Butter Board Tutorial
Butter boards are the perfect appetizer for small or large gatherings, date nights, or holiday get-togethers. Butter boards are similar to charcuterie boards and can be customized however you’d like. Read on for how to make your own butter board and ideas for themed butter boards to bring to your next function.
This tutorial gives you everything you need to know about how to make butter boards, how to customize them, and tons more.
Related: Small Charcuterie Board Tutorial
Related: Burrata Bruschetta Italiana Recipe
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How to Make a Butter Board Video
What is a Butter Board
A butter board is a serving platter with butter and/or spreadable cheeses slathered across and topped with various toppings. Butter boards are very customizable, similar to charcuterie boards, and are served with crackers, bread, and cookies to dip.
Butter Board Highlights
- Simple to make
- Easy to clean
- Fast appetizer idea
- Can make seasonal variations
- Sweet and savory options are endless
- Great make-ahead appetizer
How to Make a Butter Board
You’ll love making butter boards because they take about 5 minutes and can be made with fun themes, and seasonal flares. Make a sweet butter board or a savory one and have fun with the toppings!
Ingredients
These are the basic ingredients for a butter board and you can customize however you’d like. See the sections below for butter board ideas.
Butter – You can use regular butter or even make a sweet honey butter for your butter board. You’ll want your butter nice and soft so you can spread it easily.
Toppings – the topping options are endless. Make sure you choose cohesive toppings that all taste great together.
Crackers/bread – You need a vessel to enjoy the delicious butter board. If you have a sweet board, you’ll want to offer cookies too.
Steps for making a butter board
- Choose a platter – see tips below on how to choose the right platter.
- Raid your pantry – use what you already have to get your butter board started. You might have more than you think!
- Shop for the extras – the fun part, make a list and fill in any gaps (see tips below for saving money on a butter board).
- Assemble the board – see below for specifics.
How to assemble a butter board
Time needed: 5 minutes
How to assemble a butter board
- Start with your ingredients
You have to start somewhere, and I like to start with getting all my ingredients ready to put on the board.
- Spread the butter
Then you’ll want to spread your softened butter. See the section below on different ways to spread your butter. Use your knife to spread the butter in a pretty design.
- Spread any other spreadable ingredients
Some butter boards call for cream cheese, pumpkin puree, or other spreadable ingredients. You can either spread these right on top of the butter or spread them a different way.
- Arrange your toppings
Now arrange your toppings however you think looks best.
- Arrange crackers, cookies and bread
Finally, arrange the crackers, cookies and bread options around the board for your guests to dip.
How to Store a Butter Board
Store your leftover butter board in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
If you topped with toppings that are fine to be left at room temperature, you can simply cover the butter board and leave it at room temperature for up to 2 days.
Tips for a Making a Butter Board
Softened butter – always use softened butter and spreadable cheeses for your butter boards. Don’t overthink it – just start and don’t overthink it. Once you get the ball rolling with assembling your board the rest comes easy.
Use a cheese spreader – this makes spreading easier and prettier.
Shop discounts – give yourself a goal to find everything at a discount store or in the discount section – this can help to spark your inspiration for the whole board!
Find inspiration – go to Pinterest and find inspiration!
Use what you already have – You probably have some butter board elements in your pantry right now! I always find weird things in my pantry that we wouldn’t eat on a regular basis, but are great for a butter board.
Vary textures – Use variable textures to create aesthetic appeal.
Add a variety of colors – this also adds to the visual appeal of a butter board. Using contrasting colors makes for a beautiful board.
Have a theme to draw back to – having a theme to your butter can act as a good anchor for creating your board.
Butter Board Ideas
There are so many options when it comes to the specific ingredients you use for a butter board. Here are some ideas!
Butter
- Unsalted butter
- Salted butter
- Garlic butter
- Herb butter
- Honey butter
- Apple butter
- Chocolate butter
Spreadable Cheese
- Burrata
- Mascarpone
- Brie
- Cream cheese
- Goat cheese
Crackers/Bread
- Bread: French sourdough, asiago ciabatta or raisin-pecan rye, crostini
- Crackers: water crackers, crispy breadsticks, dried fruit crackers, multigrain crackers.
- Cookies: any type of crunchy cookie works great for sweet boards.
Fruit
Fruit is a refreshing addition to your butter board!
- Fresh fruit: grapes, pomegranate, apples, pears, melon balls, pineapple, berries, figs.
- Dried fruit: figs, apricots, mangos, cherries
Spreads
- Sweet: apple butter, apricot jam, fig spread, and local honey with the honeycomb, balsamic fig glaze.
- Savory: stone ground mustard, mango chutney, ancho aioli
Sweets/extras
- Chocolate: chocolate-covered raisins, chocolate-covered pretzels, chocolated-covered bark, chocolate-covered nuts, chocolate-covered graham crackers.
- Candy: candied nuts, caramel popcorn, cookies, yogurt-covered pretzels.
- Savory: olives, sage leaves, nuts.
Serving Suggestions
Serving butter boards are perfect for any occasion, grand or ordinary. Here are some ideas for when to serve a butter board!
- Thanksgiving appetizer butter board (make it look like a turkey)
- Christmas butter board (make it look like a Christmas tree)
- Easter butter platter (make it look like a bunny)
- Fall get together (make a pumpkin spice board in the shape of a pumpkin)
- New years eve butter board
- Date night butter board
- Picnic butter board
- Summer get-togethers
Themed charcuterie board ideas
- Brunch butter board
- Dessert butter platters (using all sweets)
- Chocolate butter board
- Mexican butter board
- Wine tasting theme (use foods that pair well with the wine you’ll be serving)
- Autumn butter board (make a pumpkin spice board in the shape of a pumpkin)
Different Ways to Spread Butter for a Butter Board
- You can spread the butter across the board
- Use a cheese knife to dollop the butter
How to Choose a Platter for a Butter Board
To choose the perfect platter for your butter board you’ll need to know what size you need. Small, medium, or large. Once you know that, you can look around for what you already have on hand. I guarantee you have something!
- Small butter board platter idea: use a dinner plate (or salad plate for something very miniature).
- Medium butter board idea: use a wooden cutting board that’s about medium size.
- Large butter platter idea: use a baking sheet!
How to Save Money on Butter Boards
- Go in with an open mind. Having a rigid idea of the vibe you want for your board will only make you spend more money to achieve that vision.
- Buy what’s on sale. Having an open mind helps you to be more willing to take advantage of sale items.
- Raid your pantry for what you already have. You’d be surprised! Most of that weird pantry stuff you’ve had forever is perfect for a charcuterie!
- Less is always more. Only buy one of everything (even if its’s something you really like!). Even that will be too much!
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Butter Board Tutorial
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Spread butter on your board
- Spread either the cream cheese or pumpkin puree depending on which board you're making
- Add your toppings
- Arrange your crackers, bread and/or cookies.
Video
Notes
How to Store a Butter Board
Store your leftover butter board in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. If you topped with toppings that are fine to be left at room temperature, you can simply cover the butter board and leave it at room temperature for up to 2 days.Tips for a Making a Butter Board
Softened butter – always use softened butter and spreadable cheeses for your butter boards. Don’t overthink it – just start and don’t overthink it. Once you get the ball rolling with assembling your board the rest comes easy. Use a cheese spreader – this makes spreading easier and prettier. Shop discounts – give yourself a goal to find everything at a discount store or in the discount section – this can help to spark your inspiration for the whole board! Find inspiration – go to Pinterest and find inspiration! Use what you already have – You probably have some butter board elements in your pantry right now! I always find weird things in my pantry that we wouldn’t eat on a regular basis, but are great for a butter board. Vary textures – Use variable textures to create aesthetic appeal. Add a variety of colors – this also adds to the visual appeal of a butter board. Using contrasting colors makes for a beautiful board. Have a theme to draw back to – having a theme to your butter can act as a good anchor for creating your board.About Me
Thanks for learning how to make a butter board! Leave questions below.