Swap Butter for Olive Oil

There’s something timeless about the sound of butter melting in a pan — but there’s also something wonderfully modern about reaching for a bottle of extra virgin olive oil instead. In kitchens around the world, cooks and bakers are discovering how a simple swap can transform the flavour, texture, and even the healthfulness of everyday meals.

At Della Terra, we believe that good food begins with great ingredients — and few are as versatile and flavourful as olive oil. Whether you’re roasting vegetables, baking muffins, whisking up a vinaigrette, or drizzling over popcorn, extra virgin olive oil adds depth and character that butter simply can’t match.

Why Substitute Butter with Olive Oil?

Beyond the buttery richness it replaces, olive oil brings a world of benefits to your table. It’s rich in antioxidants, monounsaturated fats, and those good-for-you compounds that make the Mediterranean diet so famous. But beyond the science, it’s about flavour — the peppery finish of a bold extra virgin oil, the smooth, buttery notes of a mild one, or the surprising character of an infused oil like Garlic, Basil or Persian Lime.

Olive oil doesn’t just make your dishes lighter — it makes them more interesting.

Cooking, Baking, and Beyond

Cooking: Use olive oil anywhere you’d normally melt butter. Sauté vegetables, sear fish, or roast chicken — the oil’s higher smoke point gives you a golden, even cook without burning.

Baking: Olive oil creates moist, tender baked goods with a subtle fruitiness. Try substituting it in quick breads, muffins, or even chocolate cakes. For savoury bakes like focaccia or cornbread, it’s a natural fit.

Marinades: Use it as the base for marinades to help tenderize and infuse meats and veggies. Pair a bold oil like Chipotle with your next steak, or try Roasted Onion for a sweet-savoury glaze on roasted squash.

Drizzling: For a little luxury, drizzle a finishing oil over popcorn, warm bread, or even ice cream. Our Butter Infused Extra Virgin Olive Oil offers that familiar buttery taste with a healthier twist.

Butter-to-Olive Oil Conversion Chart

Switching is simple — just follow this quick guide:

Flavour Inspiration

Infused olive oils make substitution even more exciting:

• Roasted Onion Extra Virgin Olive Oil — savoury and rich, perfect for mashed potatoes or roasted veggies.

• Blood Orange Extra Virgin Olive Oil — bright and zesty for baking or salad dressings.

• Butter Infused  Extra Virgin Olive Oil — all the comfort of butter, none of the dairy. Vegan-friendly.

• Herbes de Provence  Extra Virgin Olive Oil — ideal for roasted chicken or warm bread dipping.

A Simple Swap with Big Rewards

Substituting olive oil for butter isn’t just a healthier choice — it’s a creative one. Each drizzle, each blend, each flavour opens up new ways to experience the ingredients you already love.

So next time you reach for the butter, pause for a moment. Grab that beautiful green-gold bottle of extra virgin olive oil instead — and discover how a small change can make your kitchen feel brand new.

Learn more and shop our collection of fresh extra virgin olive oils.