and again. It is delicious and relatively easy to make.
Classic Chocolate CakeIf you need to learn how to make chocolate cake from scratch, this easy homemade chocolate cake recipe is a perfect place to start. It appeared on a can of Hershey's cocoa way back in 1943. I tried it, my boys liked it, and I've been making it ever since. —Betty Follas, Morgan Hill, California
Icebox RollsI remember my mom making these rolls almost every Saturday so they'd be ready to bake on Sunday for company or someone just dropping by. Although they take a little time to prepare, they're really not all that difficult to make. And there's nothing in the stores that can compare to them! —Jean Fox, Welch, Minnesota
Mimosa Butter CookiesYou can add many different flavors to butter cookies to make them your own. Try an alternate type of citrus zest, or add an alternate liquid to change things up. —Sara Lark, Raton, New Mexico
Chicken in Lime Butter"A few ordinary, on-hand ingredients make this moist and tender chicken something really extraordinary! The flavor added by the rich, buttery sauce with a splash of lime juice is unmatched. It’s been a hands-down winner at our house for 20 some years," says Denise Segura of Draper, Utah.
Pecan Butter TartsI searched for the perfect butter tart for ages. After many attempts, I discovered this favorite that begs for a scoop of ice cream on top. —Susan Kieboam, Streetsboro, Ohio
Double DelightsYou get the best of both worlds with these chocolate and vanilla cookies. They're an appealing addition to any cookie tray. I usually serve them at the holidays, when they're often the first cookies to disappear, but you can have them any time of year. —Ruth Ann Stelfox, Raymond, Alberta
Pecan CobblerOn those days when you can't decide between cobbler and pie, try this pecan cobbler recipe for the best of both worlds. It's gooey and delicious!
Cheddar Buttermilk BiscuitsEvery bite of these flaky biscuits get a little kick from cayenne pepper and sharp cheddar cheese. They're a nice accompaniment to soup and stew.
—Kimberley Nuttall, San Marco, California
Pound CakeOur rich and sweet pound cake recipe is made with all the basics—butter, sugar, eggs, vanilla and flour—for a perfect, tender crumb and rich flavor. Serve it with berries and whipped cream, or enjoy a slice on its own.
Italian Butter CookiesButtery soft with a sweet chocolate tip, these Italian butter cookies are a surefire way to impress your guests. Make them ahead of time (they freeze exceptionally well), or fresh in just a few hours; either way, you'll have a simple yet tasty treat to satisfy your sweet tooth.
Lemon-Butter Brussels SproutsKick up these stovetop lemon Brussels sprouts with fresh lemon zest. Even my toddler will eat this up! — Jenn Tidwell, Fair Oaks, California
Overnight Cinnamon RollsThe wait may seem hard, but these overnight cinnamon rolls are worth it. Made with a moisture-rich dough and packed with cinnamon goodness, it is the perfect addition to your weekend brunch spread. Serve them piping hot with the decadent glaze dripping down the edges.
Garlic BreadA basket of garlic bread makes any meal feel like a special occasion. Here's how to make a quick and easy homemade loaf.
Beer and Pretzel CaramelsBeer and pretzels are a natural combination—mix them with smooth caramel and you have an awesome candy. The guys will go wild over these crunchy, chunky chews. —Jenni Sharp, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Pumpkin CookiesWhen you're craving a dose of sweet fall flavor, these pumpkin cookies with cream cheese frosting are bound to hit the spot.
Old-Time Butter Crunch CandyBoth my children and my grandchildren say the season wouldn't be the same without the big tray of candies and cookies I prepare. This one's the most popular part of that collection. We love the nutty pieces draped in chocolate. —Mildred Duffy, Bella Vista, Arkansas
Butter Pecan CakeThis irresistible butter pecan cake features multiple layers, plenty of toasted buttery pecan crunch and a thick layer of buttercream frosting. In a word, it's delicious. Serve with a scoop of vanilla or maple ice cream to complement this decadent southern dessert.
Loaded Smashed PotatoesIf mashed potatoes are a must at your family Thanksgiving, then why not go all out with the works? I love garlic, onions and bacon, and this dish has all three! —Kathy Harding, Richmond, Missouri
Snowball CookiesI love making these buttery, nutty cookies during the holidays. This snowball cookies recipe (also called pecan meltaways) is simple enough to make ahead and freeze, too!
Browned Butter Spice CookiesIf you like spice cake, you’ll love this recipe! Browned butter, dark chocolate and a splash of rum produce an unconventional spice cookie that’s guaranteed to please. —Kristin Kenney, Newport Beach, California
Icebox ButterhornsThese beautiful golden rolls just melt in your mouth! People will be impressed when these appear on your table. —Judy Clark, Elkhart, Indiana
Coffee CakeOur coffee cake recipe turns coffee-o-clock into a true treat!
Heart-Shaped CookiesThe delicate texture and rich flavor of these heart-shaped cookies make them extra special. As with any cutout cookie, baking them takes a few extra steps, but they're worth it.
Chicken PotpieLearning how to make chicken potpie from scratch is 100% worth it. This chicken potpie recipe features a flaky, buttery crust packed with chicken, vegetables and a creamy sauce.
Monkey Bread with Frozen Bread DoughOur sticky, sweet, warm, pull-apart monkey bread with frozen bread dough takes less than an hour to make. Breakfast, movie night and potlucks will never be the same.
Corn MuffinsThis basic corn muffin recipe has accompanying directions for a sweet honey butter that can be slathered on top, which is especially delicious when the muffins are still warm.
