Move aside, cheese boards and charcuterie boards, there’s a new viral kid on the block: the butter board! Since recipe creator Justine Doiron first shared chef Joshua McFadden’s original butter board concept on TikToK, the #ButterBoard tag has received millions of views globally, with thousands of people sharing their unique take on the lavish trend!
How to create the perfect butter board
Typically served with chunks of toasted bread, you can keep things simple with this satisfying two-ingredient duo or posh things up by adding whatever tickles your fancy. From hot honey or biltong to feta – it’s the perfect time to get creative. For a quick and seamless assembly, prepare toppings and dippables in advance. Keep in mind the presentation – any good butter board should always be eye-catching, TikTok-able or Instagram-worthy!
The butter should be perfectly soft to be smooshed around the board and should ideally be served at room temperature. You can use whatever butter you have on hand, salted or unsalted, just make sure it tastes delicious. Compound butters will work a treat, too!
Whether you’re planning to do a sweet or savoury rendition, be sure to add a sprinkle of flaky sea salt before serving. (Make it a generous sprinkle if you’re using unsalted butter.) The salt will make all the flavours pop for maximum enjoyment.
To contrast with the fat in the butter, consider adding an acid. Citrus zest will do wonders, as will olives, capers, a drizzle of vinegar or sun-dried tomatoes.
Flavour combinations to try
Start with these recipes to get into the swing of things – before long you’ll be a pro, making butter boards customised to your tastes.
Justine’s honey and coriander butter board: As the base, start with your favourite softened butter followed by a sprinkle of flaky sea salt and citrus zest. Top with fresh basil and mint leaves. Season with ground coriander and cardamom. Finish with a drizzle of honey.
Umami miso and garlic butter board: Blitz confit garlic, miso paste, honey and red chilli flakes into butter before spreading it on the board. Season with a small pinch of salt and a light drizzle of rice vinegar. Garnish with fresh coriander.
Fig and goat’s cheese butter board: Blitz goat’s cheese chevre into softened butter, spread onto a board and top with flaky sea salt, lemon zest, sliced figs, fresh thyme and a drizzle of honey.
Baklava-inspired butter board: After spreading butter on the board, add toasted pistachios and walnuts (or your favourite nuts), followed by a generous drizzle of honey. Finish with lemon zest and a sprinkle of salt.
Butter board etiquette
While there’s no strict right or wrong way to enjoy a butter board, the no-double-dipping rule normally applies if the board is being served family-style. Either use a knife to spread the butter or dig straight in with a bready vessel. That’s all there is to it!
After your guests have left
In the unlikely case that there are any leftovers, simply use it to make your very own compound butter. Blitz any leftover butter with an array of your favourite ingredients, and voilà – no wastage! Serve compound butters on steaks or baked potatoes for a luxurious treat.
As for clean-up, hot soapy water will have your board of choice spotless in no time.