Food Processor Butter

Process cream in a food processor until the butter solids have separated from the buttermilk and you see lots of little clumps of butter clinging together distinctly separated from thin milky liquid, 4–7 minutes (unpasteurized cream will separate more quickly). Carefully drain buttermilk; reserve for another use.

Remove jar with blade still attached. Pour cold water over butter solids left in food processor jar, then drain. Repeat until water runs clear, 3–4 times. Pour off as much water as possible out of jar of food processor, using your hands to hold the butter solids in place while you pour. Continue to process until butter forms a solid ball, about 2 minutes. Pour off water again, then add salt (if using) and process to combine.

If making compound butter, add ingredients for chosen flavor and process until fully incorporated.

Transfer butter to a medium bowl lined with a double layer of cheesecloth. Gather cheesecloth up around butter and twist to squeeze until no more liquid runs out of butter. Transfer butter to a sheet of parchment or waxed paper and roll up into a log. Chill until firm, about 1 hour.

Do Ahead: Butter can be made 5 days ahead. Keep chilled.