How to Make a Butter Board TikTok Would Be Proud Of
Allow me to paraphrase Joey on this Thanksgiving episode of friends: “What’s not to like? butter, good. topping, good. Bread, good!” This is how I feel about the new butterboard trend taking over TikTok and Instagram. And, dare I say, it can even outperform the classic charcuterie board.
Do not get me wrong. I love sausages. The wide range of meats, cheeses, spreads and finger foods make it a perfect appetizer. But there’s something about the classic bread and butter combo that’s just irresistible. That probably explains why Brooklyn-based chef Justine Doiron’s delicious butterscotch video has me and the rest of the internet in such a grip.
If you’re ready to ditch charcuterie and hop on the butter board train, read on to learn everything you need to know to recreate this foodie trend at home.
What is a butter board?
At the risk of stating the obvious, a butter board is pretty much exactly what it sounds like. It’s a base of softened butter spread on a serving board, garnished with toppings like herbs, spices, fruits, jams, nuts, edible flowers — you name it — and served with warm slices of bread for dipping.
Joshua McFadden, a chef and the original creator of the butter board, first shared this appetizer idea in his 2017 cookbook. Six Seasons: A New Way with Vegetables. In an Instagram post about the trend, he noted that he’s been serving it up at dinner parties as a fun seasonal surprise for years. And I personally could no longer follow this idea.
Why we love it
If you’ve ever assembled a sausage board, you know that it usually costs a small fortune to buy all the fixings. Thankfully, that’s not the case with a butter board. The simple ingredients make it a much more affordable option that still packs a punch and will leave your guests just as satisfied.
I’ve also found that butter boards are much more customizable than a typical cheese board. As someone who prioritizes sweet over savory snacking, this is a very important distinction for me. Instead of the salty meats and strong cheeses often found on a charcuterie board, a butter board can be loaded with sliced fruit, honey, and warm spices like cinnamon. Delicious!
But my favorite part? Similar to other snack plates, butter boards are a perfect way to serve a crowd without actually having to cook. So if, like me, you hate spending time in the kitchen following a recipe, try whipping up a butter board for your next get-together instead.
How to create your own butterboard
There’s no specific recipe to follow when creating a butter board, but there are a few guidelines to keep in mind. First, it’s important that your butter is soft and spreadable, but not melted. When you need to quickly soften a stick of butter, here’s a trick that always works: Microwave a glass bowl of water until hot, then pour out all the water and dry the bowl. Place the warm bowl upside down over the butter for a minute or two. The residual heat trapped in the bowl will help soften the butter without melting it.
Once you’ve spread your buttery base, it’s time for toppings. In a blog post about butter boards, Doiron suggested starting with a sprinkling of flaky salt and citrus zest before adding any herbs, spices, or other ingredients. When choosing toppings, keep the overall flavor profile of your board in mind. Will it feature mostly savory elements like onions, garlic, and rosemary? Or do you fancy something sweeter like figs, honey and nuts? The possibilities are endless, but you should make sure all flavors complement each other. Also remember to cut the ingredients into small pieces so you can easily scoop everything onto a slice of bread.
After all, the name doesn’t have to limit your options. Yes, it’s called a butter board, but feel free to expand on that idea. Try playing around with other spreads like apple butter, peanut butter, or cream cheese. Or serve it with apples, biscuits or veggies instead of bread. Butterboards are easy to customize depending on what you’re craving or what’s in season. No matter how you top it, this appetizer will impress your guests at every gathering.
what you will need
Stock up on butter, then gather these essentials to create your own spread:
serving boards
butter knife
toppings
