How much is 1 pat of butter?

What is a pat of butter?

A pat of butter is a small, rectangular-shaped amount of butter, typically used for spreading on bread or melting on top of cooked foods. A pat is not a standard unit of measurement, but it generally refers to about 1 tablespoon or half an ounce (14 grams) of butter. The size and shape of a pat can vary depending on factors like the brand and type of butter and the utensil used to form the pat.

Typical weight of 1 pat of butter

On average, one pat of butter weighs:

• 1 tablespoon (14 grams)
• 1/2 ounce (14 grams)
• 0.5 ounces (14 grams)

So a single pat of butter is generally around 14 grams or 0.5 ounces in weight. This is just a rough guideline though, as the exact weight can vary.

Factors that affect pat size

Several factors impact the size and weight of a pat of butter:

Type of butter

• Salted vs. unsalted: Salted butter tends to be wetter, so pats spread more.
• Butter vs. margarine: Margarine is softer, so pats spread easier.
• Cultured/European-style: Denser texture produces smaller pats.
• Whipped butter: Air adds volume for larger pats.

Butter temperature

Warmer butter is softer and spreads more easily into larger pats. Colder, firmer butter holds its shape in more compact pats.

Utensil used

The tool used to form butter pats impacts size:

• Smaller butter knife: Makes smaller, thinner pats.
• Bigger serving spoon: Scoops larger amounts.
• Ice cream scoop: Creates uniform, round pats.
• Measuring spoon: Accurate 1-tablespoon pats.

Personal habit

Some people spread thinner, wider pats while others shape thicker, narrower portions. Personal buttering habits influence pat shapes.

How to measure a pat of butter accurately

For consistent pats or to know exactly how much a pat weighs, use these methods:

Kitchen scale

A food scale provides the most precise measurement of pat weight. To measure:

1. Set bowl on scale and press “tare” to reset to 0.
2. Scoop or cut a pat of butter into the bowl.
3. The display will show the weight in grams or ounces.

Measuring spoons

A 1-tablespoon (14 gram) butter paddle or spoon will accurately portion individual pats. Level off the butter flush with the spoon.

Visual comparison

With practice, you can train your eye to sculpt uniform pats of about 1 tablespoon visually. Compare to a known 1-tablespoon sample.

Common equivalents for 1 pat of butter

To put the size of a pat into context, here are some common equivalents:

• 1 level tablespoon
• 1⁄2 fluid ounce
• 3 teaspoons
• 1⁄2 ounce by weight
• 14 grams
• 1⁄8 stick of butter (using standard 1⁄2 cup sticks)
• 48 calories
• 5.2 grams fat

So a single pat of butter contains just under 50 calories and over 5 grams of fat.

Number of pats in a pound of butter

One pound of butter contains about 32 pats (at 1 tablespoon/14 grams each).

To show this another way:

Butter Unit	Tablespoons	Pats (at 1 Tbsp each)
1 pound	32 Tbsp	32 pats
1 cup	16 Tbsp	16 pats
1/2 cup (1 stick)	8 Tbsp	8 pats
1/4 cup	4 Tbsp	4 pats
2 Tbsp	2 Tbsp	2 pats
1 Tbsp	1 Tbsp	1 pat

So a full pound of butter would be equivalent to about 32 individual 1-tablespoon pats.

Tips for portioning butter into pats

To easily portion butter into uniform pats:

• Let refrigerated butter soften slightly for easy spreading (but not melting).
• Use butter paddles or spoons for shaping consistent pats.
• Create a visual template with another known 1-tablespoon sample.
• Work quickly before butter warms and changes shape.
• Shape all pats in same direction for uniformity.
• Refrigerate pats on a covered dish until firm again.

With practice and the right tools, you can learn to eyeball a 1-tablespoon pat of butter reliably.

When to use pats of butter

Individual butter pats can be useful for:

• Serving at the table with bread or rolls.
• Topping hot vegetables, pasta, mashed potatoes, etc.
• Greasing pans for cooking or baking.
• Measuring out small amounts of butter for recipes.
• Freezing measured portions to use later.

Pats make it easy to quickly portion a small amount of butter without rewrapping the whole block each time.

Nutrition facts for 1 pat of butter

Here are the basic nutrition facts for a 1-tablespoon (14 gram) pat of regular salted butter:

• Calories: 48
• Fat: 5.2g
• Saturated fat: 3.3g
• Carbohydrates: 0g
• Protein: 0g
• Sodium: 75mg

So each individual pat contains just under 50 calories and over 5 grams of fat, most of which is saturated. Butter gets the majority of its calories from fat.

Nutrition can vary slightly by butter type, but this gives a general idea of the nutrients in one pat.

Cost per pat of butter

To determine the cost per pat:

1. Check the price per pound of butter.
2. Calculate total pats per pound: About 32 pats per pound.
3. Divide price per pound by 32 pats.

For example, if butter costs $4 per pound:

• $4 per pound ÷ 32 pats per pound = $0.125 (12.5 cents) per pat

So each individual 1-tablespoon pat costs around 13 cents if butter is $4/lb.

The cost per pat can help you determine whether small pat portions make sense for your needs and budget. Buying and portioning bulk butter into pats typically costs less per serving compared to buying individually wrapped pats or tubs.

Common ways to use a pat of butter

Here are some of the most popular ways to use a pat of butter:

On toast or bread

A pat of butter spread over toast, biscuits, rolls, muffins, etc. adds rich flavor. Melted butter seeps into all the nooks and crannies.

To top hot vegetables

Drizzle melted pats of butter over hot cooked veggies like green beans, broccoli, carrots, corn, etc. The butter sauces the vegetables.

In mashed potatoes

For creamy, smooth mashed potatoes, mix in pats of butter after mashing. Butter boosts flavor and richness.

On pancakes or waffles

Let pats of butter melt over stacks of fluffy pancakes or crisp waffles for a breakfast treat.

To grease baking pans

Rub solid pats of butter evenly over baking dishes, pie plates, loaf pans, etc. to prevent sticking and add light flavor.

In cooking and baking

Use pats to accurately measure small amounts of butter required for recipes like 1 to 2 tablespoons.

Storing butter pats

To best preserve individually portioned butter pats:

• Chill pats until firm after shaping.
• Arrange in a single layer on a covered dish or plate.
• Keep chilled in refrigerator up to 1 week.
• Wrap airtight for freezer storage up to 6-9 months.
• Avoid direct contact with pungent foods which can transfer odors.

Properly stored, butter pats retain their fresh flavor and firm texture to spread easily when ready to use.

Making compound butter with pats

Compound butters are flavored spreads made by blending pats of butter with herbs, spices, zest, garlic, etc. To make:

1. Soften 1 pat (1 Tbsp) butter.
2. Mix in 0.5 to 1 teaspoon of flavorings like herbs, honey, citrus zest, etc.
3. Spoon mixture into a mold, parchment paper, or plastic wrap.
4. Chill until firm, then slice off portions to use on bread, vegetables, meats, etc.

Popular compound butter combos include honey butter, lemon dill butter, bacon jalapeño butter, and more. Get creative with pats of butter and your favorite flavors.

Buying butter pats

While you can easily portion bulk butter into pats yourself, you can also buy pre-formed butter pats for convenience:

Individually wrapped pats

Find foil-wrapped butter pats in small tubs at many grocery stores, often near the dairy case. These are handy for individual servings.

Whipped butter tubs

Soft whipped butters like Land O’Lakes Spreadable often come in tubs specifically designed to slice off pat-sized portions.

European-style cultured butter

Imported cultured butter brands like Beurre d’Isigny sell in foil-wrapped pat packaging.

Butter pat dispensers

Commercial dispensers portion out either foil-wrapped or unwrapped pats of butter.

Foodservice packages

Restaurants and cafeterias buy stacks of pats wrapped in paper for serving. You can find these for purchase online.

Purchased pats tend to cost more per ounce compared to bulk butter, but can add convenience in the right context.

Making your own butter pats

To DIY your own butter pats at home:

1. Allow refrigerated butter to slightly soften, but not melt.
2. Use a spoon, paddle, or knife to shape butter into tablespoon-sized portions.
3. Arrange spaced apart on a covered dish or baking sheet.
4. Chill firmly in the refrigerator before use or freezer storage.

With a few simple supplies, you can easily portion sticks of butter into uniform pats at home for less cost compared to buying pre-made.

How restaurants present butter pats

There are several ways that restaurants elegantly present individual butter pats:

• Wrapped in foil on a small plate or butter dish
• Perched atop a side dish like steamed vegetables
• Served in chilled butter crocks
• Imprinted with unique restaurant logo or design
• Displayed on crushed ice for spreading while warm
• Served alongside freshly baked bread baskets
• Presented with a small butter knife and lemon wedge garnish

Unique butter presentations enhance the dining experience and table setting aesthetics.

Common butter pat questions

Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about butter pats:

How long do butter pats last at room temperature?

Right out of the fridge, butter pats maintain their shape for about 2 hours at room temperature before melting.

Can you freeze butter pats?

Yes, pats can be frozen airtight for 6-9 months and thawed overnight in the refrigerator before using.

What are butter pats made of?

Butter pats contain just cream or milk and salt or flavorings. Some may also include extra water and preservatives.

Why do restaurants serve butter pats?

Individual pats allow restaurants to control butter portion sizes. Serving chilled pats also prevents butter from melting on hot plates.

Are butter pats better than tub butter?

Conclusion

A pat of butter most commonly weighs about 1 tablespoon or 1/2 ounce (14 grams). The exact size varies based on several factors like butter type, utensil, temperature, habits, and more. When a specific butter measurement is needed by weight or volume, use a kitchen scale, measuring spoons, or visual size comparison to standard tablespoon sample. At about 50 calories per pat, butter pats provide rich flavor and smooth texture for endless cooking uses, baking needs, and table serving. Restaurants elegantly present chilled pats, but you can easily portion bulk butter into pats yourself at home. Understanding how much a simple pat of butter weighs provides a useful kitchen skill and standard for everyday cooking.