Have you seen the newest rage, butter boards? These are right down my alley, foodie friends, I am obsessed with butter. And salt. My two obsessions come together in one beautifully styled board.
Ingredients
Butter is the star of the show, so clearly you’ll want to use a high-quality product. You can use American butter but I also liked the deeply sunny yellow European butters. Or, try cultured butter which has active cultures that will give it more of a tang, like buttermilk or yogurt.
Then, all you need are these easy ingredients to make this board:
Section 1
- Chopped Fresh Herbs – For this you can use your favorite or what you have on hand. Basil, thyme, rosemary, parsley, and chives are some of my favorites.
- Flaky Sea Salt – This brings out the flavor of the herbs and butter.
- Freshly Ground Black Pepper – Add just a touch of mild heat with black pepper.
- Lemon Zest – This gives the butter a concentrated citrusy flavor.
Section 2
- Roasted Garlic – After roasting, gently smash the garlic before adding it to the board.
- Aged Parmesan Cheese – This cheese adds a nutty and salty flavor.
- Fresh Basil Leaves – Use a sharp knife to chiffonade the basil before adding it to the board.
Section 3
- Fresh Fig – Thinly slice the figs before topping the butter with them. They add a pop of color and sweet flavor.
- Honey – Honey complements the flavor of the figs.
Section 4
- Pistachios – These nuts are the perfect size for sprinkling over the butter.
- Fresh Mint Leaves – Mint pairs perfectly with the pistachios.
- Orange Zest – This adds both bright color and citrusy flavor.
Variations
Variety is the spice of life fellow butter lovers! This board can be savory or sweet and while you are welcome to use the options laid out in the recipe, there are tons of ways to create your own signature versions.
- Butter – Use flavored butters in place of a standard variety.
- Brininess – Sprinkle on capers or olives for briny flavor. Or, finely slice up some anchovies or mix in a little anchovy paste.
- Cheese – Add crumbled feta, goat cheese, or blue cheese.
- Sweetness – Top the butter with dried cranberries, chopped dates, and raisins, or use fresh fruit like diced apples, strawberries, or mandarin oranges. You can also add a smear of fruity jam.
- Crunch – Craft a butter board with crunchy texture by adding peanuts, almonds, or walnuts.
- Herbs – Use any herb that you like that will bring a pop of color and flavor to the table.
- Spices – Shake on some cayenne pepper powder or chili powder for a spicy kick or give it a warm flavor with nutmeg, allspice, or cinnamon.
- Sauces – Drizzle hot honey, infused oils, or a balsamic reduction over top.
How to Make a Butter Board
Making these boards is easy, but I would highly suggest not topping them until just about to serve. Herbs and other elements can oxidize slightly and then you’ll lose the allure. If you smear your butter ahead of time or top it beforehand, make sure to take it out of the fridge at least 20 minutes before serving so it gets to just the right temperature for spreading.
- Prep the board. Start by finding a suitable board that is large enough for the party. I like using a wooden board or wooden cutting board, but slate also works. If you are worried about the butter and fats, feel free to lay down a piece of parchment paper to protect it.
- Spread the butter. Soften your butter to the point where you can easily spread it, but not to room temperature — it will be too malleable. Then, using the back of a spoon or a butter knife (non-serrated), smear the butter around the board to form soft peaks and little valleys.
- Top with your favorite creations. The pictured board has these four butter blends:
- #1- Chopped Fresh herbs, flaky salt and pepper, lemon zest (or any citrus zest)
- #2- Roasted garlic, aged parmesan cheese, fresh basil chiffonade
- #3- Fresh fig, prosciutto, honey drizzle
- #4- Pistachios, mint, orange zest
Then, just take a slice of bread and dig in! But not before creating your own viral video, of course!
What To Serve with a Butter Board
But how are you meant to scoop up this deliciousness? What do you serve with a butter board?
Throw your socially acceptable ways of getting butter into your mouth to the wind, because you can serve a butter board with nearly anything that dips — anything you’d serve on charcuterie boards or cheese boards will work, really.
Bread is the most obvious pairing and one of my favorites! Try focaccia, seasoned garlic bread, cheddar beer bread, or an easy quick bread.
You can also serve soft pretzel bites or crackers alongside the butter board. And if you’re looking for some dippers with a boost of nutrients, add some veggies or fruit on the side.
Also, if you have leftovers, serve the seasoned butter over pan-fried steak or steak frites or make it into a flavored toasted bread, like garlic bread. It can also be used to season roast chicken or even turkey during the holiday season!
Storage and Freezing
When your butter board is not being served, be sure to keep it in the fridge.
While you can spread the butter on the board ahead of time, wait until just before serving to sprinkle on the toppings.
How to Store
You can store a butter board in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Be sure to cover it tightly with plastic. Then, allow it to sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes to half an hour before serving.
Can I Freeze Butter Boards?
Wrap any leftover butter in plastic wrap or place in an airtight container. Then, freeze it for another occasion.
Common Questions about Butter Boards
Butter boards are intended to be a show-stopping appetizer that offers lots of options for guests to spread on their dippers.
Flavored butter never goes out of style! These boards are an easy appetizer for any gathering.
Anything that you like to dip can be served with a butter board. Try bread, crackers, fruit, and vegetables.
More Snacks and Appetizers
Looking for more party-worthy recipes? We have plenty to choose from!
Butter Board Recipe
Ingredients
- 24 ounces salted butter , softened (3 blocks)*
Section 1
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh herbs , basil, thyme, rosemary, parsley, chives
- 1 teaspoon flaky sea salt
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- zest of one lemon
Section 2
- 2 tablespoons roasted garlic , lightly smashed
- 1 tablespoon aged parmesan cheese
- 3-4 fresh basil leaves , cut chiffonade style
Section 3
- 1 fresh fig , thinly sliced or chopped
- honey , for drizzling
Section 4
- 1 tablespoon pistachios
- 3-4 fresh mint leaves , sliced thin
- zest from one orange
Instructions
- Soften your butter to the point where you can easily spread it. Using the back of a spoon or a butter knife (unserated), smear the butter around the board to form soft peaks and little valleys.
- Mentally divide the board into quarters (or however many sections you plan to make).
- Top the first section with fresh herbs herbs, flaky sea salt, freshly ground black pepper, lemon zest
- Top the second section with smashed roasted garlic, aged parmesan cheese and fresh basil chiffonade
- The third section is fresh fig, prosciutto and then drizzled with honey drizzle.
- The last section is topped with pistachios, mint and orange zest.
- Serve with crackers, bread or crudites.
- If you’ve tried this recipe, please consider leaving a comment or star rating!
Video
Notes
Nutrition
Made this for a family event and it was a HIT! so much fun!
I made this for a girls night and it was a hit! Such a fun spread (pun intended haha)
OMG! This is new to me and sounds like a dream come true! I love this so much, gonna make this for my French friends coming over this weekend! Great recipe!