Butter boards have become the latest sensation, especially after gaining popularity on TikTok, and they offer endless possibilities for creativity and flavor. While traditional butter boards are all about spreading rich, creamy butter across a surface and topping it with an array of delicious additions, there’s no need to stop at just butter. The beauty of this trend lies in its versatility, making it the perfect canvas for holiday gatherings. Below you can see some of our favorite holiday butter board ideas.
In this article, we’re taking butter boards to the next level by expanding the concept beyond butter. Think of them as celebration-worthy spread boards where you can swap in or combine ingredients like cream cheese, hummus, chocolate, or other delectable dips and spreads. Whether you’re planning a festive holiday spread or simply looking to impress your guests, these best butter board ideas will elevate your hosting game, offering endless opportunities to customize and indulge in seasonal flavors. From savory to sweet, the possibilities are as boundless as your creativity!
Scroll through the ideas below or see our favorite ideas on Flipboard or Pinterest.
What is a Butter Board
A butter board is a trendy appetizer featuring a generous layer of softened butter spread across a wooden or serving board. Typically topped with a variety of flavor enhancements—such as herbs, spices, honey, or fruit—it’s designed for dipping and spreading. Guests can enjoy it with fresh bread, crackers, or vegetables, making it a versatile and visually appealing addition to any gathering.
Tips for Making a Holiday Butter Board
Creating a Christmas butter board is a fun and festive way to elevate your holiday spread. Here are the best tips to make it stand out:
- Use High-Quality Butter: Start with unsalted, high-quality butter as the base. You can soften and whip it for a creamy texture or experiment with flavored butters like herb, garlic, or honey cinnamon for added holiday flair.
- Incorporate Festive Flavors: Infuse holiday-inspired ingredients like cranberry sauce, pomegranate seeds, cinnamon, fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme, and zesty orange peel. These flavors bring out the essence of the season.
- Arrange in a Festive Shape: Spread the butter in the shape of a wreath, Christmas tree, or a holiday star. This adds a visually stunning and festive touch to your board.
- Add Seasonal Toppings: Complement the butter with an assortment of toppings such as dried fruits, nuts, flaky sea salt, edible flowers, and a drizzle of honey or balsamic glaze for an extra layer of flavor and texture.
- Serve with Holiday-Themed Dippers: Offer a variety of breads, crackers, or even Christmas-themed cookies. Try including options like baguette slices, gingerbread crisps, or cranberry walnut bread to match the holiday spirit.
Following these tips will make your Christmas butter board both visually festive and deliciously memorable!
The Best Holiday Butter Board Ideas
Below you can see some of our favorite butter boards.
Italian Butter Board
I’ve made plenty of butter boards, but this one is by far my favorite! I love serving it topped with fresh basil, garlic, and a drizzle of olive oil. It’s such a fun experience to gather around the board, dipping bread into the buttery goodness or spreading the savory mixture with a knife for the perfect bite.
Holiday Wreath Butter Board
Elevate your butter board by creating a Christmas wreath charcuterie board. Bursting with holiday flavors like cranberries, orange zest, and pomegranate seeds, this festive board pairs beautifully with fresh bread and is perfect for any holiday gathering.
Christmas Tree Butter Board
Celebrate the magic of the season with this Christmas Tree Butter Board! Inspired by the viral butter board trend, it’s a delightful mix of style and flavor. Great for holiday parties, it pairs beautifully with bread and will be the talk of the table.
Maple Butter Board
This delightful butter board is drizzled with maple syrup and topped with a mix of nuts and dried fruit. Pair it with freshly baked bread, and let the rich flavors of the butter board take center stage!
Chocolate Butter Board
This chocolate dessert board is a fun twist on the classic butter board, with a rich layer of chocolate ganache spread across the board and surrounded by fruits, pretzels, and other tasty treats for dipping. It’s perfect for an indulgent dessert or a sweet afternoon snack!
Smoked Salmon and Cream Cheese Board
Create this flavorful cream cheese board topped with smoked salmon, onions, and capers. It’s perfect as an appetizer or served with bagels for a DIY salmon and egg sandwich board!
Butter Board with Jam
Create this easy and simple butter board with just a few ingredients. Spread butter and jam over the board, and serve it with freshly baked goods. Add a touch of elegance with edible flowers, making it a beautiful addition to any dinner or brunch!
Cinnamon Honey Butter Board
This is a sweet board with just a bit of spice. It takes just a few minutes. Serve up this butter board with fresh bread for dinner or for brunch with baked goods or biscuits. This is a fun take on a butter board.
