The first time I saw the butter board trend on TikTok I almost fell out of my chair. Combining two of the things I love most in this world – charcuterie and butter – was so exciting! How had I never thought to do this on my own? I immediately set out to not only learn how to make a butter board but also to become an expert with the flavors and textures that make it special.

The popularity of this trend was no surprise: the bread and butter that are served at nice restaurants before the meal is often one of the best parts of that experience. A warm slice of bread with that perfectly crunchy crust slathered with high-quality butter and a sprinkling of coarse salt is absolute HEAVEN.
So why not take that experience and elevate it to a gorgeous presentation with a few carefully selected flavors?
Butter boards are a creative way to serve butter as an edible canvas, perfect for small gatherings, parties, or just making a meal at home more special. Here’s how to make your own, along with tips for flavor combinations, choosing the right butter, and making your board Instagram-worthy.
What Is a Butter Board?
A butter board is essentially a spreadable, shareable centerpiece made by smearing butter across a wooden or marble board and decorating it with carefully selected and flavorful toppings. Think of it as a charcuterie board but focused on creamy butter! It’s served with warm bread, crackers, or even fresh veggies, just like a traditional charcuterie board. The best part? It’s endlessly customizable to fit any theme or season.
The Best Butters to Use
The foundation of any butter board is, of course, the butter itself. Always use a high-quality, unsalted butter (this way you can add the salt yourself, which should be coarse and high-quality). European-style butter, like Kerrygold or Plugrá, has a higher butterfat content, making it extra rich and smooth.
Here are a few butter variations that you may want to consider:
- Flavored Butter: Garlic herb, honey cinnamon, or truffle butter add a ready-made layer of flavor.
- Vegan Butter: Brands like Miyoko’s or Earth Balance offer dairy-free options that are just as spreadable and delicious.
- Compound Butter: Make your own by whipping unsalted butter with fresh herbs, citrus zest, or spices.
Allow the butter to soften at room temperature for easy spreading and to ensure it’s perfectly creamy.

Choosing the Right Board
The board you choose will have an impact on the final result of your butter board. Here are some of the best options:
- Wooden Boards: These boards are more rustic and really shine at a casual gathering, yet they’re also at home in a more sophisticated setting. Be sure to line the board with parchment paper if it’s not food-safe.
- Marble or Slate Boards: Slate and marble don’t just add elegance, they also stay a bit cooler, which is perfect for warmer weather.
- Ceramic Platters: Ceramic platters come in different colors and shapes so you can be a bit more creative.
Avoid porous materials or boards with deep grooves, as they can absorb oils and be harder to clean.
How to Make a Butter Board
A butter board should be delicious but also stunning to look at! Here are a few tips to help:
- Use an offset spatula or the back of a spoon to swirl the butter into waves or circular patterns. This will not only look more interesting, but it will help “catch” the toppings and make it appear less “flat”.
- Use a mix of vibrant ingredients, like fresh herbs, edible flowers, and brightly colored fruits.
- Sprinkle different textures and sizes—think flaky sea salt, crushed nuts, and both whole and chopped herbs.
- Garnish Strategically: Place garnishes in small clusters for a curated look, which allows the butter’s creamy texture to shine through.

The board in the images is a great example of how to make a butter board. It’s a simple version with just a few ingredients: lemon zest, fresh herbs, edible flowers, and sliced red onion.
Notice how the butter isn’t smooth, but has small “peaks and valleys”. This is much more interesting than a perfectly smooth base.
The red onions offer color, but the shape in which they’ve been cut also adds contrast with the other ingredients.
A few different herbs were used, both for flavor and to show different shapes and sizes without much effort. Fresh mint (used sparingly) and two different types of parsley, some whole and some chopped and minced, give a nice variation in size and shape.
Lemon zest adds a wonderfully citrusy, bright flavor while also adding gorgeous color!
Edible dried flowers (in this case, lavender) are added sparingly but give such wonderful color!
And finally, coarse salt – and absolute MUST on every butter board – is added liberally. Freshly ground black pepper can be added, but be careful not to add too much, depending on the flavors you’re using, as it can easily overpower the subtle flavor of the butter itself.

Flavor Combinations to Try
There are endless flavor combinations for a butter board, so think about the season, the type of event it’s being served at, as well as your favorite flavors. Get creative with new flavors or use whatever you’ve got on hand to make something new.
- Mediterranean:
- Toppings: Crumbled feta, sun-dried tomatoes, Kalamata olives, fresh oregano, and a drizzle of olive oil.
- Pair with: Pita bread or rustic sourdough.
- Sweet and Floral:
- Toppings: Honey, fresh figs, edible flowers, and a sprinkle of lavender.
- Pair with: Croissants or brioche.
- Spicy and Smoky:
- Toppings: Chili flakes, smoked paprika, roasted garlic, and fresh cilantro.
- Pair with: Warm naan or toasted baguette slices.
- Fall Harvest:
- Toppings: Candied pecans, roasted pumpkin seeds, dried cranberries, and a dash of cinnamon sugar.
- Pair with: Pumpkin bread or crackers.
- Classic Herb:
- Toppings: Fresh dill, chives, parsley, and flaky sea salt.
- Pair with: Rye bread or veggie sticks.
Tips for Serving and Storing
- Butter boards are best enjoyed soon after they’re made. Prepare the toppings ahead of time, but spread the butter and assemble right before serving.
- If you’re serving outdoors or in a warm environment, chill the board in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes before assembling.
- Scrape leftover butter into an airtight container and refrigerate for later use. Leftover toppings can often be repurposed for salads or other dishes.
Butter boards are perfect for any number of gatherings: casual brunches, elegant dinner parties, baby or bridal showers, or even for the holidays. Remember to choose your toppings to match the season: use cranberries and rosemary for Christmas, or fresh berries and mint for summer.
For a romantic Valentine’s Day board, add a touch of pink with beet powder and pair it with heart-shaped crackers. Hosting a fall dinner? Opt for warm, earthy flavors like sage, pecans, and brown sugar.
By now, you should know how to make a butter board without any fuss! Remember: if you use high-quality butter as well as toppings that complement in flavor and contrast in texture, you can create a board that tastes as good as it looks.

How to Make a Butter Board
A butter board is perfect for almost any occasion, and it's so simple (and fun) to make!
Ingredients
- 1 cup high-quality unsalted butter
- thin slices of red onion (about 1/3 cup)
- 1/3 cup assorted fresh herbs, some chopped and some left whole
- the zest of one lemon
- a tablespoon of tiny, edible dried flowers (such as lavender)
- coarse salt and freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- Allow the butter to come to room temperature for about an hour.
- Use an offset spatula or the back of a spoon to swirl the butter into waves or circular patterns on a medium-sized food-safe board or plate.
- Sprinkle the red onion, fresh herbs, lemon zest, and edible flowers over the butter.
- Add the coarse salt and freshly ground black pepper.
- Serve immediately with crostini, crackers, or small pieces of artisan bread.
Notes
The ingredient amounts listed are merely suggestions! Use more or less butter and toppings to make your board exactly the way you like.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 8 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving:Calories: 208Total Fat: 23gSaturated Fat: 14gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 61mgSodium: 40mgCarbohydrates: 1gFiber: 0gSugar: 0gProtein: 0g
The nutrition information is HIGHLY estimated. For more accurate information, we suggest using an online nutrition calculator and entering the exact amounts you use for your particular board.
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