As the holiday season approaches, kitchens across Wisconsin will soon fill with the comforting scents of family recipes and freshly baked treats. Whether it’s flaky pie crusts, golden dinner rolls or savory side dishes, one ingredient ties it all together: real Wisconsin butter.
Where does Wisconsin rank for butter?
Known nationwide as America’s Dairyland, the legacy of Wisconsin butter is as strong as ever. With 13 butter processing plants across the state, Wisconsin consistently ranks among the top two butter-producing states in the nation.
The process begins with two simple ingredients – cream and salt – which are a testament to the purity and wholesomeness of Wisconsin-made dairy. Because 99% of Wisconsin dairy farms are family-owned, every pound of butter helps to support local farmers and rural communities. Along with other delicious dairy products, butter contributes to Wisconsin’s $52.8 billion dairy industry, a cornerstone of the state’s economy!
Wisconsin butter’s national impact
All that Wisconsin butter doesn’t just stay in-state, either. It finds its way to grocery store shelves across the country so that people everywhere can taste the cheer that Wisconsin dairy brings to every season.
Nationally, butter consumption has reached its highest level in 50 years, with the average person enjoying about 6.5 pounds annually. In 2024 alone, the United States produced roughly 2.2 billion pounds of butter, which is an increase of more than 5 percent from the previous year. This is surely a reason to get buttered up for the holidays!
Beyond its economic importance, butter is at the heart of holiday cooking traditions. Its versatility makes it indispensable in both sweet and savory dishes.
What is compound butter?
For cooks looking to add a gourmet touch to their meals, compound butters offer endless possibilities for flavor and richness. Compound butter is softened butter mixed with herbs, cheeses, fruits or other ingredients, and can be used as a spread on appetizers, a topping on savory dishes, or even a mix-in ingredient! This holiday season, I will be featuring a Savory Cheese and Herb Compound Butter made with real Wisconsin butter, Wood River Creamery™ Cheddar Gruyere cheese, minced herbs, and salt and pepper for taste – all atop a Hasselback potato!
In addition to this Savory Cheese and Herb Butter, there is an entire collection of holiday recipes using Wisconsin butter and dairy that can be found on Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin’s website. From a tangy cranberry cream tart to a comforting cheesy hashbrown brunch bake and simple cheese-stuffed mushrooms, there is a dish to fit every taste and every occasion.
When do butter sales increase during the year?
It’s no surprise that butter sales peak in November and December, as home cooks and bakers prepare for the season’s feasts with dishes like those mentioned above. Retail sales typically rise by about 50 percent during these months compared to the rest of the year, which makes butter a staple for holiday preparations. The popularity of real dairy butter continues to grow as consumers seek wholesome, minimally processed ingredients that deliver comfort and flavor, the kind that can only be created by our over 5,200 dairy farms in Wisconsin.
As Wisconsin families gather around their holiday tables, Wisconsin butter will once again take center stage, whether melting over a stack of pancakes on Christmas morning or adding the finishing touch to a pan of roasted vegetables. Each golden pat represents more than just great taste; it reflects the heritage, pride and craftsmanship of the farmers who make Wisconsin the true heart of the dairy community.
Purchasing Wisconsin dairy products this holiday season also means choosing to support Wisconsin’s farmers and small businesses. Shoppers can identify genuine Wisconsin dairy products by looking for the Proudly Wisconsin Dairy badge or the number “55” on packaging to know that they are keeping the holiday spirit of giving close to home.
This holiday season, choose Wisconsin butter and savor the flavor, quality and tradition that have made it a staple in kitchens for generations. Just as this season brings people together in rich celebration, real dairy butter ties together many of our favorite dishes and unites family members in anticipation of a delicious gathering.
The warmth and comfort of the holiday season just wouldn’t be the same without Wisconsin butter!