The French butter dish is known by many names such as French butter ball, French butter crock, French butter keeper and French butter pot, just to name a few. French butter dishes, no matter what they are called, design is consistent. They are typically round containers with a removable lid. There are holes in the lid to remove as much air as possible from the area where the butter is kept. When the lid is put on the base, a seal is created which keeps the butter fresh and at the perfect spreading consistency.

To use a French butter dish, the butter should be packed into the lid of the butter dish. The lid will hold anywhere from 1/4 to 1/2 pound of butter. The base or bottom part of the butter dish should be filled with water. If the butter is unsalted, it is suggested to fill the base approximately 1/3 full with salt walter. The water for salted butter should be unsalted. It is recommended that the salted water be replaced about every three days and the plain water should be replaced about once a week. However, many feel that the water should be changed on a daily basis. When one is ready to serve the butter, the lid should be put right side up, resting on the handle and it is supposed to be perfect spreading consistency.

French butter dishes can be purchased online, in stores ior through catalogs. They are available in pottery, porcelain or stoneware. Prices for French butter dishes range anywhere from $18 and up depending on the design and material used.