Butter boards have been a craze since first mentioned by Chef Josh McFadden in the James Beard award-winning cookbook Six Seasons: A New Way with Vegetables. The concept went viral with Justine Doiron's TikTok videos and her delicious, easy-to-follow ways. This is a fun way to impress the hostess at a potluck or to show family and friends the latest trend in cooking.
Limitless Butter Board Recipes + One Fall Recipe
What Is A Butter Board?
Butter boards are a type of charcuterie tray using very good butter (like Kerigold) topped with savory or sweet toppings that you like. You serve it with sliced bread or really good crackers. There are some things to know about preparing a good butter board! Like a good charcuterie, you will want to cover some basics.
How Do You Make A Butter Board?
It's so simple! I have created a chart of the basics, below! Circle the ingredients you will use and give it a name so you can share it with friends! Using softened butter on a ceramic platter, or a wood board covered with parchment paper, spread the butter on the serving dish using an artistic swoosh. Add toppings and serve with bread or crackers. This gets rid of any concern about the safety of a butter board.
Are Butter Boards Safe?
As stated earlier, some folks believe that butter boards aren't safe, especially if you are using a wood board that you use for other servings, like charcuterie. We talked about safety in the paragraph above. Simply use a ceramic dish or lay a parchment on the wood surface before you spread the butter. Use serving utensils so there isn't any desire to double dip. While you can spread the butter beforehand, do not assemble until you are ready to serve. Store the spread butter in the refrigerator.
10 Best Tips for Your Butter Board
Choose high-quality butter.
The butter really is the star of the show and the key to the taste profile of your board. So you don't want to skimp out on it! You can use any real butter (not margarine) that you like, and salted tends to taste better than unsalted. We especially love using Kerrygold Irish butter, which has a really decadent flavor, rich yellow color, and affordable price tag. European butter is also a great choice to serve with a butter board.
Soften the butter before spreading.
Hard butter is an absolute nightmare to work with. Letting it come to room temperature will allow you to swoop and swirl with ease, creating designs that are as pretty as they are practical. Soft butter also holds onto toppings better, ensuring every sprinkle of fresh herbs or drizzle of honey stays put. This gets you closer to achieving that insta-worthy vibe.
Use parchment paper.
While wood does look nice and rustic, butter can seep into cracks and leave stains, damaging your board. A sheet of parchment creates a barrier that keeps boards safe and cleanup quick. Plus, if you ever want to shift or rearrange toppings, you can lift and adjust with no mess or stress.
Serve with unique vessels.
Now this is where you can have fun! Instead of sticking to a basic (boring) cutting board, consider using a marble slab, slate platter, or even a vintage relish tray. The serving dish you choose really sets the vibe, so feel free to match it to your occasion! Use rustic for a casual dinner, sleek for a holiday party, or even themed for seasonal gatherings.
Experiment with flavoured butters.
Flavored butter? It's a yes from me! Add garlic, hot honey, or lemon zest for some fun brightness. Chefs like Josh McFadden recommend layering flavors with whatever’s in season. This way, your board always feels fresh and intentional. Sweet or savory, the possibilities are endless for your wonderful butter board.
Have a play with texture.
A smooth butter base is just waiting for you to create some contrast. Sprinkle some flaky sea salt for crunch, or add chili flakes, toasted nuts, and edible flowers for a bit of unique variety. Even a little citrus zest can brighten the flavor while adding color, making your board POP!
Offer dipping/scooping tools.
Butter boards are a very interactive way to eat, but nobody likes someone who double dips. Provide a few small knives, mini spoons, or spreaders so guests can serve themselves without double dipping. It also makes the spread feel more welcoming because no one has to hover awkwardly, wondering how to eat it.
Pair it with the right carbs.
I mean, who doesn't like carbs? Really, the butter is only half the equation. A good mix of breads and crackers will take your board to the next level. Think warm baguette slices, toasted bread, crunchy sourdough, or seeded crisps. Going for the thinly sliced baguette is a classic. It's sturdy enough to hold toppings but still bland enough to let the butter shine!
Think sweet and savoury.
Why limit yourself? A butter board can do both sweet and savory. Imagine half of your board sprinkled with cinnamon sugar, honey, or dried fruit, and the other half layered with garlic, chili oil, or herbs. Yum! Food creators like Justine Snacks have shown how versatile this type of board can be. With this tip, you can appeal to sweet tooth and savory lovers alike!
Serve right away.
Butter boards are made to be eaten best fresh. You want to serve it when the bread is crisp, the toppings are not wilted, and the butter is room temp and spreadable. You should assemble everything close to serving time to avoid soggy bread or melted messes.
Easy Butter Board Recipes, Sweet Butter Board Recipes, and Savory Butter Board Recipes
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