Have you heard about the trendy butter board?
The butter board offers a fresh take on the traditional charcuterie or cheese board, making it an exciting addition to your appetizer lineup. These boards are ideal for parties since they require no cooking, look elegant, and deliver delightful flavors when crafted thoughtfully.
This butter board guide provides a fun way to elevate your dinner parties or small gatherings with friends. In this complete guide of how to make a butter board, you’ll discover how to style your butter board, choose the perfect toppings, and find helpful tips and tricks for creating a stunning and delicious presentation.
What is a Butter Board?
A fun spin on the traditional charcuterie and cheese boards, the butter board trend has recently taken social media by storm, especially on TikTok. Popularized by food influencer Justine Doiron, a butter board involves spreading softened butter onto a rustic board or tray and topping it with a variety of flavorful additions like fresh herbs, nuts, sauces, and more.
This customizable appetizer offers endless possibilities, making it perfect for gatherings. Not only is it visually appealing, but butter boards also encourage creativity, allowing hosts to experiment with different toppings to suit any occasion or taste. I love to serve a butter board as an interactive appetizer and they also make excellent side dishes to eat with dinner.
Start with Butter (or not)
A butter board starts with a base of butter – the butter should be high quality and can be spread or whipped with other ingredients. You can also make your own butter which is much creamier that store bought butter. We also love to make ‘butter boards’ with other spreadable ingredients besides butter. Get creative and use cheese spread, peanut butter, cream cheese, or chocolate to make a fun and different board for dipping and spreading.
Types of Butter Boards
Butter boards are incredibly versatile and can be tailored to suit various tastes and occasions. Here are some delightful general variations to inspire your next creation:
Sweet Butter Board
- Base: Softened butter mixed with a sweetener (like honey, maple syrup, or powdered sugar).
- Toppings: Fresh fruits, dried fruits, nuts, and a drizzle of syrup.
- Pairing: Great with sweet breads, pastries, or crackers.
Savory Butter Board
- Base: Softened butter seasoned with herbs or spices.
- Toppings: Fresh herbs, spices, nuts, cheeses, or savory spreads.
- Pairing: Perfect with crusty bread, crackers, or vegetable dippers.
Alternative Butter Board
- Base: Plant-based butter or a creative butter alternative (such as avocado or nut-based spreads).
- Toppings: A variety of toppings like vegetables, seeds, and fresh herbs.
- Pairing: Ideal for serving with raw veggie sticks, gluten-free crackers, or whole-grain breads.
Ideas for Butter Board Flavor Combinations
Here are some ideas for making your next butter board, or you can check out some of our favorite butter board ideas.
Chili Lime Butter: Top softened butter with finely chopped fresh chili peppers and zesty lime zest. Drizzle with lime juice for a spicy, tangy kick.
Basil Pesto and Pine Nuts: Spread butter and top it with basil pesto and toasted pine nuts. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh basil for a fragrant Italian-inspired treat.
Maple Cinnamon Butter: Mix softened butter with maple syrup and a pinch of cinnamon. Top with chopped pecans and a drizzle of maple syrup for a sweet, cozy flavor.
Sun-Dried Tomato and Feta: Combine softened butter with chopped sun-dried tomatoes and crumbled feta cheese. Finish with a drizzle of balsamic glaze for a savory Mediterranean twist.
Honey Lavender Butter: Whip softened butter with honey and dried lavender flowers. Serve with fresh fruit and a sprinkle of sea salt for a delicate, floral flavor.
Smoked Paprika and Chive: Top butter with a generous sprinkle of smoked paprika and finely chopped chives. Add a squeeze of lemon juice for a vibrant flavor that pairs well with bread or vegetables.
Caramelized Onion and Gruyère: Spread butter and top with caramelized onions and grated Gruyère cheese. Finish with a sprinkle of fresh thyme for a rich, savory treat.
Peanut Butter and Jelly: Whip softened butter with creamy peanut butter and top with a layer of your favorite jelly. Serve with slices of bread for a nostalgic twist.
Blueberry Lemon Butter: Combine softened butter with fresh blueberries and lemon zest. Drizzle with honey for a refreshing, fruity spread.
Dijon Mustard and Pickle Relish: Mix softened butter with Dijon mustard and top with pickle relish. Add a sprinkle of dill for a tangy, savory option that pairs well with crackers.
How to Make a Butter Board
No matter what combination you are making, use these simple steps to make your own butter board.
Equipment
- Board of your choosing (I prefer a small to medium board)
- Parchment Paper (optional)
- Spatula or Rounded Cheese Knife or Butter Knife
- Bread Knife
Ingredients
- Soft Butter – Salted or Unsalted. Make sure your butter is softened to make it easy to spread.
- Salt
- Toppings of your Choice
- Warm Bread of Your Choice
Assembling your Board
Choose Your Butter Base
Select your preferred type of butter. You can use regular salted or unsalted butter, or try flavored options like herb-infused butter. If desired, mix in any seasonings or sweeteners (e.g., honey, garlic, herbs) to create a flavored butter.
Soften the Butter
Allow the butter to sit at room temperature for about 30-60 minutes until it’s soft enough to spread easily. Alternatively, you can microwave it for about 10-15 seconds, but be careful not to melt it.
Prepare Your Board or Platter
Choose a rustic board, marble slab, or a serving platter. Ensure it’s clean and dry before use.
Spread the Butter
Using a butter knife or spatula, scoop the softened butter onto the center of the board. Spread it evenly across the surface, creating a smooth or scalloped texture, depending on your preference.
Add Toppings
Carefully arrange your chosen toppings over the butter (see the ideas above). You can use a variety of ingredients such as:
- Fresh herbs (thyme, rosemary, chives)
- Nuts (walnuts, pecans, almonds)
- Cheeses (crumbled feta, grated Parmesan)
- Fruits (slices of figs, strawberries, blueberries)
- Spices (smoked paprika, sea salt, chili flakes)
Drizzle for Extra Flavor
If desired, drizzle your butter board with a complementary ingredient such as honey, balsamic glaze, or olive oil for added flavor and presentation.
Garnish and Final Touches
Add any final touches, such as a sprinkle of fresh herbs, edible flowers, or additional seasoning, to enhance the visual appeal of your butter board.
Serve with Accompaniments
Place your butter board on the table with an assortment of bread, crackers, or vegetable dippers. Encourage guests to scoop or spread the butter with their chosen accompaniments.
Tips for Making a Butter Board
- Make sure your butter is softened to make it easy to spread
- Make your butter board in advance and store it in the fridge. Before serving, let the board come back up to room temperature
- Get creative with the ingredients
- Serve your board with fresh bread and decide in advance whether people will spread the butter with a knife or dip their bread in the butter.
