If you haven’t jumped on the butter board craze – you are missing out.
I made my first butter board recently, and am completely hooked. Not only is it easy and fun to make, but a butter board is absolutely delicious.
There are so many ways to make a butter board, and this Italian butter board is easy to make a perfect as an appetizer or a side dish with bread. Scroll below for everything you need to know to make your own delicious Italian butter board!
Contents
What is a Butter Board?
A butter board is a flat surface (generally a cutting board, charcuterie board or other wooden board) that is covered in butter and flavored with a variety of herbs, nuts, fruits, and salts. Butter board are best served slightly warm or room temperature so the butter is easy to spread. Serve the butter board along with your favorite bread and you have an instant appetizer or side dish.
Butter boards can be savory (like this Italian butter board) or slightly sweet with honey, fruits, nuts, or even maple syrup.
Ingredients for an Italian Butter Board
The main ingredient you need for a butter board is – BUTTER.
Buy a high quality butter for your board or you can even make your own butter (see a 10 minute process for making butter).
For the rest of this Italian butter board you will need:
- Garlic (1-2 heads)
- Olive Oil
- Basil
- Salt
- Red Pepper Flakes
- Rosemary
- Shredded Parmesean Cheese
And of course – don’t forget the bread!
How to Assemble a Butter Board
Start by softening your butter by leaving it on the counter for about 30 minutes.
While you butter is softening, heat your garlic. Peel each clove of garlic and add it to a saucepan with some olive oil. Cook the garlic on medium heat for about 10 minutes making sure that it doesn’t burn. After 10 minutes lower the temperature and add pepperflakes, rosemary, and salt – cook on low for about 20 minutes until the garlic is soft.
Lay out the butter on the board – you can simply spread the butter or use a spoon to lay out the butter on the board. If you want to keep it a bit cleaner, you can also put parchment paper on the board and put the butter directly on the board.
Next spread the garlic and other spices across the butter. You can simply smear it on top or work it into the butter.
Sprinkle parmesean and basil on top of the board. You can also add more salt based on taste.
Serving an Italian Butter Board
A butter board is best served at room temperature. If you can – serve the board right after you make it or you can put it in the fridge but make sure to take it out to warm before serving.
We served this Italian butter board as an appetizer with friends, but you can also make this as a side dish or serve it up with a bread and soup charcuterie board.
Italian Butter Board Recipe
Italian Butter Board
Equipment
- Small to Medium Charcuterie Board
- Frying pan or cast iron skillet
Ingredients
- Butter
- Garlic 1-2 heads
- Olive Oil
- Basil
- Salt
- Red Pepper Flakes
- Rosemary
- Shredded Parmesean Cheese
- Bread
Instructions
- Start by softening your butter by leaving it on the counter for about 30 minutes.
- While you butter is softening, heat your garlic. Peel each clove of garlic and add it to a saucepan with some olive oil. Cook the garlic on medium heat for about 10 minutes making sure that it doesn’t burn. After 10 minutes lower the temperature and add pepperflakes, rosemary, and salt – cook on low for about 20 minutes until the garlic is soft.
- Lay out the butter on the board – you can simply spread the butter or use a spoon to lay out the butter on the board. If you want to keep it a bit cleaner, you can also put parchment paper on the board and put the butter directly on the board.
- Next spread the garlic and other spices across the butter. You can simply smear it on top or work it into the butter.
- Sprinkle parmesean and basil on top of the board. You can also add more salt based on taste.
